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Carlos Bocanegra and Clint Dempsey featured in the US national team’s 4-1 friendly win over China in San Jose in their final match before the Gold Cup.
The Fulham defender was handed the Captain’s armband for the first time in his international career and Dempsey helped put the encounter beyond reach with a second half header.
DaMarcus Beasley opened the scoring in the 10th minute, converting from the spot. China were back on level terms within five minutes when Zhang Yaokun seized on a loose ball in the box to fire home from close range. But Benny Feilhaber restored the home sides lead in the 28th minute.
Having been denied on two previous occasions, Clint Dempsey finally got his name on the score sheet when he headed past the China goalkeeper, Chen. Oguchi Onyewu rounded off the scoring with another header four minutes later.
Speaking after the match, US Head Coach, Bob Bradley spoke about his decision to make Bocanegra Captain.
“What we've tried to do is make sure that there are a group of guys who are ready to take bigger roles in this team … guys who are ready to step-up to set the tone all the time,” said Bradley. “It has been really nice in every camp to see more and more guys joining that group. In this particular camp, Carlos Bocanegra got the nod. Carlos is a player who, for sure, has earned the respect of all his team mates with his commitment to the game. He plays hard. He talks. He organizes. Going forward, he is a key guy in what we are doing.”
