The oddity after the USMNT's 2-1 defeat to Turkey was how optimistic the U.S. camp was about the overall effort.

Turkey won more duels, aerial duels, and had a higher success rate of tackles against the Americans, who seemed to lose the mentality game and intensity as the match progressed -- despite the fact that the home side had plenty more possession that led to substandard half chances.

One year before hosting the World Cup, the shorthanded United States men’s national team drops a 2-1 friendly with sloppy defense in rainy weather.