When the United States lost its first two games of the final round of World Cup qualifying, the headlines focused on the lack of defensive intensity and ability. And rightly so. In the first match against Mexico, the Americans conceded two goals, including an 89th-minute decider to sports movie foil Rafael Marquez. In the second, they turned in one of the most lackluster performances in recent memory, allowing Costa Rica to find the back of the net four times.
But if the defensive performance was concern No. 1, the lack of attacking prowess was No. 1-A. Over 180 minutes, the U.