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During the November international window, Mauricio Pochettino will lead the United States men’s national team in competitive matches for the first time. Against Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League, the team will be judged solely on reaching the final of a competition they have won three times in a row. If they want to do that, this team will have to dig deep and show that Pochettino’s tactics are starting to make an impact in the first legs on Thursday and Monday.
The USMNT was unable to play that final international window, falling to Mexico in Guadalajara without the likes of Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, Antonee Robinson and Weston McKennie, but while some of these players will return, it is far from a complete team at Pochettino’s disposal. Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun and Josh Sargent headline the absentees, but even in the first leg of this tie, Weah will be suspended for a red card in the Copa America.
When Gregg Berhalter led the USMNT, he emphasized their “next man up mentality,” and to advance in the Concacaf Nations League they will need to leverage that and then some.
Here’s what to look for when the USMNT faces the Reggae Boys.
Now it’s time for Aidan Morris
With Adams absent, the Middlesbrough midfielder has become a regular for the USMNT under multiple managers. By making the step up from representing the U-23s at the Olympic Games, Morris will now have the opportunity to show what he can do in a competitive senior event. Things change when progress is on the line and that’s where Morris will have to show he can handle Concacaf challenges while remaining calm and maintaining possession. So far he has taken on every challenge thrown his way, but this is one that means more. If Morris isn’t up to this challenge, he’ll need to gain more experience there to be ready. Since we don’t know how Adams will get back to the USMNT in the future, getting other options in defensive midfield will be crucial, but the only way to find out if Morris can be the man is to press to practice.
Who will take the attack?
The USMNT will go as far as Pulisic takes them, but to actually do that he also needs help. Without Weah and Balogun, determining the starting eleven will be important. Alex Zendejas and Brandon Vazquez are familiar with Concacaf and could also show courage in the USMNT attack on Mexico in the last international period, which could see them in line to start this match. It’s hard to say what Pochettino will do this early in his tenure as leader, but the options are also pretty slim. It’s a huge opportunity for players to show what they can do, especially under a new manager, but like Morris, the pressure is there. No team other than the USMNT has won this competition and if it doesn’t happen again it would be a disappointment.
Change everywhere
The United States isn’t the only team entering this game with a new head coach. Steve McLaren will lead Jamaica after taking over in July. Despite strong double national recruitment, the Reggae Boyz were unable to make waves at the Copa America, leading to the management shift. McLaren has experience in the global game and will have the team ready to take on Pochettino and the USMNT. Therefore, this will be a tie where the side that is further along in picking up the new manager’s system will be crucial.
How to watch and odds
- Date: November 14, 2024| Time: 8:00 PM ET
- Location: Independence Park – Kingston, Jamaica
- TV: TNT | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
- Chances: Jamaica +270; Sign +210; United States +106