just a few dozen spectators braved the rainy conditions at shelter-less National Stadium on Thursday night to watch the second of two friendly matches against the visiting Americans.

Bermuda's Olympic team gained some satisfaction in preventing the Americans from adding to their two goals in the first half.

But on a day when the United States scored three decisive victories over local opposition (Bermuda also lost to US teams in the under-16 and under-19 Youth Cup finals), the gulf between the two countries was made quite evident.

To add to it all the BFA, who spent some $46,000 on the tour, also suffered a big financial loss. As one spectator said: "The only thing the BFA will be counting is the float.'' Still, BFA president Charlie Marshall was philosophical about the venture.

"It's part and parcel of the building programme,'' said Marshall.

"Just 750 paid to come in on Tuesday, so we're going to lose on this.

Fifteen hundred to two thousand should have paid to come in. I'm very pleased with the performance of our team, the youngsters learned a lot and can only grow from here.'' Marshall hinted that there was a possibility of reciprocal tours in the future, with Bermuda teams going to the United States to compete in tournaments "to maximise the exposure our youngsters will get''.

Jan Osborne, Chicago-based director of national teams for US soccer, added: "I hope the BFA is not unhappy with the results, it was good for the development of their teams as well.'' The US `B' team played with more purpose and looked the better team throughout.

"These players, we hope, will be absorbed in the new pro league,'' said Osborne, who has been with US Soccer since 1986 and was here with their national team in 1991.

The Americans threatened a goal rush after getting off to a two-goal lead early in the first half. The Bermuda youngsters, captained by Andrew Rahman of Somerset, showed a willingness to compete but were undone by goals in the sixth and 12th minutes.

The first came from a move on the left, which saw a short pass inside the box for Brian McBride to drive past Damien Tucker from six yards.

Another smart build-up produced the United States' second goal for Jason Kreis who got in a free header that went in off the far post.

Bermuda did not force their first corner until the 17th minute, which was subsequently wasted and there was not a shot on goal during the opening 45 minutes.

Bermuda produced a stellar defensive performance in the second half as Hewvonnie Brown replaced Tucker in goal and kept the Americans at bay with some outstanding saves.

There were also some scoring opportunities for Bermuda in the second half as Raynel Lightbourne had a shot blocked by 'keeper Mike Ammann late in the match.

Five minutes from the end, substitute Allan Prampin finally beat Brown but the ball bounced back off the far post into the arms of the 'keeper.

"It's nice when the score is not a real big one,'' said Bermuda coach Carlton (Pepe) Dill afterwards. "We came into this match for the exposure and experience and we were aware that the level the Americans were playing at was far higher than we can achieve at this stage.

"They (US) handled themselves well, I was impressed with the way they ran off the ball and the good, accurate passing. I thought they were very professional.'' Dill singled out Lightbourne, defender Dana Outerbridge and midfielder Meshach Wade for praise, as well as goalkeepers Tucker and Brown.

"There were some good individual spots for us,'' said Dill. "I was hoping they didn't demoralise us. It's difficult when we only play at this standard of football once a year or whatever.

"We'll assess the situation and decide what we must do next.'' Olympic Team: D.Tucker (H.Brown, 45 mins; R.Tucker, 87 mins); A.Rahman, D.Bailey (J.Belboda, 45 mins), D.Outerbridge, D.Charles (J.Samuels, 65 mins), Q.Aberdeen, M.Wade, O.Steede, K.Tucker (A.Thomas, 70 mins), R.Lightbourne, A.Russell.

United States `B': M.Ammann; T.Yeagley, B.Harte (T.Ianni, 77 mins), J.Vanacour, B.Hamler (M.Heald, 66 mins), B.Ward, Jorge Salcedo (A.Prampin, 45 mins), J.Kreis, M.Komosko, J.Dunn, B.McBridge.

Referee: Esten Curtis.

Men of the match: Dano Outerbridge (Bermuda); Matt Komosko (United States `B').

Picture: Tamell Simons SOAKING UP THE PRESSURE -- A rain-drenched United States `B' substitute Alan Prampin has his path to goal stopped by Bermuda pair Dano Outerbridge, left, and Meshach Wade during a heavy downpour on Thursday night at National Stadium.