USA Falls to England — Even Tougher Tests To Come

In the first of three friendly matches against soccer’s elite, the U.S. men’s team lost 2-0 to England yesterday in London, signaling that it has its work cut out for it if it’s to join the top ranks of soccer. Goals from England’s captain John Terry in the first half and Steven Gerrard in the second half were enough to see off an American team playing with a mostly first-choice side (but without Landon Donovan, who missed the match due to injury). Donovan’s L.A. Galaxy teammate, David Beckham, did make the trip to London for the game, and provided the cross for Terry’s headed goal in the first half. The Americans had only one real chance on goal, with Eddie Johnson flashing a shot just wide of the post. It was the first loss for America in 2008, and snapped a five-match undefeated streak.