The United States played Brazil almost even for most of the game but lost, 2-1, in an international friendly in Pasadena, Calif. The United States, starting only five players from the 2-0 win over Mexico three days earlier, fell behind when Ronaldinho Gaucho struck on a free kick from 20 yards in the 24th minute. His free kick beat the U.S. wall and gave the Tony Meola no chance. But the Americans equalized 16 minutes later when Clint Mathis took a pass from Chris Armas on the right side of the area. He turned and fire a rolling ball that left Brazilian goalie Rogerio Ceni flat-footed and found the far side of the goal. Brazil won on a goal by Ueller in the 56th minute. Left back Silvinho, Brazil’s best player, set up the goal with a brilliant run down the left side. Coach Emerson Leao’s lineup was largely his first team. Brazil now heads to Guadalajara to face Mexico Wednesday March 7 (Telemundo 11 ET/PT). Among the starters for the United States was 17-year-old Bobby Convey, making his first start for the United States. Convey was one of the most active Americans, along with Mathis and Landon Donovan. After Ueller’s goal, Bruce Arena made three changes, bringing on Tony Sanneh (injured against Mexico), Cobi Jones and Chris Klein. They were the only field players Arena had at his disposal. Jeff Agoos did not suit up after suffering food poisoning. Sanneh had the best chance to equalize, but his shot was cleared away by a Brazilian defender. The United States now meets Honduras March 28 (pay-per-view) in the second World Cup qualifier. March 3 in Pasadena, Calif. USA 1 Brazil 2. Goals: Mathis 40; Ronaldinho Gaucho 24, Ueller 56. USA — Meola, Hejduk (Sanneh, 61), Pope, Llamosa, Vanney, Williams (Jones, 61), Armas, Mathis, Convey (Klein, 66), Donovan, Wolff. Brazil — Rogerio Ceni, Cafu, Lucio, Roque Junior, Silvinho, Vampeta (Edilson, 46), Juninho Paulista (Ricardinho, 46), Emerson, Ronaldinho Gaucho, Christian (Ueller, 46), Romario. Yellow card: USA — Mathis 58. Referee: De Jesus Ramos (Mexico). Att.: 45,387.