Sloppy defense and careless goalkeeping sent the United States to another disconcerting defeat on Sunday, as they lost 3-0 to Venezuela in the Americans’ final warm-up before this month’s Gold Cup.
Venezuela were 3-0 up after only 36 minutes, the first time the US had trailed by three goals in the first-half since June 2011 – although that time at least they had the excuse of playing the world champions, Spain. Salomon Rondon scored two of the Venezuela’s goals, to become his country’s all-time leading scorer, and La Vinotinto beat the Americans for the first time after three defeats and two draws.
The US have now lost twice in a five-day span as they prepare for their Gold Cup opener on 18 June against Guyana. It will be the first competitive match for the Americans in 20 months. They had already lost 1-0 loss to Jamaica last week, only their second home defeat to a Caribbean nation in a half-century. Forward Josh Sargent and six others were cut a day later.
The defense was the most glaring issue this time, with coach Gregg Berhalter describing it as “really careless” during a half-time interview. Many of the 23,955 fans at Nippert Stadium, home of FC Cincinnati, booed as the half ended.
A bad decision by keeper Zack Steffen set up Venezuela’s first goal. His careless pass went straight to Yangel Herrera on the edge of the penalty area. Jhon Murillo then set up Rondon, who finished past an out of position Steffen.
Another defensive lapse set up Venezuela’s second. Jefferson Savarino hit the post, but was allowed to pick up the loose ball and score, despite the presence of two US defenders. Rondon beat his marker Aaron Long for the third.
Berhalter is still refining his line-up for the tournament, and several players were held out on Sunday. Christian Pulisic joined the team on Thursday and didn’t play against Venezuela. Forward Jonathan Lewis and midfielder Michael Bradley are recovering from hamstring strains, and Tyler Adams does not report until Tuesday.
Forward Tyler Boyd made his debut, one of five changes. The 24-year-old attacker made five appearances for New Zealand before Fifa approved his switch to the US last month. Forward Jozy Altidore made his first appearance since the October 2017 loss at Trinidad and Tobago that ended the Americans’ streak of seven World Cup appearances. His presence didn’t help: the US have now failed to score for 266 minutes.
Berhalter was hired in December to implement an attacking, possession-oriented style, and he lamented a lack of speed and aggression against Jamaica. That didn’t improve on Sunday.
