Bermuda Under-20 experienced another steep learning curve after losing heavily to tournament hosts United States in Carson, California, yesterday.

Don Vickers’ side, who were defeated by Australia 4-1 in their first match of the four-team tournament, also including Chile, were soundly beaten at the home of US football, where the games are being held.

It was Bermuda who enjoyed the majority of the early possession but were unable to create much in the way of goalscoring chances and went behind on the half-hour mark.

Jahquil Hill, the Mansfield Town Academy goalkeeper, prevented Bermuda from falling further in arrears with a string of smart saves but could do little about the US’s second, a penalty, on 41 minutes.

Bermuda then committed the cardinal sin of conceding moments before half time to leave themselves facing a damage limitation exercise in the second half against their superior opponents.

Vickers made a trio of substitutions at the break with Rai Simons, the Ilkeston striker, Jaz Ratteray-Smith, the Somerset Trojans winger, and Jibri Salaam, the North Village midfielder, entering the fray.

However, it was the hosts who were still looking the more dangerous although at least Bermuda were looking more comfortable on the ball with Zaire Burchall, the Dandy Town midfielder, forcing a fine save from the US goalkeeper.

The pace of Bermuda’s wide players was causing the US a few problems on the counterattack but they were unable to reduce the scoreline.

In yesterday’s earlier match, Australia won their second successive game with a thrilling 5-4 victory over Chile who Bermuda face on Friday in their final outing of the tournament. Chile lost their opening game 2-1 against the US.

Bermuda, whose squad includes several overage players, were invited to the all-expenses paid tournament after a late withdrawal from an unknown team.