Well, that was… unexpected; although, I’m not quite ready to re-throw Team USA back under the bus. After a pathetic penalty call — watch the beginning of the video and tell me what, exactly, Jay Heaps did besides take an elbow the face — the wheels absolutely came off Team USA’s defense, allowing three more goals over the next 23 minutes. Until Bob Bradley’s team fell flat on its face in the second half, they had only allowed two goals to be scored against them. Over the course of the entire Gold Cup. To say this was an unexpected outcome is understating it a little.

As bad as Team USA’s defense looked in the second half, the Mexicans looked that good. Precision passing, and strong counter attacks that left the US flat-footed quickly turned a competitive game into an absolute route. Granted, a lot is being said about Bob Bradley not using his “A Team” for the Gold Cup, something Team USA played beyond as they made an impressive run to yesterday’s final. Unfortunately, they were completely exposed by Mexico’s quickness and skill; so much so, it inspired this accurate statement from New York Daily News‘ Filip Bondy:

The Americans appeared a throwback to the days when the national team was a bunch of slow, white, suburban kids.

More than likely, only two players from yesterday’s game will see any time when the World Cup qualifying rematch takes place on August 12 — Brian Ching and Stuart Holden. Meanwhile, the Mexicans used a good portion of their “A Team” in smashing the Americans.

Nevertheless, such a lackluster second half showing puts Bob Bradley and crew back on the “are they good or not” yo-yo. The Mexicans, for their fantastic effort, received this big bastard of a trophy — perhaps the biggest in all sports.

Tags: Beatdowns, Gold Cup, Team Mexico, Team USA

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