Rimando loses first match with US in 3-2 downer to Chile

Nick Rimando has lost his first match with the United States national team, with the Americans losing 3-2 to Chile.

The story of the first half was very much about Rimando saving America from Jermaine Jones as the central-most center back in a three-man backline; the second was more about saving everyone from Brek Shea — newly returned to the national team. Shea was more or less absent — both in mind and in position — in defense, despite scoring the opening goal.

The opening goal for the Chileans was hardly the fault of the Salt Lake man, with Jermaine Jones marking standing around while Roberto Gutierrez headed the ball perfectly.

DC United's Steve Birnbaum nearly scored on Rimando as well, but some quick reactions kept the States relatively unembarrassed. That would come later, when Chile equalized through Mark Gonzalez, beating a pass-anticipating Rimando at the far post with a tight-angle shot.

Chile took the lead in the 75th minute when Rimando was beat again by Mark Gonzalez. After making a superb first save, the ball fell to the attacker who fired in and, through a deflection, scored a goal.

While none of the problems were inherent to a formational approach, the inexperience of Jermaine Jones both as a center back and in a three-man backline surely didn't help the understanding necessary for such an approach to find real success.

Luis Gil, who is with the national team, wasn't named to the 18-man lineup for the match.