USMNT
A Trophy! We Finally Have a Trophy!
About Last Night
Where to begin? This seems to be the question on everyone’s mind. So much happened over the course of that 120 minutes, well probably closer to 140 or even 150 minutes with all the stoppage time, that no one seems to know what to discuss first. In this case, let’s start at the beginning.
First Half Regular Time
The USMNT concedes in the 2′. Really it was about, what 65 seconds in? An error at the back, Mexico capitalize and the “here we go again,” thoughts come rushing in. Then about 20 minutes later, when Mexico puts the ball in the back for the second time, it really did seem over.
But wait! Thank God for VAR! Never thought those words would be written! Fortunately for the US, it was a wake-up call. Just a few minutes later, Gio Reyna equalized off the rebound of Weston McKennie’s header off Christian Pulisic corner kick. A goal made from young USMNT superstars. And just like that, game on!
The end of the first half saw Zack Steffen make some huge saves to keep the score level. Everything indicates Mexico is on the verge of pulling ahead, but it does not come to be. The arrival of half time provides a chance for fans of both teams to breathe and regroup.
Second Half Regular Time
The start of the second half saw the first of three THREE scuffles. Then one of the saddest movements of the match, Steffen after having a remarkable performance, goes down with a non-contact knee injury. After trying to continue, he is helped off the pitch and Ethan Horvath comes on.
In the 75′, two balls ended up on the pitch and as only Concacaf will do, play continues. Not long after Mexico scores their second goal of the night to pull ahead of the USMNT for the second time. In the 81′ Mexico concedes a foolish corner to the USMNT. McKennie fires his header home. Just like that, it is level once again.
The last 10-15 minutes of regular time saw the start of utter chaos. Horvath produces massive saves and keeps the score level. Around the 90+2′ all hell breaks loose. Mexico’s Hector Herrera fouls Horvath in the box. Both teams get angry and tempers flare. Somehow, Herrera manages to escape a red card after choking McKennie in an event reminiscent of the 2019 Gold Cup final. That detail was, of course, noticed by USMNT Twitter.
Following the freekick after the foul on Horvath, El Tri supporters use a homophobic slur in their chant. This forces the match to pause and enter anti-discrimination protocol. Once the match restarts, there are some desperate shots but neither team scores. Regular time ends and the match moves into extra time.
Extra Time
The first half of extra time provides several close scoring chances for Mexico. Horvath is up for the challenges and manages to keep the score level at 2-2. First half extra time ends with a lot of built up tension and a promise of more fireworks to come.
Enter second half extra time! Pulisic is brought down in the box. However, no foul is given. Enter VAR part 2! After the check, the penalty is given! Tata Martino also gets a red card for touching the referee during said check. Meanwhile, back at the penalty spot, Pulisic is ready. At the whistle, Pulisic calmly places his kick “top-bins” and the USMNT leads 3-2.
The celebration at the corner flag, in front of the Mexican fans, ends poorly when Reyna gets hit in the head with a projectile from the stands. The young winger needs help to his feet and is examined for a concussion.
Shortly after the re-start, VAR intervenes yet again after a potential handball by the USMNT in the box. VAR gives the penalty to Mexico providing the opportunity to level the match once again. However, Horvath has other plans. Up for the challenge, he produces one of, if not the, biggest moment of the match, saving the penalty.
Next up: scuffle number three. In the dying minutes of the match, Pulisic takes the ball into the corner, where he is fouled. The thrid scuffle ensues. Meanwhile the Mexican fans throw more projectiles at the players, this time catching their own player in the head. After the restart, the final few minutes play out rather uneventfully. The USMNT are declared winners of the inagural Concacaf Nations League!
An Instant Classic and a Trophy
This match will go down as a classic. How could it not? It is one of the most entertaining and dramatic matches in this historic Concacaf rivalry. The memories of this match will live on for many many years. As will this image. The future of the USMNT no more. They are the present and they mean business. Seriously this image needs to hang on the wall of Soccer House.
Winning this match, of course, provided this young USMNT squad with their first trophy. Having coming into camp with winners medals galore from highly successful individual seasons in Europe, this group was able to take that energy and win as a collective. They are a special group, and they are just getting started.
The players in this match stepped up for the USMNT. They won with heart and fight. Their desire to win was greater and it paid off with the victory. The match was not the prettiest game of footballer ever played, in fact it was far from it. Yesterday, it was individuals performing together and fighting together and for each other.
Everyone knows about the heroics of Horvath, the penalty goal by Pulisic, Reyna’s unstoppable movement and McKennie’s Man of the Match performance. However, there were several others that put in incredible shifts that have not gotten as much attention. Without these guys, there is no Concacaf Nations League title for the USMNT.
The Unsung Heroes
Zack Steffen
Lost in Ethan Horvath’s phenomenal substitute appearance, is the work of Zack Steffen. Prior to his knee injury, he was rock solid at the back. He came up big a few times to deny Mexico certain goals. Additionally, his calmness playing out of the back allowed for him to hit some ridiculous passes up field to the likes of Josh Sargent, Pulisic and McKennie. While Steffen’s calmness at the back is extremely nerve-racking to watch, it is so important. Despite not starting every match, Steffen has grown a lot as a keeper this past year. His increased skill was on full display in a wonderful performance last night.
Josh Sargent
It is no secret Josh has had a rough two seasons with Werder Bremen. However, those past two seasons taught him how to defend, how to run for his teammates and, most importantly, how to grind. Sargent was everywhere last night. He was running in behind Mexico’s defense, dropping back into midfield to connect play, holding off defenders like it was nothing. He was close to scoring or assisting multiple times, only missing by inches, saves, overhit passes or the lack of a runner for the cutback. It was type of performance that shows why Sargent is being sought after by so many Bundesliga clubs.
Mark McKenzie
Mark McKenzie came under a lot of fire after his early error. What he did not do, was let the error define his night. Despite the error and a few other nervous moments, McKenzie had a solid match. He got stuck in and was not afraid to foul should he need to. Playing in a final against Mexico is never easy, let alone as a young player with very few international caps. He grew into the match and put in crucial blocks and tackles. McKenzie showed a lot of promise last night, and he will absolutely be a crucial player in the USMNT going forward.
Tim Weah
Having come into the match as a substitute, for fullback Sergiño Dest, Weah made an instant impact. Taking over for Dest as a left-sided midfielder (Tim Ream was playing left-back at this point), Weah provided a spark. He allowed McKennie to roam more freely and opened up space for Pulisic to run and dribble. Defensively Weah was solid too. Additionally, Weah’s passion and heart were evident throughout his time on the pitch. He lead by example and fought hard.
Kellyn Acosta
A player many were skeptical of, Acosta stepped up in a big way in this match. He was solid defensively and adapted well to playing as a left-back. He did well to keep advancing play while also making sure to provide defensive cover. While much of his work went under the radar on the initial watch, upon a second viewing his efforts are quite noticable.
The Too High Expectation Crew
John Brooks
As the recognized best center back in the USMNT pool, there was a lot of pressure on John Brooks to deliver. He was tasked with being the defensive key for the US. As a World Cup veteran, he was expected to be a leader. Brooks managed to fill both roles. He helped keep the USMNT’s backline organized. He was aggressive and physical, making Mexico feel his presence on the pitch. In the attack, his passes helped unlock the Mexican defense repeatedly. He started beautiful sequences multiple times, finding Sargent, Weah, Pulisic, McKennie and others far up the pitch. Brooks’s strong performance has, unfortunately, been left out of much of the conversation. It is time to acknowledge how good he was.
Tyler Adams
Tyler Adams is another player coming into the match expected to perform at a very high level. When he finally came into the match, he was an instant defensive force. He shifted the balance of the midfield and was extremely hard for Mexico to play through. Adams was getting stuck in. He hardly put a foot wrong the entrire time he was on the pitch. Desptie only being 21, he played like an established veteran. It was easy to forget Adams had never played a competivie match against Mexico. Similarly to Brooks, Adams was expected to make the imapct he did, which has lead to him being left out of the player conversation.
What A Night
There is only one way to end this, joy. Last night came from a dream. A dream that the young players on the pitch last night have had since they were small and a dream fans have had watching these players come of age. It was the realization of a long road of rebuilding and believing in the potential of youth. It was the complete opposite of that night in Couva, that tragic night that defined this USMNT for years. That night defines this team no longer.
This team is defined by last night. Last night where they fought with every ounce of strength they had. Last night where they had each other’s backs and played like they just wanted that trophy more. They supported each other and played as one. Something that, until last night, hadn’t been evident. For the first time, this group looked like 23 players operating as one.
This USMNT is not afraid. They know their ability and are, perhaps, naïve enough to believe they can beat anyone if they fight hard enough. They have confidence that at times borders cockiness, but they are also grounded. And last night? Last night they announced themselves to the world, showing everything they are capable of.
A Few More Pictures Because We Love It
Club News
The constructing of a World Cup roster
Thomas Deschaine (@uskeeper on X and us_keeper on Instagram)
With the September FIFA window now in the rearview mirror, and only three more windows left before final rosters are set in late May or early June 2026, Mauricio Pochettino has drawn a clear line.
He’s stated that September’s camp was the “last camp to have the possibility for new faces.”
If we take him at his word, the nearly 70 players who’ve been called across six camps and the Gold Cup will form the pool from which he selects the 2026 World Cup squad.
Of the 60 players named to the 2025 Gold Cup provisional roster, only five, Maxi Dietz, Richie Ledezma, Tim Tillman, Caleb Wiley, and Griffin Yow, have yet to appear on a #USMNT roster under Pochettino.
Comparing the 2025 Nations League provisional roster to the Gold Cup list reveals over a dozen different players, raising the question: are these minor differences simply the edges of the player pool Pochettino intends to draw from?
Goalkeepers
Nine goalkeepers have been called into Pochettino’s camps, but it’s clear that Matt Freese is his first-choice right now, with Matt Turner likely the No. 2 as we sit just 10 months from the World Cup.
- Chris Brady
- Drake Callender
- Roman Celentano
- Matt Freese
- Ethan Horvath
- Jonathan Klinsmann
- Diego Kochen
- Patrick Schulte
- Zack Steffen
- Matt Turner
Fullbacks
Outside of Sergiño Dest and Antonee Robinson, the USMNT’s fullback depth remains a concern. Pochettino appears high on MLS defenders Alex Freeman and Max Arfsten, while Caleb Wiley, though yet to feature in a USMNT camp but named to recent provisional rosters, could still be on his depth chart.
- Max Arfsten
- Sergino Dest
- Alex Freeman
- Marlon Fossey
- DeJuan Jones
- Kristoffer Lund
- Shaquell Moore
- Antonee Robinson
- Joe Scally
- John Tolkin
Centerbacks
Center back remains another position with uncertain depth. Chris Richards and the veteran Tim Ream look like locks for now, leaving three spots up for grabs. If Pochettino opts for a back three, that tactical shift could influence which players ultimately make the cut. Notably, Jackson Ragen and Maxi Dietz are the only center backs from the recent provisional rosters who haven’t been called into a USMNT camp.
- Noahkai Banks
- Tristan Blackmon
- George Campbell
- Cameron Carter-Vickers
- Mark McKenzie
- Tim Ream
- Chris Richards
- Miles Robinson
- Auston Trusty
- Walker Zimmerman
Central Midfielders
The central midfield position is the deepest for the #USMNT, with many players in the pool capable of also playing fullback, center back, or winger. Although Richie Ledezma has primarily played as a right back and right wing-back for his current club and for PSV last season, USMNT coaches view him primarily as a midfielder. This likely explains why he hasn’t yet been called into a USMNT camp.
- Tyler Adams
- Sebastian Berhalter
- Gianluca Busio
- Johnny Cardoso
- Ben Cremaschi
- Luca de la Torre
- Emeka Eneli
- Jack McGlynn
- Weston McKennie
- Aidan Morris
- Yunus Musah
- Tanner Tessmann
- Sean Zawadzki
Attacking Midfielders
There are several players at this position who could add real quality and play pivotal roles for the #USMNT at next summer’s World Cup. Gio Reyna remains a major question mark, but his talent is undeniable. With his recent club change, there’s hope he can return to the high level of form we’ve seen from him in the past.
- Brenden Aaronson
- Paxten Aaronson
- Brian Gutiérrez
- Djordje Mihailovic
- Matko Miljevic
- Gio Reyna
- Malik Tillman
Wingers
The winger position remains thin for the #USMNT, though several players there can also slot in as attacking midfielders, strikers, or even fullback. Notably, two young wingers, Cole Campbell and Griffin Yow, appeared on provisional rosters but have yet to be called into any Pochettino camp.
- Cade Cowell
- Diego Luna
- Christian Pulisic
- Quinn Sullivan
- Indiana Vassilev
- Tim Weah
- Haji Wright
- Alejandro Zendejas
Strikers
Another area of concern for the USMNT is striker depth. While the top options have all produced well for their clubs when healthy, injuries have kept the pool thin. If everyone is fit, the primary competition for the starting role likely comes down to three players: Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, and Josh Sargent. Haji Wright and Tim Weah can also step in as center-forward options if needed.
- Patrick Agyemang
- Folarin Balogun
- Damion Downs
- Jesus Ferreira
- Ricardo Pepi
- Josh Sargent
- Brandon Vazquez
- Brian White
Conclusion
It’s tough to read Pochettino’s mindset right now. Many expect fewer MLS players to be called for the October window, partly because the league continues through FIFA dates and the regular season ends mid-October.
Most World Cup rosters largely select themselves, with only a few surprising omissions, think of the 1994 squad, which left out several players many felt deserved a spot.
But with Pochettino still showing a shaky grasp of the USMNT player pool, this cycle could produce more notable snubs than ever, though there’s still time for him to get it right.
USMNT
Launching Caring Excellence in Northern Kentucky
USMNT
Concacaf Gold Cup is becoming tarnished
Thomas Deschaine (@uskeeper on X and us_keeper on Instagram)
Not long ago, winning your confederation’s tournament earned a spot in the FIFA Confederations Cup, a prestigious competition held in the World Cup host nation the summer before the world’s biggest tournament.
The tournament featured the champions of all six confederations (AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, OFC, and UEFA), along with the reigning FIFA World Cup winner and the host nation, rounding out the field to eight teams. The tournament was last played in 2017.
The Concacaf Gold Cup is a semi-cycle tournament played in the first and third years of the cycle. The CAF Africa Cup of Nations is the only other confederation that plays two tournaments a cycle, and in many circles, the frequency of the Concacaf Gold Cup and the addition of the Concacaf Nations League has made the Gold Cup a throwaway tournament for the USMNT, as it’s been six years since the so called A list player pool has played in the event.
It raises the question for FIFA and Concacaf: should the Gold Cup be played once a cycle, and should FIFA consider bringing back the Confederations Cup?
The USMNT won the inaugural Gold Cup in 1991 and has claimed seven of the 17 editions since. Only two other CONCACAF nations Mexico (9) and Canada (1)—have lifted the trophy, and both are contenders in this edition.
The USMNT has a strong track record at the Gold Cup, finishing first in their group every year except 2011. They’ve reached 12 finals, with a record of 69 wins, 12 draws, and 9 losses, scoring 189 goals and conceding just 60
Gold Cup Player Stats
Across 17 editions of the Gold Cup, the USMNT has netted 189 goals, conceded just 60, and recorded 50 clean sheets. Here’s a look at the players who made it happen, those who found the back of the net, and those who kept it out.
Goals
18-Landon Donovan
13-Clint Dempsey
9-Eric Wynalda
8-Brian McBride
7-Jesus Ferreira
Assists
16-Landon Donovan
7-Michael Bradley
6-DaMarcus Beasley
6-Alejandro Bedoya
6-Eric Wynalda
5-Clint Dempsey
Wins
17-Kasey Keller
11-Tim Howard
8-Tony Meola
7-Matt Turner
Shutouts
14-Kasey Keller
8-Tim Howard
6-Tony Meola
6-Matt Turner
Captain
10-Michael Bradley
10-Kasey Keller
9-Carlos Bocanegra
8-Tony Meola
7-Claudio Reyna
Gold Cup Manager Stats
Over the past 34 years, the USMNT has reached 12 of the 17 Gold Cup finals under the leadership of seven different managers. Here’s a look at how each of them performed.
Matches Coached
25-Bruce Arena
18-Bob Bradley
12-Gregg Berhalter
12-Jurgen Klinsmann
10-Bora Milutinovic
8-Steve Sampson
5-B.J. Callaghan
Matches Won
19-Bruce Arena – GF-52-, GA-14
14-Bob Bradley – GF-34, GA-17
11-Gregg Berhalter – GF-26, GA-3
9-Jurgen Klinsmann – GF-32, GA-9
8-Bora Milutinovic – GF-15, GA-8
6-Steve Sampson – GF-14, GA-5
2-B.J. Callaghan – GF-16, GA-4
Gold Cup Trophies
3-Bruce Arena
1-Gregg Berhalter
1-Bob Bradley
1-Jurgen Klinsmann
1-Bora Milutinovic
Conclusion
In the future, U.S. Soccer and the USMNT should clearly communicate roster expectations for the Gold Cup, especially if a full A-list squad is not planned. Transparency on this front is essential, as it directly affects fan interest and attendance.
The constructing of a World Cup roster
Launching Caring Excellence in Northern Kentucky
Concacaf Gold Cup is becoming tarnished
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