Bolivia Upsets United States in America Cup, 1-0

The United States lost, 1-0, to Bolivia on Tuesday night, endangering the Americans’ chances of advancing to the second round of the America Cup soccer tournament.

Midfielder Marco (Diablo) Etcheverry scored in the 24th minute and the Bolivians held on in a second half dominated by the U.S. team. The loss ends a four game unbeaten streak for the United States.

“It was sort of a last-ditch effort at the end there,” U.S. defender Alexi Lalas said. “The whole second half was basically us pounding at them, and to their credit they didn’t cave in.”

The United States (1-1-0) defeated Chile, 2-1, in its opener, and likely must tie or defeat defending champion Argentina in its final first-round game Friday night if it is to move into the quarterfinals. The United States still has a chance with a tie or loss.

Bolivia, which qualified for last summer’s World Cup, is now in position to advance after losing its opener to Argentina, 2-1. The Bolivians (1-1-0) face Chile in their last game of the first round.

In a later game Tuesday night, Argentina trounced Chile, 4-0, to join Uruguay and Brazil as the only teams so far guaranteed a place in the quarterfinals.

The United States and Mexico were the only countries outside South America invited to the 12-nation event, formerly known as the South American Championship. Eight teams qualify for the second round.

Bolivia produced the only goal when Etcheverry took a pass from Luis Cristaldo at the top of the box and faked a shot. He then dribbled past Lalas and beat goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

The Bolivians did a good job marking striker Eric Wynalda, who scored both U.S. goals against Chile.

The Americans’ best chance in the first half came in the 37th minute when Lalas received a long free kick and headed the ball wide.

The United States played an excellent second half, especially in midfield. The Americans outshot Bolivia, 11-2, and nearly scored in the 60th minute when Ernie Stewart missed a header after a pass from Cobi Jones.

The Americans also came close with two acrobatic bicycle kicks, one from Marcelo Balboa in the 53rd minute and another from Lalas during injury time.

“Once in a full moon I attempt one of those,” Lalas said. “But I don’t like to do it because I risk dismemberment.”

Balboa played in his 104th international game, overtaking Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer among soccer’s career leaders.