The U.S. team took advantage of their fresh legs and increased its possession during the second half. The veterans made an impact on the game and nearly created a goal in the 70th minute. A streaking Sacha Kljestan got behind the Spanish defense, but Joan Capdevila caught up to him and slowed him down. He cut the ball back from just outside the box for Dempsey, who had continued his run straight down the center of the field, but lost his footing while trying to control the pass and the defense was able to clear.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Tim Howard wore the Captain\u2019s band, and while the 4-0 spanking was not his fault (continued piss poor defense and sloppy midfield play are major culprits<\/a>), I don\u2019t really agree with the \u2018brave\u2019 face he tried to spin<\/a> after the game.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you get knocked down, you see what you\u2019re made of,\u201d Howard said Saturday after World Cup champion Spain overwhelmed the U.S. 4-0 in an exhibition that the Americans used to tune up for the Gold Cup. \u201cI put it behind me. I\u2019ve been at this a while. When you play the best team in the world, they can make you look silly at times.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Silly? U.S. should have went into this one attempting to earn a hard-fought draw, but realistically expecting to come up short; 2-0 or perhaps 2-1. 4-0 never crossed my mind as a possibility.<\/p>\n
Howard is right on one account,<\/p>\n
\u201cWe got our butts kicked,\u201d Howard said afterward, adding with a smile. \u201cIf we win the Gold Cup in a couple of weeks, nobody will remember this.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
In a couple of weeks I hope we are talking Gold Cup champions, and not \u2018what is wrong with U.S. soccer\u2019 \u2013 because we already know the answers. The U.S. lacks creativity up front. Quality world class strikers are few and far between, but one would think the U.S. would be able to produce a top notch striker that would be the envy of the top European Club teams. The midfield at times shows lapses in judgment; too slow to get back on defense and not cohesive enough to maintain possession. The defense is just old and slow; it is time to move on with a backline that can hold their own and assist with a counter attack.<\/p>\n
If you think I am down on this team, I am and have been for a while. I always surprised when they manage a good result because it often seems more due to luck. Of course I am still a big fan, and want to be proven wrong.<\/p>\n
Everyone keeps waiting for the U.S. to take the next step, and instead we keep bailing water out of the boat.<\/p>\n
![\"Share\"\/](\"http:\/\/www.calvertgames.com\/cgblog\/wp-content\/plugins\/add-to-any\/share_save_171_16.png\")
<\/a>\n