CINCINNATI -- Sloppy defense and careless goalkeeping sent the United States to another disconcerting loss Sunday, 3-0 to Venezuela in the Americans' final exhibition before the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Another bad start never got much better.
Venezuela surged ahead 3-0 in the first 36 minutes, the first time the U.S. had trailed by three goals in an opening half since June 4, 2011, against world champion Spain. Salomón Rondón had two of the goals, moving ahead of Juan Arango for the Venezuelan career scoring record with 24, and La Vinotinto beat the Americans for the first time after three defeats and two draws.