United States National Football

The United States men's national team continues group-stage play in the CONCACAF Gold Cup against one of the confederation's minnows Thursday.

Gregg Berhalter's side faces Martinique in its second contest at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City. The USMNT fought to a 1-0 win in its opening game with Haiti. Thursday's match is expected to be more straightforward.

Martinique fell 4-1 to Canada in its Group B opener and has allowed 17 goals over its past three Gold Cup appearances. Three of those concessions came against the USMNT in the 2017 group stage.

                   

USMNT vs. Martinique Info

Date:  Thursday, July 15

Start Time: 9:30 p.m. ET 

TV: FS1

Live Stream: Fox Sports app and FoxSports.com

Odds (via DraftKings Sportsbook): USMNT -1200 (bet $1,200 to win $100); Martinique +2200 (bet $100 to win $2,200); draw +1200

                         

Preview

Martinique is an interesting foe for the USMNT in that the sides only meet competitively in CONCACAF competitions.

The Caribbean nation is not a registered member of FIFA, so it can't participate in World Cup qualifying. But Martinique's CONCACAF charter means it is able to enter the Gold Cup, and it has qualified for each of the past three competitions.

The majority of Martinique's squad plays in the domestic league, but there are some French-born players on the roster.

Crotone striker Emmanuel Riviere, who played for Newcastle United between 2014 and 2017, is the most notable player in the squad. He scored in the group opener against Canada.

Traditionally, Martinique's defense has been its biggest weakness, as goals have flowed in from its higher-rated opponents.

In 2017, Panama and the USMNT put up three goals each on Martinique. Mexico and Canada totaled seven goals against the island territory in 2019, and the latter tallied four Sunday. Consequently, the USMNT is expected to breeze past Martinique to set up a showdown for first place with Canada in the Group B finale.

Martinique tested the USMNT for a 10-minute stretch back in 2017, when Kevin Parsemain scored twice in eight minutes. Jordan Morris quickly answered with his second goal of that match to finish off a 3-2 victory.

If the USMNT exploits the same defensive lapses Canada did Sunday, its attacking players should feast in the final third.

Gianluca Busio should be one of the chance creators inserted into the fold by Berhalter. The USMNT looked more dynamic when the Sporting Kansas City player entered late in the second half Sunday. He should take the starting position of Jackson Yueill, who has underwhelmed in his past few appearances in central midfield for the USMNT.

Berhalter should let the 19-year-old Busio have a chance to showcase his talents in a low-pressure situation to see what he could bring to the squad later in the tournament.

A case could be made to add Orlando City striker Daryl Dike to the setup as well. He is behind Gyasi Zardes on the Gold Cup depth chart, but he is deserving of more playing time versus a weaker foe.

Dike is carrying a ton of confidence from his successful loan spell in the English Championship with Barnsley, and a few strong performances in the Gold Cup could boost his transfer value if European clubs come calling.

Berhalter might be obliged to rest a few starters from the Haiti win to get some players minutes and to rest the first-choice stars for the Canada match Sunday. He will have to replace Paul Arriola because of an injury he picked up against Haiti. Reggie Cannon (hamstring) is not yet available for selection at right back.

Barring a significant upset in Group B, the USMNT and Canada will play for first place Sunday. Canada plays Haiti in Thursday's first match.

                  

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The United States men's national team opened the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup with a 1-0 victory over Haiti at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, on Sunday.

This was the USMNT's fourth straight win and its ninth victory in its past 10 matches.

Haiti hasn't beaten the U.S. since 1973. Les Grenadiers were also short-handed after CONCACAF announced five of their players had tested positive for COVID-19 and went into isolation.

Sam Vines didn't wait around before disappointing those wanting to see an upset.

The Colorado Rapids defender was in the right place at the right time after Gyasi Zardes flicked a Shaquell Moore cross into Vines' path for a header from close range.

THERE IT IS! 🔥

Sam Vines breaks through for the @USMNT! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/xaw5KsSsdg

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 12, 2021

According to U.S. Soccer, Zardes' assist made him the second-fastest USMNT player (57 caps) with at least 10 goals and 10 assists. Landon Donovan holds the record after achieving the feat in 50 caps.

Vines' goal was the perfect start for a squad with something to prove in the tournament.

On the heels of winning the CONCACAF Nations League, coach Gregg Berhalter selected a 23-man roster that was missing a number of top stars. Jumping ahead early will have helped ease the pressure on a group that doesn't have much experience playing together.

The United States did encounter a setback in the form of an injury to Paul Arriola, who was subbed off in the 14th minute after experiencing an apparent leg issue.

Arriola missed significant time because of a torn ACL in February 2020, which added a layer of concern to his exit Sunday.

Like him or not, Arriola was an absolutely critical piece to this #USMNT squad. Fingers crossed it isn't as bad as it looks and he'll be ready for Canada.

— Stephen Meyer (@StephenMeyerRDC) July 12, 2021

I hate this for Paul man. He just got back to full strength after that ACL tear. I hope this isn’t related.#USMNT

— Trey Mongrue (@TreyMongrue) July 12, 2021

In general, the United States' lack of continuity became apparent as it was unable to maintain any momentum after Vines' goal.

Derrick Etienne wasn't far off from connecting on an equalizer as his shot in the 20th minute flew to the right of the post and hit the side netting.

The USMNT simply looked a bit sluggish, particularly in the first half.

In these first 45 mins, one thing that has been uncharacteristic of the USMNT has been the pressure once the ball is lost. Usually there's a quick, intense chase to force a turnover.

Ofc, these are new players that need a couple miles on their odometer with the US and Berhalter

— Nico Cantor (@Nicocantor1) July 12, 2021

Nicholas Gioacchini, a native of Kansas City, Missouri, nearly had quite the homecoming in the 66th minute. His low shot eluded Haitian goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre but caromed off the left post and away from danger.

The @USMNT was THIS close to making it 2-0 against Haiti 👀 pic.twitter.com/qzxJ6qj7BG

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 12, 2021

Sporting Kansas City forward Gianluca Busio briefly brought the crowd to life again in the 76th minute, when he fired a powerful shot at goal that forced a save out of Sylvestre.

This isn't a performance that will live long in the memory of supporters, but Berhalter will be content to come away with three points.

The USMNT should continue to improve as it gets deeper into the tournament, too, as the players build more of an on-field rapport.

---

What's Next?

The United States and Haiti are back in action Thursday. The U.S. will take on Martinique, while Haiti will get the day started against Canada.

The United States men's national team opens up its CONCACAF Gold Cup group stage play on Sunday against Haiti. 

The USMNT is one month removed from winning the first-ever CONCACAF Nations League, but the squad that won that title over Mexico in Denver will not be present at the Gold Cup.

Gregg Berhalter has called upon a roster of players primarily based in Major League Soccer to win the Gold Cup while the European club stars prepare for preseason across the pond. 

Of course, the USMNT will try to win the trophy, but that is not the only motivation for the players inside the squad. 

The likes of Gianluca Busio, Miles Robinson and Walker Zimmerman will have opportunities to impress Berhalter and potentially play their way into the World Cup qualifying squad this fall. 

The USMNT will play each of its three group games at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City. Meetings with Haiti and Martinique should serve as warm-ups ahead of the group-stage finale with Canada. 

             

USMNT vs. Haiti Info

Date: Sunday, July 11

Start Time: 8:30 p.m. ET

TV: FS1

Live Stream: FoxSports.com and Fox Sports app

Odds (via DraftKings Sportsbook): USMNT (-375; bet $375 to win $100); Haiti (+900; bet $100 to win $900); Draw (+425)

        

Preview

The USMNT should have an easy Sunday night in Kansas City against Haiti.

The Haitians needed to win two Gold Cup qualifying matches last week just to qualify for the competition. Haiti defeated Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Bermuda by a combined score of 10-2 in Fort Lauderdale. 

Haiti was the surprise of the 2019 Gold Cup, as it reached the semifinals through a quarterfinal win over Canada. 

However, Haiti failed to directly qualify for the Gold Cup, and it has never beaten the USMNT in three Gold Cup matches. 

Even though the first-teamers are on holiday, or preparing for their European preseasons, the USMNT still boasts a dangerous roster that should earn six points from the matches with Haiti and Martinique. 

Gyasi Zardes should be the focal point of the attack to start the tournament. The Columbus Crew man has the most caps of any field player on the USMNT roster and owns 12 international tallies. 

Daryl Dike, Nicholas Gioacchini and Matthew Hoppe are deserving of chances off the bench, or next to Zardes, but they will not be the primary forwards to start.

Dike should have the best odds to breakthrough in the final third on the international level after a wildly successful loan spell with Barnsley in the English Championship.

The Orlando City striker is one of the hottest American names on the transfer rumor mill because of his exploits in the English second division. 

Gianluca Busio, a 19-year-old midfielder, is another player to watch from a transfer perspective. MLSSoccer.com's Tom Bogert reported on Friday that promoted Serie A side Venezia were inching closer to signing the Sporting Kansas City player. 

Busio will fight for minutes alongside Sebastian Lletget, Paul Arriola and others in midfield. Lletget and Arriola are veteran mainstays who are two of the most likely players on the Gold Cup roster to be involved at the start of World Cup qualifying. 

Walker Zimmerman and Miles Robinson may be under the most focus from the first-team perspective. With Aaron Long out with an Achilles injury, Berhalter does not have a partner for John Brooks at center back set in stone. 

If Zimmerman and Robinson impress throughout the Gold Cup, they could be elevated to the "A" team to fight alongside Mark McKenzie and Matt Miazga for a starting spot in September. 

If the two center backs combine well, they should limit the threat of forward Duckens Nazon, Haiti's best player who plays in Belgium for Sint-Truiden. 

As long as the USMNT defense remains strong in its containment of Nazon, it should hold a clean sheet and have a chance to win by multiple goals.

             

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The U.S. Soccer Federation released a statement Wednesday condemning the "disgusting, vile and disrespectful" comments directed toward players on social media after the men's national team defeated Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League final Sunday night.

Here's a look at the full statement:

There is no room for racist, homophobic, vulgar or disrespectful comments while hiding behind the anonymity of a social media. You are not a true fan and you are not welcome. EVER.

We stand with our players. pic.twitter.com/HxRiXeZjaO

— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) June 9, 2021

USMNT defender Mark McKenzie wrote a Twitter post Tuesday night saying he, his teammates and their families have been the subject of racial abuse since the match:

https://twitter.com/markmckenzie4_/status/1402433840249929728

The final was briefly halted late in the second half because of an anti-gay chant in the stadium. Fans also threw trash on the field toward U.S. players at multiple points in the final minutes of extra time after Christian Pulisic scored the game-winning goal on a penalty kick in the 114th minute.

American midfielder Giovanni Reyna was struck in the head by one of the objects thrown on the field.

"Total lack of respect for what's happening on the field and all effort that both teams are putting into the game," U.S. head coach Gregg Berhalter said. "I think [Reyna's] going to be OK, but he did take something to the head, and it could have been a lot worse.''

Joe Nguyen of the Denver Post reported five people were arrested following the Nations League final, four for trespassing and one for striking a player with an object.

"While the night showcased Denver as a world-class soccer destination and Empower Field at Mile High as a premiere sports and entertainment venue, the actions of a few patrons unfortunately took away from a memorable event," the stadium's management company said in a statement.

Mexico's semifinal match against Costa Rica was also stopped because of anti-gay chants.

Three days after the United States men's national team secured the CONCACAF Nations League trophy, it will take on Costa Rica in a friendly match. 

The 40th meeting between the two North American nations will take place Wednesday at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah. 

USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter should use the friendly as a chance to evaluate some of the players who did not take the field in the Nations League matches. 

Wednesday's game will serve as the final audition for some of the fringe players fighting for spots in the squad for the World Cup qualifying matches in the fall. 

The USMNT will play at the CONCACAF Gold Cup in July, but that tournament is expected to feature players from Major League Soccer since the European-based stars will be going through preseason training with their clubs. 

       

USMNT vs. Costa Rica Info

Date: Wednesday, June 9

Start Time: 7 p.m. ET 

TV: ESPN2, TUDN

Live Stream: ESPN+ 

Odds (via DraftKings Sportsbook): USMNT (-167; bet $167 to win $100); Costa Rica (+460; bet $100 to win $460); Draw (+295)

       

Preview

The USMNT will be without three players from its Nations League triumphs over Honduras and Mexico.

Goalkeeper Zack Steffen and defender Bryan Reynolds are out with injuries, and center back Matt Miazga left camp and was replaced by Nashville SC's Walker Zimmerman. 

A handful of other changes from Sunday's starting lineup should happen as well. Yunus Musah, Brenden Aaronson and Jordan Siebatcheu are among the young players who should receive extended looks from Berhalter. 

Musah is the most intriguing prospect in camp because he committed to the USMNT this year and had an impressive season with Valencia. 

Despite his inclusion in the Nations League squad, the 18-year-old was not officially cap-tied to the USMNT. He has played in friendly matches, but he needs to play a minute in a competitive match to officially be cap tied. 

Musah should take over one of the midfield spots held by Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie. It would not make much sense for either player to start a friendly after 120 grueling minutes versus Mexico on Sunday. 

The potential absences of Pulisic and McKennie should also open the door for Aaronson to make his mark on the senior team after a strong 12 months at the club level. 

Aaronson won the MLS Supporters' Shield with the Philadelphia Union and earned a seven-figure transfer to RB Leipzig, where he won two trophies under American manager Jesse Marsch. 

Berhalter should also give an extended look to Siebatcheu, who scored the game-winning goal in the Nations League semifinal victory over Honduras. 

Like Musah, the 25-year-old committed to the USMNT in 2021. He failed to beat out Josh Sargent for the starting forward spot in the two matches in Denver. 

Siebatcheu was a double-digit goal scorer in Switzerland with Young Boys and he picked up five caps for the USMNT since making his international debut on March 25. 

A strong outing for any of the attackers versus a continental opponent could be enough to sway Berhalter to pick them for the World Cup qualifying roster. 

Costa Rica is in need of a positive result after losing twice on penalty kicks in the Nations League to Mexico and Honduras. 

The Ticos do not have a victory in four matches in 2021, and this will also serve as their final tune-up before the Gold Cup begins on July 10.

           

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.

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USMNT defender Mark McKenzie said he received racist social media messages following Sunday night's 3-2 win over Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League final.

"The amount of racial abuse and personal attacks on myself and family from 'supporters' and 'non supporters' just ain't it," McKenzie wrote on Instagram Stories Monday (h/t the Associated Press).

McKenzie's turnover in the defensive third in the first minute of the game allowed Mexico to take a 1-0 lead on Jesus Corona's goal. He was also called for a controversial handball in the box in the 119th minute. It appeared he had his arms by his side in a natural position.

Goalkeeper Ethan Horvath saved the ensuing penalty, preserving the USMNT's 3-2 lead. 

The game also had to be paused after fans used anti-gay slurs. Mexico's semifinal win over Costa Rica was delayed because of the use of similar chants. FIFA had opened an investigation into El Tri supporters earlier this year for the continued use of anti-gay chants.

In the first half of the #CNL Mexico vs Costa Rica semifinal match, stadium security ejected several fans for discriminatory language after warnings were made on the PA system #WhatsWrongIsWrong pic.twitter.com/14oLLoJ3f6

— Concacaf Nations League (@CNationsLeague) June 4, 2021

"This has been something that we have struggled with for the last years, and not only in the U.S. but almost everywhere where our national team plays," Mexican Football Federation President Yon de Luisa said two weeks ago, per Jeff Carlisle of ESPN. "We saw it a little bit [at the 2018 World Cup] in Russia and other places where we have played. This is a challenge for us. This has become one of our important challenges for our federation."

Racism and homophobia continue to be a major issue in soccer around the globe. On Sunday, English national team members were booed by the country's supporters after they took a knee in protest of racism.

"The most important thing for our players is to know that we are totally united on it. We're totally committed to supporting each other, supporting the team," England manager Gareth Southgate said.

"We feel more than ever determined to take the knee through [the Euros].

"We accept that there might be an adverse reaction and we are just going to ignore that and move forward."

Fans were back in the stands for a historic CONCACAF Nations League final at Empower Field in Denver on Sunday, but it wasn't a perfectly sound return to action as the United States defeated Mexico.

A statement from Empower Field management said five people were arrested by Denver Police—four for trespassing and one for throwing projectiles.

"Our fan code of conduct will continue to be strictly enforced to ensure a positive experience for everyone," the statement read.

According to the statement, security footage captured the fifth person throwing a bottle that injured Borussia Dortmund star Gio Reyna amid the celebration of Christian Pulisic's game-winning penalty kick.

I am right in the corner where USMNT celebrated, disgusting what just happened. Some people should spend night in jail tonight, or longer. Gio Reyna got smashed in the temple with a full Coca Cola. pic.twitter.com/nI2qUERGZf

— Maximiliano Bretos (@MaxBretosSports) June 7, 2021

That person will be banned from Empower Field as well as face criminal charges.

U.S. men's national team head coach Gregg Berhalter spoke out against the behavior of fans after the 3-2 win.

"It has no place in the game, spectators throwing objects onto the field," Berhalter told reporters. "A total lack of respect for what's happening on the field and all the effort that both teams were putting into the game, so I was really disappointed to see that."

The latest issue comes amid a rise in fan-involved incidents as stadiums across the United States welcome the return of fans after (in some cases) more than a year of empty stadiums amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

When the Brooklyn Nets headed to Boston to face the Celtics in the postseason, a 21-year-old fan threw a water bottle at Kyrie Irving. According to TMZ Sports, he was ordered to stay away from TD Garden.

Washington Wizards star Russell Westbrook had popcorn dumped on him when he left the court with an injury in a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, and the New York Knicks banned a fan who spat on Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young.

CBS Sports soccer analyst Oguchi Onyewu apologized on air to fellow analyst Janelly Farias following the USMNT's dramatic 3-2 win over Mexico in the Nations League Final after joking before the game he was going to "come across this desk and choke you."

"Early in the show, you know, throughout our banter back and forth, I got carried away for sure," Onyewu said on the broadcast, per Awful Announcing. "And I said a stupid thing that should've never come out of my mouth. And I am deeply sorry for it and I apologize to you and I hope that you can forgive me and don't take any offense to it. So, I just really want to sincerely apologize for what I said."

Onyewu also said moments after first making his choking remarks that he was only kidding and shouldn't have said them. Farias accepted his apology after the match. 

"I think the fact that you can say that on national television speaks volumes of you," she said. 

It was one part of what was both a wild game and broadcast. The game itself featured two penalties, extra time, Mexican fans being warned that the game would be halted if they continued doing a homophobic chant and some of those fans later throwing objects on the field that hit players from both teams, including Gio Reyna, who was struck in the head with a bottle. 

I did not have enough characters for:
—the fan who dived off the CBS set
—the game being paused for a fan chant
—projectiles from the stands
—the red card Herrera should have gotten
—Tim Ream

— matt ufford (@mattufford) June 7, 2021

The broadcast also had a bizarre moment after the game when a fan was chased by security behind the set and propelled himself off the rafters. 

The United States men's national team is the inaugural CONCACAF Nations League champion after earning a 3-2 win in extra time over Mexico on Sunday in Denver.

THE USMNT BEAT MEXICO TO WIN THE CONCACAF NATIONS LEAGUE!

They’re just getting started. What a game. pic.twitter.com/gbBfaYsAqx

— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 7, 2021

Christian Pulisic scored the winner from the penalty spot in the 114th minute.

CHRISTIAN PULISIC GIVES THE @USMNT THE LEAD 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/WRDgXL6LXF

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) June 7, 2021

The referee initially waved play on and subsequently awarded the penalty after determining Carlos Salcedo had fouled Pulisic in the box. Mexico coach Tata Martino received a red card when he approached the referee during the review and put his arms around him.

The match had one more twist, though, as Mexico was also awarded a penalty in stoppage time. Ethan Horvath made a diving save to deny Andres Guardado, capping off an excellent performance from the shot-stopper after he replaced Zack Steffen in the 69th minute.

This is the USMNT's first victory over its rival since September 2018. El Tri entered having won four of their six previous meetings.

Extra time followed a dramatic finish to regulation. Diego Lainez put Mexico ahead in the 79th minute, getting the ball on the right side of the 18-yard box before cutting inside with his left and beating Horvath with a low shot into the right corner.

Set pieces were a strength for the United States, and that was the source of an 82nd-minute equalizer by Weston McKennie.

NOT SO FAST! WESTON MCKENNIE 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/sLCRPhqML5

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) June 7, 2021

Few supporters probably foresaw this outcome after how the two teams got the match underway.

A little more than one minute had come off the clock before Jesus Corona fired Mexico into a 1-0 lead. Corona intercepted a poorly delivered pass from Mark McKenzie, and his powerful effort left Steffen with little chance to make a save.

Mexico take the lead 62 seconds into the @CNationsLeague Final 😳

📺📱 @paramountplus & CBS Sports Network pic.twitter.com/1owqOaDjM3

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) June 7, 2021

USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter provided a surprise when he started McKenzie, Tim Ream and John Brooks at center back. If Berhalter thought a three-man back line would bring more defensive solidity, then he was sorely mistaken.

In a matter of moments, Mexico shredded the U.S. defense.

The defining character of the Berhalter era vs Mexico so far is being completely unable to play out of the back.

— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) June 7, 2021

More damning was the United States' defending on a corner kick that resulted in a goal for Hector Moreno in the 24th minute. Moreno was deemed to be offside after a video review, but it was another glaring breakdown as he was left all alone in front of goal.

McKenzie and Ream marking the same player....same player. Acosta doesn’t see anything. Awful defending. Goal or no goal it doesn’t matter for me. He’s offside fwiw #USMNT

— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) June 7, 2021

Having done little in the attacking third to that point, the United States responded nicely by capitalizing on a corner kick of its own. In the 27th minute, McKennie headed Pulisic's delivery off the left post, and Gio Reyna was in the right place at the right time to hammer home the rebound.

GIO REYNA FINDS THE EQUALIZER 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/KT2cKWVWz3

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) June 7, 2021

It was the 18-year-old's first goal for the national team in a competitive match, and it's likely to be the first of many.

The USMNT was fortunate to go into halftime all square with Mexico since El Tri looked like the far stronger, more organized side. The second half was a slightly different story as Berhalter's side grew into the match a little more. 

McKennie forced Guillermo Ochoa to make a diving save off a corner in the 71st minute, and a go-ahead goal wasn't inconceivable before Lainez gave Mexico its short-lived late lead.

While Berhalter has a promising young talent pool at his disposal, hiccups are inevitable with a squad that hasn't spent much time together on the pitch.

After such a disastrous start, the USMNT could've unraveled and suffered a heavy defeat. Instead, the players fought their way back and provided a lot of optimism for supporters.

This #USMNT growing up before our very eyes. Fun to see.

— Doug McIntyre (@ByDougMcIntyre) June 7, 2021

There are certainly things Berhalter will need to address looking ahead, but a victory like this provides an encouraging foundation.

---

What's Next?

Mexico and the United States will turn their focus toward the Gold Cup, which kicks off in July. Should both countries win their group, they could meet again in another final.

The United States men's national team and Mexico will renew their rivalry Sunday in Denver.

The North American powerhouses will face off in the first Concacaf Nations League final. The USMNT beat Honduras 1-0 to advance, while Mexico defeated Costa Rica in a penalty shootout.

For most of the USMNT's newest generation of stars, Sunday's match will mark their first significant showdown with El Tri.

Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic started in the most recent competitive match between the two sides in the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup. For Sergino Dest, Gio Reyna and a few others, Sunday will be the first time they face the USMNT's great continental rival with a trophy on the line.

                 

USMNT vs. Mexico Info

Date: Sunday, June 6

Start Time: 9 p.m. ET 

TV: CBS Sports Network, TUDN

Live Stream: Paramount Plus

Odds (via DraftKings Sportsbook): USMNT +190 (bet $100 to win $190): Mexico +154; draw +230

               

Preview

The USMNT is looking for its first win in a competitive match against Mexico since the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying cycle.

Since that victory September 10, 2013, the Americans have come up short in two Concacaf Gold Cup matches and in another World Cup qualifier in Columbus, Ohio. The USMNT produced a pair of friendly victories over El Tri in that span, with the most recent coming in Nashville on September 11, 2018.

Mexico carries much more international experience into Sunday's final. Andres Guardado and Hector Herrera should patrol the midfield, Guillermo Ochoa will be in net and Hirving Lozano is primed to make plenty of threatening runs at the USMNT defense.

Gerardo Martino's roster only has eight outfield players with fewer than 20 international appearances.

Conversely, Gregg Berhalter's USMNT roster carries four players with 30 or more caps, including Pulisic and starting center back John Brooks.

Brooks could be the USMNT's most important player in the final. He comes with experience against Mexico and has been a rock in defense for quite some time.

Mark McKenzie partnered Brooks in the semifinal victory over Honduras, but there is a chance Matt Miazga comes in because he has played El Tri before. Whichever center-back pairing is used should have more support in front of them with Tyler Adams available for selection.

Berhalter noted that the RB Leipzig midfielder is "recovered and ready to go" from an injury, but he did not specify if Adams would start, per ESPN's Jeff Carlisle.

If Adams can play around 60-70 minutes, Berhalter should call on him to replace Jackson Yueill in holding midfield. Yueill struggled at times against Honduras and may not be ready for the challenge Mexico poses just yet.

Mexico's biggest selection decision comes at forward, where Henry Martin started ahead of Alan Pulido and Jesus Corona on Thursday.

Pulido, who plays in Major League Soccer with Sporting Kansas City, came off the bench for Martin against Costa Rica and scored one of the five penalties in the shootout.

The USMNT has its own issues up top since Josh Sargent was not too effective in the final third in the semifinal round. His most important play of the match was a headed clearance off Zack Steffen's goal line in the first half.

Jordan Siebatcheu came off the bench and scored the game-winning goal in the 89th minute. Siebatcheu scored the most goals of any of the USMNT forwards on the roster in Europe this season and might be worth an extended look because of his form.

No matter who starts up top, the game won't have an abundance of chances. Most of the players are playing at altitude for the second time in four days after logging many minutes in the busy European season.

Three of the past five overall meetings between the USMNT and Mexico featured two goals or fewer. Mexico was the only team to score three times in that span in a friendly on September 6, 2019. Expect another tight encounter Sunday.

                 

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90. Statistics obtained from FBRef.com.

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