November 14, 2009 HALFTIME DEFICIT U.S. losing to Slovakia on a PK, 1-0
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia -- Slovakia grabbed a 1-0 halftime lead on the U.S. National Team in its international friendly Saturday.
Marek Hamsik converted a penalty kick past goalkeeper Brad Guzan in the 26th minute after Jonathan Bornstein had taken down Vladimir Weiss in the penalty area a minute earlier.
Hamsik fired his attempt to the right corner while Guzan dived to the left. Regular goalkeeper Tim Howard was not with the team, as he had a minor injury in which he was recuperating.
The U.S., which outshot the hosts in the first half, 5-1, had several opportunities to score. That included a header from Benny Feilhaber from close range and Clint Dempsey's long-range shot off a free kick, but goalkeeper Jan Mucha stopped everything that was sent his way in the opening 45 minutes.
Jozy Altidore and Conor Casey were the starting forwards for the U.S. in its international friendly with Slovakia Saturday.
Coach Bob Bradley decided not to start Jeff Cunningham and Eddie Johnson as he tries to replace the speedy Charlie Davies, who suffered severe injuries as a passenger in a car accident last month.
Midfielder Landon Donovan did not make the trip as he is in the midst of the MLS playoffs. On Friday night, Landon's Los Angeles Galaxy recorded a 2-0 win over the Houston Dynamo in the Western Conference final to reach next Sunday's MLS Cup.
