The United States Men's National Team concluded its 2009 campaign on Wednesday with a 3-1 defeat at Denmark.

Jeff Cunningham scored his first international goal for the Americans in the 26th minute, but the Danes rallied to score three times in eight minutes early in the second half to claim the win.

Both sides have already qualified for next summer's World Cup, but after losing 1-0 to Slovakia on Saturday, the U.S. was hoping to finish off the year in positive fashion.

The game started well with Cunningham making the most of a poor clearance by Denmark goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen, who gave the ball away to Cunningham and was beaten by a low shot from the top of the box.

However, Danish manager Morten Olsen brought on a number of substitutes, and all three goals scored by the home side came from players who were not in the starting 11.

Johan Absalonsen grabbed the equalizer in the 47th minute after a long ball from Simon Kjaer, and he then turned provider five minutes later by setting up Soren Rieks inside the area.

The third goal arrived in the 55th minute when Jakob Poulsen set up Martin Bernburg to extend the lead.