JONATHAN Spector was unable to prevent America succumbing to defeat against world champions Italy in the FIFA Confederations Cup last night (Monday) in South Africa.

The West Ham United defender put in a solid performance for the USA but goals from Giuseppe Rossi and Daniele De Rossi handed Italy a 3-1.

Landon Donovan's penalty gave America the lead but their domination was cut short when they were reduced to ten men after Ricardo Clark was sent off.

The US will hope for better luck on Thursday when they take on Brazil. However, a defeat and a win for Italy against Egypt would mean America would be eliminated from the tournament.