United States 5-1 Scotland – Match Recap – Friendly – 26 May 2012
The United States wasted no time as Landon Donovan put them on top in the third minute. The goal was a result of turnover good play in the midfield which resulted in a great chance for Donovan. His first shot was saved but he quickly followed up and sent a shot just under the crossbar to make it 1-0.
The momentum stayed with the USA as they dominated chances and extended their lead in the 11th minute. Michael Bradley would make it 2-0 on a brilliant strike that bounced off the post and into the back of the net. It was just about a perfect start for the Americans as the built an early lead and were in total control.
Only four minutes after Bradley’s great strike, Scotland would cut the lead in half. A cross sent into the box was headed across goal by Kenny Miller and then deflected by USA defender Geoff Cameron for an own goal. The goal immediately halted the momentum and allowed the match to settle in after a frantic start.
As the first half progressed, the match shifted back towards the USA as they created several very good chances. Fortunately for the visitors, the score remained 2-1 heading into halftime. It was a strong first half for the USA but Scotland still in reach due to the one defensive mistake.
In the second half, it was all the USA as they scored three unanswered goals in a 10 minute span. Landon Donovan would get a hat trick with goals in the 60th minute and 65th minute while he assisted on Jermaine Jones’ 70th minute goal. Donovan, who hadn’t played for the USA since 2011 (for various reasons) showed how he can impact a match when in form.
Scotland struggled most of the night and never recovered after Donovan’s second goal to make it 3-1. The USA looked sharper, quicker, and fitter for the 90 minutes. Other strong performances from the Americans included Michael Bradley, Steve Cherundolo, Jermaine Jones, and Jose Torres. Overall, there were few negatives for the home side who are only a few weeks away from beginning 2014 World Cup Qualifying.
Scotland will not play again until August when they host Australia in a friendly. The USA will face Brazil (May 30th) and Canada (June 3rd) in friendlies before starting WCQ.
Match Stats
USA Scotland
| 5 | Goals | 1 |
| 13(6) | Shots (on Goal) | 2(0) |
| 6 | Substitutions | 5 |
| 3 | Corner Kicks | 0 |
| 0 | Offsides | 1 |
| 1 | Yellow Cards | 0 |
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 |
| 0 | Saves | 1 |
Teams
USA - Howard (Guzan 71′), Bocanegra, (Onyewu 63′), Cherundolo, Cameron, Jones, Bradley, Torres (Carona 68′), Johnson (Castillo 73′), Edu (Beckerman 63′), Donovan, Boyd (Gomez 63′)
Scotland – McGregor, Webster (Berra 82′), Caldwell, Bardsley (Martin 59′), Mulgrew, Maloney (Macktail-Smith 82′), Brown, McArthur (Whittacker 59′), Phillips, Bennan (Cowie 51′), Miller
Goals
| USA | Scotland |
|---|---|
| Landon Donovan (4′) | Geoff Cameron (og 15′) |
| Michael Bradley (11′) | |
| Landon Donovan (60′) | |
| Landon Donovan (65′) | |
| Jermaine Jones (70′) |
