The U.S. national team suffered its first loss since failing to qualify for the World Cup, as Ireland provided the young Americans a valuable lesson
The U.S. national team took a step up in competition on Saturday, and it showed. Facing a Republic of Ireland side that wasn't a powerhouse, but did have the clear edge in experience, the Americans watched a first-half lead fade into a second-half collapse in a 2-1 loss.
It wasn't so much about Ireland having quality as it was the Irish showing the poise to push hard in the final moments for a result, catching the young Americans napping in a match the U.