On a tough afternoon for US soccer supporters, the United States lost 4-0 to Spain in front of over 64,000 fans at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The United States started a mix of veterans and squad players against an equally experimental Spain. Without Landon Donovan (illness) or Carlos Bocanegra (rested), US coach Bob Bradley opted to leave regulars Michael Bradley, Steve Cherundolo, and Clint Dempsey on the bench.
As expected, Spain had the better attacking play, stringing together passes and creating opportunities. Santiago Cazorla opened the scoring in the 28th minute, capping several near misses by Spain. Xabi Alonso found Alvaro Negredo to make it 2-0 Spain four minutes later. It was 3-0 Spain in the 41st when Cazorla scored again, this time from a rebound. Fernando Torres made it 4-0 in the 73rd minute, sending in a shot that bounced off both posts before crossing the goal line.
Uncharacteristically, Bradley subbed on five players at halftime, bringing on Bradley, Cherundolo, and Dempsey along with Clarence Goodson and Chris Wondolowski. Bradley later subbed on Alejandro Bedoya, using all of his available field players. Spain also used all six of their substitutions, bringing on regular starting keeper Iker Casillas in the 77th minute.
Earlier in the day, Cobi Jones, Earnie Stewart, and Eddie Pope were officially inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Joining the three Player inductees were Veteran Bruce Murry and Builder Bob Gansler. The five new members of the Hall of Fame were introduced before the start of the game.
