'Dolo might! USA 1, SA 0

The United States beat World Cup hosts South Africa 1-0 in a friendly on Saturday at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, thanks to a goal from a rather unlikely source -- defender Steve Cherundolo.

As in the Swiss match, US youngsters made the difference in this match, as an impressive build-up, featuring Benny Feilhaber, Freddy Adu, Michael Bradley and Maurice Edu led to the goal. Edu played the ball perfectly to Cherundolo, who had moved up into the attack from his right back position, and Dolo's fired home his second career goal from near the six.

“The result is important,” said U.S. head coach Bob Bradley after the game. “We have some young players with us, so the experience to play in front of this kind of crowd and get a result is important. I thought Steve scored a very good goal, and we defended well as a group. To be able to maintain a lead in that type of atmosphere is a positive."

The USSF will try to make a lot out of Coach Bob Bradley's 12-5-1 record in 2007, but they should consider the absolute crapfest that was the Copa America before signing him through to WC 2010. He still hasn't proven himself as someone who can win consistently away from the comfy confines of American stadia. That said, the last two matches, in which Bradley finally selected more youthful rosters, demonstrates a willingness (although apparently begrudgingly) to give the kids a chance. It is a positive development to be sure, but I'm doubtful that Bradley's the man to develop this young talent.

USA to face 2010 hosts this Nov.

The United States national team will be traveling to Africa for the first time in eight years when they face 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa in a friendly on November 17th in Johannesburg.

The U.S. have only played three matches in Africa, two out of the three were against Morocco. They lost each time. Most recently they played in Marrakech and lost 2-1 to Marrakech Express. Waldo (Eric Wynalda) scored the Yanks only goal of the contest. In their only match against South Africa, USA whooped Bafana and Bafana 4-0.

“It is a great honor to be invited to participate in the Nelson Mandela Challenge Cup,” said U.S. head coach Bob Bradley. “South Africa has always had a talented team, and the match represents an excellent opportunity for our players to travel and play in South Africa.”

The U.S. will return to South Africa again one year prior to the World Cup for the Confederations Cup, having qualified by winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup this year.

The U.S.'s next scheduled match is at Switzerland on October 17, after the match against the not-so "autonomous community" Catalonia was cancelled by the Spanish Football Federation.