US Soccer Team Keeps up with the Big Boys

American players show flashes of brilliance in 4-2 loss against Brazil

By Jesse Andrews

Posted Sep 11, 2007 3:20 AM CDT

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US Soccer Team Keeps up with the Big Boys — USA's Clint Dempsey celebrates after scoring against China during the second half of an exhibition soccer match in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, June 2, 2007.(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (Associated Press)

Despite a lopsided 4-2 score, the American men's soccer team played Brazil hard in an exhibition match at Chicago's Soldier Field. Carlos Bocanegra struck first in the 23rd minute, and Clint Dempsey's opposite-post goal tied the score 2-2 in the 73rd. Brazilian phenom Ronaldinho gave Brazil the go-ahead score two minutes later on a free kick.

Ronaldinho also had two assists. Brazil's first score was an own goal—an unlucky bounce off defender Oguchi Onyewu after goalie Tim Howard blocked a close-range Kaka blast. "They played well. I think they're getting better," the Brazilian forward said of Team America.

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