USMNT
USMNT UNLOCKED
Last Tuesday, I watched the USMNT look toothless and confused versus a terrible version of the Saudi Arabia national team (all domestic, some from the Saudi 2nd division!). Then the next night, I turned on the US U20MNT versus Paraguay and saw something completely different. I saw a team that controlled the ball, dominated it, and produced scoring chances often and with regularity. It is exactly how you must think Berhalter wants the USMNT to play. So, why after almost four years with Berhalter as the coach, can the USMNT not muster any goal threat against super weak opponents, much less good ones, outside of a few games? I think I have the beginning of a reason, a key to unlocking the problem.
First, let us try and understand why the U20s look so good. I think there are two reasons: one is talent advantage and the other is highly technical players in all positions. There is no doubt the US U20s are better than the teams they faced (even though they lost a game they dominated to Mexico). But the USMNT has played games where they were much more talented, man for man, than the opponent with mixed results. The latest is against the Saudi Arabia domestic squad. Therefore, it is not so important to investigate the first reason as a deficit of talented players is not the problem.
The second reason, technical players in all positions, is a more fruitful avenue and the key to understanding why the USMNT struggles at times. Mikey Varas, the U20 coach, rotates quite a bit during the tournament, but he usually puts 10-11 technical players on the field. He accomplishes that, many times, by taking a large surplus of technical central midfielders and playing them at winger, striker, and defensive mid, if he has to. Just to clarify, when I talk about technical players, they don’t have to be Iniesta or Messi. They have to have three things: a good first touch, the ability to play on the half turn, the ability to pass to the correct foot for the teammate, and the situation.
If we look at some games where the senior team has looked as good as the U20s, versus games where they have looked lost, we can see that having technical players, and no weak links, is a minimum requirement to play how Berhalter, supposedly, wants them to play. Most USMNT rosters to date, though, do not contain 11 sound technical players. This is where we need to discuss a type of player that is common in pro soccer and on many USMNT rosters: the Riser. A “Riser” (could also be called a “Faller”, but let’s stay positive) is a player that can mostly do the technical things above, or do them most of the time. The key to the Riser is that they tend to do them most consistently when they are with technical players and on the best fields. When they are playing with non-technical teammates or on poor fields, they tend not to execute as well technically. Some also seem to have long stretches when they are technical then stretches when they are not.
Here are players from rosters since the pandemic shut down sorted into Technical, Risers, and Non-Technical:
|
Technical |
Risers |
Non-technical |
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|
Pulisc |
Pepi |
Acosta |
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|
Reyna |
McKennie |
Long |
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|
Dest |
Miles R. |
Yedlin |
||
|
Richards |
Zimmerman |
Turner |
||
|
Scally |
Steffen |
Cannon |
||
|
De La Torre |
Horvath |
Morris |
||
|
Tillman |
Johnson |
Lletget |
||
|
Aaronson |
Jedi |
Zardes |
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|
Ferreira |
Arriola |
Bello |
||
|
Weah |
Sargent |
Moore |
||
|
Musah |
Pefok |
Vines |
||
|
Adams |
McKenzie |
Roldan |
||
|
Hoppe |
||||
|
Williamson |
||||
|
Sands |
||||
It is possible that the U20s have Risers mixed in too. It will become clear that it is the ratio of the players that seems to matter. Any Risers on the U20s are blending in because they are surrounded by Technical players. We can also quibble about the above lists, but it won’t make a large practical difference if one or two players are in columns you have a problem with.
The first case study is to look at the Saudi game at the start and after Reyna is subbed for Arriola because of injury. If you look at the performance with Reyna it wasn’t great; but it was much more coherent and better at getting near the opponent’s box than the time after he leaves. To illustrate this, the USMNT had the ball at the feet of the attacker moving at the backline of Saudi Arabia six times in the roughly 30 minutes Reyna is on the field. Over the next 30 minutes with Reyna off the field, this occurred once.
Here is the lineup before and after:
Before After
Technical 4 3
Risers 3 4
Non-Technical 4 4
This is a small change, but the USMNT has tended to perform better when they have more Technical versus Non-Technical players. Especially, on good fields and at home, the Risers in these situations tend to play best and help.
At the 60 minute mark, the USMNT makes three subs and this is what the lineup breaks down as:
At 60’
Technical 5
Risers 4
Non-Technical 2
With Technical players again outnumbering Non-Technical, the USMNT generated six instances of attacking the backline with the ball.
Two of the most extreme differences in performance during qualifying was Away to Panama and Home to Panama. In the former, the team was lifeless and didn’t record a shot on goal. In the latter, the team was ball dominant, incredibly dangerous, and routed Panama 5-1. The former was probably the worst performance and the latter one of the better. Let’s look at how the lineups for the two sorted out between our three player types:
Away Home
Technical 2 5
Risers 3 5
Non-Technical 6 1
The technical skill between the two lineups is glaring. In the Away match, we actually had more Non-Technical players than Technical and Risers added up. In this case, Risers will be Fallers because almost all the other players are Non-Technical. This might be one of the most non-technically proficient lineups we have played outside the Gold Cup. That last bit is interesting and I will discuss it at in the next case study.
Other factors are on the road, on the road in Concacaf, and poor field and a hostile crowd for the Away match. I believe these kinds of variables just make Risers into Fallers. The US U20s have played in Mexico twice, Argentina and Honduras and have not really looked any worse than the few games they played in the USA. So, I don’t believe a team of almost all or all Technical players has problems with fields, crowds, and travel as a team with Non-technical and Risers, like the USMNT.
The second case study is between the 2021 Gold Cup Final and the Home World Cup Qualifier versus Mexico. Both games were at home, on good fields, and both were good results but accomplished two very different ways. Here are the lineups broken out:
GC Final WCQ
Technical 0 4
Risers 5 6
Non-Technical 6 1
Here are the stats from the two games
Stats Summary: GOLD CUP WCQ’ing
Shots: 14 / 22 18 / 8
Shots on Goal: 5 / 5 5 / 4
Corner Kicks: 6 / 11 5 / 3
Fouls: 31 / 20 12 / 13
Keep in mind that the Gold Cup Final went 120’ while the Qualifier only 90’. But it is easy to see that while the USA won both games, they were very different games. In the Qualifier, the USMNT dominated Mexico in a way never seen before. Frankly, they looked like the U20s vs Paraguay or like Bayern Munich versus Augsburg. Playing Mexico, at home, on a good field turned all the Risers into the best version of themselves. The lack of Non-Technical teammates was also a big reason. When you know your teammate will control the ball and do something productive with it, every time, you can play faster and move off the ball in anticipation.
The USA won the Gold Cup with what is a lineup even worse than the lineup that would lay such a dud in Panama a few months later (many of the players were the same too!). Not only did they win, but they controlled the game, but did not dominate the ball. What is different between that game and the Panama away qualifier is that the tactics were different. Berhalter adapted to his non-technical roster by not playing how he tried to play in Panama or against Saudi Arabia. The team didn’t play it out of the back, they used long balls and pressing to control the game and scored on a set piece to win it.
There is nothing wrong with playing that way. Whether it will, “change the way the world views American soccer,” is not really the point. No view will change if we play like we did against Saudi Arabia and exit the World Cup quickly. Well, the views of the few fans of the team that will be tuning in to the World Cup will change, for the worse. Berhalter has to field teams of mostly technical players and fill in only when necessary with Risers. Unfortunately, the USMNT talent pool lacks Technical players at every position and injuries have repeatedly sapped many in every window.
This brings us back to the Gold Cup. When Berhalter is forced, through his own negligence in finding and integrating Technical players, injuries, and suspensions to field teams with a large number of Risers and Non-Technical players, he needs to adjust the tactics to those of the Gold Cup. Not continue to send the players out to execute a game plan that they cannot execute.
We have the key! When the lineup allows, this team can play beautiful Total Football and be ball dominant. When the lineup doesn’t allow that, Gregg needs to change tactics or we will lose.
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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