United States interim coach Anthony Hudson handed international debuts to eight players on Wednesday night as the United States Men’s National Team let an early lead slip in a 2-1 defeat to Serbia at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.
Dual national Brandon Vasquez marked the start of his international career by opening the scoring in the 29th minute with a header from Julian Gressel’s cross into the penalty box.
Chelsea backup goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina, who also made his international debut, made several crucial saves to protect the United States’ lead until Serbia’s Luka Ilic fired home a free kick to level the game going into the half-time break.
Serbia took charge in the second half as Veljko Simic beat a vulnerable American defense to hand Serbia the lead. While Cade Cowell hit the post twice within minutes, he was unable to find the back of the net as Serbia held on for the win.
Hudson expressed satisfaction with his team’s effort despite the final scoreline. “I have to say overall, I was really pleased with the performance,” he commented. “I loved the fact that players were really driving to get forward and run behind the line and attack the back line. So I’m disappointed, obviously, with the result, but the way they went about the game was pleasing to me.”
