Jonathan Spector returned to his more familiar right-back position as the United States went down 2-1 to the Netherlands on Wednesday.
The West Ham United defender celebrated his 24th birthday on Monday and was one of only five American players to play the full 90 minutes at the Amsterdam ArenA. The US fell behind to Dirk Kuyt's goal six minutes from half-time before Klaas Jan Huntelaar doubled the advantage on 73 minutes. There was a late consolation from Carlos Bocanegra but the Dutch were always on top.
Spector had cemented the right-back berth in last summer's FIFA Confederations Cup when he played all five matches in South Africa as the US went all the way to the final. That was a warm-up for this summer's showpiece, when the US will take on England, Algeria and Slovenia in the group stage. Spector, who will likely play at left-back against Bolton Wanderers this weekend, has now won 24 caps.