Christian Pulisic's difficult start to the season appeared to take hold on Tuesday as he was left in tears having been substituted on international duty.
The 21-year-old was withdrawn on the hour mark with the United States drawing 0-0 with rivals Canada.
Canada went on to win the game 2-0, their first win over the US in 34 years, after goals from Alphonse Davies and Lucas Cavallini.
Pulisic is the star of Gregg Berhalter's side and so his withdrawal, given his emotional reaction, raised questions as to why he was taken off with the game in the balance.
Berhalter tried to justify the substitution following the defeat by revealing that the player had 'light fever' and was exhibiting 'flu-like symptoms' in the second half.
But replays appeared to show Pulisic tell his manager 'I'm fine' before he sat on the bench, struggling to keep his emotions in check on a frustrating evening both individually and as a team.