Latest news with #USSF
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pochettino says Tottenham links are ‘not realistic' after USMNT loss to Turkey
Mauricio Pochettino has been the head coach of USA since late 2024 and says he is used to be linked with the Tottenham job. Mauricio Pochettino has been the head coach of USA since late 2024 and says he is used to be linked with the Tottenham job. Photograph: Mark Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images Mauricio Pochettino pushed back against suggestions he is a candidate to take over the newly-vacant Tottenham Hotspur managerial position, telling reporters on Saturday that it was 'not realistic' for him to leave his current role as US men's national team manager. Pochettino had been considered a possible candidate to replace Ange Postecoglou, who was sacked by Tottenham on 6 June despite him leading the club to Europa League glory – the club's first trophy in 17 years. However, Tottenham finished 17th in the Premier League, their lowest position since 1977. Advertisement Related: Shorthanded United States let lead slip in soggy 2-1 defeat to Turkey Pochettino enjoyed a successful run at Spurs from 2014 to 2019, challenging for the Premier League title in 2016 and advancing to the Champions League final in his last season. He was let go because of Tottenham's league performance – the club finished 14th. 'After I left [Tottenham] in 2019, every time [the manager position] is free … my name appeared on the list,' Pochettino said following USA's 2-1 loss to Turkey in a friendly on Saturday afternoon. 'If you have seen the rumors, I think we are 100 coaches on the list of the club. Don't be worried about that. If something happens, we for sure will see. But we cannot talk about this type of thing because I think today it's not real. I think it's not realistic. And look – where I am, where we are? The answer is so clear, no?' Pochettino took over the US national team at the end of 2024 and has overseen a mixed bag of performances in his first nine months. Saturday's friendly was seen mostly as a way to regain the team's footing after a pair of far below-par outings in March's Nations League finals, with the team losing to Panama and Canada and looking generally listless throughout. Even though they lost, the US played with far more verve against Turkey than they had in March. Pochettino has called in a younger and less-experienced squad for this summer's games, with several of the team's first-choice stars out – either by choice, for health reasons, for personal reasons, or due to their club's participation in the Club World Cup. Jack McGlynn, one of those newcomers, opened the scoring on Saturday with a signature curling effort from outside the box. Later that half, two defensive miscues in about three minutes doomed the Americans, with both resulting in goals.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
USMNT Gold Cup roster: Sergiño Dest joins list of missing stars, as others see 'big opportunity'
Diego Luna will have another opportunity this summer to further establish himself with the U.S. men's national team. (Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF) Christian Pulisic was already resting. Antonee Robinson is recovering from surgery. Weston McKennie, Tim Weah and Gio Reyna are with their clubs. Yunus Musah is missing for "personal reasons," and Josh Sargent for "football reasons"; Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi are injured. And on Thursday, Sergiño Dest joined the list of U.S. men's national team stars who'll be absent this summer. The skillful fullback, who tore his ACL last spring and returned to action in March, has been left off the USMNT's roster for the 2025 Gold Cup for fitness reasons. Advertisement Head coach Mauricio Pochettino said Thursday in a statement through a spokesman that his staff had "done a series of evaluations this week on all the players in camp, and in the case of Sergiño, we determined the best decision is for the player to have an individualized training program for the summer so he can focus on being fully recovered and ready to perform next season." Dest's absence will leave the U.S. without six or seven of its presumed first-choice starting 11 for two friendlies and the Gold Cup. John Tolkin, a 22-year-old left back, is en route to the USMNT's Chicago training camp to replace him. A World Cup dress rehearsal becomes a USMNT tryout The Gold Cup, a biennial regional tournament, had been billed for months as a dress rehearsal, the last time the U.S. men's national team would be whole for competitive games before the 2026 World Cup. Advertisement Instead, it has become a tryout, with new faces fighting for a chance to stick with the USMNT over the next 13 months. And Pochettino has made it clear that the weight of your name, or the size of your club, doesn't matter. His message, defender Walker Zimmerman said this week, has been: "I don't care where you play, I care what you do. It's when you show up here, how you perform, and I'm going to evaluate you on that." A day later, goalkeeper Matt Turner confirmed that, per Pochettino, even club form has seemingly become secondary. "He's not gonna look at what you do elsewhere," Turner said from Chicago, where the USMNT has convened for a training camp. "He cares a lot about what you do while you're here. And there's a lot of guys here with a big opportunity ... to make a case for themselves to be on that World Cup squad, and be a contributing member to this team for years to come." Advertisement Those "guys with big opportunity" come from Major League Soccer and abroad, from Philly and Vancouver, from Utrecht and Eindhoven. There are half a dozen mainstays who are part of Pochettino's squad — Turner, Tyler Adams, Chris Richards, Tim Ream and few others. But most are fringe players who, a year ago, were on the outside looking in, sometimes from afar, at the U.S. roster. They're fullbacks Max Arfsten and Alex Freeman, midfielders Sebastian Berhalter and Jack McGlynn, attackers Quinn Sullivan and Damion Downs. Seven of the 26 players selected have never appeared for the national team. There are also players such as Malik Tillman and Johnny Cardoso who broke into the USMNT under previous head coach Gregg Berhalter, and have since excelled at their clubs, but haven't yet established themselves in the national team's starting lineup or rotation. And then, of course, there is Diego Luna, the prime example so far of a player who seized opportunity — first in January, then in March — and parlayed it into a place in Pochettino's plans. "That experience, for me, was life-changing," Luna said of his broken-nose stardom in January. "I think it added an opportunity for me to come back into more camps and show the type of grit and the hunger that I have to play and represent for my country." Advertisement This summer, which begins with friendlies against Turkey (Saturday, June 7, 3:30 p.m. ET, TNT) and Switzerland (Tuesday, June 10, 8 p.m. ET, TNT), then continues with the Gold Cup, is a chance for most or all of the 26 players on Pochettino's roster to follow Luna's path. The full roster is below. And remarkably, with the World Cup roughly a year away, it feels more unsettled than it did at this time last spring, two years out. More spots in the 2026 squad feel up for grabs than ever before. USMNT roster for 2025 Gold Cup, June friendlies Goalkeepers: Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace) Advertisement Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Alex Freeman (Orlando City), Nathan Harriel (Philadelphia Union), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/FRA), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), John Tolkin (Holstein Kiel), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC) Midfielders: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United); Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis), Luca de la Torre (San Diego FC), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Jack McGlynn (Houston Dynamo), Quinn Sullivan (Philadelphia Union); Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven) Forwards: Paxten Aaronson (FC Utrecht), Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC), Damion Downs (FC Köln), Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps), Haji Wright (Coventry City)
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mauricio Pochettino Wants Christian Pulisic to Emulate Lionel Messi for USMNT
Mauricio Pochettino Wants Christian Pulisic to Emulate Lionel Messi for USMNT originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Lionel Messi is arguably one of the greatest Soccer players in history. He currently plies his trade for MLS club Inter Miami. Advertisement Any team in the world would benefit from Messi's presence, so would the USMNT. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has urged Christian Pulisic to step up and follow Messi's footsteps for the national team. Pulisic, formerly of Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund, currently plies his trade for Serie A giants AC Milan. He scored 17 goals and set up 12 more in 50 appearances across competitions in 2024-25. Messi led his country, Argentina, to FIFA World Cup glory in 2022. The 2026 edition of the tournament takes place in the United States. The USMNT would look to put on a good performance in front of home fans and Pochettino has urged Pulisic to step up and play a Messi-esque role for his country. Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States during the second half against Canada in the CONCACAF Nations LeaguePhoto by Shaun Clark/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF Speaking on the Unified Soccer with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard podcast, he said, "Christian in the last year has shown great quality. He's performing in Europe, and also is performing here in the national team. He's a very talented player that can help us win." Advertisement He added, People compare Messi with Christian Pulisic. I don't want to be disrespectful with Messi or Pulisic but I think in this country, Pulisic should be our Messi. Because he's iconic player and if you ask a kid on the street to name one soccer player in this country, it's Pulisic." Christian Pulisic is certainly the best player the USMNT have. He played a key role in the country reaching the 2022 FIFA World Cup Round of 16. Pulisic has an impressive record for the USMNT, scoring 32 goals and providing 20 assists in 78 appearances. He will look to have a good campaign in 2025-26 before playing the FIFA World Cup next year. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Newsweek
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
How to Watch United States vs Jamaica: Live Stream Women's International Soccer Friendly, TV Channel
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The USWNT takes on Jamaica on Tuesday night in an international women's soccer friendly at Energizer Park in St. Louis. Originally, the USWNT was supposed to play a pair of friendlies this month against China. In April, it was announced that only the first of those friendlies would be played, with Jamaica replacing China in the second. Michelle Cooper #12 of the United States dribbles during a game between China PR and USWNT at Allianz Field on May 31, 2025 in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Michelle Cooper #12 of the United States dribbles during a game between China PR and USWNT at Allianz Field on May 31, 2025 in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF How to Watch United States vs Jamaica: Date: Tuesday, June 3, 2025 Time: 7:30 PM ET Channel: NBC Universo Stream: Fubo (Try for free) In that first friendly of the month against China, the USWNT defeated China 3-0. Catarina Macario, Sam Coffey, and Lindsey Heaps all scored for the USWNT. The team dominated, leading 18-4 in total shots and possessing the ball for 71 percent of the match. Before that game, the team had lost its last friendly in April against Brazil, marking two losses in a three-game stretch. But with the win against China, the USWNT avoided losing three times in four games, which would have been the first time that happened since 2022. As for Jamaica, the Reggae Girlz look to shake off a pair of losses to Mexico back in April as part of MexTour W, with the team losing 3-0 and then 4-0. These sides last met in 2021, with the USWNT winning 4-0. The United States has won all five times these sides have played. You can live stream Tuesday's women's soccer game on NBC Universo, which is available to watch on Fubo. Start a Fubo free trial now to get started. Live stream the United States vs Jamaica game on Fubo: Start your free trial now! Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Step By Step: Diego Luna's steady rise earns USMNT Gold Cup call-up
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Diego Luna is taking another step forward in a journey defined not by viral moments or hype, but by trust earned. The 21-year-old Real Salt Lake midfielder has been named to the U.S. Men's National Team roster for the upcoming warm-up matches ahead of this summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup. The group is expected to become the official tournament squad when the final roster is submitted on June 4, barring injury or unforeseen circumstances. Advertisement It's a deserved recognition of what he's becoming: a dependable, dynamic contributor who continues to show up when it matters. This isn't a story of 'making it.' Luna would likely be the first to say that. It's about proving that he can be counted on—and about continuing to build trust within U.S. Soccer at the highest level. Diego Luna of the USMNT sports gauze to stop the blood flow of a nose break early against Costa Rica. (Photo by Roy K Miller/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF) Luna's 2024 MLS campaign with RSL forced national team staff to pay attention. With eight goals and 12 assists, he was a creative engine for one of the league's most surprising teams, earning MLS All-Star and MLS Young Player of the Year honors and consistently drawing plaudits for his vision, technique, and balance under pressure. Advertisement That form led to another senior national team call-up in January, where he made an instant impression. In a match against Costa Rica, Luna suffered a broken nose from a wayward elbow, then begged to stay on as a team physician fervently worked to staunch the flow of blood from his nose. With (then newly appointed) USMNT Manager Mauricio Pochettino's reluctant permission, Diego charged back into the fray with cotton wadding protruding from each nostril, immediately delivered an assist, and left little doubt about his commitment. The message to USMNT staff and the soccer world in general was loud and clear: he's not just flashy. He's reliable. He's a warrior. He belongs. 'Utah just really stood out': Utah Royals defender Alex Loera talks transfer to the Beehive State Advertisement When Diego Luna first arrived at RSL, fans quickly fell in love with his flair. His first touch, quick turns, and vision made him one of the most exciting young players in MLS. But breaking into the starting XI wasn't immediate. Minutes were sporadic, and while the talent was obvious, the trust from the coaching staff had to be earned. Luna's path to this moment hasn't been linear, but it's always led upward. He started playing at age three with Palo Alto Soccer Club, coached by his dad and oldest brother. From there, he spent time in the San Jose Earthquakes Academy, then made a bold move away from his family at age 15 to the Barça Residency Academy in Arizona. At 17, he turned professional with El Paso Locomotive FC in the USL Championship under coach Mark Lowry — now with Real Monarchs — before signing with RSL in June of 2022. That willingness to bet on himself, to take each next step with intention, has been a defining trait. Then came the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina — a turning point. Advertisement Before leaving for Argentina, where he delivered a breakout performance for the United States, Luna spoke on the 'Royal Riot Podcast' about how he views his journey: 'For me personally and my mentality,' he said, 'I'm the guy making my way up the ranks, step by step, going up the staircase.' Luna, known affectionately as 'Moon Boy' for his surname but also his style of play, dazzled everyone who watched the U.S. squad in Argentina, racking up goals, assists, and drawing global attention. More importantly, something clicked internally. On a follow-up appearance on Royal Riot Podcast after he returned to Utah, Luna spoke candidly about where he was before the tournament and what changed: (Photo by) 'I was lacking confidence,' Luna stated bluntly. 'I underestimated myself in a lot of categories. Going to the World Cup showed me that I should be very confident—that I need to have the confidence and know that I can do what I'm asked of, with RSL and with the National Team. I need to keep my head down and work—just play the game. Giving the fans a show and creating chances for my team—that's the thing I love and what I play for.' Advertisement Since that return, Luna has evolved from a promising prospect into a complete, game-in-game-out contributor. RSL Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni, a U.S. World Cup veteran himself, has seen that evolution up close. 'Look back to Luna when he first got here—hesitant to work defensively for the team, he was a really one-sided player,' Mastroeni said. 'He's now doubled down on his work, become our best defender from the front and scores all the goals for our team. It's a beautiful place from a coaching perspective to have players that are willing to work really hard for the team, work really hard for themselves, and then they end up making the difference in their lives — no one else does.' That trust — between player and coach, and now between player and national team — is what's made this Gold Cup call-up possible. Advertisement Cabral saving games in first season with RSL That evolution has translated into more frequent and meaningful looks from U.S. Soccer, first under Gregg Berhalter in a January 2024 friendly against Slovenia and then under Pochettino this past January, and now in a tournament setting with this summer's Gold Cup squad. It's the last competitive tournament the U.S. will play in before the 2026 World Cup. In a tournament built for testing depth and evaluating trust, Luna will once again be able to prove that he belongs. Luna's international status became a talking point after he was controversially left off the U.S. Olympic roster in 2024. Some speculated he might switch his international allegiance to Mexico because he felt disrespected by the USMNT. Advertisement But Luna never said that. In fact, since arriving in MLS, his stance has been consistent: he's always been open to representing either country and willing to speak with whoever calls. There's never been drama—only dedication. 'It's something you want to work for,' Luna said at a crossbar challenge last fall when asked about the possibility of both nations vying for his presence. 'Continue to play and get the eyes on us, and from there, you let God and fate decide what happens, who is going to pull the trigger for you, and who will give the best opportunity.' This call-up isn't a political move or a reactionary olive branch. It's the natural result of a career built on showing up, improving, and making an impact. Advertisement Now Luna's climbing another step. If he delivers again, he'll push himself further into the 2026 World Cup conversation. Not as a long shot or luxury pick, but as a legitimate option in the U.S. player pool. (Images courtesy: John Dorton and Robin Alam via Getty Images) 'It's exciting to be in that group,' Luna said after training on Wednesday. 'It's another big opportunity for me to prove myself and showcase myself. (I'm going to be) taking advantage of each opportunity I get, leading into the 2026 World Cup.' Because for all the undeniable talent and eye-catching flair that Diego Luna brings to the pitch, it's his ability to be counted on when the going gets tough — over 90 minutes, over a season, over multiple camps — that sets him apart. Advertisement The Gold Cup will offer a new challenge, but also a new opportunity. The tournament will feature moments that require tactical maturity, physical resilience, and emotional control—all qualities he's shown in growing doses. Ariath Piol talks goals, red cards, and his journey to RSL Ask him what he wants to accomplish in this camp, and Luna shares not vague ambitions, but concrete goals. 'Getting as much playing time as I can would be the number one thing,' Luna said. 'Getting starts. Earning the trust in the pre-camp. Just making sure that I'm there day in and day out, giving it my all, and producing for the team. Getting assists and creating chances for the team and hopefully scoring my first goal.' Advertisement But he's also not getting ahead of himself. Luna's not interested in speculating about playing in the World Cup because he knows he's gotten where he is by staying in the moment. 'The 2026 squad thing, it's not in my head right now,' Luna said. 'I'm focused on here at RSL right now, and when the time comes to go with the U.S., that's where I'm focused. So it's kind of- focus on what you're doing on that day.' In a setting with the USMNT that often reveals who's ready for more responsibility, Luna will get to show the same thing he's shown since he was three years old: when he's on the field, he belongs. For 'Moon Boy' the sky has never been the limit- it's just the next step. Latest headlines: Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
