Challenges Ahead for USMNT
With a record loss against Colombia behind them, the time has come for the United States men's national team (USMNT) to bounce back and demonstrate their readiness for Copa America. Their next match, scheduled for Wednesday night in Orlando against Brazil, will serve as a crucial test. Brazil, despite their defensive vulnerabilities, boasts a highly potent attack, led by their young super-sub Endrick. Brazil has netted seven goals in their last three matches, with three of those goals coming from the 17-year-old prodigy. Failure to show improvement against Brazil would significantly indict the team and its management. Tim Ream, a key figure in the squad, succinctly explained 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 Play Their Game
Ream highlighted one of the primary mistakes that the USMNT made: allowing Colombia to play to their strengths. Committing a similar error against Brazil could be disastrous. Brazil is a team capable of hitting opponents on the counterattack while also excelling in maintaining possession. The USMNT will need to demonstrate both physicality and ball control. Recent matches indicate that Brazil does offer teams opportunities to score. Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, and Tim Weah will need to capitalize on these chances more effectively. If they had been more clinical in the first half against Colombia, the outcome might have been different. The front three remain the strength of the USMNT, and their performance will be crucial. For passionate and informed discussions about the USMNT and 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 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 familiar with this role. However, employing this setup would likely mean dropping the dynamic Gio Reyna to the bench. 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, why not shake things up? 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, which made the loss so 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, waiting to see if this squad can rise to the occasion.