USA vs. Turkey Preview
Americans face first test of summer
The honeymoon phase of the Mauricio Pochettino era is officially over for the USMNT. Despite winning five of his first six games after taking over in October 2024, Pochettino is now beginning to feel some pressure in his first international managerial position. Losing both games during the Nations League in March was bad, but even worse was how bad the team looked. The lack of fire and interest that had become a problem during the second Gregg Berhalter tenure reared its ugly head again as the US looked totally toothless and disinterested against Panama and then against Canada. This summer’s Gold Cup could help restore confidence in both Pochettino and the team. But before that, there is the matter of two friendlies against UEFA opposition to deal with. The first of those two games is against Turkey.
As has so often been the case for the USMNT since the last World Cup, the roster that makes it to game day is radically different than the one that was initially announced. This window was no different as injuries have again conspired to prevent Pochettino from calling in the best available players. The frustration over injuries was exacerbated by the bulk of the “A squad” players not being available either through Club World Cup commitments (Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, Tim Weah) or opt outs (Christian Pulisic).
The end result is a squad that is probably the third most talented in CONCACAF heading into the Gold Cup, behind Mexico and Canada. In goal there is the trio of Matt Turner, Chris Brady, and Matt Freese. On the backline there is a mix of experience and youth with ageless wonder Tim Ream pairing with Walker Zimmerman to help mentor uncapped players like Alex Freeman and Nathan Harriel. The midfield, like the backline, is a mix of experience and youth: Brendan Aaronson and Tyler Adams each with more than 40 caps and an uncapped duo of Quinn Sullivan and Sebastian Berhalter (son of former US boss Gregg Berhalter). The biggest bright spot in the midfield is that of Diego Luna who seems to be one of only a few players that plays with the intensity and desperation Mauricio Pochettino is attempting to instill into this group of players. Up front is where the most question marks remain as five forwards have combined for a total of eight international goals: Haji Wright with four (including against the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup) and then Patrick Agyemang with three and Brian White with one.
The level of interest in the USMNT feels like it’s at its lowest point since November of 2017 in the immediate aftermath of the failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. This couldn’t be happening at a worse time as the World Cup is here in the US next year. It has caused many fans to wonder if the USMNT players and the suits at US Soccer understand just how unpopular they have become with American soccer fans and just how little impact they have in the American sporting landscape. However, a good summer could go a long way towards revitalizing a flagging fan base. The first opportunity to right the ship comes against Turkey.
The Turks come into this game against the US having lost just once in their last eight games. Last year at Euro 204 they made it to the quarterfinals before being eliminated by the Netherlands. Since that loss they have posted a record of 5-1-2 (W-L-D). This friendly window against the US and against Mexico is just as important for the Crescent Stars as it is for the Stars and Stripes. They will begin World Cup Qualifying in September and will be in Group E of UEFA World Cup Qualifying along with Spain, Georgia, and Bulgaria. The roster called in by manager Vincenzo Montella loaded with both experience and quality. Seven of their players have 40 or more caps. A number of their players ply their trades in Europe’s top leagues: goalkeeper Altay Bayindir with Manchester United in England, defender Zeki Celik with AS Roma in Italy, midfielders Salih Ozcan and Hakan Calhanoglu of Borussia Dortmund in Germany and Inter Milan in Italy respectively, and forward Arda Guler with Real Madrid in Spain.
When, Where
Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025
Stadium: Pratt & Whitney Stadium
City: East Hartford, CT
Time: 3:30pm ET
TV: TNT
All-Time Series
USA leads 2-1-1
Last Meeting
Date: Sunday, June 1, 2014
Stadium: Sports Illustrated Stadium
City: Harrison, NJ
Attendance: 26,762
Result: USA 2-1 Turkey
Current FIFA Ranking
USA: 16
Turkey: 27
Next Game
Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Competition: International Friendly
Match-Up: USA vs. Switzerland
Stadium: Geodis Park
City: Nashville, TN
Time: 8pm ET
TV: TNT
Photo Credit: Houston Dynamo