SAN FRANCISCO, November 13, (THEWILL) – In an international friendly match played on Thursday, Wales were held to a home stalemate by the United States side in the absence of head coach Ryan Giggs.
The coach agreed to step aside for Wales’ three November fixtures after a recent arrest following a domestic assault allegation. Although he denied all charges, he stepped aside and stand-in boss Robert Page oversaw the draw.
The very young USA team was the brighter of the sides in the first half although they never managed to test Danny Ward in the Welsh goal. Wales, who were lacking the services of Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale in the squad, improved in the second 45 but could find no way through in a low-key friendly at the Liberty Stadium.
Tom Lawrence was among nine changes to Wales’ starting line-up following last month’s late win in Bulgaria and he tested American keeper Zack Steffen with the first shot 32 minutes into the tie.
One of USA’s three debutants, Barcelona teenager Konrad de la Fuente, was guilty of wasting the only notably clear chance of the first half when he pounced on Dylan Levitt’s backpass but blazed over.
Each team took advantage of the second half to introduce more debutants and Brennan Johnson nearly marked his maiden cap in style. Unfortunately, he was only denied a goal by Zack Steffen’s low save just 37 seconds after coming on.
Wales, who have become accustomed to scoring late winners in recent games, failed to get one here. The best of the remaining openings in Swansea fell the way of USA substitute Ulysses Llanez, who had a low shot pushed around the post by Ward.
In the end, a draw was about the right result in a match that saw just three shots on target combined, although the USA did dominate in possession with 61 per cent.
That came from a domination of the midfield battle which was thanks in large to the impressive work of Tyler Adams alongside Yunus Musah and Weston McKennie.
Making his first international appearance since March 2019, the RB Leipzig midfielder made more tackles (three) than any other USA player and attempted 67 passes – the third-most of anyone on the field, despite being replaced with 71 minutes played.
Wales now switch focus to a Nations League double-header, starting with Sunday’s home match with Republic of Ireland. USA have a friendly against Panama in Austria next Monday.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
