US game heads south at Copa America
It looks as if the US soccer team's trip to Venezuela is going to be a short one.
Four days after being routed by Argentina in their Copa America opener, the Americans were humbled again last night in a 3-1 loss to Paraguay in Barinas that put them on the brink of elimination from South America's championship.
Argentina and Paraguay reached the quarterfinals by winning their second straight Group C games. Venezuela, assured of finishing no worse than one of the two best third-place teams, advanced from Group A without playing. Mexico advanced from Group B Sunday. The United States and Mexico are invited guests.
Ricardo Clark's goal in the 40th minute had tied the score 10 minutes after Edgar Barreto had put Paraguay ahead.
But Oscar Cardozo's goal in the 56th minute gave Paraguay a 2-1 lead. Salvador Cabanas scored his third goal of the tournament in injury time after the Americans blew chance after chance .
Clark's first international goal in nine appearances, set up by a one-touch pass from the Revolution's Taylor Twellman, was little consolation for the Americans, who lost their second straight after going 10-0-1 to start the year. It also was their first loss to Paraguay in five games.
The 13th-ranked United States (0-2) would have to rout No. 31 Colombia in the final group stage game and get lots of help from other teams.
After winning the Gold Cup with many established players, US coach Bob Bradley brought a largely young and untested squad to Copa America and its inexperience was evident.
After falling apart against Argentina in the second half, the Americans were sloppy from the start against Paraguay. The US had a 14-12 advantage in shots, but Eddie Johnson, Justin Mapp, and Drew Moor all missed great chances in the last 15 minutes.
The Americans gave up a sloppy goal to Barreto in the 30th minute, but Clark temporarily sparked the Americans 10 minutes later, burying a hard, right-footed shot just inside the near post from just inside the penalty area.
Argentina 4, Colombia 2 -- Juan Ramon Riquelme scored twice in Maracaibo for Argentina, which is seeking a 15th South American championship.
Hernan Crespo pulled a hamstring scoring on a 20th-minute penalty for Argentina and was replaced by Diego Milito. 