The USA drew a blank against Czech Republic at the SheBelieves Cup, after Iceland edged New Zealand with a very early goal.
US head coach Vlatko Andonovski included five starters with fewer than 15 appearances for the match in Carson, California.
Rose Lavelle was not far off with an audacious 35-yard chip and Barbora Votikova saved a second-half effort from debutant Trinity Rodman.
Becky Sauerbrunn came off the bench to become the 12th player to reach 200 caps for the USWNT.
West Ham’s Dagný Brynjarsdóttir scored after only 48 seconds, as Iceland defeated New Zealand 1-0 in a game of few chances.
Erin Nayler punched s corner kick into the ground, the ball deflected of Guðrún Arnardóttir before Brynjarsdóttir turned it home.
New Zealand’s Rebekah Stott came off the bench to make her return after recovering from Hodgkin’s lymphoma, an aggressive form of cancer.
The US next play New Zealand in Sunday’s first match, with Iceland facing the Czech Republic in the evening game.
