Doug McIntyre
Football journalist
The U.S. males’s nationwide workforce concluded its annual January coaching camp with a second straight win to kick off 2025, beating regional rival Costa Rica 3-0 in a pleasant match Wednesday in Orlando.
With Christian Pulisic and almost each different high American participant unavailable this month as a consequence of European membership commitments, USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino has chosen a completely MLS-based beginning lineup. Vancouver Whitecaps ahead Brian White opened the scoring halfway by the primary half, with CF Montreal midfielder Caden Clark doubling the Americans’ lead with 13 minutes remaining. Charlotte FC striker Patrick Agyemang, who scored on his worldwide debut in final week’s 3-1 win over Venezuela, added the hosts’ third objective in added time:
“We are very, very completely satisfied, very happy with the efficiency,” Pochettino later informed the TNT broadcast. “It looks like we have been working (collectively) for not less than six months. And that is why I’m happier, as a result of the efficiency, the perspective, the power to adapt to new concepts – it is wonderful. And it says good issues, as a result of folks push to hitch the nationwide workforce.”
Game of the sport
Clark took his objective beautifully, however it’s arduous to look previous White’s first objective. Real Salt Lake attacking midfielder Diego Luna – who moments earlier had damaged his nostril as a consequence of an undetected Costa Rican elbow – fed the 28-year-old with a exact no-look go into the field. Meanwhile, White’s medical shot into the far nook demonstrated why he has been among the best American forwards on the home circuit in recent times.
“’Please, coach, let me proceed taking part in,’” Pochettino mentioned Luna informed him. After getting the all-clear from the workforce physician, the Blood Moon acquired again on monitor. “And on the primary motion, help, we rating,” Pochettino mentioned. “Big Balls”
He confirmed nice character – added Pochettino within the post-match press convention -. He is a participant that we’ll actually consider for the long run.’
Turning level
Former Manchester City reserve Zack Steffen has been named within the closing two 2024 USMNT rosters, however Wednesday marked the veteran’s debut below Pochettino. Steffen took full benefit of this.
With the USA nonetheless main 1-0, the previous USMNT and present No. 1 Colorado Rapids made a pair of top-class saves both facet of halftime to protect the lead for the hosts. The second particularly reminded us why Steffen, nonetheless solely 29, has a practical probability of incomes a spot within the World Cup squad subsequent 12 months.
“Anything is feasible,” Steffen informed TNT. “I felt good again there. It’s at all times good to make a few of these high-handed saves.”
“I feel he confirmed his qualities,” Pochettino mentioned.
Key statistic
It was Steffen’s first look for his nation in almost three years, since March 30, 2022, within the Americans’ closing World Cup qualifier of that cycle. That sport was additionally the USMNT’s most up-to-date assembly with the Ticos earlier than Wednesday’s matchup in Central Florida.
What is the way forward for the USMNT?
Pulisic, Weah and the remainder of the complete squad will reunite for the primary time in 4 months in March for the CONCACAF Nations League finals.
The United States will face Panama on March 20 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The winner will advance to the ultimate towards Canada or fundamental rival Mexico three days later.
The USMNT is aiming for a fourth straight Nations League crown.
Doug McIntyre is a soccer author for FOX Sports who has coated the United States males’s and girls’s nationwide groups on the FIFA World Cup on 5 continents. Follow him to @ByDougMcIntyre.
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