If you haven’t watched US v Nigeria matchup in Group B of the Olympics, look away now.

The United States met Nigeria in a game that could see the US advance with a win or draw. Their chances were drastically lowered when defender Michael Orozco threw an elbow, earning a red card less than 5 minutes into the game. The United States then had to play the 85 remaining minutes a man down against a potent Nigerian attack. The next 85 minutes saw a valiant effort by the United States, weathering waves of attack by Nigeria. Sascha Kljestan’s late penalty proved too little too late as the US lost 2-1. Japan was unable to help the Americans, who could still advance with a Netherlands loss or tie, after losing 1-0, effectively ending the United States Olympic campaign. 

Despite the disappointing end to the tournament, the United States can take away several positives. Stuart Holden had a very solid tournament, as did Sascha Kljestan. Freddy Adu showed some of his potential against the Netherlands, dribbling around up to 4 Dutch defenders, but failing to finish. Brad Guzan had a solid tournament, and made several key saves against Nigeria, keeping the US in the game till the very end. I was unimpressed by Benny Feilhaber who, minus his last minute header off the post against Nigeria, was overall unimpressive during his time on the field. 

It’s hard to imagine what Michael Orozco was thinking when he threw an elbow so early in a game that meant so much. We will have to wait and see what Orozco has to say about the elbow, any guesses? 

San Jose Earthquakes striker Kei Kamara has been called up to the Sierra Leone national team for their upcoming World Cup Qualifying matches. Sierra Leone will play Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria, and South Africa twice, between June 1st and 21st.