Venezuela shreds sloppy U.S. defense
CINCINNATI — Sloppy defense, a poor goalkeeping decision, wasted chances. The United
States set another historical marker in its latest shutout loss, and it was not the good kind.
Down by three goals after only 36 minutes, the U.S. fell to Venezuela 3-0 Sunday in its final exhibition tuneup for the CONCACAF Gold Cup. A young team showed its inexperience with little more than a week left beINfore VENEZUELA 3
UNITED STATES 0 the tournament opener.
“Obviously I know what the narrative’s going to be, that we have no chance, that we’re going to lose and maybe not even make it out of the first round,” coach Gregg Berhalter said.
On Wednesday, the U.S. lost to Jamaica 1-0, only its second home defeat to a Caribbean nation in a halfcentury. Forward Josh Sargent and six others were cut from the roster a day later.
The revamped roster had another historical throwback when Venezuela surged ahead 3-0, marking the first time the U.S. trailed by three goals in an opening half since June 4, 2011, against world champion Spain.
Salomon Rondon had two of the goals and La Vinotinto beat the Americans for the first time after three defeats and two draws.
“I think we’re humbled right now and we’re ready to learn from our mistakes,” defender Aaron Long said. “We had good chances today, and the score could have been a lot different. We’re not going to hang our heads and say a 3-0 loss and we’re playing terrible.”
Up next is 175th-ranked Guyana in the Gold Cup opener June 18 in St. Paul, Minn., the first competitive match for the Americans in
20 months.
The defense was the most glaring issue this time, with Berhalter describing it as “really careless.” Many of the
23,955 fans at Nippert Stadium, home of the MLS’ new Cincinnati team, booed as the half ended.
A bad decision by Zack Steffen, who was in goal for the second straight game, set up Venezuela’s first score. His careless pass was intercepted, and Steffen was out of position as Rondon got the ball from Jhon Murillo and scored his 23rd international goal.