The United States Men's National Team headed overseas Tuesday to face Ireland in a friendly in Dublin. The Irish notched a goal just seven minutes in, a sure harbinger of things to come.
Anthony Pilkington got Ireland on the board almost immediately, but the USMNT seemed game for a fight. Both Fabian Johnson and Jozy Altidore rang the post in the first half, and Mix Diskerud scratched across a goal to draw even.
It appeared the Americans had awoken, ready to wrest control of the match after halftime.
The second half belonged to the Irish, however, and the American defense had no answers. Three more goals -- two within the final 10 minutes -- buried the US side, which couldn't get back on equal footing after allowing Ireland's second goal to Robbie Brady in the 55th minute.
Brady's goal was the result of some sloppy midfield play and poor defense, something that is not uncommon with the Americans of late.
James McClean added the third goal for the Irish side in the 82nd minute, and Brady scored on a free kick later to add further insult.
Of course, Jurgen Klinsmann didn't have his top side on the field Tuesday, which obviously played a huge role. Still, the Americans have now lost four straight matches dating back to their World Cup defeat to Belgium.
