Time finally runs out on US in 2010 World Cup

The charmed life is over.  After tempting fate time and time again over the course of the 2010 World Cup, the time finally ran out on the American men.  Once again they fell behind early.  This time after only 5 minutes of play when Ricardo Clark turned a ball over in the midfield to Kevin Prince Boateng who raced forward and beat keeper Tim Howard low to the near post.

It was business as usual for the US though as they were right where they had been in every match so far in South Africa.  Chasing the game and needing a goal.  The first half was a total loss as Ghana controlled play and held possession.

Halftime brought a new US team as they emerged from the break on the front foot and took the game to Ghana.  The Americans looked like a totally different team as they darted around the shocked Ghana squad.  Finally the hard work was paid off as Clint Dempsey was taken down in the penalty area.  Landon Donovan stepped up and pounded his penalty kick off the right post and into the net.  The US had fought back once again.

Neither team was able to find the winner in regular time and the game headed to overtime.  That's where Ghana would strike.  A nothing ball from the midfield found a huge gap between the two American centerbacks.   Ghana's Asamoah Gyan raced forward pushing the ball forward with his chest as the US tried to close him down.  It was not to be as Gyan ripped a shot that nearly took Tim Howard's head off on its way to bulging the net.  Ghana had the lead and they would not give it up this time.

The US had tempted fate one too many times.  A rally against England.  A furious fightback against Slovenia.  A stoppage time winner against Algeria.  Landon Donovan and the boys had no answer this time.  The end was harsh as the US played well after the first 30 minutes and the goal came against the run of play, but that's how the game goes.  It can be cruel for sure.