The world champions Spanish team is absolutely whipping an undermanned United States Men's National Team this afternoon at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts. Spain tallied three times in a 13 minutes span in the first half, with one goal being disallowed for offsides and two other shots clanking off the goal posts. In other words, their domination has been so complete, 3-0 really flatters the United States.
This is the worst first half deficit for the US men since 1980.
Santi Cazorla netted twice and Alvaro Negredo score as the US defense mostly watched the stunning display from the World Champions. The one positive thing US fans can take is that this is hardly the first choice American team. Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, Steve Cherundolo and Carlos Bocanegra are all either not starting or not playing in this game, but will clearly be starters when the US team takes the field in the Gold Cup in three days.
Still, it is disheartening to see a young US squad look as bad as they have so far. The strikers, Jozy Altidore and Juan Agudelo are nonexistent, but that's in large part to the fact that US midfield has shown no ability to get and keep possession. The young US defense has been absolutely terrible, often being caught flat footed and just watching as Spain pours numbers ahead and assaults Tim Howard with quality shots.
Bob Bradley has six substitutions to make at the half and will likely employ many of them as the US tries to put together a better effort over the last 45 minutes. Spain will also look to their bench, but of course they still have guy like Andres Iniesta and Fernando Torres waiting in the wings.