Pochettino Remains Optimistic Despite Loss to Turkey

Following a third consecutive defeat, Mauricio Pochettino still holds onto hopeful ambitions. The U.S. coach expressed that, despite the setback, there’s a way forward. “We need to believe, we have to compete like we did today, and we could definitely win the World Cup,” he stated after the U.S. team lost 2-1 to Turkey in a recent friendly match, squandering an early lead.

Jack McGlyn made his mark early, scoring just 59 seconds into the game. This recently revamped squad, which saw many regulars sidelined, was a result of a disappointing performance in the CONCACAF Nations League Final Four held back in March.

Turkey capitalized on a lackluster U.S. defense, with Arda Güler and Kerem Aktürkoğlu scoring in a quick succession, only two minutes apart, during the first half.

Though the U.S. had 60% possession and a slight edge in shots (13-11), they fell short again under Pochettino’s management. The U.S. Football Federation had dismissed Greg Barhalter after a first-round exit from Copa America last year, paving the way for Pochettino.

This game marked the second consecutive loss of the year for the Americans. Pochettino, originally from Argentina and with a history of coaching at clubs such as Tottenham and Chelsea, questioned the criticism aimed at his team. “Who’s going to tell me today that we showed a lack—what’s really missing?” he mused. “The team displayed what it takes… if we perform like this, we’ll win more games.”

Since the 1930 World Cup, the U.S. hasn’t made it past the semi-finals or reached the quarter-finals since the 2022 tournament. In March, Pochettino made significant changes, bringing in eight new starters from the previous national league defeat against Canada, retaining only Max Alfsten, Diego Luna, and Patrick Aggieman.

Midfielder Tyler Adams, reflecting on the new faces within the squad, mentioned: “Some of the newcomers might never think of playing again. It’s risky, but sometimes you gotta chase that.” He believes the infusion of youthful energy is beneficial.

With the World Cup just a year away, the U.S. is set to play Switzerland in Nashville on Tuesday and will follow that with a match against Trinidad and Tobago on June 15 as part of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Pochettino shared his disappointment, feeling that the players deserved better outcomes given their hard work. “I think we played well. We demonstrated bravery in pressing against a strong team like Turkey,” he said.

Notably, defender Alex Freeman, son of NFL standout Antonio Freeman, made his debut for the U.S. Team. Matt Freeze, a regular starter for MLS’s New York City, also made his first appearance in goal. Meanwhile, Matt Turner, who has held the starting position since 2022, hasn’t seen play at Crystal Palace since March 1.

Quinn Sullivan and Nathan Hariel also debuted as substitutes in the later stages of the match.

McGlyn’s goal, which was the fastest for the U.S. since Shaq Moore’s record against Canada in 2021, came from a well-placed pass by Maliktillman. He managed several touches before curling a left-footed shot just beyond the penalty area.

Turkey equalized in the 24th minute after Freeze had difficulty with a shot from Johnny Caldosso, and Aktürkoğlu took advantage of a mishap in the 27th minute, scoring from another U.S. defensive error.

Pochettino noted the impact that those goals had on the team’s morale, adding, “The goals we conceded really disrupted our rhythm.”