Commerce City, Colo. – The USMNT’s 1-1 draw with Ecuador recently indicated that the team is finally heading in the right direction under Coach Mauricio Pochettino. Now, they look to refine their back three strategy while embracing a new tactical flexibility.
“We want to progress and we want to have this flexibility with different players and different, sometimes, shape or dynamic on the field, to provide the team with the quality,” Pochettino stated before their upcoming friendly against Australia.
Australia, having just one loss in their last 17 games, presents a fitting challenge for testing new strategies. Pochettino hinted at the possibility of trying different formations and player selections to enhance the team’s adaptability ahead of the World Cup in eight months.
How to Watch USMNT vs Australia, Odds
- Date: Tuesday, Oct. 14
- Time: 9 p.m. ET
- Location: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, Colorado
- TV: TNT
- Live Stream: HBO Max
- Odds: USMNT -150; Draw +280; Australia +380
“If we play well against Ecuador, it’s important to keep improving and showing perhaps a different approach to the game,” Pochettino mentioned. “Australia will be another good test for us.”
The USMNT aims to adopt a playing style emphasizing intensity and energy, according to midfielder Cristian Roldan, who emphasized the team’s focus on bringing an aggressive mindset into games.
As preparations continue, tactical flexibility remains key as the looming deadline for the World Cup approaches, urging players to treat every friendly as a true test of their readiness.
