So, after going up 1-0, the USMNT loses 3-1 to Italy in the Confederations Cup. Some thoughts:

-- The red card on Ricardo Clark was utterly preposterous. In no league or place in the world was that a red card. I thought Clark was doing well (as was the whole team) before the card.

-- Altidore (although he missed a near-sitter) is a real threat; the Italians took him seriously.

-- Feilhaber, who I've been touting, had a poor game. His nice pass to Jozy (after which Jozy was fouled for Donovan's successful PK) does not excuse his overall weak performance. He made bad passes and was dispossessed frequently (including on the Rossi goal).

-- The offside-anulled own goal was a very, very close call.

-- After going down 2-1, I don't see why guys with offensive spark and technical skills -- e.g., Adu and/or Torres -- weren't subbed in.

-- Dempsey needs to start a game on the bench. He's just not bringing it for nats games.

FF