Even-par goal for reigning U.S. Open champion Spieth

Jordan Spieth set his sights on finishing the U.S. Open at even par, after ending round two eight shots off the pace at four over.

Defending champion Spieth was visibly frustrated at times on Saturday as he carded a second successive 72 to lose further ground on the leaders, headed by Dustin Johnson.

Spieth had said prior to the tournament that he expected an over-par winner at Oakmont given the difficulty of the course, but heavy rain has led to conditions being slightly easier than expected so far.

"Well, I said that Monday without knowing what the weather would bring, if the course was firm," said the world number two, who was set for a swift return to action as round three got under way.

"I still like even par. I think we're capable of shooting four under on the weekend, so that's our goal.

"That's what we're going to try and do these next two rounds.

"It's still very playable if you're in the fairways, which means under par can be shot, but at the same time, I'm sticking to our number of even par.

"If we get there and we don't win, then I'm not going to hang my head whatsoever."

Spieth pipped Johnson to last year's U.S. Open at Chambers Bay, the latter three-putting the 18th to hand his rival victory.