USA wins 2-nil, Yedlin plays 28 minutes

In the first of three "send off" matches the United States managed a two-nil victory against Azerbaijan. Mix Diskerud and Aron Johannsson scored the two goals as substitutes. At the beginning of the match all the news was about Clint Dempsey pulling out of the game at the last minute and Chris Wondolowski getting the start in his place.

If you're thinking "I missed this game maybe I should watch" you're probably going to want to skip to the second half. Yes, Wondo had some great opportunities, but it was the Land of Fire's keeper's half during the first 45 minutes.

In the second half Klinsmann made several substitutions and those fresh legs made a difference. Sub wave two saw Seattle Sounders FC right back DeAndre Yedlin enter the pitch. His first two passes were errant, but he eventually settled into the game. There were a few decisive passes, high pressure (one time with a too hard tackle) but most of the action was on the left side of the pitch.

The USA showed that it is still a potent team in dead ball situations with both goals coming from stoppages in play. Mix picked up a rebound after a free kick and Johannsson finished his free header.

There are two more matches before the USA heads to Brazil. Sunday they face Turkey and on June 7th they take on Nigeria. Both teams should be a stronger test than the Land of Fire.