Sunderland have continued their preparations for the new season by losing 1-0 to Sacramento Republic on their US tour opener at Bonney Field.
Sacramento, who play in the United Soccer League, caused problems for the Sunderland defence in the early stages, but the hosts missed a good chance when Emrah Klimenta fired wide after finding space in the box.
The Black Cats improved as the first half progressed, with Jermain Defoe and Steven Fletcher linking up well in attack to create a chance for the former England forward, who poked just wide from his strike partner's flick-on.
Fletcher then twice missed good opportunities to break the deadlock as he sliced a shot past the post before sending an Adam Matthews cross over in the closing stages of the first half.
Much like the opening to the game, Sacramento were on top after the break as Max Alvarez sent a shot just a few inches over the crossbar.
The home side were rewarded for the extended spell of pressure just before the hour mark when Cameron Iswa, who was sent on just a minute earlier, picked out the bottom corner after collecting a clever pass from Alvarez on the edge of the box.
Sacramento threatened to double the lead a few moments later when the impressive Alvarez sprinted into space before testing Vito Mannone with a low strike.
The Black Cats struggled to threaten for much of the second half, but they came close to finding an equaliser when Duncan Whatmore sprinted clear before seeing his effort kept out by Patrick McLain.
Callum Mulvihill
