Bruce Arena’s second tenure as the U.S. Men’s National Team’s head coach ended in a 0-0 draw against Serbia in a friendly at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday.
Despite the scoreline, several U.S. players made some personal history on Sunday. Jozy Altidore earned his 100th cap, becoming the 17th player in national team history to accomplish the feat. Sebastian Lletget, Jorge Villafana and Chris Pontius also earned their first caps as they entered the match as second-half substitutes. Benny Feilhaber also marked his return from USMNT exile with a late appearance in the match.
Despite the scoreless draw, the U.S. had several opportunities to grab a winner. Darlington Nagbe, who earned his first cap since the Copa America, narrowly missed the far post on two occasions from distance in the first half.
The Timbers midfielder was a constant threat on the left wing as he cut inside and unlocked the Serbian defense on several occasions. Nagbe lasted 87 minutes before he was replaced by Juan Agudelo.
Agudelo had a tremendous chance to nick a late winner right before second-half stoppage time, but he scuffed his shot wide of the far post. Pontius also came close as he missed what was a practically open goal with a shot that trickled just wide.
Serbia had a few chances of its own, but Chad Marshall was quick to snuff out the danger in his return to the U.S. lineup for the first time since 2010. Michael Bradley also intercepted a few dangerous Serbian attacks in the heart of midfield.
The USMNT will play its second and final friendly of the winter camp against Jamaica on Friday in Chattanooga.