U.S. hangs on to defeat South Africa

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa -- The United States hopes the 2010 World Cup ends this way.

Steve Cherundolo scored in the 27th minute, and the U.S. beat World Cup host South Africa, 1-0, Saturday in an exhibition game that closed out the Americans’ first year under Coach Bob Bradley.

“We had a fantastic experience and are looking forward to coming back,” Cherundolo said.

At 28, the oldest player on the U.S. roster, Cherundolo scored his second goal in 43 international appearances.

The defender ran onto a pass from Maurice Edu along the right flank and put the ball over goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez on an angled shot from about seven yards.

“I saw the opportunity to make a run. Maurice Edu played a great ball in and we are able to expose them,” Cherundolo said. “As far as the finish goes, you hit it and hope a little bit, and tonight I got a little lucky.”

South Africa outshot the Americans, 12-3, in a match billed as the Nelson Mandela Challenge Cup, and the victory improved Bradley’s record to 12-5-1 since he replaced Bruce Arena last December.