The United States had a lead for a mere three minutes in the World Cup.
Thanks to a porous defense and apathetic offense (including that of Phoenix native Robbie Findley), the U.S. had a solid but unspectacular run on the soccer world's biggest stage.
It's all over after a 2-1 loss to Ghana.
We know we've been ripping Findley the entire tournament, so why stop now? Especially when he failed to provide a jolt of electricity in any game he played.
Findley was in the game because of his speed, plain and simple. His job as a forward is to score goals. His quickness wasn't a factor and he, like the other American forwards, failed to find the back of the net in four games.
To be fair, Findley had a great chance in the first half to tie the game. But he blew it.
It's safe to say that starting Findley was a mistake by U.S. coach Bob Bradley. In all three games he started, Findley was subbed out -- twice at halftime.
If Findley wants to make the next squad at the 2014 World Cup, he'll need to improve on the international stage.
The offense clearly wasn't the only problem in the tournament for the United States.
A defense that looked slow and languid made a habit of giving up early goals, forcing the Americans to play catch up in nearly every game.
Don't the Americans have any young and talented defensemen around?
They need to be found before the next World Cup.
A bright spot for the Americans is clearly the midfield, headlined by Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey, which should stay intact four the next four years.
Goalkeeper is also a strong suit, as Tim Howard is one of the top 10 in the game. Although he could have been stronger at some moments, the emotion Howard brings is crucial for this team.
Another positive the United States can take away from this is the passion showed by fans across the country. Bars were full, faces were painted, and the red, white, and blue spirit was alive and well.
If the United States can improve their defensive backs and find some forwards who can score, they could make a run in 2014.
