US Ties Chile, 1-1, as Young Strikers Juan Agudelo and Teal Bunbury Impress

Filed under: International Soccer, US Soccer, Colorado Rapids, D.C. United, Kansas City Wizards, New York Red Bulls, San Jose Earthquakes

For the second time in two national team appearances, teen sensation Juan Agudelo entered as a substitute and made the difference for the Americans.

Two months ago in South Africa, his 85th-minute goal was the difference in 1-0 win over the hosts. On Saturday night in Southern California, the 18-year-old drew the penalty kick that lifted the U.S. to a 1-1 tie with Chile.

Fellow reserve Teal Bunbury confidently converted the penalty in the 74th minute (video below), but it was Agudelo's enterprising and incisive run through the heart of the Chilean defense that was the highlight.

The play started with a long low pass from central defender Tim Ream, and Agudelo, who had entered the game along with Bunbury just 15 minutes earlier, unhinged the opposition with a give-and-go with midfielder Alejandro Bedoya. Dribbling into the penalty area at speed, Agudelo was upended by Chile's Sebastián Toro.

 

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