An absolute gem of a pass by Landon Donovan that splits the defense and Charlie Davis superb finish. It was just the sort of start the US needed. But it was shortlived. A blistering strike by Ismael Castro levels the score. You can see how much open space was given up by Bocanegra and Onyewu. As the match went on, the US increasingly played in its own half as El Tri applied a chokehold.
The defining moment came in the 81st minute. Efren Juarez beating a tired Donovan in a footrace taking it deep into the box, his pass bounces of De Merit and rolls to Sabah who plasters the ball over Tim Howard, who should have done better.
Bob Bradley pointed out to the weakness I have highlighted in the US team. It is an issue that can still be corrected before the World Cup begins.
“Overall, our defending was very good. On the other side, I think we could still connect some more passes and hold the ball a little bit better. I think that probably was the area that let us down the most.”