United States grinds out win over Venezuela

<a href=www.zwire.com>Web March 29, 2003

Seattle, Washington (Sports Network) - The United States overcame a tenacious Venezuela defense and an uneven first-half performance to take a 2-0 win in Seattle at Seahawks Stadium. Second half goals from Jovan Kirovski and Landon Donovan gave the U.S. the win against one of South America's weaker nations, although Venezuela has played well of late. The national team next face rivals Mexico in Houston on May 8th at Reliant Stadium. The first half saw a stalemate for the most part, with Venezuela defending well in numbers despite allowing the U.S. a majority of play with the ball. Admittedly, it wasn't the best 45 minutes in the history of the game--the home side had decent play in the midfield from John O'Brien and DaMarcus Beasley, but the front duo of Kirovski and Brian McBride did not mesh well, and put together little problem for Venezuela. Kasey Keller was confident in the nets for the U.S., controlling his area well on crosses and loose balls. His stop on Daniel Noriega's low shot in the 30th minute was clear and away the best chance for either side, but Keller made it look relatively easy. Venezuela, as expected, defended in numbers and frustrated the U.S. attack, who could not put forth that last killer ball to unlock their opponents' defense. Halftime substitute Earnie Stewart was an instant spark for the U.S., coming in for Kansas City's Chris Klein. The three-time World Cup veteran showed he still can contribute on the international level, giving the home side a combination of hustle and class that the first half really lacked. His free kick led to the first goal; it found McBride, but his header was denied by the post. The rebounded was headed straight back onto the woodwork by Carlos Bocanegra, but the third bite at the cherry was slammed home by Kirovski in the 51st minute. Venezuela looked for an offside flag that wasn't given on the U.S. go-ahead goal. It was the first goal for Kirovski for the United States since 2000, with the Birmingham City attacker thought of as this country's biggest enigma--loads of talent, but little results in his career. Kirovski just missed getting a second goal, as his curling shot hit the crossbar with Venezuelan keeper Gilberto Angelucci beaten. He exited in the 60th minute for Donovan, whose individual effort for the United States' second goal was far and away the classiest moment of the game. Prior to Donovan's goal, the U.S. came close through a Stewart shot that went wide, McBride wasting an open net when he failed to control Beasley's pass six yards out, and a Stewart header off-target. In the 77th minute, Donovan took O'Brien's pass in the midfield, beat several defenders on the left side, and beat Angelucci coolly with a low shot to the far post. The San Jose Earthquake forward missed a chance for a second goal, as his first-time effort went straight to Angelucci, who blocked low. Substitutions late gave Edson Buddle and Nick Garcia some playing time, with the former becoming the 600th player to represent the U.S. on the national team level. Angelucci was sent off late, as he reacted to block Donovan's chip outside of the Venezuelan area with his hands. Keller maintained his national team record 29th clean sheet with a late diving save on Wilfredo Moreno's shot from an angle, his first action in the second half in front of his home state crowd.