Day 7 - Game 2 USA vs Peru

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Today we faced our second South American opponent.  In their first match, Peru lost to Israel 2-1 on a last minute goal by the Israelis. Team USA started strong pressuring the opponent and winning every 50/50 ball. The first goal almost came on a free kick from 25 yards out when I cracked a shot that cleanly beat the keeper but went of the crossbar. A few minutes later, Team USA was awarded a corner kick after some nifty passes up the middle. The keeper punched the seeking ball out and Howard Snyder (#19), hit a one timer over the keeper's outstretched arms and into the net.  The game was back and forth but USA created more scoring chances.Unfortunately for USA, the crossbar and goal post saved Peru on four occasions with Rosie and Wiz both almost tallying goals. In the second half, I took a free kick from 35 yards and again, off the crossbar. Today wasn't my day for scoring and a yellow card for me on a hard tackle, my second of the tournament means I have to sit out the next game and watch my team play Brazil. The USA was fortunate when Adamo cleared a shot off the goal line to preserve a 1-0 victory for Team USA.  Fishel was solid in goal and the USA celebrated their first international Maccabi victory in their sixth attempt. It was a great day on the pitch for the MUSA 45's soccer boys!!