The United States will head into the final day of the Walker Cup with an 8-4 advantage over Great Britain and Ireland.
It had looked promising for the visiting side when they established a two and a half to one and a half advantage after the morning foursomes but they did not prosper following the change of format.
The US were victorious in six of the eight singles with only Nathan Kimsey and Gavin Moynihan avoiding defeat for GB&I.
Kimsey claimed a half from his clash with Justin Thomas while Moynihan enjoyed a 2&1 victory over Patrick Rodgers.
The afternoon struggles were in contrast to a morning session which GB&I edged.
The first match was halved with GB&I winning the next two before the United States won the final foursome of the session.