What happened Wednesday was not soccer — especially in the first half. It was an exercise in survival. It was a sport caught in the churn of an unrelenting washing machine cycle.

How does the U.S. measure where it's at after a stunning shutout loss to Mexico in the group stage finale followed by a dominant 3-0 answer against Colombia? Beyond the grit to withstand all Mother Nature offered, it doesn't.

What is the takeaway for Canada after producing a maple syrup-soaked defensive wall in the tournament coming in, outscoring opponents 14-0? Nada. Zero. Zilch.

Venue press officer Irene Gutierrez said a CONCACAF spokesperson indicated the decision to postpone play rested solely with the referee. The governing body has no say? When safety should be paramount?

The fact that CONCACAF wanted responses to come from a nameless spokesperson said what the organization would not. Accountability? Nah. It was buck passing of the highest order.

When asked whether the referee would be available to discuss the puzzling decision making, as is possible in the MLS, if not FIFA, Gutierrez was told no process is in place.

Tap dance much, CONCACAF? If the flimsiness of it all came from a teenager, they would be grounded for a month.

"You saw it. It was exactly what it looked like," said American striker Sophia Smith, who gave the U.S. a 2-1 lead in extra time before the finishing fireworks arrived. "It was hard. The ball wasn't rolling like how you want the ball to roll. You kind of had to change how you played.

"It wasn't an easy game to play. ... It obviously started down-pouring when we were in the locker room getting ready. Then when we came, we were like, 'Oh, this is bad.'"

A game twisted by the cranky conditions cropped up again and again.

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