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U.S. coach Bob Bradley

The U.S. team arrived in Venezuela for the America Cup on June 26 with only seven players from the roster that won the championship of North and Central America and the Caribbean over Mexico in the final two days earlier.

Using a squad in which 16 players had 10 international appearances or fewer, including three who had never played internationally, the United States lost its first two matches against Argentina and Paraguay by a combined score of 7-2. The U.S. was eliminated before it even played its final group stage game against Colombia, also bounced from the tournament when Brazil beat Ecuador 1-0 Wednesday night.

He said the Americans "opted to send a team with some players who aren't their regulars. That doesn't please us," Deluca told the AP.

However, he said the organization hopes for continued U.S. participation in the tournament.

Like the United States, Brazil also was short some stars, including Ronaldinho and Kaka, who asked to be rested. The Brazil squad changes are part of a long-term effort by new coach Dunga to freshen the lineup.

Six members of the United States' CONCACAF Gold Cup team were sent back to their clubs in Major League Soccer, while another, U.S. coach Bob Bradley's son Michael, was sent with the American youth side to the Under-20 World Cup in Canada.

The United States and Mexico are the two invitees from North America. Mexico has regularly been a top contender and when first invited in 1993 lost in the final to Argentina. In 2001, Mexico made the final again and lost to Colombia.

"Mexico is always a candidate to win the Cup. It's in the race. It's one of the best," Deluca said.

He contrasted the second-tier U.S. team to that sent by Argentina, which includes top regulars Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Juan Roman Riquelme.

"In Argentina it's normal," Deluca said. "It's very difficult for Argentina to go anywhere with an alternate team."