SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador -- The United States men's national team experienced precisely the kind of game against El Salvador that it expected, even if it wasn't the result -- or performance -- it wanted. And while the U.S walked away with something in tying 0-0 with Los Cuscatlecos, one couldn't help but sense that points were left on the table.
Some of the disappointment stems from how long the U.S. has waited to replace the humiliation of not qualifying for the 2018 World Cup with a happier memory. The twin triumphs of CONCACAF Nations League and CONCACAF Gold Cup -- not to mention an exciting generation of young players -- also served to increase expectations.