INGLEWOOD, Calif. — As the final whistle sounded at SoFi Stadium, assessing the United States men’s national team’s 3-2 loss to Türkiye was complex. Should the team feel frustration for conceding a late goal, or take comfort from the emergence of promising performances from some less experienced players?
It seems likely there will be a mix of both feelings. In the first half, the U.S. appeared to struggle against Türkiye’s technical skills. However, they rallied in the second half, displaying grit that brought them level at 2-2, only for Kaan Ayhan to clinch the victory for Türkiye with a goal in the eighth minute of stoppage time. This result was a disappointment for the USMNT, but it also presents a valuable learning experience.
Many players did not see it solely as a setback.
“Tonight might be considered a half step back, but we realize that to beat strong teams, we have to play consistently for 90-plus minutes,” said defender Chris Richards, who sat this match out. “We’re focusing on the positives. Every game presents learning opportunities despite its challenges.”
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U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino emphasized the larger picture, noting the USMNT’s progression in the tournament.
“The mood is that we’re heading home tonight while Türkiye stays behind,” he remarked. “I must remind everyone that we won our group. Yes, we won.”
Despite the uneven performance, the high and low spikes in play were expected given Pochettino’s decision to rotate the squad. The U.S. saw an uplift with the return of Christian Pulisic in the 58th minute. His presence immediately activated greater fluidity in the U.S. attack, which had previously relied heavily on set pieces. His impact highlighted the improvement seen when he is involved.
Prior to the match, Pochettino had suggested potential lineup changes, particularly with four starters on yellow cards — Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Antonee Robinson, and Richards. This rotation aimed to prevent suspensions as they moved forward in the tournament. With the group secured, and Türkiye eliminated, there was little risk involved, which allowed bench players a chance to gain vital experience.
Ultimately, only midfielder Weston McKennie and forward Ricardo Pepi retained their starting positions. Meanwhile, Türkiye’s manager Vincenzo Montella, likely facing termination post-tournament, also made seven changes to his lineup, keeping key players Arda Güler and Kenan Yildiz on the pitch.
This mix contributed to a chaotic match. The U.S. took an early lead in the third minute when Sebastian Berhalter‘s corner found Auston Trusty, who converted from the far post. However, a foul by Berhalter in the 19th minute ignited Türkiye, leading to two goals: the first by Güler in the 10th minute and the second by Orkun Kökçü in the 31st minute.
Both goals exploited defensive lapses from center backs Mark McKenzie and Miles Robinson, who failed to mark effectively. The U.S. midfield also didn’t provide sufficient cover, culminating in an easy opportunity for Kökçü to score.
In the second half, a reinvigorated U.S. team began to regain control, with Berhalter scoring a stunning equalizer just four minutes in. They created several chances to go ahead, but Türkiye snatched the win at the last moment.
“At times, we could have managed the game better and positioned ourselves more effectively in their half,” Berhalter reflected.
“The first half felt chaotic. We had too many players behind the ball and not enough attacking options. Nevertheless, this group was eager to compete. I’m proud of their efforts.”
Was Pochettino’s lineup rotation justified? Despite the outcome, one might argue it was. As the U.S. progresses in the tournament, depth will be essential. The fight back after going behind can instill confidence in the second-tier players. Had the yellow-carded players received more bookings, Pochettino would have faced significant scrutiny.
Importantly, the team’s ability to adapt in the second half showed growth, with players like Berhalter improving and leading their comeback. The lesson learned from slipping back late in the game highlights the need for composure in critical moments.
“Every match is crucial for us. We aim to win,” said defender McKenzie, who played the full match. “We didn’t approach this as a practice game. Although we didn’t win, we’re taking it as a step in our development. We need to regroup and prepare for the round of 32 ahead.”
Despite the defeat, signs indicate the U.S. could still have a strong tournament run. Pulisic’s return, in particular, could be pivotal; the U.S. attack struggled without him since his early exit against Paraguay. His presence allows for more dynamic play and scoring opportunities. While he had his ups and downs, including being nutmegged before Türkiye’s winning goal, Pulisic is essential for breaking through tough defenses in future knockout matches.
The game also raised questions about the team’s depth. The defensive line’s health and availability are crucial. Goalkeeper Matt Turner found himself in some tricky situations, notably letting the decisive goal slip through his legs. Tim Weah acknowledged his underwhelming performance, which resulted in his substitution shortly after Pulisic’s entry.
“I felt like the only disappointing player today,” he admitted. “Watching the game, I believe everyone else performed well. I personally didn’t meet the standard today.”
The need for thorough exploration of the roster is less pressing now, with yellow card suspensions cleared for the next match and key players returning. Not just Pulisic, but also Richards, Adams, and “Jedi” Robinson will need to be back as the stakes rise. Pochettino must manage the squad effectively moving forward.
There was considerable talk beforehand about the risk of losing momentum with a defeat against Türkiye. While some momentum may have been lost, this match could ultimately benefit the team long term. It served as a reminder that nothing should be taken lightly. As the round of 32 approaches, the U.S. will need to bring their best to secure continued success.