Türkiye beat US 3-2 with last-gasp winner in dead rubber in Los Angeles

INGLEWOOD, California: Türkiye beat a second-string United States side 3-2 with a last-gasp goal from Kaan Ayhan on Thursday (Jun 25) for their first victory of the tournament in a dead rubber, with the co-hosts having already won Group D and a place in the knockout round.

The Americans, who made nine changes, including leaving out the four players on yellow cards, took an early lead for the third straight match when Auston Trusty scored in the third minute to the joy of a sold-out crowd at Los Angeles Stadium.

Türkiye hit back through Arda Guler and Baris Yilmaz for their first goals of the tournament before Sebastian Berhalter drove in a long-range effort shortly after halftime to pull the US level. But substitute Ayhan had the last laugh when he found an empty net at the far post for the winner.

The US now turn their focus to Wednesday's meeting with Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara in the round of 32, while Türkiye head home having at least salvaged some pride.

Despite there being nothing at stake, the atmosphere was noisy, with US fans riding high on their team's strong run.

One of the loudest ovations of the night came in the 58th minute, when forward Christian Pulisic was introduced for his first appearance since being taken off at halftime in the opener against Paraguay with a calf injury.

Pulisic looked sharp and showed plenty of spirit, exchanging words with several Turkish players after a late second-half challenge.

"Just having him come into the game, he makes such a difference," US attacker Brenden Aaronson told reporters. "A lot of attention goes to him so other guys have moments and chances."

The US had a worrying moment near the final whistle when defender Trusty went down with an apparent