US defense sloppy as Czechs win 4-2

Associated Press

EAST HARTFORD, Conn.

The Czech Republic exposed the United States’ defensive deficiencies time and again, taking advantage of sloppy play in a 4-2 victory Tuesday in the first of three World Cup warmup matches for the Americans.

Maurice Edu and Herculez Gomez each got their first international goals on a night when the U.S. rested Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard and several other regulars.

But defenders Oguchi Onyewu, Heath Pearce, Clarence Goodson and Steve Cherundolo struggled along with Edu in the midfield and created openings for the Czechs, who failed to qualify for the World Cup.

Before a crowd of 36,218 at Rentschler Field, Edu scored in the 17th minute only to have the Czechs surge ahead on goals by Tomas Sivok in the 44th minute and Jan Polak in the 58th.

Making just his third international appearance and first in three years, Gomez entered at the start of the second half and tied it when he beat goalkeeper Petr Cech following a nifty backheel pass by Brian Ching in the 65th.

Martin Fenin broke the tie when he beat backup goalkeeper Brad Guzan in the 78th after Pearce, Goodson and Cherundolo all failed to clear a ball in front. Tomas Necid got the final goal in the 90th after Edu jumped and failed to clear a pass, giving Necid an open path to the goal.

U.S. coach Bob Bradley planned to cut seven players today and announce his final 23-man World Cup roster.

Next up is another warmup against Turkey in Philadelphia on Saturday, a day before the Americans leave for South Africa.

Once there, the U.S. has a final exhibition against Australia on June 5.

Gomez, DaMarcus Beasley and Stuart Holden had excellent games that appeared to boost their chances.

Onyewu played 65 minutes and struggled in his first match since knee surgery.