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Boston Globe
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Will coach Mauricio Pochettino's US men's national team figure it out in time for next year's World Cup?
But first, there is the matter of the Gold Cup. The US will take a four-match losing streak (longest since 2007) into the opener against Trinidad and Tobago in San Jose, Calif., on Sunday. Again, the Americans will be deprived of the Serie A quartet — Weston McKennie and Tim Weah (Juventus) and Yunus Musah and Christian Pulisic (Milan). But even their experience did not prove to make a difference in defeats to Panama and Canada in the Nations League in Los Angeles in March. Advertisement 'The players are motivated, and maybe we can win the Gold Cup and arrive at the World Cup and do well,' Pochettino said. 'This is not going to have a massive impact on our emotions. We are going to be ready, I am not worried about that.' Advertisement Yet the real challenge for the US, 'A' team or otherwise, will be in the World Cup, when it is again faced with European competition. The US has not defeated a Euro foe in eight games (0-6-2) since taking a 1-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in a Dec. 18, 2021, friendly in Carson, Calif. As for World Cup matches against Euro competition, the US has compiled a 3-14-7 mark, with only one victory since 1950. The US actually won its first two World Cup games against European countries — Belgium (3-0) in 1930 and England (1-0) in 1950. Since then, the only World Cup win over a Euro foe was a 3-2 decision over Portugal in 2002, when the Bruce Arena-coached US squad made it to the quarterfinals. Related : Playing in the CONCACAF region limits options for national team competition. But there is no reason to lag behind in player development. Switzerland, too, was going young, and Johan Manzambi, 19, did not seem to have a problem making an impact in his international debut in a recent 4-2 win over Mexico. Before the Switzerland game, Pochettino said he wanted his players to fight 'like wolves or lions.' But it is difficult to impose yourself physically on a group as technical as the Swiss. The US seldom could get close enough to make a hard tackle, at least not until second-half stoppage time, when Patrick Agyemang and Johnny Cardoso were cautioned. What Pochettino might not have realized is the US lacks tactical and technical sophistication, weaknesses exposed when facing European foes. Top-level competitors would have been expected to recognize alignment flaws and adjusted to the advances on the wings of Manzambi and Dan Ndoye, who both scored goals. But it wasn't until the second half that the US began limiting Manzambi and Ndoye, only after Pochettino added an extra defender. Advertisement As for the attack, Pochettino has work to do. The US, like many teams, is committed to high-pressing, mostly for the sake of attempting to create offense. The problem is, if the press is not working, there is little to fall back on. And the better European opposition is not easily knocked off its game by pressing tactics. So, there is only so much Pochettino can do, besides getting his players to chase around with ferocity. It is up to the players to figure out how vary the pace of the game, what to capitalize on, when to improvise. Pulisic and friends should provide solutions, once they return to the fold. But will they be enough to make a difference in the World Cup? Supporters are going to have to spend the next year wondering. Frank Dell'Apa can be reached at
UPI
2 days ago
- Sport
- UPI
Soccer: Switzerland dominates U.S. men; Mauricio Pochettino now 5-5
June 11 (UPI) -- Switzerland dominated the United States Men's National Team, with all four of their goals in the first half of a 4-0 shutout in the American's final warmup match ahead of the Concacaf Gold Cup. With the shutout setback Tuesday in Nashville, the Americans have now lost four-consecutive home games for the first time since 1988. They played without traditional stars Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Tim Weah, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Antonee Robinson, Gio Reyna, Sergino Dest and Folarin Balogun in favor of an experiment lineup in the friendly Tuesday at Geodis Park. Pochettino started 20 different players in the Americans' last two matches. He made nine changes to the lineup after their 2-1 loss to Turkey on Saturday in East Hartford, Conn. "First of all, it's our responsibility and my responsibility for the choice of the starting XI," Pochettino told reporters. "We wanted the entire team to have minutes and to play. I think that can go in the wrong direction. We were never in the game against Switzerland, who have experienced players and are playing very well. "I thought, 'I can't blame the players. It's on us.'" The Swiss outshot the Americans 12-7, with a 7-0 advantage in shots on target. They also held a 51% to 49% edge in possession and 7-1 advantage in corner kicks. Right winger Johan Manzambi logged a goal and assist in the shutout win. The Americans played with improved speed and physicality early on, but were outwitted by Switzerland's strategic spacing, smooth movement and precise passing. Left winger Dan Ndoye drew first blood against goalie Matt Turner in the 13th minute. Manzambi fed fellow midfielder Michel Aebischer to double the Swiss lead in the 23rd minute. Striker Breel Embolo made the score 3-0 with another goal in the 33rd minute. Manzambi netted the final goal of the match in the 36th minute. The Americans will face Trinidad and Tobago in the group stage of the Gold Cup at 6 p.m. EDT Sunday in San Jose, Calif. They also will face Saudi Arabia and Haiti in group stage play. Gold Cup matches will be held through the July 6 final in Houston. Pochettino now owns a 5-5 record over his short tenure as coach of the Americans. "The players are very motivated to go to the Gold Cup," Pochettino said. "The circumstances are the circumstances. Maybe we can win the Gold Cup and go to the World Cup and do well. The loss won't have a massive impact on our psychology."
2 days ago
- Sport
US concedes 4 first-half goals, falls to Switzerland 4-0 for first 4-game losing streak since 2007
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The United States gave up four goals in the first half and looked unprepared for next year's World Cup, getting routed by Switzerland 4-0 in a friendly on Tuesday night as the Americans lost their fourth straight game for the first time since 2007. Dan Ndoye scored in the 13th minute, Michel Aebischer in the 23rd, Breel Embolo in the 33rd and Johan Manzambi in the 36th. The Americans failed to put a shot on target and have lost four consecutive home games for the third time and first since 1988. Switzerland won its third straight match and extended the U.S. winless streak against European opponents to eight games since 2021. Fans at Geodis Park booed loudly as the U.S. gave up four goals by the 40th minute for the first time since Nov. 9, 1980, at Mexico and the first time ever at home, according to Opta. The match was played one year and one day before the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the U.S. starts. Going into their CONCACAF Gold Cup opener against Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, the Americans are 5-5 under Mauricio Pochettino, who took over after first-round elimination last year's Copa America led the U.S. Soccer Federation to fire coach Gregg Berhalter. Ndoye burst behind Nate Harriel to run onto a through pass for the first goal; Manzambi dribbled past Max Arfsten along the endline to leave Aebischer with a tap-in for the second; goalkeeper Matt Turner spilled Ricardo Rodriguez's shot to leave Embolo an open net for the third; and a mix-up when Quinn Sullivan passed to Sebastian Berhalter as the former coach's son slipped created a giveaway that led to Manzambi's first international goal. The U.S. had not lost four straight games since a five-game skid in 2007. The Americans were missing Christian Pulisic (wanted time off); Yunus Musah (personal reason not disclosed); Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Gio Reyna (headed to the Club World Cup); Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams and Folarin Balogun (injured); and Sergiño Dest (regaining fitness). Turner played his first game for club or country since March 23. Berhalter started in his debut, and Brenden and Paxten Aaronson became the fourth set of brothers to start for the U.S., and the first since George and Louis Nanchoff in 1979. Pochettino made nine changes from Saturday's 2-1 loss to Turkey, keeping only Arfsten and midfielder Johnny Cardoso. The U.S. made five changes to start the second half and Damion Downs made his debut in the 75th minute.
San Francisco Chronicle
2 days ago
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
US concedes 4 first-half goals, falls to Switzerland 4-0 for first 4-game losing streak since 2007
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The United States gave up four goals in the first half and looked unprepared for next year's World Cup, getting routed by Switzerland 4-0 in a friendly on Tuesday night as the Americans lost their fourth straight game for the first time since 2007. Dan Ndoye scored in the 13th minute, Michel Aebischer in the 23rd, Breel Embolo in the 33rd and Johan Manzambi in the 36th. The Americans failed to put a shot on target and have lost four consecutive home games for the third time and first since 1988. Switzerland won its third straight match and extended the U.S. winless streak against European opponents to eight games since 2021. Fans at Geodis Park booed loudly as the U.S. gave up four goals by the 40th minute for the first time since Nov. 9, 1980, at Mexico and the first time ever at home, according to Opta. The match was played one year and one day before the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the U.S. starts. Going into their CONCACAF Gold Cup opener against Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, the Americans are 5-5 under Mauricio Pochettino, who took over after first-round elimination last year's Copa America led the U.S. Soccer Federation to fire coach Gregg Berhalter. Ndoye burst behind Nate Harriel to run onto a through pass for the first goal; Manzambi dribbled past Max Arfsten along the endline to leave Aebischer with a tap-in for the second; goalkeeper Matt Turner spilled Ricardo Rodriguez's shot to leave Embolo an open net for the third; and a mix-up when Quinn Sullivan passed to Sebastian Berhalter as the former coach's son slipped created a giveaway that led to Manzambi's first international goal. The U.S. had not lost four straight games since a five-game skid in 2007. The Americans were missing Christian Pulisic (wanted time off); Yunus Musah (personal reason not disclosed); Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Gio Reyna (headed to the Club World Cup); Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams and Folarin Balogun (injured); and Sergiño Dest (regaining fitness). Turner played his first game for club or country since March 23. Berhalter started in his debut, and Brenden and Paxten Aaronson became the fourth set of brothers to start for the U.S., and the first since George and Louis Nanchoff in 1979. Pochettino made nine changes from Saturday's 2-1 loss to Turkey, keeping only Arfsten and midfielder Johnny Cardoso. The U.S. made five changes to start the second half and Damion Downs made his debut in the 75th minute. ___
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
US concedes 4 first-half goals, falls to Switzerland 4-0 for first 4-game losing streak since 2007
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The United States gave up four goals in the first half and looked unprepared for next year's World Cup, getting routed by Switzerland 4-0 in a friendly on Tuesday night as the Americans lost their fourth straight game for the first time since 2007. Dan Ndoye scored in the 13th minute, Michel Aebischer in the 23rd, Breel Embolo in the 33rd and Johan Manzambi in the 36th. The Americans have lost four consecutive home games for the third time and first since 1988. Switzerland won its third straight match and extended the U.S. winless streak against European opponents to eight games since 2021. Fans at Geodis Park booed loudly as the U.S. gave up four goals by the 40th minute for the first time since Nov. 9, 1980, at Mexico and the first time ever at home, according to Opta. The match was played one year and one day before the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the U.S. starts. Going into their CONCACAF Gold Cup opener against Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, the Americans are 5-5 under Mauricio Pochettino, who took over after first-round elimination last year's Copa America led the U.S. Soccer Federation to fire coach Gregg Berhalter . Ndoye burst behind Nate Harriel to run onto a through pass for the first goal; Manzambi dribbled past Max Arfsten along the endline to leave Aebischer with a tap-in for the second; goalkeeper Matt Turner spilled Ricardo Rodriguez's shot to leave Embolo an open net for the third; and a mix-up when Quinn Sullivan passed to Sebastian Berhalter as the former coach's son slipped created a giveaway that led to Manzambi's first international goal. The U.S. had not lost four straight games since a five-game skid in 2007. The Americans were missing Christian Pulisic (wanted time off); Yunus Musah (personal reason not disclosed); Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Gio Reyna (headed to the Club World Cup); Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams and Folarin Balogun (injured); and Sergiño Dest (regaining fitness). Turner played his first game for club or country since March 23. Berhalter started in his debut, and Brenden and Paxten Aaronson became the fourth set of brothers to start for the U.S., and the first since George and Louis Nanchoff in 1979. Pochettino made nine changes from Saturday's 2-1 loss to Turkey , keeping only Arfsten and midfielder Johnny Cardoso. The U.S. made five changes to start the second half and Damian Downs made his debut in the 75th minute. ___ AP soccer:
