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Soccer-Turkey defeated US 3-2 in LA with a last-gasp goal

Turkey defeated a second-string United States team 3-2 on Thursday with a "last-gasp" goal by Kaan Ayhan. This was their first win of the tournament, as the co-hosts had already won Group D and qualified for the knockout round.

Auston Trusty, who scored in the third-minute, delighted a sold out crowd at Los Angeles Stadium.

Sebastian Berhalter's long-range shot, shortly after the halftime break, brought the U.S. to parity. Ayhan, the substitute, had the final laugh as he found an empty goal at the far-post to win the match.

The U.S. will now focus on Wednesday's meeting in Santa Clara with Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the round 32. Turkey returns home at least having salvaged some pride.

SUBSTITUTE PULISIC GETS AN OVATION

The atmosphere was loud, even though there wasn't anything at stake. U.S. supporters were elated by their team’s strong run.

Christian Pulisic, the forward who was taken off the field at halftime of the first match against Paraguay due to a calf problem, received one of the loudest applauses in the 58th-minute.

Pulisic was sharp and displayed a lot of spirit. He exchanged words with several Turkish players following a late challenge in the second half.

Reporters were told by U.S. attacking?Brenden?Aaronson that "just having him in the game makes such a big difference." "A lot attention is paid to him, so that other players have opportunities and moments."

Near the end of the match, the U.S. was concerned when Trusty?was carried away on a stretcher with a hamstring injury.

Turkey, which?made seven?changes to?their?lineup, leave the tournament with some consolations after responding to an early deficit and finding multiple gaps in the U.S. defense.

Ayhan, a late substitute, scored the final goal of the evening with his last kick. It was a stunning finish to an attacking match.

Coach Vincenzo 'Montella, Turkey, said: "I am super happy with the way they played tonight. They showed all their skills, abilities and character."

If they hadn't been strong, they wouldn't?have made it tonight. "We can go home with our chins up."

Leonardo DiCaprio was in attendance, as were Paris Hilton, Owen Wilson and Will Ferrell. (Reporting and editing by Ken Ferris, Peter Rutherford and Rory Carroll)

(source: Reuters)