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Landon Donovan sets single-year scoring record as he hits 22 points. |
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Bocanegra, Dempsey score on both sides of halftime. |
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Ronaldinho scores trademark free kick. |
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Elano secures Brazil's win from the penalty spot. |
CHICAGO (Sept. 9, 2007)-Despite an early lead and solid play, the U.S. Men's National Team lost to Brazil 2-4 in a thrilling friendly game today at Soldier Filed in Chicago.
"We were pleased with our performance but not satisfied with the result," said U.S. head coach Bob Bradley. "We are continuing to make progress as a team, and I felt like over 90 minutes we did a much more solid job tonight."
Brazil's head coach Dunga, as well as Kaka both said it was "tough to play against the U.S."
An enthusiastic crowd of over 43, 000 watched as Carlos Bocanegra opened the scoring with a 21st minute goal off a Landon Donovan corner kick. Several minutes later, though, Oguchi Onyewu helped Brazil even out the score after a rebound ball bounced off his chest straight into the U.S. net. Brazil got on the scoreboard again in the 53rd minute when Lucio headed home a Ronaldinho corner kick.
Clint Dempsey's 73rd minute goal pulled the game even at 2-2, but Ronaldinho's free kick two minutes later ended the U.S. euphoria. Despite efforts for an equalizer, the U.S. could not break Brazil's defense. The five-time World Cup winners secured their win with Elano's 92nd minute penalty kick.
"When you play against the best teams and the best players the ability to keep raising your level to make all the plays is what makes the difference," coach Bradley said. "The package is good, but it has to keep getting better."
The U.S. is next scheduled to play Catalonia on Oct. 14 at the Nou Camp Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, then traveling to face Switzerland on Oct. 17 in Basel.
Brazil is off to face Mexico in a friendly game in Foxboro, Mass. Sept. 12 before they head to Bogota and play their first game against Colombia for the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifications Oct. 13.
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| Ronaldinho socred the winning goal with a trademark free kick. |
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