Canada captured third place within the Nations League on Sunday.{Photograph}: Shaun Clark/ISI Images/USSF/Getty Pictures for USSF
After profitable 4 consecutive matches below new coach Mauricio Pochettino, the face a crossroads 15 months earlier than becoming a member of and Mexico as co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup.
Canada took third place within the Concacaf Nations League with a 2-1 victory at SoFi Stadium on Sunday. The US defeat, which got here 72 hours after a , meant the house facet completed fourth in a contest they received in its three earlier editions.
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For Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, the issue lies not in expertise or techniques however in temperament.
“We all know we are able to play higher,” McKennie stated. “It wasn’t that we didn’t have management of the video games that we performed in. However on the finish of the day, Panama and Canada simply appeared like they fought slightly bit more durable than us. That may’t be the case, particularly shifting ahead, particularly with being a yr away from the World Cup.”
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Crystal Palace goalkeeper Matt Turner believes lack of exuberance interprets into lack of execution.
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“There must be a minimal expectation of depth, of combat, of ardour,” Turner stated. “What we needed to do was clear and we weren’t in a position to execute it constantly over 90 minutes in each video games – you realize, crucial errors, crucial errors, guys not taking possession in massive moments.”
Jonathan David scored the profitable purpose, breaking a 1-1 tie within the 59th minute. David acquired Ali Ahmed’s go within the penalty space, took one contact to his left and unleashed a curling shot that settled contained in the left submit far past Turner’s attain.
The consequence raises questions concerning the quick way forward for the US program, and rewarded for a extra adventurous recreation plan that noticed Les Rouges generate extra scoring possibilities extra constantly all through the 90 minutes. Canada out-shot the USA, 9-5, and took 4 pictures on course in comparison with two for the hosts.
“Clearly, we by no means actually discovered a rhythm and had been aggressive sufficient within the assault to create sufficient possibilities,” midfielder Christian Pulisic stated. “I’d love to seek out totally different ways in which I can get the ball and make a distinction. It simply felt like I wasn’t in a position to actually punch a mark on the sport, which is at all times powerful for an attacking participant.”
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Regardless of the collective frustration, Pochettino maintained a relaxed perspective.
“I believe everybody noticed and felt that after Panama and Canada, there are issues we have to enhance loads,” Pochettino stated. “I believe we have to method the video games and the camps differently. However I say there’s nonetheless plenty of time to the World Cup. Now it’s time to be calm, analyze the final two video games, after which, like I instructed the gamers, be certain you’re prepared.”
But Pochettino additionally issued a warning: “If we will probably be on this scenario right this moment, in a single yr’s time, for certain, I’ll inform you, Houston, we’ve an issue, no? SOS.”
After the semifinal loss to Panama, Pochettino changed 5 starters from that match’s lineup and used a distinct tactical formation.
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As a substitute of using a three-man backline with wingbacks as he did in opposition to Panama, Pochettino began Cameron Carter-Vickers, Mark McKenzie and Max Arfsten together with Joe Scally as a flat again 4. Scally was the one defender who began in opposition to Panama.
Within the midfield, Diego Luna entered the lineup and performed in entrance of holding midfielders McKennie and Tyler Adams and McKennie, with Patrick Agyemang serving because the lone striker in entrance of attacking midfielders Pulisic and Tim Weah.
Consequently, the USA performed at a extra deliberate tempo, constructing slowly from the again.
Canada suffered a major loss when Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies left the match within the twelfth minute after colliding with Agyemang and Weah. Trainers utilized ice to Davies’ proper knee earlier than he left. However, Canada took the lead when Tani Oluwaseyi scored within the twenty seventh minute.
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Ahmed started the scoring sequence with a cross from the left facet of the penalty space to David, whose shot deflected off McKenzie. The ball fell to Oluwaseyi, who poked the ball dwelling from the sting of the six-yard field.
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Agyemang equalized within the thirty fifth minute. McKennie began the play with a protracted ball to Weah on the left flank, who averted three defenders. Weah handed from the left facet of the penalty space to Luna, who poked a brief left-footed go to Agyemang. The striker’s 11-yard shot deflected off goalkeeper Dayne St Clair’s proper leg.
Gio Reyna, thought-about one of many United States’ most dynamic gamers, entered the match within the 69th minute however made no affect.
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The USA now turns its consideration to the Concacaf Gold Cup, which can begin on 14 June and which might show pivotal within the squad’s improvement.
“I believe for us, Gold Cup goes to be an enormous, enormous alternative, not solely to have extra time with the workers and be collectively in the identical setting, but in addition push one another and go up in opposition to these groups,” Turner stated. “We will then proper the ship and hopefully carry the trophy in entrance of our followers.”
