Invaluable Learning Experience.

"Heroic loss from the U.S."




The United States Men's National Team suffered a come-from-behind 3-to-1 defeat to Italy earlier today in opening round play of the 2009 Confederation's Cup in South Africa.

Ranked fourth in the world by FIFA, soccer's international governing body, Italy went down 1-0 in the 40th minute to a Landon Donovan penalty kick. But, per the standard operating procedure, 3 unanswered goals (2 of them by a Jersey boy, no less) saw the U.S.'s aspirations to advance out of the first round of what is but a dress rehearsal for next year's World Cup quickly, and expectedly, evaporate before Landon's very eyes.

"Heroic loss from the U.S. 3-1 with a man down. Lesser teams would have lost 3-0," wrote Omar Villegas from Highland Park, California.

Yeah. One more loss to Brazil on Thursday and the USMNT can come home with an invaluable learning experience that is sure to be a terrific aid in preparation for next year's World Cup, also being held in South Africa...

Where they will go 3 and out.

Yet again.