Mauricio Pochettino Undisturbed After 2-0 Loss to Portugal

The U.S. closes out the international window for March with its second straight loss. Falling 2-0 to Portugal, the squad left more questions than answers for a host country with high expectations.

“It’s good to have these types of games. We can’t be negative because of the negative result,” said Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team, after the loss.

USA’s starting XI: Matt Freese, Auston Trusty, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, Sebastian Berhalter, Alex Freeman, Malik Tillman, Tim Weah, Aidan Morris

Portugal’s starting XI: José Sá, Diogo Dalot, Tomás Araújo, Gonçalo Inácio, João Cancelo, Samu Costa, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Francisco Trincão, Pedro Neto, Gonçalo Ramos

Mauricio Pochettino rotated his squad to prepare for the night’s clash with Portugal. Chris Richards, Auston Trusty, and Aidan Morris featured as starters, while Matt Freese was the chosen goalkeeper. The Americans came out in their expected 4-3-3 formation. A rare sight for the American side, the formation featured a backline of all Black players: Antonee Robinson, Auston Trusty, Christ Richards, and Alex Freeman. Weston McKennie played out wide behind Timothy Weah, putting Sebastian Berhalter just behind Christian Pulisic. Aidan Morris sat outside on the left behind Bayer Leverkusen star Malik Tillman.

News that traveled across the world was the omission of Cristiano Ronaldo, who’s nursing a hamstring injury. Rafael Leão and Rodrigo Mora were called up but ended up sitting out due to injuries as well.

Starting Pulisic at striker was a gamble. It was something different to show defenses, but also, that “surprise” was quelled rather quickly. Whenever he crossed into Portugal’s defensive third, he would find himself swarmed by defenders. Alex Freeman performed well down the right side; an adjustment Pochettino should consider on a long-term basis.

“He was involved in many actions. I think he did a good job,” Pochettino began. “He played 9 in Italy. Yes, he feels frustrated after today. He was fighting; he demands more. He can score.”

Aside from a clear starting striker, there’s a dark cloud over the center back position. Today, Pochettino paired Chris Richards with Auston Trusty, and for the first half, there were glimpses of greatness. The gaffer saw what the rest of us saw, and it gives him a lot to consider before the roster deadline on May 30. Admitting that the roster selection “will be painful”, Trusty gave him much to consider in defense.

“Competing at Celtic is not easy,” Poch explained after the match. “He’s physical, technical, and what he provided tonight was impactful.”

Portugal broke the deadlock in the 37th minute. A cheeky back pass by Bruno Fernandes down the right side of the box freed up space for Trincão. The right winger from Sporting Portugal cut back to his left and fired a left-footed effort past Matt Freese.

Joao Félix put his stamp on the match with a goal in the 59th minute. On a corner kick, the Portuguese ran a trick play, pushing the line up to the goalkeeper and overcrowding the box. By the time the pass came into play, it landed on the chest of Félix, who was unmarked and in acres of space at the top of the box. He squared his footing and sent a rocket past the keeper.

“We need more games like this. Even though it’s painful, it’s the only way to prove, the only way to learn, the only way to see how top players and teams compete,” said Pochettino post-match. “Today, I thought we competed very well, but in the small details, we lost the game.”

The USMNT has two friendlies left before the World Cup, and, like today, they’ll be against formidable opponents. May 31 will see the Americans take on AFCON champions Senegal, and Germany await them on June 6.

-Jon Jones

Photos: Anthony Reaves (@Tony Rebornn)