By FRANCO PANIZO
Another friendly. Another 1-0 loss.
The U.S. men's national team was unable to score for the fourth time in six games under new head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, and as a result fell, 1-0, to France at Stade de France on Friday. The defeat dropped the U.S. team to 1-4-1 under Klinsmann.
Loic Remy scored the game's only goal minutes after entering in the second half, but the result could have been worse for the Americans if not for several quality saves from Tim Howard.
Playing against a young French side missing some of its star players, the U.S. team struggled to maintain possession and create chances. The Americans had to rely on shots from distance to trouble goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, but even those lacked venom and accuracy.
Led by Carlos Bocanegra and Steve Cherundolo, the U.S. defense did well against France's attack in the opening 45 minutes. The Americans held Karim Benzema, Franck Ribery and the rest of Les Bleus at bay for much of the first half despite the hosts' domination of possession.
France had more success breaking down the American defense in the second half. Benzema nearly opened the scoring when he got on the end of a corner kick, but his headed effort smacked off the crossbar.
The Americans weren't so lucky in the 72nd minute. Remy, who entered the match seven minutes earlier, got on the end of a long ball played over the top and fought off a Clarence Goodson challenge before hitting a low shot past Howard.
The defeat to France, which is the third all-time in as many games for the Americans, ensured that the United States will have a losing year for the first time since 1997.
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What do you think of the United States' 1-0 loss to France? Who impressed/disappointed you? What do you think needs to be different in order for the team to score?
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