They flew to South Korea with a squad that included nine players who had tasted bitter disappointment at France 98, returning home in disgrace after losing all three matches.
There was little to suggest marked improvement this time around.
However, assisted by new talent from the unlikely breeding grounds of Columbus Crew and San Jose Earthquakes, the US team are sending shock waves across the world.
Columbus' Brian McBride, who scored the first goal against Mexico, has had an excellent World Cup.
A big target up front, he makes life difficult for defenders and impressed then-Preston manager David Moyes during an eight-month loan to the Division One side in 2000.
Although a deal fell through to sign him then, he looks a fair bet to be approached by European clubs again and his bruising, high-energy style may suit the Premiership.
Strike partner Landon Donovan, of San Jose, is the hottest young thing in Major League Soccer at the moment.
He has explosive pace and a cool eye for goal - as shown against Poland and Mexico - and, if football does catch fire in the USA, he and Chicago midfielder DaMarcus Beasley are likely to become pin-up heroes.
Despite the exciting flair of these two 20-year-olds, Arena would be the first to admit that his team lack the ball-playing imagination of some other nations.
More crucial to their progress, is fitness, organisation and an inspired goalkeeper called Brad Friedel.