U.S. falls to Spain in soccer friendly

Two years ago, the United States pulled off one of the biggest upsets in its history when it toppled Spain, 2-0, at the Confederations Cup in South Africa.

Saturday's friendly match on home soil looked strikingly different.

The United States fell behind 3-0 in the first half and never recovered, losing, 4-0, to the World Cup champions in front of 64,121 fans at Gillette Stadium.

"When you challenge yourself against the best teams, you have to accept that this is the way it can be sometimes," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said. "You can't compare this to two years ago. This is a friendly where we're starting the Gold Cup in three days."

Bradley opted not to field his "A" team in the first half, saving many of his star players for next week's Gold Cup -- the top prize for Team USA this summer. His son, midfielder Michael Bradley, right back Steve Cherundolo and midfielder Clint Dempsey -- all usual starters -- watched the first half from the bench. Captain Carlos Bocanegra and leading scorer Landon Donovan, who was sidelined with illness, did not make the 18-man roster.

"[Donovan] started showing signs late yesterday," Bradley said. "Today, he was just a little weak and hopefully, this is a 24-hour thing and he'll be ready to go."

The U.S. team was not ready to go against Spain's vaunted attack and dynamic midfield in the first half. Santiago Cazorla struck twice in the 28th and 41st minutes, and Alvaro Negredo scored in the 32nd minute.

Spain's David Silva was a nuisance all day, penetrating the United States' back line a number of times and setting up both of Cazorla's goals.

"He's controlled the ball well when he's had to and moved the ball around well when he's had to. He had a great game," Spain head coach Vicente del Bosque said.

The United States was allowed six substitutions and used them all. Michael Bradley, Dempsey, Cherundolo, Chris Wondolowski and Clarence Goodson all came on at the start of the second half. Alejandro Bedoya came on in the 65th minute.

The U.S. team generated some chances in the second half, but Spain scored its final goal with Fernando Torres' strike in the 73rd minute. Spain outshot the Americans 20-6, and put eight shots on goal. Team USA managed just one.

"Every game you lose, it hurts, but we can learn from it," Cherundolo said. "Today shows how much better we need to be under pressure."

The U.S. team left for Detroit, where it opens Gold Cup play Tuesday against Canada.

"The first game of any tournament is always a tough one and we expect a tough game against a good rival," Bradley said.