Qualifying Back on Track After Victory

On This Day in 2005, After a Defeat in Mexico, the US Bounced Back with a Home Win Over Guatemala

Less than four days after a disheartening 2-1 loss to Mexico at the intimidating Azteca Stadium—a match that exposed the United States Men's National Team's vulnerabilities at high altitude—the Americans sought redemption on home soil. The Mexico match had revealed stark differences in execution, with the U.S. defense suffering a catastrophic 15-minute window that cost them the game against their fiercest regional rivals.

"I believe our players shut down in the last 15 minutes of the first half, and that cost us the game," Manager Bruce Arena had acknowledged after the Mexico defeat, where the American defense had been stretched to the breaking point by Mexico's clever three-forward attack.

The March 30 match against Guatemala at Legion Field was more than just another World Cup qualifier. It represented a pivotal opportunity for the U.S. team to reclaim its footing in the CONCACAF qualification process. With Mexico (2-0) leading the group with six points—two ahead of Guatemala (1-0-1) and three in front of the United States (1-1)—this home fixture had suddenly become a must-win situation for the Americans.

"You put one step into the World Cup if you win your games at home," U.S. captain Claudio Reyna emphasized before the match. "We shouldn't get too anxious, it's only the third game."

The setting could hardly have been more symbolic. At Legion Field—once the domain of football legends Bear Bryant and Joe Namath—soccer took center stage in what was fittingly advertised as the "Football Capital of the South." The USSF's strategic decision to host the match in Birmingham, Alabama, aimed to create a definitive home-field advantage, a luxury not always guaranteed for the U.S. team on American soil.

"The reason we're in Birmingham," Arena explained, "is that we've seen things here that resemble a home advantage. And we're hopeful we'll have that on Wednesday."

The evening unfolded with a palpable patriotic energy as 31,624 fans filled Legion Field. While a surprisingly large and vocal Guatemalan contingent made their presence known, the "good ol' boys" ultimately claimed the atmosphere for the home side. The stadium hosted the U.S. national team just twice before in exhibition matches and became the perfect backdrop for American redemption.

Eddie Johnson, celebrating his 21st birthday eve, continued his remarkable international scoring streak in the 11th minute. The sequence began with Pablo Mastroeni finding Landon Donovan, who cleverly backheel-passed to Johnson. The rising star planted a left-footed shot off the right post and into the net for his eighth goal in eight games with the national team—an extraordinary rate for the young forward.

"If we're at fault for anything, it's not finishing off a few more plays," Arena later commented about his team's dominant performance. "I think it's one of those nights where you can't single out any one player. Basically, our entire team played well."

The Americans maintained their aggressive pressing style throughout the match, consistently threatening the Guatemalan defense. In the first half alone, the U.S. outshot its Central American opponents 14-3, earning five corner kicks to Guatemala's two. Only a series of errant shots, particularly off-target headers, kept the halftime margin from being more outstanding.

The decisive second goal came when Johnson, showcasing his playmaking abilities, nodded the ball to Steve Ralston, who skillfully used the outside of his right foot to finish in the 68th minute. This insurance goal secured the vital three points for the Americans and silenced the substantial Guatemalan support.

"We played 15, 16 games without losing," Donovan later reflected. "We had really one bad half, one bad five minutes, in Mexico, against a very good team, at an incredible altitude and in nasty smog, and all of a sudden we're the worst team in CONCACAF. This just makes some peace and quiet for a week so that people can leave us alone."

The victory was significant in the broader context of American soccer's evolution. Once celebrated as an extraordinary achievement, qualification for the World Cup is now expected as routine.

"I think the difference between the U.S. team now and the way the U.S. team was 10 years ago is we can play two games in three days and be able to make four or five changes and really make a difference," goalkeeper Kasey Keller observed. "We have a much deeper squad than we had years ago. We went from 1990 being overjoyed with getting into a World Cup to now the expectation that we're just supposed to dominate and qualification is a foregone conclusion."

The win propelled the United States to second place in their qualifying group with six points, just one behind Mexico, which had seven. More importantly, it marked the beginning of a crucial stretch for the Americans, who would play four of their next five qualifiers on home soil—a significant advantage in securing one of the region's three automatic qualifying spots for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

"Today, we came off of a loss to Mexico, a very good team in a very difficult place to play, and we came back and showed that we are who we are and who we should be," Keller concluded, capturing the resilient spirit of a team determined to prove they belonged among the world's elite.

Pulisic's International Debut in Qualifying Win

On This Day in 2016, the Current Captain America Made His US Debut as the Americans Rolled Past Guatemala

Peace of mind arrived early on that March 29th night at Mapfre Stadium, with the sight of Clint Dempsey galloping at a full sprint across the striped grass, his arms spread out like airplane wings. The goal that sparked this celebration had done more than just give the United States an early lead - it had begun to wash away four days of doubt that had settled over the U.S. Men's National Team following their shocking defeat in Guatemala.

For the Americans, Columbus had always been a sanctuary. The U.S. team entered the match with a perfect 7-0-3 record at Mapfre Stadium, conceding just one goal across those ten matches. They would need every bit of that home-field magic as they faced an actual must-win scenario to keep their World Cup qualifying campaign on track. Friday's unexpected 2-0 loss snapped their 21-game unbeaten streak against Guatemala, dating back to 1988.

The defeat dropped the Americans to third place in their four-team qualifying group, and it is very real that they might not advance to the final round of CONCACAF qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Another loss would have left them needing help from other results to avoid elimination.

"We need to win this game," Coach Jurgen Klinsmann told reporters bluntly the day before the match. The pressure was palpable, and criticism mounted about his tactical decisions and lineup choices from the previous match, in which he deployed several players in unfamiliar positions.

With this pressure, Klinsmann made five changes to his starting lineup: He moved Geoff Cameron back to central defense alongside Steve Birnbaum, inserted Kyle Beckerman as a defensive midfielder, and gave Brad Guzan the start in goal. The adjustments paid immediate dividends.

Less than 12 minutes into the match, Cameron floated a ball high toward the penalty box where Gyasi Zardes was running between two defenders. The ball took a fortunate deflection off Zardes' shoulder and fell perfectly for Dempsey, who calmly slotted it home to give the U.S. the lead and send the sold-out crowd into a frenzy.

"You've got to look within yourself, man," Dempsey said afterward about the pressure. "How bad do you want it? How bad do you want to be going to the World Cup? How bad do you want to continue progressing the game in the States? You've got to put that on your shoulders, man. You got to represent your country with pride."

The Americans continued to dominate possession throughout the first half. In the 35th minute, Cameron doubled the advantage when he rose to meet Michael Bradley's perfectly delivered free kick and headed it just beneath the crossbar.

Any lingering anxiety was washed away immediately after halftime. Just 18 seconds into the second half, Graham Zusi pounced on another fortunate bounce off Zardes following a DeAndre Yedlin through ball, making it 3-0 and effectively ending Guatemala's resistance.

With the match well in hand, Klinsmann made a substitution in the 81st minute that would prove significant for American soccer's future. Christian Pulisic, a 17-year-old midfielder making waves with German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund, entered to make his senior international debut. The teenager became the youngest player to appear for the United States in a World Cup qualifier.

Pulisic's rise had been remarkable. Just four months earlier, he played for Dortmund's youth team in front of 800 people. By the time he stepped onto the Columbus pitch, he had already featured in ten matches for Dortmund's first team, including appearances in the Europa League and the fiercely contested Ruhr derby against Schalke.

Jozy Altidore, another second-half substitute, completed the scoring in the 89th minute, capitalizing on Dempsey's unselfish setup after a Guatemalan defender gave the ball away cheaply. 

With the 4-0 victory, the United States moved into second place in Group C of CONCACAF's semifinal qualifying round, trailing Trinidad and Tobago by three points but now one point ahead of Guatemala. The top two teams would advance to the final round of qualifying, leaving the Americans in control of their own destiny with two matches remaining in September.

"It was crucial," Dempsey said of the win. "If we didn't win tonight, we were going to be in a really tough spot. Now we're sitting better, but we've still got work to do."

The commanding performance silenced, at least temporarily, the critics calling for Klinsmann's dismissal. One night, the coach, his players, and American soccer fans could breathe easier, knowing that their World Cup dreams were still alive... for now.

Robinson Back for Fulham

Fullback, Who Missed Nations League Finals, Not on Injury Report Ahead of FA Cup Clash

Antonee Robinson is experiencing the best season of his career, emerging as a standout left-back for Fulham with 10 Premier League assists – second only to Mohamed Salah. At 27, Robinson has become a pivotal player both for his club and the United States Men's National Team, with his performances attracting interest from UEFA Champions League clubs.

Robinson has recently revealed he's been battling tendinopathy throughout the season, which led to his withdrawal from the USMNT's recent CONCACAF Nations League camp. Despite this challenge, he's remained remarkably consistent, making 30 appearances across all competitions and not missing a single Premier League match this season.

The left-back has been integral to Fulham's European qualification push and continues to be a key player for the national team. He's earned 50 caps for the USMNT since his debut in 2019, maintaining his position in the squad through multiple coaching changes and tournament campaigns.

Under new coach Mauricio Pochettino, Robinson has been versatile, playing as a left winger and even in central midfield during recent international matches. It was clear the US missed his steady presence on the left side of the defense during the Nations League failure.

Robinson is candid about the team's need to develop more grit, citing Pochettino's example of how Argentina combines skill with a fighting spirit. He acknowledges the differences between structured European leagues and the more physical CONCACAF competitions.

For the upcoming FA Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace, Robinson looks set to return to the lineup. Fulham manager Marco Silva is optimistic about the team's cup run, viewing it as an opportunity to create history, particularly as the club approaches its 50th year since last reaching a major domestic final.

Pulisic Responds to Criticism

After a Tough International Window, Winger Ready to Continue Strong Season at Milan

Christian Pulisic finds himself at a critical juncture in his career. He faces intense scrutiny following the USMNT's disappointing performance in the CONCACAF Nations League Finals while simultaneously maintaining his crucial role at AC Milan.

The 26-year-old captain's recent international tournament was marked by criticism, with performances that left fans and pundits questioning his impact. Against Canada, Pulisic managed just 21 touches in 69 minutes, registering zero shots on goal and creating no significant chances. These statistics sparked a broader conversation about his effectiveness in this national team setup.

However, Pulisic has been resolute in his response. "This team is everything to me," he emphasized, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the national team. Renowned football pundit Thierry Henry has been particularly supportive, cautioning against unfair expectations and arguing that Pulisic should be appreciated for his unique leadership style.

"Stop forcing him to be something he's not," Henry argued, highlighting Pulisic's strengths as a technical player rather than an aggressive, vocal leader.

Despite the international disappointment, Milan continues to view Pulisic as an indispensable player. Heading into their crucial match against Napoli, the Italian club will rely heavily on the American star as Pulisic is Milan's second-top scorer this season, with 15 goals across all competitions.

Coach Sergio Conceiçao sees Pulisic as critical to the team's tactical approach, expecting significant offensive contributions in terms of both goals and assists. His ability to provide defensive balance and challenge opponents is a key element of Milan's strategy.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Pulisic remains a pivotal figure for both Milan and the USMNT, with the potential to silence critics and redefine expectations through his performance through the end of the club campaign and the Gold Cup this summer.

Johnny to Spurs

Tottenham Transfer Speculation Fuels Midfielder's Confidence

Johnny Cardoso is embracing the transfer speculation surrounding his future. Tottenham Hotspur holds a £21 million option to sign the 23-year-old United States international this summer. The player, who joined Betis in January 2024, has quickly become a key figure in Manuel Pellegrini's side and is approaching the potential move with excitement and professionalism.

In an interview with Diario de Sevilla, Cardoso candidly addressed the transfer rumors: "I can't lie, and it's true that it's something that gives me confidence, that makes me feel valued because I'm doing a good job." However, he remains committed to his current team, adding, "But I always try to improve and do my best for the benefit of the group and grow as a person on and off the field. Right now, my focus is only on Betis."

The transfer option emerged from last summer's negotiations involving Giovani Lo Celso's move to Betis, giving Tottenham a two-week window to secure Cardoso's signature in the upcoming transfer window. Despite the potential move, the midfielder is laser-focused on Betis' immediate objectives, particularly their pursuit of Champions League qualification.

Currently eight points behind Athletic Club for the final Champions League spot, Betis has been in impressive form, winning their last five league matches. Cardoso is optimistic about the team's chances, stating, "With each passing game, we're growing more ambitious. We believe in the group and in our work, and if we continue like this, why not dream?"

His commitment to the club is evident. Cardoso responded emphatically when asked about potentially playing in the Champions League with Betis: "Of course. It's a team that's been my home since I arrived, and I feel very good here."

The midfielder has been a standout performer this season, making 33 appearances and catching the eye of both club and national team management. He was forced to withdraw from the recent USMNT CONCACAF Nations League Finals due to a muscular strain and never made the trip to the United States. He has been spotted in training this week and could be available for Betis as the club hosts Sevilla on Sunday.

Adams Did Not Blame Manager

World Cup Captain Demonstrated Leadership in the Face of Defeats

Tyler Adams emerged as a voice of measured leadership and accountability following the United States Men's National Team's devastating CONCACAF Nations League Finals showing. Despite the tough defeats, Adams demonstrated his maturity by refusing to blame head coach Mauricio Pochettino for the team's performance.

"I've never blamed a coach in my entire career," Adams stated emphatically after Cecilio Waterman's injury-time winner for Panama eliminated the US from the tournament. He emphasized that the loss ultimately rests on the players' shoulders, acknowledging that while they knew their strategic objectives, they failed to execute with the necessary competitiveness.

The matches at SoFi Stadium were a stark reminder of the challenges facing the US National Team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. As a midfield leader, Adams recognized the critical nature of the moment. His comments reflected a nuanced understanding that tactical instructions are only as good as their implementation on the field.

Pochettino and the team leadership, including Adams, seem acutely aware that performances like these are unacceptable, especially with a home World Cup on the horizon.

As the US reflects on their Nations League disappointment, Tyler Adams turns his attention to an exciting FA Cup quarter-final challenge. Bournemouth will host Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium, hoping to repeat their surprise 2-1 league victory from November. Manager Andoni Iraola sees this as a historic opportunity, acknowledging the massive task of defeating the Premier League giants. "Anyone who steps on the pitch has to be ready to give everything, and even that might not be enough to beat City," Iraola said.

For Adams, this match represents another chance to showcase his competitive spirit and leadership after the national team's recent setback. Bournemouth aims to reach their first-ever FA Cup semi-final, with the midfielder likely to play a crucial role in what promises to be a passionate and challenging encounter against one of the world's top teams.

Road Point in Qualifying

On This Day in 2009, Altidore and Hejduk Inspired a Late Comeback in San Salvador

The road to the 2010 World Cup is rarely smooth, and on a humid night in El Salvador, the United States Men's National Team discovered just how treacherous that path could be. Just weeks after Michael Bradley's heroic performance against Mexico in Columbus, the Americans faced an entirely different challenge in the cauldron of Estadio Cuscatlan.

DaMarcus Beasley's memories of El Salvador stretch back to 1999, when he was a young under-17 player experiencing Central American soccer's raw, unfiltered passion. During a corner kick, he vividly recalled a fan throwing a dead chicken head at his feet, the crowd erupting in laughter. "It was pretty crazy," Beasley would later remember, "but it's something you experience when you play in those countries."

The March 28 match against El Salvador was more than another qualifying game. It was a test of character, a moment to prove the team's mettle under extreme pressure. The US lineup looked vulnerable with key players missing—Tim Howard was suspended, and Steve Cherundolo was injured. Brad Guzan, stepping into the goalkeeper's role, carried the weight of unexpected responsibility.

The match unfolded like a nightmare for the visiting Americans from the opening whistle. Eliseo Quintanilla struck first in the 15th minute, exploiting a costly Beasley giveaway. The goal sent the 30,500 fans into a frenzy, their voices rising like a thunderous wave across the stadium. In the 72nd, Cristian Castillo doubled El Salvador's lead, seemingly confirming the home team's dominance.

"El Salvador played with a tremendous amount of energy," US coach Bob Bradley said. "We found ourselves behind by two goals, and that wasn't part of the plan."

The statistics seemed grim. El Salvador, ranked 106th in the world, was dismantling the 17th-ranked United States. The Americans had not fallen behind El Salvador in a match for 16 years, and now they were staring at a potentially embarrassing defeat. 

But this US team was built of sterner stuff. In the 77th minute, Jozy Altidore—a young striker with a growing international reputation—provided a lifeline. Receiving a perfectly weighted cross from Frankie Hejduk, he powered a header past the goalkeeper, injecting hope into the American effort.

Then, with just minutes remaining, Hejduk himself became the hero. Off a Landon Donovan corner kick that deflected off a defender, he rose unmarked and headed home the equalizer. The 2-2 draw was more than just a point - it was a statement of resilience.

"To come back with 30 minutes left and get a point is a positive," Guzan said, relief evident in his voice. "It shows just how good this team is."

The draw kept the US atop the CONCACAF qualifying group, maintaining their trajectory toward South Africa. The next challenge awaited in Nashville, where an electric atmosphere was already building for the match against Trinidad and Tobago. The excitement was palpable, with ticket sales already surpassing 18,000 and fans from across the country preparing to pack LP Field. Adding an intriguing subplot to the unfolding World Cup narrative, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger had just joined the US World Cup bid committee a couple of days after the El Salvador victory. While he viewed the 2018 tournament as a long shot for the United States, he remained optimistic about future opportunities.

"I don't think we have a huge chance in 2018," Kissinger admitted. "I think it will probably go to Europe. But just as our 1986 bid set us up for 1994, I believe our bid for 2018 will position us perfectly for 2022."

For the players on the field in El Salvador, such long-term strategies meant little. Their focus was singular: qualification, one hard-fought point at a time. And on this night, against all odds, they had secured just that. The road to the World Cup continued, as unpredictable and exciting as ever.

Balogun Available

After Netting a Hat-Trick in a Monaco Youth Match, the Forward Could Feature This Weekend

Folarin Balogun has overcome a challenging shoulder injury that sidelined him since December, and he will be available for Monaco in the club's match against Nice on Saturday.

The injury saga began in October during a match against Stade Rennais, where Balogun suffered a dislocated shoulder. A brief return in late November proved premature, as the shoulder issue flared up again during a match against Olympique de Marseille. Medical experts ultimately recommended surgery to fully resolve the persistent problem.

Balogun's path to recovery took a significant turn this week with a remarkable comeback performance. In a friendly match against Brighton's U23s at La Turbie, he scored a stunning 16-minute hat-trick. The youth side secured a 3-2 victory, with Balogun playing the first half before being substituted under the watchful eye of AS Monaco manager Adi Hütter.

The Austrian manager's confidence in Balogun's recovery is palpable. Hütter confirmed the forward's availability for the upcoming Derby de la Côte d'Azur against OGC Nice, stating, "He is back and available. He played a really good game for the Groupe Élite. He is ready to play."

This comeback is more than just a return to the pitch for Balogun. Fans and teammates alike will eagerly anticipate his return to competitive match action, hoping his goal-scoring prowess will continue to shine for AS Monaco.

Americans "Clinch" World Cup Spot

On This Day in 2022, Behind a Pulisic Hat-Trick, the US "Mathematically Certain" of World Cup

The United States entered their penultimate World Cup qualifying match against Panama riding a wave of cautious optimism. Having just secured a hard-fought goalless draw with Mexico at the imposing Estadio Azteca, the Americans were now positioned to virtually secure their return to soccer's grandest stage after the heartbreak of missing the 2018 tournament. With memories of that fateful night in Trinidad still haunting the program, this new generation of players had the opportunity to write their own redemption story in Orlando.

For the Americans, the path forward was clear but challenging. A loss to Mexico would have been devastating, but the scoreless draw at altitude kept their qualification hopes firmly on track. Coach Gregg Berhalter's young squad had created several golden opportunities at the Azteca. Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah narrowly missed in the first half, followed by another Pulisic chance and a Jordan Pefok opportunity after the break. Gio Reyna's mesmerizing run was the most memorable, which prompted Berhalter to invoke Diego Maradona's legendary goal.

"I had visions of that while Gio was dribbling," Berhalter said afterward. "Unfortunately, he didn't finish it off or get an opportunity to finish it off."

When told of the comparison, the modest 19-year-old Reyna, who had only recently returned from injury, exchanged a playful glance with Pulisic and replied, "I don't know about that. Yeah, it was a nice run, and it didn't really pan out to anything."

Conditions in Orlando on March 27 were electric, with the sold-out crowd creating an overwhelmingly pro-American atmosphere. The tension that the Americans carried into the match—from injuries, illnesses, suspensions, and the lingering trauma of 2017's qualification failure—quickly dissipated in a flurry of early goals.

Pulisic, who had been in tears on that muggy Trinidad field in 2017, set the tone early by converting a penalty kick in the 17th minute. Six minutes later, Paul Arriola doubled the lead with a header, and just four minutes after that, surprise starter Jesús Ferreira made it 3-0 with a clinical finish. Pulisic added another from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time, giving the Americans a commanding 4-0 lead at the break.

"We knew we had to come out on the front foot, and getting that goal early set the tone for the whole match," defender Walker Zimmerman explained after the game. "Those goals add up, and they're huge for us."

The American captain completed his first national team hat-trick in the 65th minute with a moment of individual brilliance. Pulling down a cross with silky control in Panama's penalty area, he spun in traffic and slipped past two defenders to slot home his third goal.

"Christian's a guy who's been through it before," Berhalter said, a loaded statement for anyone who had lived through the 2017 qualification failure. Pulisic had worn the captain's armband and delivered a performance worthy of it, playing like the leader Berhalter needed him to be with one match remaining.

His only missteps of the night were an awkward attempt at breakdancing after his second penalty kick and a yellow card for arguing moments before being substituted. Other key players were soon rested as well, with the Americans mindful of the job that still needed to be completed in Costa Rica.

Despite Panama's Aníbal Godoy—who had conceded both penalties—scoring a late consolation goal to make it 5-1, the Americans had firmly put themselves in control of their destiny. Their goal differential had swelled to plus-13, compared to Costa Rica's plus-3, meaning they would need to lose by six goals or more in their final match to miss out on automatic qualification.

"The goal obviously has always been to qualify for the World Cup, and this is just another step in the right direction," midfielder Tyler Adams cautioned afterward. "But at the end of the day, we still have another game to play. We haven't clinched yet."

The final step of the journey took the Americans to Costa Rica, a venue where they had never won. Unlike five years earlier, when they had traveled to Trinidad with similar confidence only to suffer a catastrophic 2-1 defeat, the massive goal difference advantage provided a crucial safety net this time.

In San José, in front of a lively sellout crowd, the United States absorbed a 2-0 defeat—Juan Pablo Vargas scoring in the 51st minute and Anthony Contreras doubling the lead in the 59th. However, unlike in 2017, when improbable results conspired against them, the margin was more than sufficient this time. The Americans had qualified for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

"The team's ecstatic, really excited to be qualified for the World Cup," Berhalter said after the final whistle. "Qualifying is a grind, and we did it."

The redemption was delightful for Pulisic, one of the few holdovers from the 2017 squad.

"That was one of the toughest days of my life, and I'll never forget it," he said, reflecting on the Trinidad defeat. "Now to be in this position qualified for a World Cup, we're all extremely proud." He paused, emotions visible. "This is where I've always wanted to be, and right now, the emotions are a little crazy."

The celebrations began cautiously in the locker room. Although the team was initially frustrated by the Costa Rica loss, pure joy eventually filtered through, and champagne and beer began to spray.

Perez's Last Goals

On This Day in 1994, the Veteran Scored His Last International Goals in a Draw with Bolivia

As the 1994 World Cup approached, the United States Men's National Team continued its preparations with a series of friendly matches against international competition. Coach Bora Milutinovic evaluated his squad ahead of final roster decisions, and a March 26 clash with Bolivia at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas provided another opportunity for players to stake their claim for spots on the World Cup roster.

Among those making the strongest case was midfielder Hugo Perez, a veteran on a developing American squad. The El Salvador native had been a bridge between generations of American soccer, providing leadership during the late 1980s when the team was primarily composed of college-age players. A technical midfielder with scoring ability, Perez had overcome missing the 1990 World Cup due to injury - torn ligaments suffered while playing for French Second Division club Red Star Paris - and had rebounded to win U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year honors in 1991.

Before 26,835 spectators—the largest soccer crowd in Dallas then—the Americans found themselves trailing early. In the 12th minute, Bolivia's Julio Baldivieso converted a perfectly placed free kick from 25 yards out. U.S. goalkeeper Tony Meola could only get a hand to the shot but couldn't keep it out.

Perez, who entered the match second on the all-time U.S. scoring list, equalized in the 31st minute. After Cobi Jones was fouled by Luis Cristaldo in the penalty area, Perez stepped up to convert the spot kick, drawing the Americans level before halftime.

The El Salvador-born midfielder gave the U.S. the lead just three minutes after the restart. The goal came when Jones played a pass to Chris Henderson on the right side, who beat a defender and drew out Bolivian goalkeeper Carlos Trucco before centering the ball to an unmarked Perez. The midfielder made no mistake from eight yards out.

"It was candy," Perez said afterward of his simple finish, which gave the Americans a 2-1 advantage.

The U.S. lead held until the 76th minute when their defense faltered. Luis Cristaldo found space in the left corner and crossed to Ramiro Castillo at the near post, who one-touched the ball past Meola to level the score at 2-2.

The Americans nearly snatched victory in the dying moments. Substitute a Claudio Reyna (pictured above) header struck the crossbar and bounced down on the goal line before being cleared away by a Bolivian defender as time expired.

"The important thing is we didn't lose," Perez said after the match. "This is not the World Cup, and I'm happy that we came out without a loss."

Despite the draw - the third consecutive tie against Bolivia in eight months - Perez's performance solidified his position for the upcoming World Cup. When the tournament arrived that summer, Perez made the final roster, earning a spot in the squad that advanced to the knockout stage on home soil. His World Cup experience culminated in an appearance in the Round of 16 match against eventual champion Brazil on July 4, 1994.

By the time he retired in 1996 with Salvadoran club FAS, Perez had accumulated 73 international caps and scored 13 goals for the United States, with this brace being his final two at the international level. His contributions to American soccer would later be recognized with his induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2008.