When the United States women's national soccer team throttled Costa Rica at a Finley Stadium friendly in August 2015, it was almost easier to keep up with those who didn't score.
Carli Loyd and Heather O'Reilly each tallied two goals and Abby Wambach netted one in the first 25 minutes, as the World Cup champions built a 5-0 lead before cruising to a 7-2 victory before a crowd of 20,535.
Similar fireworks are not expected Friday night, when the U.S. men face Jamaica at Finley in the second friendly since Bruce Arena took over the coaching responsibilities from Jurgen Klinsmann, who was fired in late November. Arena's first friendly resulted in a 0-0 standoff against Serbia this past Sunday in San Diego.
"This time of year, the attacking players are a little bit behind," Arena told reporters Sunday night. "They're just getting their fitness back, and their touch and all that. They trail the other players, and you could see that today."
The U.S. national team lost its first two "Hexagonal" matches in qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, falling 2-1 to Mexico on Nov. 11 and 4-0 to Costa Rica four days later. So America's team will enter the 7 p.m. game in Chattanooga not only seeking its first goal in Arena's second coaching stint but its first since Bobby Wood took a pass from Jozy Altidore and beat two defenders early in the second half against Mexico in Columbus, Ohio.
Against Serbia, the two teams combined for just three shots on goal.
"Hopefully we're more dangerous going forward," Altidore told reporters Sunday. "I think that's the key. Defensively we did OK, but I thought we were just a bit toothless up there."
Altidore is serving as the lone striker on a 4-2-3-1 formation employed by Arena, who said he is not concerned by Sunday's outcome. Arena would rather have his team comfortable and effective on March 24, when it resumes Hexagonal play with a match against Honduras at a site to be determined.
Friday in Chattanooga will provide an opportunity for more familiarity.
"Bruce has come in and been a breath of fresh air," midfielder Alejandro Bedoya said. "The vibes are loose, and the attitudes are a little looser. Everybody is a little more free to express themselves, and I think that has worked out well in training."
Said Altidore: "We've got a few days to get at it, but unfortunately it will be a little more of the same. It's just hard. Some of these guys came off two months of not doing anything, so it's difficult to kind of just pick it up and be in midseason form."
Friday recognition
Altidore last Sunday played his 100th match of international competition, or cap, and he will be recognized for that accomplishment Friday night.
"Any time you can fulfill a childhood dream, it means a lot," Altidore said. "I'm incredibly proud and incredibly honored to have gotten this many opportunities for the national team and to join some incredible company."
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.