COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — Mauricio Pochettino’s recent selection of a 26-man roster for the U.S. men’s national soccer team has sparked conversation among fans and analysts alike, particularly regarding his approach to player positions and team dynamics.
“Nobody’s place is guaranteed,” the coach reiterated just a day before the U.S. faced Australia, concluding a critical international window.
While some critics believe consistency in the starting lineup is essential, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching, Pochettino’s strategy paid dividends with a come-from-behind win.
His willingness to rotate the squad was put to the test as the U.S. managed to secure a victory over Australia, overcoming an early 1-0 deficit.
This match marked a significant milestone, as it was the first comeback victory for Pochettino’s tenure, with Haji Wright scoring twice during the game.
Wright’s performance was particularly noteworthy, as Cristian Roldan, a substitute midfielder, played a pivotal role in assisting both of Wright’s goals, showcasing the depth within the squad.
“That’s not a coincidence,” Pochettino remarked, highlighting the effectiveness of his strategic choices.
The absence of star player Christian Pulisic, who left the match early due to a hamstring concern, was a test for the team’s resilience. Despite missing Pulisic and several other key players, including the likes of Tyler Adams and Sergiño Dest, the U.S. team rallied to secure the victory.
Australian coach Tony Popovic expressed admiration for the U.S. squad, noting, “They’ve got fantastic players, and I’m sure these players will keep growing with this manager.”
As the U.S. prepares for the World Cup, a sense of belief is beginning to grow among the players.
U.S. defender Chris Richards emphasized the importance of confidence, noting, “It gives us confidence knowing that even without one of our best players, we can continue to score goals against top teams.”
This month’s international matches posed significant challenges, as Ecuador, the previous opponent, is a strong contender in South America, and Australia came into the match with a remarkable 12-game unbeaten streak.
All three goals scored by the U.S. this month occurred without Pulisic on the pitch, exemplifying the squad’s versatility and depth.
Additionally, rested players like captain Tim Ream and scoring threat Folarin Balogun also played significant roles, showcasing the strength throughout the lineup.
The match did feature a moment of weakness for the Americans, as they allowed a goal that both Richards and Roldan admitted should have been prevented.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Pochettino stated, “In the World Cup, if you start the game in the way that we started and concede a goal like this, then it’s difficult to have another chance.”
Even with room for improvement, the team’s response to going behind was commendable.
Richards remarked on the team’s resilience: “After getting scored on, it was kind of like the punch that we needed to wake us up.”
Such moments illustrate the intensity and significance of preparing for the forthcoming World Cup, with Richards adding, “A lot of teams would crumble, especially because it’s a friendly.”
The standout performance of the match was undoubtedly Haji Wright, who earned the Man of the Match title. However, Roldan’s contributions also made a substantial impact on the game after his return to the national team, having not played for over two years.
Roldan, known for being a supportive team player, voiced his excitement about contributing to the team’s success: “To contribute in that way, it’s obviously amazing.”
Looking ahead, the U.S. hopes to maintain their momentum during their upcoming exhibitions in the Philadelphia area next month, where they will face Paraguay and Uruguay, both recognized as competitive teams.
Pochettino acknowledged the upcoming challenge, stating, “The next two games are going to be very difficult.”
Wright has also expressed his intention to continue performing, recognizing that consistency is key in strengthening his position for the World Cup roster.
“I think I have to continue to perform,” he noted, emphasizing the need to build on his recent success.
In a similar vein, Pochettino conveyed both pride and a desire for further improvement, remarking, “I am happy, but I wanted more.”
His competitive spirit radiated through his comments as he expressed the importance of striving for better performances: “I wanted to see individual players doing better.”
With a growing sense of unity and determination, the U.S. soccer team looks poised to embrace the challenges ahead as they approach the World Cup in June.
image source from：foxsports
