With star Landon Donovan out, and Clint Dempsey looking like he a is no go early on, it made an uphill battle turn into the near impossible, as the Stars and Striples battled Spain in the first half. Spain continually was on the offensive working against a United States defense that was already playing without starters Jonathan Bornstein and Carlos Bocanegra. The defense didn't look on the same level with the Spaniards in the first half. After many near misses, including Alvaro Negrado striking the crossbar in the 17th minute, Spain made it look like childs play in the latter third of the first half, as David Silva got the pass to Santi Carzola for the first goal at the 28th minute.
Negrado was back in the action in the 32rd minute as he beat American defender Eric Lichaj on a long ball from mid fielder and team captain Xabi Alonso for the second goal of the half.
Silva again looked like he may score again in the 38th minute before his shot was blocked by goaltender Tim Howard.
The United States had their best chance in the first half in the 40th minute as Robbie Rogers pushed a shot wide of the goal. Spain came right back downfield to answer and make it 3-0 as Carzola got his second goal of the match to make it 3-0 in the 41st minute.
Manager Bob Bradley will certainly look to make changes at halftime to stop the bleeding that went on in the last minutes of the first half.