Soccer <\/p>\n
ATLANTA \u2013 The US men\u2019s national team<\/a>\u2019s motto for the 2026 FIFA World Cup<\/a> is \u201cnever chase reality,\u201d an aspirational slogan meant to fire hopes of historic achievements on home soil this summer.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Reality bit back at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Tuesday night. Led by two assists from Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, Portugal showcased to a massive crowd of 72,297 why they\u2019re an established member of the global soccer elite with a polished 2-0 defeat<\/a> of the Yanks that drove home the growth needed for Mauricio Pochettino\u2019s side to compete at that level when the tournament kicks off.<\/p>\n \u201cWe had moments when it was good, but we want to win the game and they\u2019re a team that, you give them one chance, two chances and they\u2019re going to score,\u201d US and Vancouver Whitecaps FC<\/a> midfielder Sebastian Berhalter<\/a> told TNT\u2019s Melissa Ortiz postgame.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s frustrating. We know they\u2019re a good team, but we feel like we can hang. We feel like we can fight, compete and be there with them. It\u2019s frustrating to see the scoreline, but still moments to build on.\u201d<\/p>\n Or as New York City FC<\/a> goalkeeper\u00a0Matt Freese<\/a> ruefully put it: \u201cA few minor things were the difference today. As soon as those switch, it\u2019s a whole different ballgame.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n