U.S. gives up late goal in 1-1 draw with Switzerland

U.S. midfielder Danny Williams, left, challenges Switzerland forward Admir Mehmedi for the ball during a 1-1 draw in an international friendly match on Tuesday.

By Associated Press

March 31, 2015 11:32 AM PT

Zurich, Switzerland — Jozy Altidore was ejected in the 68th minute for a foul and mouthing off at the referee, and the United States gave up another late goal in a 1-1 tie against Switzerland on Tuesday night.

Brek Shea put the U.S. ahead in the 45th minute, his fourth international goal and the first for the Americans on a free kick since Altidore in August 2013.

The game turned when Altidore fouled Francois Moubandje from behind, earning a yellow card. When Altidore said something to Italian referee Luca Banti, the 25-year-old forward was shown a red card.

Twelfth-ranked Switzerland tied it in the 80th following a short corner kick. Granit Xhaka crossed into the penalty area, and defenders Timmy Chandler and Alfredo Morales both tried to head the ball away. It bounced off them and to the turf, and substitute Valentin Stocker scored from 2 yards against goalkeeper William Yarbrough, who came in at the start of the second half for his national team debut. Stocker had not scored for the national team in four years.

The 32nd-ranked Americans have one win in their last eight games and have been outscored 12-1 during the second half since the World Cup. In its last 13 matches, the U.S. has conceded 13 goals from the 80th minute on.

Preparing to defend its title at the CONCACAF Gold Cup this summer, the U.S. next plays Mexico on April 15 in San Antonio.

The U.S., outshot 12-6, had an excellent chance in the 27th minute when Alejandro Bedoya centered for Michael Bradley, who put an open 7-yard shot over the crossbar.

Shea’s goal, from 22 yards, followed a foul by Gokhan Inler. Goalkeeper Roman Burki hardly moved as the ball curled into the net.

Danny Williams got his first start for the U.S. since Feb. 6, 2013, against Honduras. He had not played since March 5 last year against Ukraine. Shea replaced Greg Garza at left back, Williams and Morales started in midfield, and Gyasi Zardes moved up to forward.

Midfielder Fabian Johnson and forward Aron Johannsson, both ill, were dropped from the starting lineup by U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann.