Ghana 2, US 1. Finally, a horrible start and defensive lapses got us. Not a surprise. (Although, surprisingly, Howard was poor on both goals.) Clark started over Edu and in the first five minutes lost possession in midfield in a sequence that led to a goal. Gyan scored the winner in extra-time on a long ball that either Bocanegra or Demerit should have dealt with.

We're out. Crap.

The lads gave us some great stuff, no doubt. The Slovenia and Algeria matches were all-time USMNT classics. Our team was flawed -- laughably poor defense the chief flaw -- but also exciting and inspirational and determined and really, really fun to watch.

The end is so very painful.

FF