Challenges Ahead for USMNT
With a record loss against Colombia behind them, the United States men's national team (USMNT) must bounce back and prove their readiness for Copa America. The upcoming match, scheduled for Wednesday night in Orlando against Brazil, serves as a crucial test. Brazil’s defense may have areas that need improvement ahead of Copa America, but their attack, led by the young prodigy Endrick, has been formidable. Brazil has netted seven goals in their last three matches, with three of those goals coming from the 17-year-old sensation. Failure to show improvement against Brazil would be a significant indictment of the USMNT 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 Get into Their Game
Ream highlighted one of the primary mistakes that the USMNT made: allowing Colombia to play their game. Making a similar mistake against Brazil could prove to be fatal. Brazil is capable of hitting opponents on the counter while also excelling in possession. The USMNT must demonstrate physicality and control over the ball.
Recent matches have shown that Brazil does offer teams scoring opportunities. Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, and Tim Weah must capitalize on these opportunities more effectively. If they had been more clinical in the first half against Colombia, the match's outcome might have been different. The front three remains the strength of the USMNT, and their performance will be key. For a passionate, unapologetic, 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 and focus more on defense, USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter has considered deploying a three-man defense. While this could limit attacking options, it is a strategy worth considering. Tim Weah often plays as a wing-back for his club, familiarizing him with this role. However, this setup would likely mean dropping the dynamic Gio Reyna to the bench. While adding a third center-back might seem redundant given Brazil's lack of a recognized number nine, it could provide more targets for set pieces, making dead-ball situations more advantageous.
When the conventional approach has failed in big games, shaking things up with a different formation might offer new possibilities. A probable lineup for the upcoming match could include 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 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.
While a victory against Brazil is not mandatory, it would significantly boost morale. What is required, however, is an improved performance. The USMNT needs to show more determination and a greater desire to control possession. If they manage this, positive outcomes will follow. Failure 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. The USMNT has a lot to prove, and their performance against Brazil will be a telling indicator of what they can achieve in the upcoming tournament.