The U.S. men’s national team seeks a bounce back win in its final match of the September window on Tuesday.
Following Saturday’s 2-1 home loss to CONCACAF rivals Canada, the USMNT will try and avoid their first four-match losing streak since 2007. New Zealand will oppose the Americans at TQL Stadium, with both teams seeking a better overall performance than their recent matches over the weekend.
Mikey Varas went with many of his top players in Kansas City on Saturday including Christian Pulisic, Chris Richards, and Joe Scally. However, it was players like Luca De La Torre, Aidan Morris, and Ricardo Pepi who had a larger impact on the match.
With the USMNT needing more fight to earn their first post-Copa America win, here is the starting lineup we could see the USMNT deploy against New Zealand on Tuesday, as well as the lineup we would deploy if we were making the final lineup decisions:
GOALKEEPER
Who should start: Matt Turner
Matt Turner was not used in Saturday’s loss vs. Canada but should get his opportunity against New Zealand.
Turner has not featured yet this season at club level, opening the door for an opportunity on the international stage. Patrick Schulte made several key saves against Canada, but expect Turner to remain the No. 1 moving forward unless something changes.
DEFENDERS
Who should start: Marlon Fossey, Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty, Caleb Wiley
The purpose of the September window is to provide ample opportunities for players and it would be nice to see Mikey Varas rotate in the back.
The USMNT backline struggled at times against Canada, which ultimately led to a pair of goals from Jacob Shaffelburg and Jonathan David. Providing opportunities to others in the camp could be crucial in the growing process of the program heading into the fall.
Marlon Fossey has remained a consistent performer at Standard Liege and he deserves a chance to show what he’s got with the USMNT. His two-way abilities could provide a major boost against New Zealand.
Mark McKenzie and Auston Trusty embarked on new chapters of their club careers and a start alongside one another could bring back a key partnership. McKenzie and Trusty paired up during their time with the Philadelphia Union and are strong passers out of the back, something that Varas has continued in his defensive tactics.
Caleb Wiley will also be seeking his opportunity in the backline. Wiley made the loan move to Strasbourg this season and has quickly earned playing time in France.
He remains a top prospect with the USMNT and like Fossey, deserves a chance.
MIDFIELDERS
Who should start: Yunus Musah, Brenden Aaronson, Aidan Morris
Keeping Yunus Musah in the starting lineup is a necessary job for Varas on Tuesday night.
Musah remains a key part of the squad and works tirelessly on both sides of the field. Whether it is right in front of the backline, or higher upfield, expect to see Musah leading the midfield in Cincinnati.
Johnny Cardoso and Malik Tillman were ineffective against Canada, opening the door for Brenden Aaronson and Aidan Morris to come into the starting lineup. Morris set up Luca De La Torre for the USMNT’s lone goal of the match while Aaronson could drop into midfield.
De La Torre did score against Canada, but could be saved for a bench role in order to preserve his long-term fitness. He missed Celta Vigo’s start to the season through injury.
Christian Pulisic could also drop into midfield if needed, but expect him to start as a winger.
FORWARDS
Who should start: Haji Wright, Josh Sargent, Christian Pulisic
Christian Pulisic deserves an opportunity to bounce back himself after a quiet performance against Canada. He remains the USMNT’s most skillful attacker and should see another opportunity at left wing.
Both Josh Sargent and Haji Wright did not start against Canada, but could see time alongside Pulisic in the 4-3-3 formation. Sargent did not feature against the Canadians while Wright came off the bench.
Wright’s versatility will likely see him at right wing while Sargent is expected to mainly feature as just a No. 9. While Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi will also fight for chances, I expect to see Sargent/Wright together.
Cade Cowell was lively off the bench against Canada and could also see minutes. It is undetermined if Cowell will be used as a starter, but he seems to be better used off the bench.
More fluidity is needed in the final third though, regardless of who starts for the USMNT.
What do you think of our projected lineups? Which would you start? Who are you most excited to see play? Are there any doubts you have?
Share your thoughts below.
