HOUSTON - The United States prepared for its opening game in the final round of World Cup qualifying with a dull 0-0 draw against Canada on Tuesday as defender Omar Gonzalez returned to the American national team lineup after a two-year absence.
U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann changed all 11 starters from November's 2-2 draw at Russia and may change the entire lineup again for the Feb. 6 qualifier against Honduras at San Pedro Sula.
Gonzalez, making his third international appearance, was joined by three players making their national team debuts: Tony Beltran, Matt Besler and Justin Morrow. Will Bruin and Alfredo Morales made their debuts when they entered in the 74th minute.
Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore and most other regulars remained with their clubs in Europe.
On a night when the 28th-ranked Americans' movement was slow and accuracy was sloppy, Benny Feilhaber generated the only U.S. shot on target in the second half. No. 64 Canada, rebuilding after getting knocked out in the semifinal round World Cup qualifying last year, fell 4-0 to Denmark on Saturday in Tucson.
