Mix to the Rescue

Second-half substitute Mikkel Diskerud rescued the United States with a stoppage time blast en route to a 2-2 draw against Russia in Krasnador, Russia on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old midfielder, who came on in the 86th minute, ripped a shot from outside the area that bounced inside the far post in the 93rd minute. Diskerud’s equalizer followed an 84th minute penalty kick effort from Roman Shirokov. Fyodor Smolov opened the scoring in the 9th minute, while Michael Bradley bagged the first U.S. goal in the 76th minute.

Wednesday’s match marked the first time the sides had met since 2000.

The Russians opened the game hungry, and wasted no time overwhelming the American midfield. Nine minutes in, Smolov pounced on a poor Danny Williams clearance, coasted into the area, and slipped it past Tim Howard for the early advantage.

The U.S. gained some traction near the half hour, with Clarence Goodson testing Vladimir Gabulov on a quick strike effort. Moments later, Timmy Chandler raced down the right and uncorked a dangerous cross far post, but the U.S. ultimately walked back up the field empty handed.

For the second half, Tim Howard was called upon to keep his squad within striking distance. In the 66th minute, he denied a clear Vasily Berezutsky opportunity, then seconds later, he tipped a chip from Renat Yanbeyev over the bar.

In spite of their inability to control the midfield, the U.S. leveled it in the 76th minute. Maurice Edu played a ball ahead to Juan Agudelo, who sent it toward an oncoming Bradley. The center half crushed it on the volley to make it 1-1.

But the U.S. wasn’t out of the woods just yet.

In the 83rd minute, Goodson hauled down Artem Dzyuba inside the six, and was cautioned for the foul, which gave the hosts a chance from the spot. Shirokov slotted it through, to pin the U.S. in a corner with full time approaching.

Nevertheless, the U.S. would have the last say. With the final whistle sure to screech before long, Diskerud cracked a hopeful effort that slipped inside the far post to level it for good a minute before the match reached its conclusion.