In a thrilling debut for Mauricio Pochettino as the head coach of the U.S. men’s national team, the Americans secured a 2-0 victory over Panama in front of a lively crowd of 20,239 at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas.
The night belonged to Yunus Musah and Ricardo Pepi, who scored the goals that marked the beginning of a new era for the U.S. Musah, playing in a wider role under Pochettino, made a late run into the box to score his first goal for the national team. Pepi, on the other hand, sealed the victory with a late strike assisted by Haji Wright, notching his fourth goal for the U.S.
Despite the win, it wasn’t a flawless performance by the Americans. Some sloppy mistakes at the back, a couple of big saves by goalkeeper Matt Turner, and a missed opportunity by José Fajardo for Panama kept the game tense until the final whistle. However, the U.S. showed resilience and grit to secure the win against a team that had caused an upset in the Copa America, leading to the coaching change and Pochettino’s appointment.
Pochettino’s starting lineup had some surprises, with Aidan Morris and Gianluca Busio earning starts in midfield alongside Musah. The absence of Tyler Adams and Gio Reyna due to injury, and Weston McKennie starting on the bench, hinted at Pochettino managing player minutes strategically. The coach emphasized the importance of sending players back to their clubs in top condition.
Veteran defender Tim Ream donned the captain’s armband for the match, showcasing his leadership qualities on the field. Other experienced players like Josh Sargent, Brenden Aaronson, and Matt Turner also started and contributed to the team’s performance. The changes made by Pochettino paid off with a historic first goal under his reign.
The victory against Panama marks the beginning of an exciting journey for the U.S. men’s national team under Pochettino’s guidance. Fans can look forward to more thrilling matches and promising performances as the team aims for success on the international stage.
