A somewhat second string USA team went down 4-2 to the Czech Republic in their penultimate home match prior to departure for the South African World Cup. Bob Bradley rested a number of key players including the likes of Landon Donovan and Tim Howard but would still have expected to put up a better display against a Czech side that will not be taking part in World Cup 2010.

 Coach Bradley subsequently named his 23-man squad well ahead of FIFA’s June 1^st deadline but his task of choosing was not made any easier by a lacklustre performance. The expected names such as Landon Donovan, Spector, Dempsey and Buddle were all included as was former Glasgow Rangers star DaMarcus Beasley. Despite not having played since March, he will get his chance to take part in his third World Cup as will Steve Cherundolo of Hannover.

The forthcoming match in Philadelphia against Turkey, which will be preceded by a visit to the White House, is the final chance to get home team spirit in motion before setting off for South Africa where they will play one more friendly against Australia prior to facing England in their opening match on June 12^th.