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The United States men’s national team entered the September international window with something to prove after crashing out of the Copa America during the group stage. After losing to Canada and drawing against 94th-ranked New Zealand, they still leave this international break with something to prove. Interim manager Mikey Varas’s time in charge of the USMNT has come to an end and Mauricio Pochettino’s will now begin, but the Argentine will have work to do after watching these games.
Some issues will be resolved with the addition of Tim Weah, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, Sergino Dest and Antonee Robinson – all regulars who missed this international window – but that doesn’t mean there weren’t some bright spots to leave to see. Let’s take a look at a few:
A new era begins
Although this international window was a limbo for the USMNT as it was led by interim manager Mikey Varas, the announcement of Mauricio Pochettino as the new manager of the USMNT means it’s time to turn the page. Pochettino will come in with expectations for the USMNT and push every player to reach their potential as they all prepare for success in 2026. The USMNT will be quickly tested against Panama and Mexico during the October international window, but they will having a manager who is too. more than ready to prepare them for those matches.
Pochettino is someone who has always set his teams up for success and US Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker has already said he has a six-week plan for Pochettino to get up to speed for those matches. The duo worked together at Southampton and they still have some work to do to get the USMNT back on track. Emma Hayes, head coach of the US women’s national team, also coached Chelsea’s women’s team while he was in charge of the men’s team, so there are plenty of connections to help the Argentine get started.
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Expectations will be high for Pochettino and the USMNT, but if he can get consistent performances from the players who have been missing of late, they will be able to impress with his progressive tactics.
Aidan Morris comes forward again
The Middlesbrough midfielder was perhaps one of the biggest winners of this international season. After becoming a regular for his club under Michael Carrick following a summer move from the Columbus Crew, Morris was rewarded with senior team caps. Morris picked up an assist off the bench against Canada and got the start against New Zealand. His field ball was also very important in Christian Pulisic’s goal.
When asked about Morris’ performances in midfield, Varas’ answer was clear, but a glowing one.
“He was the boss. He was the boss of the midfield,” Varas said.
As we try to figure out how this midfield will fit together going forward due to Adams’ health and the lack of playing time for McKennie and Johnny Cardoso, there’s no reason Morris shouldn’t be part of that conversation. His 98 touches were the most of any player on the pitch and he did well with them. Morris has been successful every time he has been challenged in his career and thus far, and he seems ready for more.
Strong performance in defense
Despite a fluke goal securing the draw for New Zealand, Mark McKenzie, Kristoffer Lund and Marlon Fossey did well with the chances they were given. Fossey created two chances and also took two shots during the match, while alternating well with Ricardo Pepi on the wing. With Dest injured, right-back is one of the defensive positions up for grabs and the dynamism Fossey showed is encouraging. It is important to see such players against a stronger opponent than New Zealand, who have the ability to get behind and test an outside defender, but you can only perform against what is in front of you.
For McKenzie, he was accurate with his passing, strong in his tackles and one second away from clearing the chance for the final goal. It’s a shame that Ben Waine’s header came back at the keeper, but overall it was the right move at the moment and one that neutralizes an attack nine times out of ten. Making his first start for the USMNT since March 2023, McKenzie’s growth is visible. Moving to Toulouse will see him challenged on a weekly basis and the spot alongside Chris Richards for the USMNT is his for the taking if he can rise to those challenges.