Portland Timbers star midfielder Darlington Nagbe enjoyed an inspired performance, but the US national team couldn't quite find its finishing touch in a 0-0 draw against Serbia on Sunday in San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium.
The match was the first-ever meeting between the two nations and it was also head coach Bruce Arena's first game back in charge after more than a decade. Arena fielded a 4-2-3-1, all-MLS lineup with Nagbe making his first start for the USA in a wide left position and proving the catalyst for the USA's best looks at goal. He even came close himself on two occasions in the first half.
The match was sloppy at times, but the Americans had their moments with new LA Galaxy signing Jermaine Jones making several runs into the attack in the first half. He was replaced at the break by his new Galaxy teammate Sebastian Lletget, who also proved dangerous.
Late subs Chris Pontius (Philadelphia Union), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders) and Juan Agudelo (New England Revolution) each had late opportunities at a winner, but it was goalkeeper Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake) who was forced to preserve the shutout with a diving 89th-minute save.
The USA will close out January camp with a second friendly against CONCACAF rivals Jamaica on Friday in Chattanooga, Tennessee (FS1, UniMás, UDN).
Box Score
- Goals: none
- Full box score
- Stats
- Highlights to follow
Next Up
- USA: Int'l Friendly - Friday, Feb. 3 vs. Jamaica (7 pm ET; FS1, UniMás, UDN)
- Serbia: World Cup Qualifier - Friday, March 24 at Georgia
