US vs Italy

Updated: US lost 3-1 to Italy in a match that was a tale of two halves. The US took more initiative in the first half, resulting in a PK and a 1-0 lead. The Italians were more aggressive to start the second stanza, and the US has not been able to match the effort. Italy scored two quick goes in the second half 55 and 63 before receving an own goal by the US at 76. See below for commentary

I'll make posts throughout the match or you can follow the match using the matchtracker here

9:26 GOOOOAAAALLLLL - Hunter Freeman puts the US up 1-nil on a penalty kick

9:31 End of the first half. US needs tighten its defense on Graziano Pelle who has 4 shots

Curt Onalfo commentary "Overall, I think it was a very good half for the US offensively. They created a number of scoring opportunities and obviously got the goal on the PK. Having said that, I think that Freddy Adu can be a difference in this game if he can get into situations where he is isolated against defenders. The defense was too tentative in how they dealt with Pelle. They need to come out in the second half with the right mentality. The Italians are going to send numbers forward, and the game should open up. When the US gets counterattacking opportunities, they have to get a goal and put this game out of reach"

9:38 Note this is a loser out match, so you can count on the Italians playing for their lives

9:40 Second half resumes, Italy subs defenders, Aquilanti for Battaglia

9:45 Free kick blocked by US wall!

9:50 Italy goal by Daniele Galloppa ends the US scoreless streak at 324 minutes

9:52 Yellow card on Marzoratti of Italy

9:58 Italy goal by Pelle

9:59 US now trails for the first time in the WYC, they need to mount an offensive charge

10:00 Italy has out shot the US 10-6, gotta shot to score

10:01 US subs Kljestan for Dalby

10:06 Eddie Gaven takes the first shot of the half for the US, approx 20 minues remain

10:10 Own goal on the US - Kljestan

10:12 US subs Peterson for Freeman - offense for defense as the US has dug a big hole

Curt Onalfo commentary "The Italian goalkeeper has made the type of saves that helps teams win championships. With the stop on Gaven in the first half and the save on Ochoa, he has certainly done his part"

10:17 Less than 10 minutes remain, free kick taken by Adu