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
USMNT
Side by Side: The Looking at USMNT Center Back Pairings – Past & Present
If the March 2026 window revealed anything about the United States men’s national soccer team, it’s that their center-back group, whether in a two- or three-man setup, lacks cohesion heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The partnership, continuity, and communication between center backs are critical to organizing the entire defense, and right now, that foundation doesn’t look fully settled.
That realization prompted a look back over the past 40 years, examining the different center-back pairings, how they developed chemistry, and the impact those partnerships had on the USMNT at the highest level.
The Steadfast Anchor of the 1990 USMNT Defense
Mike Windischmann, captain of the 1990 USMNT World Cup team, was a cornerstone of the squad throughout the 1990 cycle. For much of that period, he was paired at center-back with Steve Trittschuh, though the two didn’t start together at the World Cup itself. Windischmann also formed defensive partnerships with John Doyle, Marcelo Balboa, and Paul Caligiuri at various points. At the World Cup, he teamed up with Jimmy Banks in two of the three matches, providing leadership and stability at the heart of the U.S. backline.
Trailblazers Building a Solid Back Line for the Future
Much like the 1990 cycle, Marcelo Balboa was a constant presence on the USMNT back line, whether playing as a sweeper under Bora Milutinović or in a back three with six midfielders in front of him under Steve Sampson. He formed key partnerships with emerging talents like Alexi Lalas, who joined the team in 1992, and dual-national Thomas Dooley. This defensive core enjoyed significant successes throughout the 1994 and 1998 cycles, including advancing out of the group stage at the 1994 World Cup, defeating Argentina at the 1995 Copa América, and taking Brazil to the brink in a hard-fought semifinal.
A Defensive Anchor in U.S. Soccer History
Widely regarded as one of the top center-backs in U.S. men’s national team history, Eddie Pope featured in three consecutive FIFA World Cups (1998, 2002, and 2006), starting in all three for the USMNT. At the 2002 tournament, he anchored a formidable back line alongside Tony Sanneh and Jeff Agoos, forming a disciplined and resilient defensive unit for the United States men’s national soccer team. That group played a key role in one of the program’s deepest modern World Cup runs, but does it stand as the best defensive unit the USMNT has ever produced?
A Peak Partnership Interrupted
For me, one of the strongest center-back pairings in United States men’s national soccer team history emerged during the 2010 cycle, anchored by Carlos Bocanegra and Oguchi Onyewu. The duo arguably reached their peak at the 2009 Confederations Cup, forming a physically dominant and well-organized backbone.
Unfortunately, Onyewu’s injury leading into the 2010 World Cup limited his effectiveness, preventing the partnership from carrying that same level into the tournament. In his absence, Jay DeMerit stepped in seamlessly, providing valuable depth and steady performances, highlighting the overall strength of the USMNT’s center-back pool during that period.
From Breakthrough to Breakdown
The center-back pairing of Omar Gonzalez and Matt Besler came together late in the 2014 cycle but quickly developed into a reliable and cohesive duo at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Their understanding and physical presence helped stabilize the back line on the world stage.
That tournament also introduced a rising presence in John Brooks, who memorably scored the game-winning goal against Ghana after Besler picked up a knock, announcing himself in a major moment.
As the cycle turned toward 2018, Brooks continued to establish himself, often partnering with Geoff Cameron, while Gonzalez and Besler remained in the mix depending on form and fitness. However, as the 2018 cycle progressed, inconsistency and a lack of cohesion among the center-backs became an issue, one of several factors that ultimately contributed to the United States men’s national soccer team failing to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Emerging Stability Ahead of the 2022 World Cup
Heading into the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the United States men’s national soccer team faced real uncertainty at center back, with no clear anchor or leader emerging. That quickly changed, as Tim Ream stepped in and solidified himself as the steadying presence of the back line.
A major turning point came when Miles Robinson suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in the summer leading up to the tournament—a significant blow given his form and importance to the group. His absence opened the door for Walker Zimmerman, who had already been in contention, to establish a strong partnership alongside Ream.
Meanwhile, Aaron Long, returning from his own Achilles injury in 2021, earned a place on the roster, and Cameron Carter-Vickers also featured, with both players contributing minutes during the tournament. Together, this group brought stability to a position that had looked unsettled just months earlier.
2026 at Center Back Uncertainty and Opportunity
There are more questions than answers surrounding the United States men’s national soccer team center-back picture heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Chris Richards appears to be a near lock, while Tim Ream, though still a trusted presence, has shown signs of decline compared to four years ago, yet could still find his way onto the roster based on experience and leadership.
A key variable will be how Mauricio Pochettino sets up tactically, particularly whether he opts for a two or three center-back system. In a back three, players like Joe Scally and Alex Freeman could slide into right center-back roles given their versatility, while Mark McKenzie and Auston Trusty provide options on the left. Miles Robinson also remains firmly in the mix as competition for a roster spot.
Perhaps the biggest unknown is Noahkai Banks. The 19-year-old dual national, currently playing in the Bundesliga, opted out of a recent USMNT camp while weighing his international future between the United States and Germany. If he ultimately commits, his emergence could significantly impact the depth and ceiling of the USMNT’s center-back pool heading into 2026.
USMNT
Voices of USMNT on the World Stage
Thomas Deschaine (@uskeeper on X and us_keeper on Instagram)
Over the decades, the United States Men’s National Soccer Team has been accompanied by a wide range of voices behind the microphone, delivering some of the most memorable calls in World Cup history.
Along the way, several standout broadcast duos have helped shape the viewing experience and left a lasting mark on the USMNT landscape.
Here’s a look back at the voices that have defined US World Cup broadcasts since 1990.
1990 FIFA World Cup – Italy
Network: ESPN
Play-by-play: Bob Ley
Color: Paul Gardner
Coverage of the USMNT at the 1990 World Cup was limited, particularly in the early rounds, but Bob Ley emerged as one of the defining voices of soccer on U.S. television during that era. His presence helped introduce a new generation of American fans to the international game, providing context and credibility at a time when the global stage still felt unfamiliar to much of the US audience.
1994 FIFA World Cup – United States of America
1998 FIFA World Cup – France
2002 FIFA World Cup – Japan / South Korea
Networks: ABC / ESPN
Play-by-play: JP Dellacamera
Color: Ty Keough
This play-by-play and color commentary duo called three World Cups for the USMNT, becoming the defining voice of the team during my peak viewing years. Ty Keough the former USMNT midfielder from the late 1970s and early 1980s.
JP Dellacamera stands out as one of, if not the, best play-by-play announcers and remains one of my favorites. While others on this list delivered memorable moments, they didn’t quite match that same level of longevity.
2006 FIFA World Cup – Germany
Networks: ABC / ESPN
Play-by-play: Dave O’Brien
Color: Marcelo Balboa
New England native Dave O’Brien, widely known today for calling major sports across his career, had just one World Cup as the primary play-by-play voice for the USMNT. His run calling USMNT matches, primarily in the mid-2000s on ESPN, was relatively brief but still memorable. While he isn’t as closely associated with the USMNT as some other broadcasters, he was behind the mic for several standout moments during that era.
2010 FIFA World Cup – South Korea
Network: ESPN
Play-by-play: Ian Darke
Color: John Harkes
Ian Darke brought a global voice to American audiences as the lead play-by-play announcer for the USMNT during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Already well known around the world, he made the tournament easy to connect with for U.S. fans and delivered one of the most iconic calls in American soccer history.
Darke’s iconic call of the USMNT game winning goal by Landon Donovan in must win final group stage match against Algeria to advance to the knockout stage of the 2010 World Cup gives me chills every time I see it.
2014 FIFA World Cup – Brazil
Networks: ESPN / ABC
Play-by-play: Ian Darke
Color: Taylor Twellman
This duo might be my favorite to date. Ian Darke brought a clear, global voice to USMNT viewers during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, making the tournament easy to follow for US fans while elevating the biggest moments with calm, sharp, and memorable calls.
Alongside him, Taylor Twellman emerged as one of the most recognizable and influential voices of the modern era, primarily as a lead analyst on ESPN. His passionate, unfiltered style stood out, most notably with his unforgettable “What are we doing?!” reaction following the USMNT’s failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, a moment that’s still talked about today.
2022 FIFA World Cup – Qatar
Network: FOX Sports
Play-by-play: John Strong
Color: Stu Holden
If the USMNT had qualified for the 2018 World Cup, this broadcast team would have called their matches, marking what would have been a third straight World Cup cycle with the same primary commentary crew. It’s also likely he’ll be paired again with Stu Holden for USMNT matches at the 2026 World Cup.
John Strong has served as a lead play-by-play voice for U.S. soccer on FOX Sports since 2018, bringing a modern, high-energy style to the booth. Since taking on major international assignments, he’s become one of the defining voices for USMNT audiences in top competitions, known for his clear, sharp calls and a big-game tone that fits the moment.
Club News
The Expanding Impact of MLS on the World Cup
The growth and success of Major League Soccer has led to more players from around the world representing MLS at the World Cup, with this summer’s tournament expected to feature the highest total yet.
1998 was the first World Cup played after the launch of Major League Soccer. Here’s a breakdown of MLS-based players on World Cup rosters by year:
1998 – 18 (T-8th)
Tied with Liga MX for 8th most. This would the first and only time the USMNT World Cup roster
2002 – 11 (18th)
All 11 were from the USMNT
2006 – 15 (14th)
11 of the 15 were #USMNT players.
2010 – 6 (25th)
The lowest total to date. Only 6 MLS players, with 4 on the USMNT. This coincided with the peak of US players based in Europe.
2014 – 21 (10th)
Less than half were USMNT players, though the US still led the way the 10 most notably DeAndre Yedlin (20) getting the call.
2018 – 18 (11th)
This number likely would’ve been significantly higher had the USMNT qualified, potentially pushing MLS into the top 7–8 leagues.
2022 – 36 (6th)
The highest total yet, just behind Ligue 1 for 5th. Also worth noting, rosters expanded from 23 to 26 players for this tournament and the first time that the USA didn’t have the most players
Overall, the trend shows steady growth in MLS representation, both domestically and internationally.
MLS Pipeline Continues for the USMNT
It’s rare for a World Cup–qualified nation not to have a strong share of its players featured across tournament rosters. Canada was a recent exception in 2022, though their ties to MLS remain significant with multiple clubs in the league.
With roster selection less than a month away, it’s reasonable to expect that roughly a third of the #USMNT squad will come from MLS. Below is a positional breakdown of the MLS players Mauricio Pochettino has called in during his tenure as USMNT manager.
Goalkeepers
The USMNT is set to start an MLS-based goalkeeper at a World Cup for the first time, with all of the top options currently playing in MLS.
Chris Brady is one of the goalkeepers I’m most excited to watch in the coming cycles. He’s been performing at a high level in Major League Soccer and looks like a strong candidate to fill the long-term role as the USMNT’s primary starter over the next few cycles.
Chris Brady
Roman Celentano
Matt Freese
Patrick Schulte
Matt Turner
Defenders
Veteran center-backs Tim Ream and Miles Robinson seem likely to be selected with Blackmon a possibility depending on the health of the remaining pool. Arfsten seems to be almost a lock due to his ability to attack and create scoring chances with his crosses from the wing.
Max Arfsten
Tristan Blackmon
Tim Ream
Miles Robinson
Midfielders
The USMNT has strong depth in midfield, and Mauricio Pochettino’s recent roster selections suggest he’ll likely round out the squad with some of the players listed below.
One of the biggest gaps in this USMNT roster is the true dynamic, creative spark in the attacking third. Diego Luna stands out in that role, capable of unsettling defenses, breaking lines, and changing the rhythm of a match. He’s exactly the type of player who could thrive in a super-sub role, coming on against tired legs and making an impact at this summer’s World Cup.
Sebastian Berhalter
Diego Luna
Jack McGlynn
Cristian Roldan
Timothy Tillman
Forwards
Striker may be the toughest position for the MLS group to crack the #USMNT World Cup roster, but Brian White is making a strong case, scoring eight goals in his first nine MLS matches at the time of writing.
Brian White is a highly productive, “old-school” style striker for the USMNT, known for his elite positioning, relentless work rate, and ability to finish in a variety of ways. That combination makes him a strong option as a striker off the bench, where he could be especially dangerous against tired defenses at this summer’s World Cup.
Paxten Aaronson
Josh Sargent
Brian White
MLS Representation in the USMNT Player Pool
Since 1998, the last time the majority of a USMNT World Cup roster was composed primarily of MLS-based players, it has become increasingly clear that a meaningful portion of the squad still comes from MLS. Consistently, roughly 30–40% of the roster has been drawn from the domestic league, reflecting a long-standing and relatively stable trend in player selection over time which I don’t seen changing anytime soon.
Side by Side: The Looking at USMNT Center Back Pairings – Past & Present
Voices of USMNT on the World Stage
The Expanding Impact of MLS on the World Cup
-
Club News2 years agoAmerican Transfers: Stock Up & Stock Down
-
USMNT2 years agoUSMNT Kits Come in Different Styles and Colors
-
Club News6 years agoCJ dos Santos, Benfica
-
USMNT6 years agoA Hidden Gem: Barça Residency Academy
-
Club News6 years agoJulian Vincente Araujo
-
USMNT3 years ago
World Cup Format History
-
USMNT2 years agoIs the MLS Specifically Targeting Expansion to USL Cities?
-
MLS4 years ago2022 Youth Series: MLS Club Youth Talent Rankings