USMNT Humiliated in 3-0 Friendly Loss to Salomon Rondon, Venezuela
Jun 9, 2019
CINCINNATI, OHIO - JUNE 09: Salomon Rondon #23of the Venezuela men's national team celebrates after scoring a goal in the first half of the game against the USA men's national team at Nippert Stadium on June 09, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
The United States will go into the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup on the back of consecutive defeats after they were beaten 3-0 by Venezuela in their final warm-up match at Nippert Stadium in Ohio on Sunday.
A humiliating first half for the hosts saw them trailing 3-0 by the break thanks to Salomon Rondon's double and a Jefferson Savarino strike.
It was enough for Venezuela to earn a comfortable victory, their first win in four matches, and they will now take some much-needed momentum into their 2019 Copa America opener against Peru on June 15.
The U.S., meanwhile, are without a win since March going into their Gold Cup opener against Guyana on June 18.
The U.S. were actually the more lively side early on, as debutant Tyler Boyd caught the eye with some dangerous deliveries fromset pieces.
However, as soon as Venezuela put any pressure on the hosts' frail back line, they were rewarded.
In the 16th minute, U.S. goalkeeper Zack Steffen could only find an opposition player as he looked to play the ball out from the back.
The ball was put back into the box, and Jhon Murillo laid off to Rondon, who side-footed home with an inventive finish.
On the half-hour, the hosts were exposed again at the back. A long throw was flicked on by Rondon to put Savarino into a fine position on the edge of the box.
The Real Salt Lake forward's initial curled effort came back off the post, but he was fastest to the rebound anddoubledVenezuela's lead.
Goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez maintained his side's two-goal lead moments later with a brilliant save from Weston McKennie's low shot.
And Rondon then got his second in the 36th minute as the Stars and Stripes were undone by the simplest ball over the top of the defence from Tomas Rincon.
Rondon shimmied in the box to create space before firing a finerecord-breakingfinish home, but it was another sign of defensive weakness from the U.S.
The hosts were better after the break, but they could hardly have been worse.
Just after the hour, substitute Jordan Morris fired wide, and then Nick Lima put a brilliant ball into the box that neither Duane Holmes nor Paul Arriola could turn home.
With 12 minutes to go, Morris and Cristian Roldan failed to take advantage of Jozy Altidore's fine flick-on, and Arriola was denied even a consolation by another good Farinez save late on.
Shamar Nicholson Leads Jamaica to 1-0 Win over United States in Gold Cup Tune-Up
Jun 5, 2019
Jamaica forward Shamar Nicholson (11) celebrates his goal during the second half of the team's international friendly soccer match against the United States, Wednesday, June 5, 2019, in Washington. Jamaica won 1-0. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The United States men's national team suffered a disappointing setback with a 1-0 loss to Jamaica in Wednesday's international friendly.
Shamar Nicholson provided the only goal of the match in the 60th minute as the Reggae Boyz completed the upset at Audi Field in Washington D.C. Team USA struggled to generate any offense and only finished with five shots total and one on goal.
The Americans had been undefeated in four matches so far in 2019, but the latest loss will kill a lot of momentum heading into the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
The loss was especially notable considering how the team had previously fared in these matchups:
#USMNT now has three losses in 54 home games vs Caribbean nations:
🇯🇲 Tonight vs Jamaica 🇯🇲 2015 vs Jamaica 🇭🇹 1969 vs Haiti
Without many of the squad's big names like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Michael Bradley, this was a game for experimentation from Team USA.
First, there were several players in the lineup looking for spots on the Gold Cup roster or a bigger role, as head coach Gregg Berhalter explained coming in.
"I think there will be a few positions that are up for grabs, but not many," Berhalter told reporters Tuesday. "A lot of the work has been done beforehand, but we will make a few decisions based on tomorrow’s game."
Eyes were especially on midfielders Cristian Roldan and Djordje Mihailovic, although both were inconsistent with their passing and failed to create many opportunities on the field. Antonee Robinson showcased a high work rate but poor touch on the attack, making him ill-suited for offensive play.
Meanwhile, the match allowed Berhalter to try out a different hybrid formation as part of his system, as Stu Holden explained:
This created an aggressive attack that saw the team push forward toward the opposing net. With more experienced and skilled forwards, this could lead to more scoring chances and greater control of the action.
Unfortunately, this lineup couldn't take advantage of the possession without the ability to penetrate into the box. It also allowed several counterattacks early on, with Jamaica taking eight shots in the first half compared to one from the U.S., including the only two on goal.
Of course, other than a few quick chances from the road team, there wasn't a whole lot of excitement from either side in the first 45 minutes:
Dull stuff from the #usmnt. Had some decent approach work out wide early, but Jamaica succeeded in making it more of a physical contest as the half wore on.
The second half is underway in DC, no changes for the #USMNT . Here's hoping there's more action in the 2nd half. It's pretty much impossible for there to be LESS action than in the first half.
Still, it barely brought the Americans any closer to a goal in a rough offensive showing overall.
The result wasn't nearly as important as the evaluations from this friendly match, but the United States still should expect better against this level of competition.
What's Next?
The United States will face Venezuela on Sunday in Cincinnati for the team's final international friendly before the start of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Bruce Arena on USA Missing 2018 World Cup: 'I Have Nothing to Redeem Myself For'
May 16, 2019
Bruce Arena, newly hired New England Revolution's coach and sports director takes questions from reporters, Thursday, May 16, 2019 during an MLS soccer news conference at Gillette Stadium, in Foxborough, Mass. Arena, a five-time MLS Cup winner and former U.S. national coach, was hired Tuesday, May 14. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Former United States men's national team manager Bruce Arena has said he has nothing to prove after joining New England Revolution as head coach and sporting director.
Arena was in charge as the U.S. failed to progress to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, suffering a 2-1 defeat to Trinidad and Tobago that ended their qualification hopes.
Speaking to The Athletic's Sam Stejskal(h/t Yahoo Sports), Arena said he has no regrets and does not need to redeem himself in his latest job.
"We did a great job with the U.S. team," said Arena. "We fell short, but those [players] gave everything they had and on the last day, we fell short. The situation I inherited wasn't perfect, and we knew it wasn't going to be easy, we knew when I was hired for that job that it was going to go down to the last day, and it did."
The veteran's second spell in charge of the national side was one of the lowest points in U.S. football history, and the lack of desire and knowledge displayed by Arena's team underlined their failure to qualify.
Pundit Stuart Holden tweeted Arena was a positive choice for the Revolution:
Arena succeeds head coach Brad Friedel, who was fired alongside general manager Mike Burns.
The team are currently bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference after winning only three of their 13 games this term.
Former Member of USA Men's 1990 World Cup Team Jimmy Banks Dies at Age 54
Apr 26, 2019
Former United States men's national team soccer player Jimmy Banks died of pancreatic cancer Friday, according to the Associated Press.
He was 54.
Banks made 36 appearances for the USMNT as a winger and defender, starting two games in the 1990 World Cup.
The #USMNT family mourns the loss of Jimmy Banks, a pioneering player, coach, and mentor of our game. Our thoughts are with his loved ones as we reflect on a life dedicated to soccer.
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) April 26, 2019
Today we mourn the loss of a Wisconsin soccer legend, and the father of one of our players, Jimmy Banks. Jimmy was an incredible person & amazing ambassador for the game in our state. Our thoughts & condolences are with the Banks family at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/N3fANtoTcB
U.S. Soccer Federation President Carlos Cordeiro released a statement following Banks' death:
"The entire U.S. Soccer family is deeply saddened by the passing of Jimmy Banks. At a time when few African American players were reaching the elite level of the sport, Jimmy's rise to play for the U.S. Men's National Team at the 1990 World Cup inspired a new generation to reach the same level. His time as a player, coach and mentor will leave a lasting impact on the sport in this country, particularly his tireless efforts to grow the game through his inner city soccer programs. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and teammates as we reflect on his pioneering legacy."
Banks and his teammate Desmond Armstrong were the first two African American players named to a United States World Cup squad.
Christian Pulisic Subbed Off with Quad Injury vs. Chile; Not Considered Serious
Mar 26, 2019
GENK, BELGIUM - NOVEMBER 20: Christian Pulisic of the United States of America looks on during Italy v USA International Friendly at Luminus Arena in Genk on November 20, 2018 in Genk, Belgium. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
Christian Pulisic suffered a quad injury during the United States men's national team's friendly versus Chile on Tuesday at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston and was substituted out of the match.
Jeff Carlisle of ESPN relayed further details via the USMNT:
From US Soccer: Pulisic has right quad injury, removed from game as a precaution. #usmnt
Pulisic is the USMNT's best hope toward greater heights. Paul Carr of TruMedia Sports relayed a stat noting that the 20-year-old became the youngest player in team history to score 10 goals:
Unfortunately, Pulisic has suffered numerous injuries in the last two years, as pointed out by Kyle Bonn of NBC Sports:
This is beginning to become a serious problem for Pulisic. Nothing serious (yet) but a buildup of nagging muscular/ligament injuries is a bad omen #USMNTpic.twitter.com/pJuS8MWFVz
As Bonn pointed out, however, none of the injuries have been serious. Hopefully, Pulisic enjoys better fortune in the future, however, which is something the USMNT has not experienced of late.
Neil W. Blackmon of The Yanks Are Coming explained that notion:
Pulisic can help turn those team fortunes around, though. At the least, three wins versus Panama, Costa Rica and Ecuador have certainly been promising.
Gyasi Zardes Scores as Christian Pulisic, USA Beat Ecuador 1-0 in Friendly
Mar 21, 2019
United States forwards Jordan Morris (11) and Gyasi Zardes (9) congratulate each other after a play during the first half of an international friendly soccer match Thursday, March 21, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
It wasn't pretty, but the United States men's national team will take it.
In the third friendly of the Gregg Berhalter era, the Americans came away with a 1-0 result and were perhaps a bit fortunate to have broken through Ecuador's defense. The visitors were resolute defensively for the first 80 minutes only to see Gyasi Zardes—who was virtually invisible for the majority of the game—score on a shot that was deflected off an Ecuadorian defender.
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) March 22, 2019
To the United States' credit, it was the brighter team Thursday. And while the goal was unlucky for Ecuador, it also came after a dreadful turnover and the high, looping deflection should have been saved by goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez.
The United States continued to look more fluid in attack under Berhalter than the previous regime, with the chance to work in some of the team's younger talent in his system for the first time. Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie all played, and each looked comfortable in the head coach's system, even if the quality chances came few and far between.
Those progressions remain incredibly important for the USMNT, especially if the country is to make any noise while hosting this summer's Gold Cup.
Berhalter's System Will Unlock the Potential of Pulisic and Young USMNT Talent
The United States ran into a resolute Ecuador on Thursday night, with the country's defensive shape proving difficult to crack, but there were flashes of how the young USMNT talent like Pulisic and Adams might thrive in Berhalter's system.
The experiment of Adams on the right, given room to bomb forward from his fullback position, was fascinating to watch. Against certain opponents, the strategy could leave the USMNT vulnerable to the counter, but Ecuador rarely took advantage of that potential space.
Adams played the role well even if his play didn't directly lead to a goal.
Tyler Adams has been the best player on the field tonight. Without a doubt.
Pulisic was equally held in check by Panama's entrenched setup, but he also showed glimmers of how effective he could be in Berhalter's more organized and ambitious attacking setup. The young winger remains deadly in space and one-on-one situations, often breaking down his marker Thursday night.
Again, he wasn't involved in a goal, but against teams with the least bit of attacking desire, he'll capitalize on the space that the new system should offer him.
Granted, he probably isn't the most natural central attacker, where he played much of Thursday's match by design. That role will remain a work in progress. But the freedom to roam will definitely help unlock more of Pulisici's ability and potential.
Sebastian Lletget replaces Pulisic, who showed some flashes, but faced the physical pounding that he's inevitably going to face when he plays in the middle of the field. Still 0-0, 63rd minute.
All in all, it's hard to draw too many conclusions from Thursday's match.
Ecuador was content to fortify defensively at the expense of offering much going forward, meaning it was hard to read how the Americans would react against a more aggressive team. And while the Americans struggled to create quality chances, they were the more ambitious side and ultimately won the game.
Zardes and Morris weren't as sharp as you'd expect for two players in excellent form in MLS. McKennie had his ups and downs. Berhalter will want Pulisic much more involved, though Ecuador is keenly aware he is the #USMNT danger man so Gomez has set his defense up accordingly.
FINAL - #USMNT 1 , Ecuador 0. The goal wasn't pretty, but Gyasi Zardes' winner is the difference on a night that showed plenty of promise, but also plenty of kinks to work out. McKennie's injury puts a damper on things, but Berhalter will be happy overall with what he saw.
It wasn't a great performance, but it was hardly a poor one. It was a promising performance with obvious room for growth. But that's what the USMNT and its fans desperately crave—growth. There are young players in place like Pulisic and Adams to grow into starring roles.
Thus far, it appears Berhalter is the right man to oversee that progression. But the real tests will come when the competition stiffens.
What's Next?
The U.S. will face Chile in a friendly June 26. Ecuador faces Honduras the same day.
USA vs. Ecuador: 2019 Friendly Odds, Time, Live Stream and TV Schedule
Mar 21, 2019
GENK, BELGIUM - NOVEMBER 20: Christian Pulisic of the United States of America looks on during Italy v USA International Friendly at Luminus Arena in Genk on November 20, 2018 in Genk, Belgium. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
The United States face Ecuador in an international friendly in Orlando, Florida, on Thursday.
Gregg Berhalter took managerial control of the hosts in December, and the former U.S. international has overseen wins against Panama and Costa Rica without conceding.
Ecuador should provide a tougher test for the Stars and Stripes, but Berhalter has called up a strong squad featuring European-based talent blended with Major League Soccer players.
Like the USA, the visitors were disappointed to miss out on the 2018 FIFA World Cup, but former boss Hernan Dario Gomez has returned to manage the team. He previously coached Ecuador from 1999 to 2004.
The long road back to redemption has begun for the USA. A new coach was finally appointed at the end of last year, and the team can now get on with the business of long-term improvement.
Berhalter has been a prominent coaching figure in his homeland, and he has playing experience from his time with Crystal Palace and 1860 Munich.
The USA have drifted over the past 12 months, but the 45-year-old has the essential mix of knowledge of MLS and European football that's required on the international stage.
The former Columbus Crew boss is ready to bring experimentation to his selection as he searches for a formula that works consistently.
GENK, BELGIUM - NOVEMBER 20: Goalkeeper Ethan Horvath of the United States of America , Tyler Adams of the United States of America , Cameron Carter-Vickers of the United States of America , Marky Delgado of the United States of America , Christian Pulisi
According to Ronald Blum of the Associated Press, Berhalter said he will be attempting to develop chemistry against Ecuador:
"This is the beginning phases and we want to test it and we want to see how it looks. When you're looking at a profile of Michael Bradley or Will Trapp, a very controlling player, and you have the dynamic guy next to him in Tyler [Adams] who can come inside and still be influential from that position, we think it's exciting and we want to take a look at it. It may not work exactly how we have planned and we'll have to adapt. But I think in theory it's something worth trying."
Per Blum, Berhalter will not use DeAndre Yedlin in his defence, instead opting for the Newcastle United player to feature in midfield.
The 25-year-old has been the regular right-back for the Magpies in the Premier League this term, but his national-team boss believes he is better employed higher up the field.
Colombian Hernan Dario 'El Bolillo' Gomez poses with Ecuador's national team jersey, during a press conference at the Ecuadoran Football Federation auditorium in Guayaquil, on August 01, 2018, where he was officialy presented as the new team coach. (Photo
Ecuador are unbeaten in their last five matches. Gomez has taken over after departing his coaching role with Panama, and like Berhalter, his mandate will be about the development of the next generation of players.
La Tricolor won the 2019 South American Under-20 Championship earlier this year, finishing above Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay to claim the prestigious youth title.
The future looks good for Gomez and his young side, with Enner Valencia continuing to add experience to the forward line.
This friendly match will act as a useful barometer for both nations. The USA are attempting to find a shape that works for them, with Ecuador in the process of integrating an exciting new dynamic to their squad.
USA vs. Costa Rica: 2019 Friendly Odds, Time, Live Stream and TV Schedule
Feb 2, 2019
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 27: Head coach Gregg Berhalter of United States stands on the sidelines before the international friendly against the Panama at State Farm Stadium on January 27, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Gregg Berhalter will take charge of his second match as manager of the United States on Saturday, when they take on Costa Rica at the Avaya Stadium in San Jose, California.
The U.S. will be hoping to avenge their defeats to Costa Rica in the CONCACAF qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which contributed to their failure to reach football's biggest stage for the first time since 1986.
For Los Ticos, Gustavo Matosas will be managing his first game following his appointment in October.
Berhalter will be hoping to make it two from two, while Matosas will be equally keen to get off to a winning start with Costa Rica.
Given the timing of the friendly, international inexperience is not just limited to the dugouts.
For the U.S., no one has more than 20 caps, save for Michael Bradley (143) and Gyasi Zardes (41).
Los Ticos are in a similar situation, as they are missing the likes of Keylor Navas and Bryan Ruiz. From their squad, Francisco Calvo and David Guzman are the only players who went to Russia for the World Cup last year, and only three others have reached double figures for international appearances.
Against Panama, seven players made their debuts, including the San Jose Earthquakes' Nick Lima.
Goal's Ives Galarcep was impressed with his performance:
Nick Lima is named #USMNT Man of the Match. Well deserved. He looked very sharp playing in Berhalter's system, where having dynamic and versatile fullbacks is so crucial. He can defend AND he can intelligently contribute in the attack. He has a bright national team future.
It seems he will be involved again on Saturday, per Earthquakes reporter Robert Jonas:
While #USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter didn't directly say that Nick Lima would start tomorrow against Costa Rica, he did say he'll be looking to see how the #Quakes74 defender reaffirms his strong performance against Panama when he takes the field at Avaya Stadium.
As a friendly, the result itself is largely inconsequential, but the match offers the players another chance to impress Berhalter and stake claims for future caps while the majority of the more experienced aren't in the squad.
Likewise, Costa Rica's players can do the same for Matosas.
Djordje Mihailovic, USA Crush Panama 3-0 in Gregg Berhalter's Coaching Debut
Jan 27, 2019
United States midfielder Djordje Mihailovic (8) scores a goal against Panama goalkeeper Eddie Roberts, left, during the first half of a men's international friendly soccer match Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The Gregg Berhalter era couldn't have gotten off to a better start.
The United States men's national team cruised to a 3-0 victory over Panama in a friendly on Sunday night at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, behind goals from Djordje Mihailovic, Walker Zimmerman and Christian Ramirez. It was a fantastic debut for Berhalter, who fielded a roster of MLS players.
Those players were up to the task. Mihailovic opened the scoring in the 40th minute after Nick Lima found him all alone atop the box with a low cross. Lima played the key role on the United States' second goal also, snuffing out a potential counterattack with a brilliant tackle before sending a pinpoint cross onto the head of Zimmerman, who guided the ball into the net to double the lead.
Ramirez made it 3-0 nine minutes later after Jonathan Lewis deftly beat a defender and smashed a cross into Ramirez's feet for an easy redirection and goal.
Berhalter's Tactics Already Invigorating USMNT
The United States wasn't perfect on Sunday night. Far from it. But the team mostly controlled the game from start to finish, successfully incorporating Berhalter's style of play, which is an excellent sign in the manager's first match.
The Stars and Stripes controlled possession, holding 66 percent. They created more scoring chances, with an 8-5 advantage in shots (6-4 advantage on target). While they were tentative at times in the first half and had to absorb Panama's pressure early in the second half, they appeared to grow into the game and made adjustments well, playing their best soccer as the game wore on.
Suffice to say, the early returns are positive:
Forget the goals, opponent, result and yes the small crowd. This is all about laying opening marker for Greg Berhalter. His first game under belt, BIG job has begun, give him space & time. #USAvPAN
The opponent wasn't exactly a tough one, but tonight was more about looking at some new faces, and seeing how the players fit in and ran Berhalter's system. Thought the center backs handled things well, Aaron Long is going to have a say about grabbing a full-team role in 2019.
Berhalter's system is reliant on playing out of the back, controlling possession with smart buildup play and using the wingers to put pressure on opposing defenses and creating opportunities inside the box with incisive crossing.
That style of play—namely the wingers creating on the attack—was most apparent on the team's first and third goals:
Debut and goal! @DjoMihailovic scores the first goal of the Gregg Berhalter era!
It was never going to be the most polished performance, with a lineup composed of five players making their senior level appearances for the national team. And Panama didn't offer the stiffest competition either, a factor to keep in mind.
But the United States played with a purpose and was tactically sound. The defense acquitted itself well, namely the fullback pairing of Lima and Daniel Lovitz. Michael Bradley anchored the midfield, showing he still has a place on the squad.
Nick Lima is named #USMNT Man of the Match. Well deserved. He looked very sharp playing in Berhalter's system, where having dynamic and versatile fullbacks is so crucial. He can defend AND he can intelligently contribute in the attack. He has a bright national team future.
The United States has a long way to go to erase the sour taste of failing to qualify for the last World Cup. But Sunday night was a positive first step.
Incorporating Christian Pulisic and Non-MLS Players Is Next Challenge for Berhalter
Because this friendly fell in a non-FIFA window, players in European and Mexican leagues were not available for Sunday's friendly. That meant Christian Pulisic, most notably, was absent, alongside players like John Brooks, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Josh Sargent and Timothy Weah.
Pulisic and Brooks will unquestionably play a major role for the USMNT, while McKennie, Adams, Sargent and Weah are all talented young players who are expected to be major contributors but will have to earn their places.
For Berhalter, finding the ideal role for the country's exciting young talent will define his tenure. But the way a number of young and inexperienced players performed on Sunday night is a promising sign that Berhalter will be able to get the most out of the players he didn't have available against Panama.
"Our job is to get the most out of the players and to give the public a reason to be excited," Berhalter said earlier in January, perPaul Tenorio of The Athletic. "I'm a fan also, and I can certainly understand the point of view of a fan who says, 'Man, we are on a bad run with the men's national team.' And our job is to restore that faith."
No player will be more important for Berhalter to grow and find a prominent role for than Pulisic, the talented Borussia Dortmund attacker who should be one of the focal points of the USMNT attack from the winger position once he joins the team.
But another major question will be Berhalter either identifying and shaping a creative, facilitating midfielder—a player the United States simply doesn't appear to have at the moment—or building a system that can work without such a player while still best-utilizing talents like Pulisic and Weah.
It's the sort of task that has foiled USMNT managers in the past. A brighter future is dependant on Berhalter having those answers.
What's Next?
The United States will next face Costa Rica at 3:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 2 in San Jose, California.
USA vs. Panama: 2019 Friendly Time, Live Stream and TV Schedule
Jan 27, 2019
CHULA VISTA, CA - JANUARY 11: Head coach Gregg Berhalter of the United States Men's National Soccer Team overseas training at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site on January 11, 2019 in Chula Vista, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Fans of the United States men's national team will hope Sunday signals the start of a new era, as Gregg Berhalter's side take on Panama in a friendly.
The match will be the side's first since Berhalter was confirmed as new coach in December, and there's a hope this appointment will bring some much-needed stability. The setup has been a mess since the USMNT failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, with the 2017 loss to Trinidad & Tobago still fresh in the minds of many.
Without European-based players at his disposal, this will be a chance for Berhalter to take a look at some new faces who have potential to contribute in the coming years.
Here are the details needed on where to catch this intriguing encounter at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, as well as a preview of what's to come.
Coach Gregg Berhalter poses for photographers after he is introduced as the new US National Team head coach during a press conference December 4, 2018 at The Glasshouses in New York City. - The two-time FIFA World Cup veteran with 25 years of experience a
With the likes of Christian Pulisic left out of this friendly, in his first match in charge, Berhalter can give some unheralded players an opportunity to impress.
Of the 23 players selected for the training camp for this game and the meeting with Costa Rica on Saturday, 11 have never played for the United States at senior level before.
As Tom Dart of the Guardian noted, the only three squad members to have played at least 10 games for the team are Paul Arriola, Michael Bradley, Wil Trapp and Gyasi Zardes.
According to CBS Sports' Roger Gonzalez, there are some young players already making their presences known:
Regarding the USMNT -- I'm hearing that 20-year-old Djordje Mihailovic (Chicago Fire) has REALLY impressed during camp. Talented midfielder has been a U.S. Youth International.
This scratch squad means it will be hard for Berhalter to put an immediate stamp on the team, although there does appear to be an appreciation that for the United States to get back to a competitive level, this process will take time.
It's something USMNT legend Tim Howard recently commented on when assessing how Berhalter can improve the team.
"He's without question the right hire," Howard said, per Gus Elvin of ESPN.com. "He's a guy who, as much as he has this calm demeanor, he's no-nonsense, and that's how he was as a defender. ...We have lost an entire year, and that Gold Cup 2019 is looming large, and I believe very quickly after that, World Cup qualifying starts, so there is not a lot of time to prepare the team."
In terms of style, Berhalter's Columbus Crew team were renowned for building from deep with the ball, although that type of system will need patience to be implemented fully.
The new manager provided an insight into what supporters can expect from his team after being appointed in December:
It will be intriguing to see how Berhalter approaches these friendlies. While the United States are without key players and at a low ebb, there will still be an expectation on those involved to earn victories for their country, albeit while appreciating they are at the start of a long process.
Panama are in terrible form, with their three losses at last summer's FIFA World Cup followed up by four defeats and a draw in their past five outings. Manager Hernan Gomez will want to see his players seize this opportunity to score an upset against their struggling CONCACAF rivals nonetheless.
