Challenges Ahead for the USMNT
With a record loss against Colombia weighing heavily, the time has come for the United States men's national team (USMNT) to bounce back and prove their readiness for Copa America. The upcoming match, scheduled for Wednesday night in Orlando against Brazil, will serve as a crucial litmus test. Brazil's defense may still have some vulnerabilities, but their attack, spearheaded by the prodigious Endrick, has been formidable. The 17-year-old has netted three goals in Brazil's last three matches, contributing to their overall tally of seven goals. A failure to improve against Brazil would be a significant indictment of the team's management and tactical approach.
Tim Ream, a key figure in the USMNT squad, succinctly summarized one of the errors made against Colombia:
"I think what he's trying to say there is that we played into exactly what Colombia is good at, and that's the transition game. We didn't do enough to mitigate that type of game in the last 30 minutes, and I think that's really what he's getting at when he said that."
Don't Let Brazil Get into Their Game
Ream highlighted one of the primary mistakes the USMNT made: allowing Colombia to play their game. Making a similar mistake against Brazil could prove fatal. Brazil excels both in counter-attacks and in maintaining possession. The USMNT needs to show that they can be both physical and maintain control of the ball. While recent matches indicate that Brazil gives opponents opportunities, Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, and Tim Weah must capitalize on those chances more effectively. If they had been more clinical in the first half against Colombia, the outcome could have been different. The front three remain the USMNT's strength, and their performance will be crucial. For a passionate and informed discussion about the USMNT and the state of American soccer, fans can tune in to the "Call It What You Want" podcast.
Time for a Back Three?
In an effort to slow the game down and focus more on defense, USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter has considered deploying a three-man defense. Although this change could potentially limit their attacking options, it is a strategy worth considering. Tim Weah, who often plays as a wing-back for his club, is already familiar with this role. However, using this setup would likely mean benching the dynamic Gio Reyna. Adding a third center-back might seem redundant given Brazil's lack of a recognized number nine, but it could provide more targets for set pieces, making dead-ball situations more advantageous. When the conventional approach fails in big games, shaking things up with a different formation could offer new insights and results. A possible lineup for the upcoming match could be: Matt Turner, Antonee Robinson, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, Tim Weah, Christian Pulisic, and Folarin Balogun.
Fight for the Crest
The shortcomings against Colombia were not solely tactical, making the loss even more disheartening. Previous USMNT teams may have lacked players in top European leagues, but they always played with heart and left everything on the pitch. At the end of the Colombia game, it felt like the USMNT gave up, which is unacceptable even in a friendly match. A victory against Brazil is not mandatory, although it would significantly boost morale. What is required, however, is an improved performance. The USMNT needs to show more determination and desire to control possession. If they achieve this, positive outcomes will follow. Failing to do so will leave them facing a likely early exit from Copa America. Wednesday's match in Orlando is more than just a game; it is an opportunity for the USMNT to demonstrate growth, resilience, and the ability to compete at the highest level. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely, eager to see if this squad can rise to the occasion.