Chile 3-2 United States: Mark Gonzalez leads hosts past new-look U.S. squad

Updated: May 17, 2023, 01:23 am

Mark Gonzalez scored in the 66th and 75 minutes, rallying Chile to a 3-2 exhibition win over the United States on a Wednesday night that sent the Americans to their first five-game winless streak since 2007.

The 27th-ranked Americans led 2-1 at halftime on goals by Brek Shea in the sixth minute and Jozy Altidore in the 31st around Roberto Gutierrez's 10th-minute equalizer. The game was played in Rancagua, Chile.

U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann unveiled a 3-5-2 formation in his team's 2015 opener, but the Americans once again were tripped up by their habit of fading in the second half.

Strong play from Michael Bradley wasn't enough to help the United States overcome a dangerous-looking Chile team.
AP Photo/Luis Hidalgo

With the defeat to No. 14 Chile, they have lost three-straight games for the first time since late 2009 and early 2010, and they have one victory in nine matches (1-5-3) since beating Ghana in their World Cup opener last June.

Both teams were missing nearly all Europe-based players because the match was not on a FIFA fixture date. Most Americans have not played since mid-November.

D.C. United defender Steve Birnbaum made his U.S. national team debut, starting at right-back. Two other players entered in the second half for their first international appearances: Columbus defender Wil Trapp in the 60th and Los Angeles Galaxy forward Gyasi Zardes in the 68th.