On his first official visit with the United States Men’s National Team, Real Salt Lake goalkeeper David Ochoa traded in Utah’s snow-capped mountains for those found in the Swiss Alps as the team prepared to take on 13th-ranked Switzerland on Sunday.
For the first time in his international career Ochoa was named to the gameday roster, marking his first appearance on the bench with the National Team after previously playing for the various youth contingents.
Despite a valiant effort and a slick goal from the LA Galaxy’s Sebastain Lleget, the men of the Red, White and Blue came up short handed in a 2-1 defeat to kick off a stretch of four matches in 11 days.
After the United States got off to a fast start Switzerland made quick work to find the equalizer from Ricardo Rodriguez. Goalkeeper Ethan Horvath made three saves in an effort to preserve the score, but in the 78th minute Steven Zuber edged Switzerland ahead and despite several chances the United States was unable to answer.
The USMNT will now turn its focus to the Concacaf Nations League Final Four in Denver, Colorado. The United States will face Honduras on Thursday, June 3 at 7:30 p.m. MT. The winner will compete for the title on Sunday, while the other will try for third place.
After the completion of the Nations League, Rio Tinto Stadium will host the U.S. and Costa Rica on Wednesday, June 9 at 5:00 p.m. Tickets for the friendly can be purchased atRSL.com.
