USA vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina final score: Jozy Altidore hat trick gives USA 4-3 win

Jun 18, 2013; Sandy, UT, USA; USA fans react to a goal by USA forward Jozy Altidore (not pictured) during the second half against Honduras at Rio Tinto Stadium. USA won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

The United States men’s national team looked to continue their impressive hot streak that has lasted throughout the summer, but they were set to face off against a tough Bosnia-Herzegovina squad. The USMNT was without many of their regulars, but this was an opportunity for the young stars to step up and get a taste of the competition that they will be facing next summer in Brazil at the World Cup.

The United States team also needed to continue their roll with World Cup qualifying resuming in three weeks, but the first half was not kind to the Americans.

Early on, defensive breakdowns led to numerous opportunities for Bosnia-Herzegovina.

In the eight minute, Bosnia-Herzegovina scored a goal off the foot of Edin Dzeko after the defensive breakdown led to a breakaway opportunity. The United States defense was unable to handle a rebound and the ball quickly found it’s way to the back of the net.

Twenty-two minutes later, Vedad Ibisevic headed the ball briliantly in to the back of the net to give Bosnia-Herzegovina a two goal lead entering the half.

To begin the second half, Jurgen Klinsmann made another masterful adjustment that moved Eddie Johnson out front where he was able to be on the receiving end of a Jozy Altidore pass after a beautiful ball from Michael Bradley. Johnson snuck the ball behind the Bosnia-Herzegovina keeper to put the United States right back in the game.

Shortly after Johnson’s goal, Jozy Altidore netted a goal of his own to tie the game up at two goals a piece.

Both sides continued to have solid opportunities throughout the remainder of the second half, but a penalty late in the second-half allowed the USMNT an opportunity to pull ahead with a few minutes to go and that is exactly what Jozy Altidore was able to do with a beautiful free kick in the 84th minute to give the United States a 3-2 lead.

Just one minute later, Altidore netted his third goal of the game to complete the hat trick and give Team USA a 4-2 lead.

Edin Dzeko added a late header for Bosnia-Herzegovina in 89th minute, but it was too little too late for the home squad.