Flores strikes for Peru to deny USA

AFP  |  New York 

scored an 86th-minute equalizer as grabbed a 1-1 draw against a youthful side in an international friendly.

Mexico-based Flores popped up at the far post to jab home a wicked low cross to delight a large contingent of fans in an estimated crowd of 25,000 at East Hartford's Rentshler Field in on Tuesday.

Flores's late strike was a disappointing finish to a game that US Dave Sarachan's new-look side had come close to winning.

Sarachan made nine changes from the US team thumped 4-2 by last week, recalling for his 59th cap.

Three USA players were handed debuts including 19-year-old Jonathan Amon, who plays for Danish side Nordsjaelland.

Amon had a role in the home side's only goal, scored by 18-year-old striker Josh Sargent, winning the free-kick on the right flank which set up the opener.

Germany-based Sargent swept in a deflected finish from Kellyn Acosta's dead ball in the 49th minute after a cleverly worked training ground move.

The are rebuilding under Sarachan, who was appointed on a caretaker basis a year ago following the USA's shock failure to qualify for

The veteran coach's untested side was on the back foot for long periods on Tuesday against a team featuring just four members of the squad who qualified for this year.

The USA had two good early chances, when Paris Saint-Germain's broke down the right in the ninth minute and squared to Acosta, who shot wide.

Six minutes later, the USA had another opportunity when Amon broke clear only to overhit his pass to an unmarked Weah.

Peru's best chance at an equalizer before Flores's strike came when crashed a long-range shot off the bar on 75 minutes, with failing to trouble Guzan with a headed rebound.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Wed, October 17 2018. 09:15 IST