The United States males’s nationwide crew ended its annual January coaching camp with a second straight victory to kick off 2025, beating regional rival Costa Rica 2-0 in a pleasant match on Wednesday in Orlando.
With Christian Pulisic and nearly all the opposite high American gamers unavailable this month due to European membership obligation, USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino picked a wholly MLS-based beginning lineup. Vancouver Whitecaps striker Brian White opened the scoring halfway via the primary half, with CF Montreal midfielder Caden Clark doubling the People’ benefit with 13 minutes remaining. Charlotte FC striker Patrick Agyemang, who scored in his worldwide debut in final week’s 3-1 stroll over Venezuela, added the hosts’ third in stoppage time:
“We’re very, very blissful, more than happy with the efficiency,” Pochettino stated afterward on the TNT broadcast. “It appears like we’re working [together] for at the least six months. And that’s the reason I am happy probably the most, as a result of the efficiency, the perspective, the capability to adapt to the brand new concepts — that’s wonderful. And it says good issues, as a result of persons are pushing to be within the nationwide crew.”
Play of the sport
Clark took his purpose fantastically, however it’s onerous to look previous White’s opener. Actual Salt Lake playmaker Diego Luna — who’d had his nostril damaged by a undetected Costa Rican elbow moments earlier — served up the 28-year-old with a exact no-look move into the realm. Meantime, White’s scientific end into the far nook confirmed why he is been one of many home circuit’s high American strikers over the past a number of years.
“‘Please coach, let me preserve enjoying,” Pochettino stated Luna informed him. After getting the inexperienced mild from the crew physician, the bloodied Luna went again on. “And the primary motion, help, we rating,” Pochettino stated. “Large balls,”
He confirmed nice character,” Pochettino added in his post-match press convention. “He is a participant we’re for certain going to have in consideration for the longer term.”
Turning level
Former Manchester Metropolis backup Zack Steffen was named to the ultimate two USMNT rosters of 2024, however Wednesday marked the veteran’s debut underneath Pochettino. Steffen took full benefit.
With the U.S. nonetheless nursing a 1-0 lead, the previous USMNT and present Colorado Rapids No. 1 made a pair of high drawer saves on both aspect of halftime to protect the lead for the hosts. The second particularly was a reminder why Steffen, who continues to be simply 29, has a sensible likelihood to earn a World Cup roster spot subsequent 12 months.
“Something’s attainable,” Steffen informed TNT. “I felt good again there. It is all the time good to make a few of these top-handed saves.”
“I believe he confirmed his high quality,” Pochettino stated.
Key stat
It was Steffen’s first look for his nation in nearly three years, since March 30, 2022, within the People’ ultimate World Cup qualifying match of that cycle. That sport was additionally the USMNT’s most up-to-date assembly with the Ticos earlier than Wednesday’s encounter in Central Florida.
What’s subsequent for the USMNT?
Pulisic, Weah and the remainder of the full-strength squad will reconvene for the primary time in 4 months in March for the CONCACAF Nations League finals.
The U.S. will face Panama on March 20 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The winner will advance to the ultimate there in opposition to both Canada or chief rival Mexico three days later.
The USMNT is aiming for a fourth consecutive Nations League crown.
Doug McIntyre is a soccer author for FOX Sports activities who has lined the United States males’s and girls’s nationwide groups at FIFA World Cups on 5 continents. Observe him at @ByDougMcIntyre.
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