Jonathan Spector played the full 90 minutes as the United States lost 2-0 to Brazil in New Jersey on Tuesday night.
The Hammers defender, winning his 26th cap, filled the right-back berth and was always lively going forward, setting up the US's best chance for a consolation. His run and superb cross five minutes from time found the head of Herculez Gomes, only for Brazil keeper Victor to save well. As it was, first-half goals from Neymar and Alexandre Pato did the damage in front of 77,000 fans at the New Meadowlands Stadium.
Spector, 24, was part of a fairly youthful lineup, and said the US would learn from the experience against the South American side, who had previously beaten them in last year's FIFA Confederations Cup final. "We didn't keep the ball as well as we would have like to," he said. "Against teams like that, it's so important to keep the ball. Giving it away and then they're running at you again, it makes it difficult."
US coach Bob Bradley had nine of his 2010 FIFA World Cup squad starting while Brazil had the likes of Dani Alves, Robinho and Ramires involved from their own summer exploits in South Africa. Spector remained on the bench in his country's four games in June but this time got the nod ahead of the experienced Hannover 96 captain Steve Cherundolo.