U.S. Ties in Arena’s First Game

The U.S. soccer team tied Australia, 0-0, Friday night in Bruce Arena’s debut as national coach.

It was the first match for the United States since it was eliminated from the World Cup in France on June 25. Arena was chosen U.S. coach on Oct. 27, replacing Steve Sampson.

Australia had an indirect free kick just outside the goalkeeper’s box in the 78th minute, but Mark Viduka’s shot was blocked by a wall of U.S. defenders. A second shot was blocked by Mark Chung.

U.S. midfielder Clint Mathis made a nice run down the right side into the penalty area in the 49th minute, but shot the ball across the face of the net.

In the 60th minute, U.S. forward Roy Lassiter stole a pass back to the goalie, but lofted the ball over the net.

The Americans’ best chance to score in the first half came in the third minute, when Lassiter had a one-on-one with Australia goalie Jason Petkovic just outside the goalkeeper’s box. Petkovic came out to challenge and was able to block Lassiter’s shot.