The United States men’s national team (USMNT) has been eliminated from the Concacaf Nations League, losing to Panama in the semifinals. The result is a wake-up call for the team and head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who faces questions about his team selection, striker role, and overall strategy.
Pochettino’s decision to start Christian Pulisic in an attacking midfield role was widely criticized, with fans calling for Gio Reyna or Diego Luna to play alongside him. The move saw Tyler Adams relegated to the bench, while McKennie was pushed out wide, raising questions about Pochettino’s tactical approach.
The striker dilemma has also proven difficult for Pochettino to solve, with Josh Sargent, Patrick Agyemang, and Brian White failing to make an impact against Panama. The lack of a clear starting striker has been a persistent issue since Gregg Berhalter’s tenure, and Pochettino must now figure out who will lead the team forward.
In the third-place match, Pochettino should shake things up by giving more players an opportunity to start. Players like Patrick Agyemang, Brian White, Reyna, or Luna could earn a starting spot, while Zack Steffen or Patrick Schulte might also be given a chance. The team’s performance will be crucial in this match, and fans expect a change in lineup.
Overall, the USMNT’s elimination from the Concacaf Nations League is a stark reminder that there is work to be done under Pochettino’s leadership.
Source: https://www.si.com/soccer/an-embarrassing-defeat-takeaways-from-usmnt-concacaf-nations-league-elimination