World Cup: U.S. versus Turkey: Americans earn come-from-behind victory

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After playing an appalling first half in which it was overrun by Turkey, the World Cup-bound U.S. national team turned things around in the second half this afternoon to earn a 2-1 victory in front of 55,407 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

Goals by Jozy Altidore off a Landon Donovan pass and by Clint Dempsey, also off Donovan’s assist, gave Coach Bob Bradley’s team the win in its last warmup game at home before the team flies to South Africa on Sunday.

Arda Turan had given the Turks, who finished third in the 2002 World Cup and had a splendid run before being knocked out of Euro 2008, the lead in the 27th minute. Turkey took advantage of a porous U.S. defense in which right back Jonanthan Spector was constantly beaten.

The U.S. has one remaining warmup before playing England in its World Cup opener on June 12. It plays Australia in Roodepoort, South Africa, on June 5.

For a full report on the match, please see http://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/ later Saturday.

--Grahame L. Jones