The Atlantic will separate Sunderland's players from their supporters this week, but more than 3,300 miles of water won't shield them from the fall-out over this latest setback.
Swathes of empty seats at the Stadium of Light offered compelling evidence towards the end of the game that many fans have had their fill of disappointment.
They arrived with hope after a 4-0 win at Crystal Palace but made early exits as the same scoreline kept Sunderland at the foot of the table.
Manager David Moyes was left to defend the decision to take his players to New York this week when others would prefer to see them battling the wind and rain of the training ground.