SANTANDER, Spain - The United States soccer team ended a two-game European trip with its second straight loss, giving up a late goal to Xavi Hernandez in a 1-0 defeat against Spain on Wednesday night.
Hernandez spun through a U.S. crowd at the top of the penalty area before holding off another marker and beating backup goalkeeper Brad Guzan with a low shot.
The Americans lost the opener of the trip 2-0 at England last week. They play Argentina, the world's top-ranked nation, at East Rutherford, N.J., on Sunday night before starting World Cup qualifying against Barbados on June 15 at Carson, Calif.
The United States, which dropped to 0-3 against Spain, broke up attacks for much of the night, and starting goalkeeper Tim Howard saved Fernando Torres' lone chance in the 24th minute.
Freddy Adu sent a dangerous centering pass into the penalty area in the 22nd. Moments later, Eddie Johnson beat goalkeeper Iker Casillas, but it was waved off on an offside call.
Spain, preparing for the European Championships, appeared disorganized but extended its unbeaten streak to 16. Coach Luis Aragones won for the 33rd time in 48 matches.
Spanish forward David Villa missed the game because of a thigh problem, and midfielder Andres Iniesta was out with food poisoning. U.S. forward Landon Donovan didn't play for the second straight national team match because of a groin injury.
At the Euros, Spain plays Russia (June 10), Sweden (June 14) and Greece (June 18).
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