An honorable exit for young Americans against a wave of Dutch goals

Denzel Dumfries, who set up Depay on goal, delivered an almost identical pass just before half-time to give the Netherlands their second. Once again the American defense was caught flat-footed as Dumfries fired the ball from the right wing towards the front of the goal. This time it was Daley Blind, the Dutch full-back, who broke away from a defender to hit the pass and score.

The United States’ only goal came in the 76th minute, seemingly defying the laws of physics. Christian Pulisic drilled a cross into the box that Haji Wright could only graze by reaching back with the outside of his right foot away from the goal. The ball bounced off Wright’s foot, flew parabolic in the air, and somehow rolled into the left post.

Wright had given the Americans a lifeline at 2-1 but Dumfries ripped it away five minutes later when he shot from close range after once again being left uncovered by the US defense.

“I would say we’ve defended very, very well in the last three games,” said midfielder Tyler Adams. “And today the three goals come from moments when we probably slept a bit.”

In the general American consciousness, which only seems to adjust to the machinations of its national team every four years, the team may now be entering a period of lull. Other games and competitions are coming back to the fore in the country’s sporting landscape.

But behind the scenes, the gears keep turning. Berhalter is nearing the end of a four-year deal and the coach and team will soon have to make a decision on whether to keep him for another four years to nurture and shape the roster ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

“In the next few weeks I will clear my head, sit down and think about how to proceed,” said Berhalter.