MORRISTOWN, N.J. — Nearly two months have passed since the U.S. men’s national soccer team last took to the field. Fans should expect at least one aspect to stay consistent.
In July, the USMNT fell narrowly to Mexico in the Gold Cup final, with a crowd of nearly 71,000 — mostly favoring El Tri — witnessing the match in Houston. As they prepare for Saturday’s game, the Americans are expected to be the visiting team yet again, as 26,500-seat Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, anticipates enthusiastic support for the Korean Republic and star player Son Heung-min.
This situation is typical for the USMNT.
“Whatever stadium we play in … We should be able to perform,” U.S. fullback Sergino Dest stated on Friday.
The lack of a taxing World Cup qualifying schedule before next summer’s significant tournament requires Pochettino’s squad to seek challenging experiences. Not to mention, the Korean team, which reached the round of 16 at Qatar 2022 before falling to Brazil, has a well-rounded and formidable roster beyond Son.
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Saturday’s match, situated near New York City, is an invaluable chance for the U.S. team.
“South Korea is a very good team, a good challenge for us,” Pochettino said at his pre-match press conference.
Dest, previously excluded from the Gold Cup roster for several reasons, returns along with Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah. Forwards Folarin Balogun and Josh Sargent also join the lineup. With just six friendly matches remaining before the world’s largest sporting event, it’s essential for the team to cultivate a winning approach quickly.
When the full-strength U.S. team last met—during the Nations League finals last March—they suffered defeats against Panama and Canada in Los Angeles. However, for Pochettino, winning on Saturday and in an upcoming clash against Japan on Tuesday in Columbus, Ohio, is secondary to fostering team cohesion.
Current results are inconsequential. The goal is to use these scrimmages to gather insights that could prove vital against future competitors next June and July.
“The most important thing in these types of games is how we are going to compete,” Pochettino emphasized. “Winning is beneficial as it builds confidence and trust. However, I believe the main goal is to integrate new players who can grasp the concepts we started developing during the Gold Cup.”
“You witness their quality,” Jack McGlynn, a Houston Dynamo midfielder, expressed about training with PSV Eindhoven’s Dest, AC Milan’s Pulisic, and Marseille’s Weah. “It’s been an incredible week working together and building chemistry on and off the field.”
Pulisic, who had a rocky encounter with Pochettino over the summer regarding rest during the Gold Cup, has notably impressed during training, as shared by McGlynn.
“He’s a leader for us,” McGlynn noted, highlighting Pulisic’s ability to take charge and consistently find the net during practice. “When you give him the ball, good things happen.”
On Friday, Pochettino reassured that he and Pulisic have reconciled their differences.
“Everyone makes mistakes; we sometimes misinterpret situations,” the coach remarked. “Christian is pleased to be here.”
The Americans are destined to engage new supporters on home soil next summer. For that, they’ll need their top players, including Pulisic, in prime form. As Pochettino remarked, “We don’t have much time before the World Cup.”
“The core group is starting to grasp our vision, and if we aim to arrive at the World Cup in top shape, they’ll need to bond. At some point, we must trim down the squad and focus on those we believe will compete in the World Cup, all while maintaining that mindset.”
“That, for me, defines success in the upcoming two matches.”
