USA manager Juergen Klinsmann believes it is not the fault of his inexperienced defenders that caused his side's defeat to Honduras on Wednesday.
The US gave up a one-goal lead to lose 2-1 to the Catrachos in their opening final round 2014 World Cup qualifying match and many critics suggests it was the fact that 24-year old Omar Gonzalez, 10-times capped Geoff Cameron, 25-year old Fabian Johnson and 22-year old Timmy Chandler made up the back four.
But Klinsmann has excused the quartet, who saw Juan Carlos Garcia produce a stunning overhead goal, whilst defending his selection choice, particularly of LA Galaxy's Gonzalez.
"We believe that Omar is ready for the next step at the international level, and the only way you find that out is to give him a chance and throw him the cold water," Klinsmann said.
"There will always be moments when there's miscommunication, but the backline is not the reason we lost that game."
He added: "Obviously no one expected a goal like this a couple moments after scoring the first one. It was just an outstanding thing that they did in that moment.
"We didn't hold the ball well and make the opponent chase the game, and so compliments to them today."
