U.S. under-20 men

Magee scores in 1-1 draw with Portugal to open Madeira tourney.

MACHICO, Portugal (Tuesday, March 4, 2003) -- Striker Mike Magee's goal early in the second half was enough for the United States under-20 men to open the Seventh Annual Madeira International Tournament with a 1-1 draw against Portugal at Estadio Do Machico this afternoon.

The U.S. next takes on Norway tomorrow at 9 a.m. (ET) before closing round-robin play against a Madeira regional select team Friday at 5 a.m. (ET).

Magee pounced on a rebound and put it away for a 1-0 lead in the 50th minute after Portugal goalkeeper Bruno Vale did a good job to save a blast by forward Knox Cameron.

"For 65 minutes, we were clearly the better team, but we tired in the later stages of the match and unfortunately conceded the equalizer," U.S. coach Thomas Rongen said. "We are a good team and if we can sustain the level of play we showed for the first 60 minutes or so, then we can get to where we want to be. We are getting there slowly but surely."

Portugal tied the game at 1-1 in the 63 minute with forward Lourenco taking advantage of slack U.S. defending.

"I think both teams had chances to win, but both goalkeepers made some good saves and both defenses played pretty well," Rongen said. "We are showing some signs of improvement after a pretty good lesson against Colombia. We responded well to the adversity and continued with another solid effort this evening."

The U.S. lost 6-3 and drew 0-0 with Colombia last week in Florida.

Rongen expects to make several lineup changes for tomorrow's meeting with Norway.

Venue: Estadio Do Machico (Portugal). Weather: 75 degrees, sunny.