The Mauricio Pochettino era for the U.S. men’s national team commenced with a victory.
A goal from Yunus Musah in the 49th minute, paired with a late strike from Ricardo Pepi, secured a 2-0 win over Panama on Saturday night, witnessed by 20,239 fans in Austin, Texas.
Musah, starting in a wider position for the Americans under the new coach, netted his first goal for the U.S. with a timely run into the box. Pepi added to the scoreline with an assist from Haji Wright in the match’s closing seconds, marking his fourth goal at Q2 Stadium for the national team.
Though it wasn’t a flawless display during Pochettino’s debut as an international manager, the U.S. managed to conquer Panama. There were moments of careless errors while playing out from the back, and goalkeeper Matt Turner was required to make two significant saves in the second half. Additionally, José Fajardo squandered a clear chance in the dying minutes that could have equalized the score. Nonetheless, the U.S. secured a win against a team that had previously shocked them during the Copa America group stage, an outcome that resulted in the Americans being eliminated from the summer tournament and ultimately led to the coaching change that brought Pochettino on board.
The aim is that this victory will foster confidence and momentum as the U.S. embarks on its journey under Pochettino.
The first goal of the Mauricio Pochettino era belongs to Yunus Musah!
His first for the #USMNT!! pic.twitter.com/bMd6ANOJhf
— U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team (@USMNT) October 13, 2024
What were the impressions of Pochettino’s first starting XI?
Pochettino’s initial starting lineup contained several surprises, considering the available players.
In midfield, Aidan Morris and Gianluca Busio joined Musah in the lineup. At just 22, Busio had previously started for the U.S. Olympic team but has struggled to gain regular minutes with the senior national squad. Morris, also 22, has begun his career strongly with Middlesbrough following a standout tenure with the Columbus Crew in MLS.
Tyler Adams and Gio Reyna were absent from this camp due to injuries, while Weston McKennie commenced the match on the bench. It is likely that Pochettino was managing McKennie’s minutes, as he arrived with a considerable workload from Serie A and Champions League matches with Juventus. On Friday, Pochettino emphasized the importance of sending players back to their clubs in equal or better condition than when they arrived.
The first #USMNT starting XI of the Pochettino era 🇺🇸
Lineup Notes ⤵️
— U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team (@USMNT) October 12, 2024
Center back Mark McKenzie, who narrowly missed selection for the 2022 World Cup squad, was given an important chance to impress his new coach. With Chris Richards and Cameron Carter-Vickers sidelined by injury, McKenzie filled the gap next to veteran Tim Ream in the defense. The U.S. coaching staff had observed Mcenzie play for Toulouse in person prior to camp, and he held his own in the back line.
Notably, the 37-year-old Ream donned the captain’s armband for Pochettino.
A few other World Cup veterans also received starting positions, though in roles where the competition appears more open. Josh Sargent led the attack, showcasing good goal-scoring form with Norwich; Brenden Aaronson operated on the right wing; and Matt Turner was selected as the goalkeeper, despite having not played at the club level with Crystal Palace.
What adjustments did Pochettino make to the U.S. team’s play?
The U.S. set up to defend in a 5-2-3 formation, with Musah transitioning into a right wing-back position — a noticeable departure from his previous roles with the U.S. team.
This adjustment was rewarded with the first goal of the Pochettino era.
While playing from the wider position during a transition, Musah made a late run into the box from the right flank, connecting with a cross from Pulisic to finish from close range with a deft redirection in the 49th minute. This goal marked his first in 42 appearances for the U.S.
The sequence began with a long ball directed down the left side to Antonee Robinson, who won his one-on-one matchup before playing the ball to Pulisic. Pulisic then worked with Aaronson to create space before crossing for Musah’s late-arriving run.
It seemed as though the Americans were attempting to draw Panama into playing through the center of the pitch with their defensive structure, but the Panamanian players remained wide, aiming to stretch the field. This sometimes altered the U.S. team’s transitional play into attack. Typically, the U.S. has been known for wing play, leveraging Pulisic, Tim Weah, Robinson, and when fit, Sergiño Dest to create threats. However, against Panama, Pulisic and Aaronson often found themselves more centrally positioned underneath Sargent.
In the first half, the U.S. generated its most dangerous opportunities through set pieces. First, Pulisic executed a short corner to send a cross into a threatening area in the 11th minute, but McKenzie mistimed his header. Later, a free kick taken by Pulisic in the 42nd minute reached the far post, where Busio played a ball back across to Sargent, whose left-footed attempt soared over the crossbar.
Ultimately, the goal arose from the wide play, initiated by Robinson’s ability to surge up the left side, creating problems for the opposition, followed by Musah’s timely arrival.
run being rewarded.
What’s next for the U.S. men’s national team?
The U.S. will face a greater challenge in their upcoming match on Tuesday in Guadalajara, Mexico, where they will compete against their fiercest rival.
Matches against Mexico require a heightened level of intensity, especially when played away in a challenging atmosphere. Historically, the U.S. has struggled to secure results on the road in Mexico, although they did manage to earn a draw at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City during a World Cup qualifier in 2022.
Recently, the U.S. has enjoyed success over Mexico. Since suffering a 3-0 defeat in a friendly match in 2019, the Americans have gone 5-0-2 against Mexico, with victories in the Nations League finals and semifinals, the Gold Cup final, and a win and a draw during qualifying.
This friendly on Tuesday will be the first encounter between the two teams on Mexican soil since August 15, 2012, when the U.S. claimed a 1-0 victory at Azteca, marking the USMNT’s only win in Mexico in any official competition.
⚽⚠️ ¡GOOOOL DE ESTADOS UNIDOS!@Ricardo_Pepi9 anotó en tiempo de compensación y llegó a 11 goles en 29 juegos con @USMNT
🇺🇸 Estados Unidos 2-0 Panamá 🇵🇦
EN VIVO 📺 @Telemundo y 📱 Telemundo APP ➡️ https://t.co/UkH91xiWaR#USMNTenTelemundo #FutbolUSA #USMNT pic.twitter.com/OcLDALjZEs
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) October 13, 2024
Required reading
(Photo: Omar Vega / Getty Images)
U.S. Men’s National Team Triumphs in Pochettino’s Debut with 2-0 Win Over Panama
Overview of the Match
In an electrifying start to the new era under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) achieved a resounding 2-0 victory over Panama in a friendly match held at the famed Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida. This match marked Pochettino’s first outing as the head coach, and it set the tone for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Key Highlights from the Game
- First Half Dominance: The USMNT showcased a commanding performance in the first half, with aggressive pressing and quick transitions.
- Goals from Key Players: Goals from Christian Pulisic and Brenden Aaronson secured the victory.
- Defensive Resilience: The U.S. defense held strong against Panama’s attacks, culminating in a clean sheet.
Match Statistics
| Statistic | U.S. Men’s National Team | Panama |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 65% | 35% |
| Total Shots | 15 | 5 |
| Shots on Target | 7 | 2 |
| Corners | 6 | 1 |
| Fouls | 10 | 12 |
Player Performances
Christian Pulisic: A Game Changer
Captain Christian Pulisic played a pivotal role in the match, displaying his skill and leadership on the field. Pulisic’s goal in the 24th minute not only energized the team but also reaffirmed his status as a key player in the squad. His ability to navigate through defenders and create scoring opportunities was evident throughout the match.
Brenden Aaronson: Rising Star
Brenden Aaronson proved to be a revelation with his exceptional performance. Scoring the second goal in the 78th minute, Aaronson showcased his pace and precision, further solidifying his place in the national team setup. His youthful exuberance and tactical awareness were key to breaking down Panama’s defense.
Defensive Line: Stalwart Performance
The USMNT’s defensive line, led by Walker Zimmerman and Antonee Robinson, was impenetrable. The duo effectively nullified Panama’s attacking threats, allowing goalkeeper Matt Turner to maintain a clean sheet.
Tactical Analysis: Pochettino’s Strategy
Under Pochettino, the USMNT employed a high-pressing style reminiscent of his tenure at Tottenham Hotspur. Key tactical adjustments included:
- High Line of Engagement: The team pressed high up the pitch, forcing Panama into making mistakes.
- Fluid Midfield Movement: Midfielders interchanged positions frequently, creating overloads and confusing the opposition.
- Wing Play Exploitation: Utilizing the speed of the wingers, Pochettino’s tactics focused on wide play to stretch the defense.
Benefits of Pochettino’s Coaching for USMNT
With Mauricio Pochettino at the helm, the USMNT can expect several benefits:
- Enhanced Player Development: Pochettino’s emphasis on youth development will likely nurture the next generation of U.S. soccer stars.
- Improved Tactical Intelligence: His strategic acumen will bring a sophisticated approach to the team’s play.
- Boosted Team Morale: Pochettino’s reputation and rapport with players can foster a winning mentality.
Fan Reactions and Public Sentiment
The victory sparked an enthusiastic response from fans and analysts alike. Social media platforms were abuzz with excitement, as supporters expressed their optimism for the national team’s future.
Quotes from Fans
“Pochettino has brought a fresh energy to the team. This win is only the beginning!” – John D.
“I’ve never seen the team play with such confidence. Can’t wait for the next matches!” – Sarah L.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for USMNT?
As the USMNT gears up for upcoming World Cup qualifiers, the momentum gained from this victory will be crucial. Pochettino’s roadmap includes:
- Strengthening Team Cohesion: Continuous training camps and friendly matches to build chemistry.
- Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses: Analyzing game footage to refine tactics and player roles.
- Incorporating New Talent: Regular evaluations of domestic leagues to scout for emerging players.
First-Hand Experience: Attending the Match
Attending the match at Exploria Stadium was an exhilarating experience. The atmosphere was electric, with fans rallying behind the team. From the pre-match rituals to the final whistle, every moment was filled with anticipation and excitement.
Tips for Future Attendees
- Arrive Early: To soak in the pre-match festivities and avoid last-minute rushes.
- Wear Team Colors: Show your support by donning the team’s colors and gear.
- Engage with Fellow Fans: Connecting with other supporters enhances the experience.
Conclusion
The USMNT’s 2-0 win over Panama under Mauricio Pochettino signifies a promising start to a new chapter in American soccer. With a blend of young talent and experienced players, the future looks bright for the national team as they prepare to embark on their World Cup journey. The upcoming matches will be crucial in setting the stage for what fans hope will be a successful campaign.
