The USA leads Kuwait 1-0 at halftime of their friendly match in Portland, Ore. On a soggy field at Civic Stadium, the Americans have dominated the play over the first 45 minutes, possessing the ball for a large part of the half and creating numerous opportunities. The U.S. was unable to break through until Ernie Stewart scored in the 37th minute. Steve Sampson’s lineup featured Eddie Pope and new addition David Regis in back as man-markers along with sweeper Thomas Dooley. Mike Burns moved to the right side of midfield, with Jeff Agoos on the left. Brian Maisonneuve and Chad Deering as defensive midfielders, with Claudio Reyna and Stewart attacking behind lone forward Roy Wegerle. The U.S. created several chances through Burns and Stewart on the right. In the fifth minute, Burns sent a super long pass to a streaking Stewart, who ran onto the ball at the top of the box. His hard, low shot was saved by Kuwait keeper Al Fadhli, and Wegerle was unable to chip the keeper off the rebound. Regis, who has played well in his first appearance for the U.S., sent a 20-yard shot just wide left in the 18th minute, and sent a header just over the crossbar two minutes later. The Americans finally broke through in the 37th minute, when Maisonneuve took the ball into space past the midfield line and lofted a fine ball to Stewart on the far side of the box, where he blasted home a first-time shot from about eight yards that left Al Fadhli no chance. Eric Wynalda is among those expected to see action as a substitute in the second half of play.