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The dreaded second-half hex continues to plague the U.S. men's national team. In its third international friendly of 2015 Wednesday night in Aarhus, Denmark, the USMNT succumbed to hosts 3-2 after conceded two late goals — and two late leads.

Former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner, currently of VfL Wolfsburg in the German Bundesliga, scored a hat-trick in the victory, including a stunning 91st minute volley that zipped past Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando.

The collapse is a familiar one. Two months ago, the U.S. took an early 2-1 road lead over Chile, but couldn't hold on for the result as Chile eventually won 3-2. According to ESPN.com soccer statistician Paul Carr, the U.S. has allowed seven goals in the 80th minute or later in its last seven games.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Wednesday's loss in Denmark was the third since Nov. 2014 that the U.S. lost a match in which it led during the second half, a scenario that didn't occur once in the USMNT's previous four calendar years of international competition.

Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore gave the Americans a 1-0 lead in the 19th minute when he finished a fantastic left-footed half-volley by two Danish defenders. But the lead was short-lived. Bendtner equalized in the 33rd minute following a strong build up that resulted in a simple tap in. Denmark's Lasse Vibe flicked the ball across the face of goal, by Rimando, to an unmarked Bendtner.

Altidore assisted on the second U.S. goal when he trapped a ball over the top from TFC teammate Michael Bradley. The striker took a quick touch back toward fellow forward Aron Johannsson whose toe-poke goal again gave the Americans a lead at 2-1 in the 66th minute.

But as more substitutions took place in the second half, the more discombobulated the U.S. looked. Denmark again equalized in the 83rd minute when Bendtner finished off a loose ball in the box off a deflected cross that hit right back Greg Garza.

Eight minutes later, Bendtner was sprung loose by Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen and as U.S. defender John Brooks failed to close down the space, Bendtner lashed a volley two yards inside the box to the far post by the outstretched arms of Rimando.

In 14 career starts for the U.S., Rimando is now 10-2-2 all-time. He'll likely get another start next Tuesday when the USMNT face Switzerland on the road on Tuesday, May 31. The match will be aired on FOX Sports 1 and starts at 10 a.m. MDT.

-Chris Kamrani

Twitter: @chriskamrani