Altidore scores twice in second half, lifts US over Peru 2-1 in exhibition

Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese tries but fails to stop a goal made by U.S. forward Jozy Altidore (17) to tie the game during the second half of an international friendly soccer match, Friday, Sept. 4, 2015 at RFK Stadium in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) (The Associated Press)

U.S. forward Jozy Altidore (17) celebrates his second goal with teammates forwards Gyasi Zardes (21) and Bobby Wood (18) during the second half of an international friendly soccer match against Peru, Friday, Sept. 4, 2015 at RFK Stadium in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) (The Associated Press)

WASHINGTON – Jozy Altidore scored a pair of second-half goals in his return to the U.S. national team following an injury filled summer, and the Americans rallied to beat Peru 2-1 in an exhibition Friday night.

Preparing for next month's one-game playoff against Mexico for a berth in the 2017 Confederations Cup, the Americans fell behind in the 20th minute when Daniel Chavez's 20-yard shot caromed off defender Omar Gonzalez and looped over the outstretched right arm of goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who retained the starting job despite the return of Tim Howard from a 14-month national team sabbatical.

While the visitors had a 59-41 percent possession advantage in the first half, Altidore dampened the mostly pro-Peruvian crowd 28,896 at RFK Stadium, where the Americans improved to 15-3-5 at their most frequently used venue.