INGLEWOOD, California – Optimism was in the air as the US Men`s National Team gathered in Los Angeles for the Concacaf Nations League semifinal. They were the only previous champions, and coach Mauricio Pochettino had recently suggested the U.S. could become the world`s best team within a decade.
However, after two consecutive losses in the CNL, including a 2-1 defeat to Canada at SoFi Stadium, Pochettino shifted his tone. He urged USMNT fans to remain positive despite the setbacks. While the 1-0 semifinal loss to Panama could be argued as an unlucky result, the Canada game was different. Against a more open Canadian team, the USMNT only managed five shots and a low 0.74 expected goals. These underwhelming performances prompted Pochettino to manage expectations.
“I want to tell the fans, don`t be pessimistic or discouraged,” Pochettino said after the Canada loss. “Losing is always painful during a process, but we need to accept it. Disappointment is understandable, we all feel it, and the fans should feel it because we didn`t win.”
He then promised, “We`re going to find a way to perform.”
Pochettino and his players agreed that changes are necessary. These losses serve as a period of reflection before friendlies and the Gold Cup in June, the last competitive games before the next World Cup. Identifying a single problem is difficult, which is perhaps unsurprising after the team`s recent struggles.
Pochettino considered adjusting his training camp approach, emphasizing competitiveness before tactical details. He expressed satisfaction with the players` attitude but felt they played on autopilot.
“When it`s not your natural way of playing, you can maintain it for a while, but not consistently,” he explained. “We realized our performance against Panama wasn`t good, and we discussed changing the autopilot mode. You revert to your comfort zone for safety. When it`s not your habit, you are conscious. You think, `I need to press, I need to move forward, I need to change the tempo` when we have the ball.”
Christian Pulisic echoed this, especially regarding the contrast between the Panama and Canada games, though he finds intensity discussions somewhat simplistic.
“Saying they were more aggressive or had more heart is the easiest thing to say after a loss,” Pulisic noted. “But you can see how much it means to teams like Panama. It`s their biggest game, and we can learn from that.”
Tyler Adams pointed to inconsistent individual performances as hindering the USMNT`s overall team play.
“We need better individual performances collectively. Good individual performances in international football are contagious,” Adams stated. “They create support and positivity within the team. Combining those individual efforts leads to good team performances.”
The CNL matches were intended as a progress check for the USMNT before the 2026 World Cup on home soil, an event hoped to boost soccer`s growth in the U.S. The aim is for a US team to make a significant impact. While Pochettino`s initial months were positive, these games have raised questions about the team`s potential.
This USMNT generation has achieved traditional markers of success, with many players in Europe, including a record 11 in this season`s Champions League. Some, like Pulisic and Robinson, are top players in their leagues. However, many are squad players, and some, like Turner and Reyna, have struggled for consistent playtime. This inconsistency might have slowed their development, and the team might not have progressed as much as expected since the 2022 World Cup.
European-based players face challenges like travel fatigue and limited training time. Combined with injuries to key players like Robinson, Dest, and Balogun, these are not ideal conditions to build a new identity under a new coach. However, they remain committed to the process, recognizing the significant task ahead.
“Our journey is about growing soccer in America,” Adams said. “Negativity about our goals hinders that growth. We want to be the catalyst, and success breeds optimism. We need to make a bigger effort to become a team people support through passion, exciting play, wins, amazing goals – winning creates optimism for sure.”
Pochettino stressed that addressing growing pains now is better than later.
“We need to change, and while I`m not happy with the results, there`s something to learn. It`s better now because we have time. If we faced this in a year, it would be a big problem, meaning we failed to identify and implement the best strategy to enable the team to play differently. We have time, and I prefer this happening now, not in a year.”
These CNL Finals should provide valuable lessons for the USMNT, although questions remain about whether the group has moved beyond the learning phase after many years. With about 15 months until the World Cup opener, time is of the essence.
While the week had setbacks, midfielder Diego Luna stood out. After impressing in January camps for MLS players, the 21-year-old earned a full squad call-up, starting against Canada and assisting Agyemang`s goal. Pochettino praised Luna`s performance and cited him as an example of desired player qualities.
“Diego Luna played well,” Pochettino said. “His desire and hunger are what we want. This isn`t a criticism of others, just an example. When I told him he`d play, he was ready.”
Pulisic also spoke highly of Luna, his first time playing with him internationally.
“He`s an awesome kid,” Pulisic said. “He has a bright future and brings something different. He`s got heart, and I love his playing style. He`s got a big future ahead.”
Luna`s rise is impressive. Left off the U-23 Olympics roster and considering representing Mexico, he used that as motivation, leading to him being cap-tied to the USMNT this month.
“Not being well-known and not playing in Europe yet,” Luna explained his mindset. “My path is different, from academy to USL to MLS, facing setbacks and now starting. It`s been a unique journey, and I always play with a chip on my shoulder.”
He added comments that Pochettino would likely appreciate.
“Coming from a difficult background and fighting for everything motivates me,” Luna said. “It`s easy for me to strive for more for my family, my son, my parents. Playing for my country is the biggest honor in soccer. What more motivation do you need?”
