HARRISON, N.J. (AP) — The United States is consistent as it prepares to host next year's World Cup: The Americans keep losing to top 25 teams and home games feel like road matches as fans cheer opponents.

“Going up to the World Cup we need to build confidence within ourselves and give the fans confidence, so it’s disappointing to lose the game, for sure,” forward Folarin Balogun said after Saturday's 2-0 defeat to South Korea in a friendly.

With a crowd of 26,500 cheering on the Taegeuk Warriors, Son Heung-min scored in the 18th minute and set up Lee Dong-gyeong’s goal in the 43rd. The 15th-ranked Americans are winless in their last seven games against top 25 teams and have been outscored 17-3, including 11-1 in five straight losses.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino's ever-positive outlook w

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