COUVA, Trinidad -- United States manager Bruce Arena took responsibility for the shock 2-1 defeat to Trinidad and Tobago that eliminated the Americans from the World Cup, but he also said nothing needs to change with the approach of U.S. Soccer.
The U.S. started the night in third place in the final round of World Cup qualifying in CONCACAF, but its loss, combined with Honduras' 3-2 win over Mexico, and Panama's 2-1 victory over Costa Rica dropped them to fifth place in the Hex, allowing the Canaleros to claim third place on goal difference, and the Catrachos to contest a playoff against Australia.
"I think it's disappointing. It's a blemish for us," said Arena. "We should be not be staying home for this World Cup. I take responsibility for that."
Arena's contract expires next July, while U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati will face opposition if he decides to stand for re-election in a vote set for February.
But asked how U.S. Soccer should respond to the defeat, Arena answered in a manner that is likely to infuriate American fans everywhere.
"There's nothing wrong with what we're doing," he said. "Certainly as our league grows, it advances the national team program. We have some good young players come up.
"Nothing has to change. To make any kind of crazy changes I think would be foolish. We're building a good system in our professional league. We have players playing abroad of some quality.
"There's enough there. There's no excuses for us not qualifying for the World Cup."
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http://www.espnfc.us/united-states/story/3226316/bruce-arena-on-united-states-missing-world-cup-we-failed-today
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