US rally for 1-1 draw with Argentina

New Jersey: Juan Agudelo scored in the 59th minute to give the United States a 1-1 draw against Lionel Messi`s Argentina in a friendly international football match on Saturday.

Esteban Cambiasso put Argentina ahead in the 42nd minute after Messi made a scintillating run and passed through the legs of US captain Carlos Bocanegra. US goalkeeper Tim Howard stopped Angel Di Maria`s initial shot, but Cambiasso fired home the rebound. The match was played before 79,800 spectators at New Meadowlands Stadium, home of the NFL`s New York Giants and New York Jets. After Argentina`s dominance of the first half, US fans were energized by manager Bob Bradley`s switch to a more attacking style. Agudelo, 18, came on for the second half and scored his second goal in three international appearances. It followed a corner kick by Landon Donovan and a initial header attempt by Bocanegra that was saved by Argentine goalkeeper Mariano Andujar. The match was part of Argentina`s preparations for the Copa America in July, while the United States are getting ready for the CONCACAF Gold Cup in June. Bureau Report