After a dominating performance in the first of three exhibitions, the U.S. men's soccer team has regressed in each match since as it heads into World Cup qualifying.
The latest blow came last night on a 0-0 tie against Canada. Although the score line looked better than the 4-1 loss to Brazil last week, this result was more disappointing.
Against Brazil, the Americans were outplayed in the first half but came on strong to play a very good second half. They created multiple scoring opportunities and easily could have made it a closer final score.
Sunday night though, the U.S., playing against a far less talented team than Brazil, never looked dangerous as they stumbled to a disappointing result.
The match marked the first time that stars Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey were in the starting lineup together since head coach Jurgen Klinsmann took over the team last July. Even with their best two offensive players on the field, the U.S. had few scoring opportunities, most of which came early. Jermaine Jones' shot was blocked in the second minute and Clarence Goodson shot wide about a minute later.
The Canadians could have, and probably should have, come out on top. After a U.S. turnover in the 34th minute, Nik Ledgerwood scored from a tough angle only to see the goal waved off when the sideline official called a foul against a Canadian player. Replays showed no foul being committed.
It was clearly not the Americans day, even before they stepped onto the field. Left back Fabian Johnson, who has been arguably the best player for the Americans in these friendlies and who has solidified a previously shaky left back position, suffered a calf strain in pregame warm-ups. He is now questionable for this week's World Cup qualifier.
The Americans host Antigua and Barbuda on Friday in their first qualifying match. Based on the previous three exhibitions, the U.S. will most likely send out the following starting lineup:
GK: Tim Howard
D: Edgar Castillo, Carlos Bocanegra, Clarence Goodson, Steve Cherundolo
M: Michael Bradley, Jermaine Jones, Jose Torres, Landon Donovan
F: Clint Dempsey, Herculez Gomez
If Fabian Johnson is available, he will play over Castillo. Clarence Goodson, who had another good performance Sunday, has leap-frogged Oguchi Onyewu as the second center back. Jose Torres struggled against Canada but seems to be a Klinsmann favorite. The manager could choose to take out Torres, move Dempsey in the midfield and put Jozy Altidore or Terrance Boyd up top.