Ten-man Wales lose at last

United States 2-0 Wales 
The United States ended Wales' ten-match unbeaten run with a friendly victory in San Jose.

Jones off
Goals from Landon Donovan and Eddie Lewis were enough to see off Mark Hughes' side, who were without several first-choice players for the match in San Jose, California and finished with ten men after the sending off of Matthew Jones. The US were also fielding an experimental side in what was the first match between the two countries.

US on top
After a sloppy start by both teams, the hosts began to find their rhythm against a defensive visiting side that played with just one player up front. Less than a minute after he was cautioned for a late tackle on Greg Vanney, Leicester City FC player Jones conceded a penalty when he brought down Jovan Kirovski as the Birmingham City FC forward rose to meet a cross in the 41st minute.

Welcome goal
Donovan stepped up to score from the spot, beating goalkeeper Paul Jones high and to the right. The 21-year-old Donovan will have been particularly delighted to score as he plays his club football for local team San Jose Earthquakes, having previously played in Germany for Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

Ward save
Worse was to follow for Wales when Matthew Jones picked up a second yellow card for handling the ball in the 49th minute. Kirovski bent the ensuing free-kick just wide of the post as the US began to dominate. Bobby Convey nearly doubled the lead in the 57th minute when Donovan put the 19-year-old through, but substitute keeper Darren Ward brilliantly saved the Washington D.C. United midfield player's shot.

Lead doubled
However, the US were not to be denied and scored their second goal two minutes later. Greg Vanney put Lewis through on the left where the Preston North End FC midfield player's low shot from the edge of the penalty area slipped tamely under Ward's outstretched arms to double his team's advantage.

Next fixtures
Wales were hoping for a positive result before the resumption of their UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying campaign. The Welsh have made a terrific start with four wins out of four to top Group 9 and are next in competitive action when they travel to Serbia and Montenegro on 20 August. The US are preparing for the FIFA Confederations Cup being played next month in France, where they are grouped with Turkey, along with Cameroon and Brazil.