Before tonight, I can honestly say I had no idea who Juan Agudelo was. He had scored his first goal for the U.S. men's national team in November against South Africa but that totally slipped my mind.
Only time will tell if he can ever develop into a superstar but for one night, he can claim that he scored a goal in a game that Lionel Messi-the best player in the world-was held off the scoresheet.
The U.S. men's national team played a great second half and Agudelo-an 18-year-old striker that plays for the New York Red Bulls-had the equalizer as the Americans came away with a very satisfying 1-1 tie with Argentina.
Argentina came to the New Meadowlands tonight for an international friendly vs. the United States and for the first 45 minutes, I think Bob Bradley's team touched the ball about five times total (that might be a slight exaggeration). Still, Argentina didn't find the back of the net until Esteban Cambiasso scored in the 42nd minute.
Tim Howard made the initial save but Cambiasso was the first one to collect the rebound and blast it top shelf.
Agudelo will rightfully be remembered as the Man of the Match for the U.S. but anybody who watched the game can easily make the case that Howard had the best game of anybody on either team. For all the frustrating aspects of the U.S. team: coaching style, lack of attacking talent, creativity, etc., we can always bank on the fact that we have one of the greatest goalkeepers in the world.
Messi had a few great chances but each time, Howard stuffed him, he shot wide or over. It's so rare to see a team as talented as Argentina on our shores and that's why this had a great atmosphere with a sold-out crowd of 78,936 enjoying what seemed more like a World Cup match.
After looking so overmatched in the first half by the possession and composure of Argentina (two things they lacked against Germany in last summer's World Cup exit), the U.S. responded with an outstanding final 45 minutes.
I absolutely despise having Jozy Altidore play as the lone striker but I understand, there's not many options to partner with him. Still, Bob Bradley has to realize that Jozy doesn't have the holding ability to wait for teammates to pass to. Too often tonight, he tried to take on multiple Argentine defenders with predictable results (turnovers).
Agudelo started the second half and right away, he seemed to get into the flow of the game. His goal came in the 59th minute off a Landon Donovan free kick from way outside the box. Donovan served a perfect ball (a rarity), Carlos Bocanegra flicked it on, forcing Mariano Andujar to make a save. The ball popped loose and Agudelo was there to clean it up and put it in. Truly a special moment for such a young guy, in front of many of his home fans in only his third cap for the U.S.
No goals for Messi but he was a force as always. He started the Argentine goal by keeping the ball alive along the goal-line before laying it in front. As Ian Drake said during the game, if you like soccer you could watch Messi play all day. He's that good, just a special talent that has otherworldly foot skills and feel for the game.
The U.S. will face Paraguay (who lost 3-1 to Mexico today in Oakland) on Tuesday night in Nashville. That game will no doubt lack the atmosphere and buzz of the Argentina so expect a letdown of some sort.
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