GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The U.S men's national team had its moments in the first half of Saturday night's friendly with Venezuela at University of Phoenix Stadium, but couldn't put one in the net through the first 45 minutes.
The Americans outshot Venezuela 4-3, and those four shots were quality chances. Two came from midfielder Brek Shea, who was among those players who stood out for the U.S. in the first half.
Midfielder Graham Zusi and defender A.J. DeLaGarza also played well in their national-team debuts. The Americans controlled the pace of the game from the outset and young goalkeeper Bill Hamid wasn't tested much.
In the 19th minute, Teal Bunbury bended a left-footed shot on target but over the crossbar. About a minute later,Benny Feilhaber fed Shea running down the left side, and Shea's low shot went just wide far post.
Shea's 23rd-minute header was miraculously saved by Venezuela keeper Jose Morales.
DeLaGarza was active in the back and also played the ball forward on the attack as the right back. The crowd at the match filled most of the lower bowl of the stadium.
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