A Remarkable Transformation: USMNT’s Resurgence Under Pochettino

TAMPA — Sixteen months ago, the U.S. men’s national soccer team experienced a significant low point, suffering a 1-0 defeat to Uruguay that resulted in their elimination from the group stage of the 2024 Copa America. In that match, the U.S. was both outplayed and outmaneuvered by La Celeste, succumbing to a physical onslaught.

This disappointing performance led to the dismissal of then-coach Gregg Berhalter and the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as the new manager.

Fast forward to the present, and the transformation of the U.S. team is striking. They decisively defeated Uruguay 5-1 in a thrilling display characterized by an onslaught of goals in the first half on Tuesday night. If this match served as a benchmark, the USMNT shattered expectations and ignited from the very first whistle.

Sebastian Berhalter initiated the scoring in the 17th minute, executing a short free kick to Sergiño Dest before receiving the ball back and unleashing a powerful shot past Uruguay’s goalkeeper, Cristopher Fiermarin, marking his first international goal. Just three minutes later, Berhalter set up a corner kick for Alex Freeman, who headed the ball into the net for his inaugural goal for the national team. Freeman then scored again in the 31st minute, weaving through the Uruguayan defense after receiving a pass from Auston Trusty.

The fourth goal was a beautiful culmination of teamwork, resulting from an eight-pass sequence that concluded with Diego Luna side-footing the ball into the net. Although Uruguay’s Giorgian de Arrascaeta scored a remarkable bicycle kick just before halftime due to a lapse in U.S. defense, Tanner Tessmann sealed the score at 5-1 in the 68th minute with a header from a cross delivered by substitute Giovanni Reyna.

The accolades for this match are plentiful. This victory marks the first time since 2013 that the USMNT has gone unbeaten in five consecutive matches against opponents ranked in the top 40. The win also matches the largest margin of victory against a South American opponent, previously achieved with a 4-0 win against Bolivia in May 2016, and ties the record for the largest margin against an opponent ranked within FIFA’s top 15.

Notably, this victory was achieved with a U.S. squad that was not at full strength, featuring an injury list that could almost form an alternate starting XI. Missing players included AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic, Crystal Palace’s Chris Richards, Marseille’s Tim Weah, and Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams. The absence of high-profile midfielder Weston McKennie, who is currently navigating a managerial change at Juventus, was also significant. However, Pochettino dismissed the notion that he was lacking key players, labeling it “disrespectful” to those who participated.

Despite fielding a relatively inexperienced lineup averaging 14 caps per player, compared to an average of 32 caps in their match against Paraguay, the U.S. delivered a stunning performance. The combination of cohesion, aggression, and an undeniable hunger to prove themselves underlined the players’ determination to impress their manager.

Mark McKenzie, who captained the squad, noted, “We have a group full of guys who are hungry for opportunity and competitors. Stepping in to play for your country is an invaluable chance, and it highlights our depth as a team. Everyone is striving to make Mauricio’s decisions as challenging as possible.”

Execution from unexpected players was also noteworthy, as Berhalter’s set-piece deliveries proved effective. Freeman demonstrated his capability to advance the ball, and the collective intensity of the team was palpable, ensuring the result was never in doubt.

Reflecting on the match, Berhalter mentioned, “Everyone felt confident that we could achieve this win, and each player performed admirably.”

This win capped a year of ups and downs for the U.S. team, which began with high hopes but was followed by disappointing performances in the Concacaf Nations League, including losses to Panama and Canada, as well as humbling friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland. While the Gold Cup offered some optimism with a young squad, the team’s trajectory remained uncertain after a 2-0 loss to South Korea. However, the recent five-match unbeaten streak, highlighted by victories over Japan, Australia, Paraguay, and now Uruguay, has provided the U.S. with significant momentum as they prepare for the World Cup.

Pochettino has encouraged his players to “be realistic and do the impossible,” prompting them to redefine their limitations as they progress under his leadership.

“There is still much work ahead, but we must continue believing and pushing forward,” he stated.

Looking ahead, there are four months until the next international window in March, a period that will feel lengthy considering the potential for changes in player form and fitness. The players are eager to continue building on their momentum with Pochettino, who will face tough decisions regarding roster selections as talented players may be left out. For now, the focus remains on club commitments and maintaining the competitive spirit within the group.

“We must consistently uphold high standards in training and approach matches with the same mentality, whether during camps or outside them,” McKenzie concluded. “Creating a sense of competition at our clubs will resonate throughout the team, as evidenced by our performance this camp.”

Indeed, the transformation over the past 16 months has been remarkable.