The third time was the charm for the United States.
The United States defeated Ghana 2-1 in their Group G opener off goals from captain Clint Dempsey and defender John Anthony Brooks while Andre Ayew tallied for the Black Stars. With the victory, the Americans pulled level with Germany atop Group G after the Mannschaft defeated Portugal 4-0 in their opener.
The United States got off to a dream start in the first minute when Dempsey cut through the Ghanaian defense and placed a shot off the far post and into the back of the net just 34 seconds into the match. With the goal, which was the sixth fastest in World Cup history, Dempsey became the first American to score in three straight World Cups.
But despite the injury, the U.S. were dealt a painful blow minutes later when starting striker Jozy Altidore pulled up while making a run down the left flank with an apparent hamstring injury. With Altidore unable to continue, head coach Jurgen Klinsmann was forced to throw on Aron Johannsson to replace him. Another American succumbed to injury at the half as Brooks replaced starting center back Matt Besler after the Sporting Kansas City center back picked up a muscle injury.
Ghana dominated the second half, controlling possession for much of the half as the Americans appeared to falter in the Natal humidity. In the 82nd minute, the Black Stars scored the equalizer as Andre Ayew cut through the American defense and launched a shot past American goalkeeper Tim Howard.
But the lead was short lived as in the 86th minute, a corner Sporting Kansas City midfielder Graham Zusi found the head of Brooks, who nodded it into the back of the Ghanaian net for the game-winning goal.
The U.S return to action on Sunday against Portugal at 3:00 p.m. PT. During the U.S. match against Portugal, the LA Galaxy will be hosting a special watch party at Lot 613 in Downtown Los Angeles. Details for the event can be found on LAGalaxy.com.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
