Ching on US and the media

US forward Brian Ching:

Despite what some of the media have written, we are a tight group and continue to be that way. I really feel that due to the loss people are trying to find a problem with the team or look for negative things to write. I guess a story about rifts in the team makes for better news. When it comes down to it we know we made a few mistakes and were beat by a good team, but it happens.

If the US plays frenetically and intelligently, I give them a definite shot against Italy. We may not be the favorites, but we're now at the point where we can compete against anybody.