The USA was in danger of suffering one of its most embarrassing defeats in history when Danny Califf chested the ball into the Haitian goal four minutes into stoppage time to secure a 1-1 tie in SaturdayÆs friendly at the Orange Bowl in Miami.

The Haitians, who have been training in Florida under American coach Fernando Clavijo while Haiti endures violent political unrest, are preparing for their World Cup qualifying series in June against Jamaica.

Alexander Boucicot put Haiti ahead in the 69th minute after beating U.S. keeper Kevin Hartman from 16 yards to the low left corner after Wasdon Coriolan had slipped a pass from midfield through the U.S. defense.

In the first half, a header by Bruny Pierre-Richard beat U.S. keeper Jonny Walker, but referee Peter Prendergast nullified the goal for a Haitian foul.

Seconds before halftime, U.S. defender Cory Gibbs saw his header cleared off the line by Coriolan.

Califf, who replaced Eddie Pope in the U.S. central defense in the 75th minute, scored the equalizer by diving to a pass across the goal by Carlos Bocanegra and chesting into the open net from two yards out following a free kick from midfield.

''I thought Haiti was the better team tonight. They simply outfought us and played better,'' said U.S. coach Bruce Arena. ''I applaud our group that played the final 15 minutes for fighting back and getting an equalizer.'' ''There's no excuses. We were technically poor and our fitness was poor. We are fortunate that we have until June [for World Cup qualifying] to get our act together. Human nature likes to find a comfort zone, and we have guys in a comfort zone. All the credit goes to Haiti. The Haitian team brought a commitment to the game and outfought us.''

U.S. keepers Walker and Hartman combined for six saves while HaitiÆs Fenelon Gabard made three.

The U.S. next travels to face Poland on March 31 in Plock.

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY

March 13 in Miami.

USA 1 Haiti 1.

Goals: Califf 94+; Boucicot 69.

USA — Walker (Hartman, 46), Sanneh (Albright, 46), Pope (Califf, 75), Bocanegra, Gibbs, Ralston (Noonan, 75), Convey, Armas (Razov, 66), Beasley, Donovan (Mulrooney, 74), Wolyniec (Kirovski, 83).

Haiti û Gabard, Desir, Frantz, Coriolan, Peguero (Gracien), Descollines, Boucicot, Pierre-Richard, Dorcelus (Turlien, 60), Sancius, Chery.

Yellow cards: USA û Ralston 39; Haiti — Coriolan 32, Gabard 82.

Attendance: 8,714

Referee: Peter Prendergast (JAM)