Krasnodar, Russia (Sports Network) - Mikkel Diskerud's stoppage-time equalizer
allowed the United States men's national team to close out its 2012 campaign
on a positive note with a 2-2 draw at Russia in a friendly on Wednesday.
A ninth-minute goal from Fedor Smolov put Russia in front, and the hosts
controlled large portions of the contest until Michael Bradley's fine volley
15 minutes from time leveled the match at 1-1.
The home side regained the lead in the 84th minute with a successful penalty
kick from Roman Shirokov, but Diskerud came off the bench to score on a
deflected shot shortly before the final whistle.
With the draw, the Americans finish 2012 with a record of 9-2-3 in all
competitions.
Russia's first goal came from a giveaway by U.S. midfielder Danny Williams
which allowed Smolov to be played into the area on the right and beat
goalkeeper Tim Howard at his near post.
But Howard kept the visitors in the game with a number of important saves that
allowed his team to remain within striking distance.
And with 15 minutes to play, Bradley fired home the equalizer with a fantastic
volley from Juan Agudelo's header.
Russia was awarded a penalty kick in the 84th when defender Clarence Goodson
brought down Russia's Artem Dzyuba, allowing Shirokov to send Howard the wrong
way from the spot.
Things looked to be settled as the match entered stoppage time, but Terrance
Boyd did well to knock down a long ball for Diskerud, whose shot took a slight
deflection on its way into the net.
The Sports Network