US Lose in Toulon

The United States Under 23 team, playing in the Toulon Invitational, lost 3-2 to Turkey in their opening game. Wizards player, Jonathan Leathers played the entire game for the US, and had a strong consistent performance. He didn't overly stand out, either to the positive or negative. In the first half, the US missed a good chance when Sammy Ochoa missed just wide of the net. Turkey was able to take advantage of the US's left back, Blake Wagner many times during the half, and by the time the halftime whistle blew, it was 2-0 Turkey. The US made some changes in at the half, Leathers moved from the right back to the left back slot, and helped to shut down that side in the second half. The US pulled a goal back when Eric Brunner scored off of a corner. That goal was negated less then a minute later when Brunner and Dominic Cervi made a mess of a long ball over the top. The US continued to pressure and Ochoa scored a very nice volley to make it 3-2. Brek Shea should have had a late penalty for the US, but his protests were waved off. The US will be back in action Friday against the Ivory Coast.

I'd expect Leathers to sit this game out as other players will get some playing time. Hopefully we'll see Leathers back on the field though, he did the Wizards proud today.