Teenager McKennie scores first goal as USA hold Portugal

LISBON (Reuters) – Teenager Weston McKennie scored on his debut for the United States as Portugal drew 1-1 on Tuesday in their first match since failing to qualify for the World Cup. As well as 19-year-old McKennie, interim coach Dave Sarachan also gave 18-year-old Tyler Adams his first outing in the game in Leiria – the first time since 1988 that two teenagers have started a match for the United States , Portugal, who, unlike their opponents, qualified safely for the World Cup, also fielded an experimental team, with rested players like Rui Patricio, Bernardo Silva, Ricardo Quaresma, Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Mario . The United States took the lead in the 21st minute after the ball was passed to CJ Sapong on the left wing and he slipped it to midfielder McKennie, who beat his marker before scoring with an elegant finish. The European champions equalized 10 minutes later when American goalkeeper Ethan Horvath allowed a harmless cross from Vitorino Antunes to slide through his legs and into the net. Both teams had chances after the break, with Goncalo Paciencia hitting the bar for Portugal, before the match ended in a draw. Portuguese defender Pepe limped off with a foot injury in the 10th minute, but it did not appear serious. Fernando Santos, Portugal coach, is not satisfied with his team's performance. “Our inability to keep the ball was a negative aspect. Our opponents were aggressive and didn't let us think,” he said. “In the first half we didn't have enough of the ball and we were constantly losing it, we were in too much of a hurry.” “We managed to play more in the second half, but not as fluidly as usual. We never managed to completely dominate the match.” (Writing by Brian Homewood, editing by Nick Mulvenney)