Davis: U.S. faces Brazil team in transition

The last time we saw the U.S. soccer team, pride of accomplishment was filling the center while disappointment charred the edges. Bob Bradley's men packed up and left South Africa with mixed feelings of a mission only partially accomplished.

So Tuesday's friendly outside New York is either an appreciation match of sorts, a semi-celebratory postscript to World Cup 2010 -- and one decorated with the best opponent U.S. Soccer could hope to find. Or it's simply the beginning to the next cycle as the Americans commence prep for qualification toward Brazil 2014.