This international break has been very disappointing for the United States men`s national team. They suffered a 2-1 defeat to Canada in the Concacaf Nations League third-place game after an uninspired performance, just days after a surprising loss to Panama. In the match against Canada, the midfield struggled to control the tempo, leading to a disorganized game. With the World Cup approaching quickly, the team`s depth players are not demonstrating that they are ready to step up.
If the USMNT doesn`t improve soon, there could be disappointment at the World Cup. Coach Mauricio Pochettino needs to challenge the squad to see their full potential. But how did each player perform against Canada?
GK: Matt Turner (90 mins)
Turner made several important saves during the game. However, Canada`s goals were very difficult chances to stop, regardless of the goalkeeper. Rating: 5
DEF: Joe Scally (45 mins)
Scally was substituted at halftime after a decent first-half performance. He was strong in his tackles but didn`t have many opportunities to make them in his half of play. Rating: 6
DEF: Cameron Carter-Vickers (90 mins)
Carter-Vickers` defense was adequate, but he struggled to deliver long passes to the attack. The entire backline faltered during Canada`s first goal, highlighting a problem that needs immediate attention. He needs to perform at a higher level. Rating: 5
DEF: Mark McKenzie (90 mins)
McKenzie made a few solid defensive plays, but overall, it was a quiet and unremarkable match for him. Rating: 5
DEF: Max Arfsten (90 mins)
Arfsten struggled with the transition from playing as a wing-back in a back-five formation to a fullback in a back-four. He gave the ball away too frequently. Rating: 4
MID: Tyler Adams (69 mins)
Adams didn`t see much of the ball during the match as Canada effectively moved the ball down the wings. This performance was below Tyler Adams` usual high standards. Rating: 5
MID: Weston McKennie (69 mins)
Similar to Arfsten, Weston McKennie was careless with possession, leading to turnovers that Canada capitalized on. Rating: 4
MID: Diego Luna (90 mins)
Diego Luna stood out as one of the few players who demonstrated a desire to be included in the World Cup squad. He provided a fantastic assist and actively sought to create attacking opportunities. Rating: 7
FWD: Christian Pulisic (69 mins)
Christian Pulisic had another quiet game, only touching the ball 21 times. He struggled to ignite the attack for the USMNT in a match where they desperately needed a spark. If the team`s success depends on Pulisic`s performance, these kinds of performances are insufficient. Rating: 4
FWD: Patrick Agyemang (78 mins)
Agyemang scored an excellent goal and appeared threatening when he had opportunities to run. However, he didn`t receive enough passes in the box, a problem that affects the team as a whole. Rating: 7
FWD: Tim Weah (90 mins)
Weah is another attacker who didn`t receive the ball in dangerous positions often enough. This is a systemic issue, and when it consistently happens across the team, a change is necessary. Rating: 6
SUB: Marlon Fossey (45 mins)
Fossey tried to create opportunities from the wings in the second half, but it was a continuation of the same issue, with wide players not contributing enough. Rating: 6
SUB: Gio Reyna (21 mins)
Reyna delivered a good set-piece that could have led to a goal, but he had to drop too deep to get involved in the game. Rating: 6
SUB: Yunus Musah (21 mins)
Musah came into the match in the second half when fresh legs were needed but didn`t make a significant impact. Rating: 6
SUB: Tanner Tessmann (21 mins)
Tessmann wasn`t involved much after entering the game. Rating: Incomplete
SUB: Brian White (12 mins)
White didn`t have much time to make an impact, only touching the ball eight times. Rating: Incomplete
Manager: Mauricio Pochettino
Pochettino tried a different approach with the squad, and in the first half, it seemed promising. However, things fell apart afterward. Mauricio Pochettino is trying to downplay concerns, but the situation is becoming critical. Rating: 6
Dominic Ashworth