The Mauricio Pochettino-era might only be one match in, but excitement is certainly high among U.S. men’s national team players and fans.
Yunus Musah and Ricardo Pepi both scored on Saturday night as the USMNT defeated CONCACAF rivals Panama 2-0. It marked the USMNT’s first victory since June 23 in all competitions and was a complete overall performance after a disappointing September window.
Panama did its best to try and break the USMNT down, but defensively the Americans did well to limit the visitors to only three shots on target. Goalkeeper Matt Turner was up to the task while the collective unit worked tirelessly to register their first shutout since the Copa America group stage.
“He wants us to be solid defensively, and then have guys play the way they are comfortable playing and being confident going forward with the ball,” veteran defender Tim Ream said. “And everybody saw that, especially in the first 15 minutes. Guys were moving, [there was] intricate passing and getting the ball, moving quick and getting in and around their box. When he tells guys to go and be themselves, it’s a sign that he has confidence in you, and you can see that come out with all the guys out here.”
Offensively, the USMNT used a strong pair of team moves to break down Thomas Christiansen’s men. Christian Pulisic connected with his AC Milan teammate Musah for the opening goal four minutes into the second half before Pepi came off the bench to ice the result in stoppage time.
Josh Sargent missed a few opportunities to boost the Americans in front in the first half, as well as the second half, but overall the USMNT did well to claim a needed victory. Plenty of players looked full of confidence and energy, which is a complete turnaround from the winless September window.
While Saturday’s match is only the first of many under Pochettino, it’s a great first step for the program who now turns their attention towards Mexico on Tuesday.
“I looked back at our recent form, and I was thinking, ‘Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve won’,” Turner said postmatch. “Since the Bolivia game right, since we’ve won a game and had a clean sheet? So, yeah, it’s nice to set off this era with a win and a clean sheet. It goes in waves, but winning is something that you learn. You can’t just take it for granted. It takes energy and focus for 90 minutes, especially at this level.”
“We know it’s going to be a tough match, going to Mexico and dealing with the atmosphere and the altitude is tough, but we will be ready for it,” Antonee Robinson said on the TNT broadcast Saturday.
The USMNT will be seeking their second-ever win on Mexican soil in all competitions.
