Sluggish afternoon puts U.S. in Ryder Cup hole, 10-6

Another day, another afternoon collapse for the U.S. team at the 2014 Ryder Cup.

The Americans failed to win any of their foursomes matches on Saturday, falling behind Europe 10-6 as the teams head into Sunday’s singles matches.

That score might sound familiar -- the Europeans overcame a 10-6 deficit two years ago in the so-called “Miracle at Medinah.” But the odds seem exceedingly slim for an underdog U.S. squad playing on foreign soil.

“Hopefully we get some good pairings and some guys out early to go make a move,” Jordan Spieth said. “Obviously that’s going to be key.”

Spieth and partner Patrick Reed have been a rare bright spot for their team. On Saturday, they won in the morning but let a lead slip away and halved their match with Martin Kaymer and Justin Rose after lunch.

That half-point was the best the U.S. could manage. Zack Johnson and Matt Kuchar lost, 2 and 1, to Jamie Donaldson and Lee Westwood. Jim Furyk and Hunter Mahan fell, 3 and 2, to Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia.

In the final match of the day, Jimmy Walker and Rickie Fowler were soundly defeated, 5 and 4, by Victor Dubuisson and Graeme McDowell.

“This afternoon was just sloppy,” Reed said.

The fourth match of the afternoon was never in doubt for Europe, not with Victor Dubuisson and Graeme McDowell sprinting to a quick lead over Jimmy Walker and Rickie Fowler.

The Americans seemed tired after halving a tense match with Rory McIlroy and Ian Poulter in the morning. Dubuison and McDowell ended up winning.