What factors contributed to the lack of enthusiasm from U.S. fans at the game? How did the U.S. team’s performance embody their struggles leading up to the World Cup? What did head coach Mauricio Pochettino identify as missing in his team’s approach during the match against Panama? In what ways did the intensity and motivation of their opponents differ from the U.S. team during the game? What underlying sentiments did the U.S. players express regarding their performance and the atmosphere?
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The evening began with 60,000 vacant seats and ended with a lapse that epitomized the USMNT’s sleepiness. It was supposed to jumpstart World Cup preparations; instead, it was lifeless and “painful.” It began with hope, that these CONCACAF Nations League finals would energize a distracted soccer nation; and serve as a crucial step for its national team under head coach Mauricio Pochettino. But U.S. fans hardly showed up to SoFi Stadium, and U.S. players fell 1-0 to Panama. It was “frustrating,” defender Chris Richards said of the match. “Disappointing, of course,” in the words of star attacker Christian Pulisic. There was “no urgency,” goalkeeper Matt Turner pointed out. Pochettino agreed, and in fact, he noted, Panama’s dramatic 94th-minute goal was “a clear example.” Pulisic played a sloppy headed pass. Midfielders lost 50-50s. Defenders recovered slowly.
“Organization? Good. Superiority? Yes — 4-v-2 in the middle of the pitch,” Pochettino said postgame. “But we lose the ball. We were not aggressive in the duels. We lose the duel, and then we concede.” He bemoaned a lack of “aggression.” A lack of intensity, perhaps hunger. “We didn’t compete in the way that the game required,” Pochettino said, and the one thing everybody wondered was: Why? Why, at the start of a year before a World Cup year, was there “no urgency”? Why, with six training camps to go until a once-in-a-generation opportunity to “change soccer in America forever,” and with a regional trophy at stake, did they look so disinterested, cautious and uninspired?
Although none would say it, surely the dull, hollow atmosphere had something to do with it. These are players who perform every week in front of 60,000 maniacs in Milan and Mönchengladbach, at the cauldrons of Crystal Palace and Juventus, in front of fans who care about their clubs. On Thursday, they walked onto the field where they’ll open their World Cup next summer, and looked around, and saw … one solitary, not-quite full section of diehard U.S. fans. A few thousand spectators were scattered throughout the gleaming, futuristic arena; they were hardly making any noise. The surrounding seats were empty because, well, it was 4 p.m. on a Thursday. Players pointed that out; none blamed the fans who didn’t show. But they were also empty because the American public is not, at least for now, enthused by this USMNT.
There are tens of millions of soccer fans in the United States; their interests, though, are diverse. And they’ve been bombarded by an endless stream of international matches that blur together. “There’s so much football being played,” U.S. defender Tim Ream said. Fans can’t get up for all of it, month after month, year after year, again and again. And many have been priced out. Tickets, whether sold by U.S. Soccer or CONCACAF, are often obscenely expensive. They’re only going to get more obscene next summer. World Cup stadiums will likely be full, but probably full of casual fans who can afford to go, not USMNT supporters. There will not necessarily be a classic “host country bump,” a wave of enthusiasm that U.S. players can ride deep into the tournament, a raucous atmosphere of rah-rah red, white and blue. So, as former U.S. star Clint Dempsey said on the Paramount+ broadcast at halftime, “you gotta create your own energy sometimes.”
“When the crowd is not a full crowd,” Ream agreed, “you have to find your own motivation.” Referencing Mexico’s status as the 7 p.m. headliner of Thursday’s doubleheader, Dempsey also told the current team: “You gotta go out and prove that you should be the main show.” And they didn’t. “I don’t think we were as competitive as we needed to be,” midfielder Tyler Adams admitted. So, again: Why? There were other ready-made excuses. There were multi-leg flights from Europe, and quick turnarounds, and jet lag. There was the redundancy of these CONCACAF games, against the same old opponents, with more enticing matches on the horizon. But the other three teams who played here Thursday night found that necessary fire.
Panamanians fought to “bring joy to the country,” as goalscorer Cecilio Waterman said. Mexico always does that. Canada, even in a 2-0 loss in the second semi, matched El Tri’s intensity, and also fought with a bigger picture in mind. “Our country is under threat, under attack,” defender Alistair Johnston said in the buildup, referencing U.S. President Donald Trump’s hostility. Neither Johnston nor Canada’s American coach, Jesse Marsch, shied away from that political context. U.S. players did shy away, deflecting questions, distancing themselves from the broader state of their country. And on Thursday, well, they looked like they had little to fight for.
It was not the first time they have played without the necessary passion. What makes it alarming is that passion, in all its forms, is one of the first things that Pochettino, since taking the U.S. job in September, has tried to instill. “He makes it known to us, ‘Hey, football’s not always about being beautiful,” Weston McKennie said Wednesday. “It’s also about the grit, the desire, the nastiness that you can put into the game as well.” This, the first single elimination game under Pochettino, would have been an excellent time to show it. “It was a perfect opportunity to start rebuilding [that mentality], right now,” Adams said. Instead, they passed the ball unambitiously. They moved without purpose. There were tactical problems, yes, but “we cannot blame the tactic, the strategy, the game plan,” Pochettino said. “You need aggression,” he explained, with and without the ball. “If you don’t have aggression, it’s impossible. Because the opponent only knows that we are going to play into [teammates’] feet. You are going to play safe, you are not going to take risks. If you want to play football, you need to take risks.”
And he concluded with another implicit diagnosis. “OK, we are USA, but you cannot win with your shirt,” nor with the prestige of the clubs you play for, Pochettino told reporters — and, by extension, his players. “You need to show. You need to come here, and be better, and suffer, and win the duels, and work hard. If not, it’s not going to be enough.”
For the USMNT and U.S., World Cup Prep Gets Off to a ‘Painful,’ Sleepy Start
As the world turns its attention to the fast-approaching FIFA World Cup, which is set to take place in Qatar in 2022, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) finds itself at a pivotal juncture. The anticipation of national pride and the hope of a deep tournament run is palpable, yet this preparatory phase, which ideally should be marked by energy and enthusiasm, has begun on a decidedly unenthusiastic note.
The team’s journey to Qatar began with a series of rigorous training camps, friendlies, and an arduous qualifying campaign that ultimately saw the USMNT earn its ticket to the World Cup after missing the 2018 edition. However, the recent gatherings of players have been described not just as a “painful” experience for both coaching staff and athletes, but as an overall “sleepy” start to a journey that fans had hoped would be rife with fiery camaraderie and spirited preparation.
A Schedule Full of Potholes
One of the underlying reasons for the slow burn in the team’s energy levels is the grueling nature of the current soccer calendar. The mix of domestic leagues, international commitments, and injuries has left many players fatigued and slower to engage in practices. The congested schedule has also hampered the ability of Coach Gregg Berhalter to develop cohesion among a squad that has seen numerous changes over the past year. For many players, the start of this prep period has felt less like an intense warm-up and more like a dreary continuation of the season they just ended.
Reports from training camps indicate that fatigue has manifested itself both physically and mentally. Several players have admitted to feeling the strain of a season packed with high stakes, from club matches to international qualifiers. The players’ fatigue has contributed to lackluster training sessions where energy levels have dipped significantly, prompting coaches to dig deeper for the inspirational speeches and tactical drills that generally set a team alight before a major tournament.
Emotional and Physical Toll of Injuries
Injuries are another significant concern impacting the USMNT’s preparation. Star player Weston McKennie, for instance, faced injury setbacks that have kept him off the pitch during crucial training sessions. The absence of pivotal players throws challenges at Berhalter’s tactical plans and creates a palpable psychological strain not only on the squad but also among the coaching staff who require all hands on deck for fine-tuning strategies. In some moments, the team’s collective resolve appears challenged, with both players and coaches feeling the weight of America’s expectations amidst their own personal struggles to find consistency and energy.
In addition, as they recover from injuries, players like Christian Pulisic must balance pushing their limits while also prioritizing long-term fitness. The emotional toll of wanting to prove themselves on the grand stage can lead to additional pressure. Pulisic’s drive to be a leading figure in returning the USMNT to soccer prominence is notable; however, this desire has the potential to contribute to an atmosphere of anxiety that adds to the current “sleepy” preparation vibe.
Competitive Friendlies to Rekindle Spirit
To combat the low-energy preparations, the coaching staff has scheduled a series of competitive friendlies to reignite the players’ competitive instincts. These matches, facing both regional rivals and global competitors, are seen as critical in terms of building team chemistry and momentum. Games against teams like Mexico and Colombia could provide that necessary jolt the squad needs to shake off the malaise and allow players to display their skills and demonstrate their commitment to national pride.
While outcomes in these friendlies do not directly impact World Cup standings, they serve as vital practice grounds to hone formations, identify key playing roles, and gauge fitness levels. For the USMNT, these matches are an opportunity to boost morale and shake off their sleepy preparation process.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Qatar
As the USMNT gears up for the spectacle of the World Cup, their current struggles undeniably reflect the pressures and challenges that accompany the growth of soccer in the United States. What has been labeled as a “painful” start can be reframed as a learning opportunity. Finding ways to harness their untapped potential will be pivotal in shifting the narrative from a sleepy start to a fiery beginning in Qatar.
Ultimately, to transition from this slow-paced preparation towards the racial ethos that defines American soccer, it will take time, patience, and a recommitment to unity among players, coaching staff, and fans. If the USMNT can navigate this daunting early phase, many believe that the true essence of the team’s potential will emerge strong and proud just in time for their opening matches in the World Cup later this year. For the USMNT and the nation behind them, the hope persists that this painful beginning is merely a prelude to greater triumphs in Qatar.
The USMNT’s preparations for the World Cup have begun in a challenging manner, characterized by a slow and unexciting start. The team is working to build cohesion and fitness as they head toward the tournament, but early signs indicate that there may be obstacles to overcome. Players are focusing on developing their skills and strategies, but there is an undeniable need for greater energy and momentum in their practice sessions. This initial phase may not reflect the high stakes and enthusiasm typically associated with World Cup buildup, leaving fans eager for more engaging performances as the team progresses in their preparations.