LEIRIA, Portugal -- The U.S. men's national team closed the book on a thoroughly disappointing 2017 with a credible 1-1 draw against reigning European champions Portugal.
U.S. midfielder Weston McKennie, making his international debut, put the visitors on top in the 21st minute but a terrible error from goalkeeper Ethan Horvath allowed Portugal defender Antunes to equalize 11 minutes later.
Here are three thoughts from the Americans' final game of the year.
1. A glimmer of hope after disastrous 2017
Heading into Tuesday's friendly, there were questions as to why the U.S. even opted to play this game given the bitterness at failing to qualify for the World Cup.