Pochettino’s USMNT Shows Potential in Win Over Senegal

CHARRLOTTE, N.C. — The U.S. men’s national team, under Mauricio Pochettino, spent a long period as an uncertain project. For 20 months, the team underwent changes with shifting formations and fluctuating intensity. It was hard to predict how the team would look by the 2026 World Cup.

On Sunday, the picture became clearer. The team showed incisive play and strong attacking movement. Although errors occurred, most came from players not likely to start on June 12. The 3-2 victory over Senegal was a display of the team’s potential.

Throughout this cycle, there was a disconnect between talent and performance. Under Pochettino, appointed in October 2024, the squad often underperformed. While lesser-known players had success in the previous fall, returning stars in March led to two defeats. Optimism faded.

Sunday demonstrated the team’s potential. At Bank of America Stadium, Christian Pulisic excelled, creating opportunities after a dry spell with AC Milan. On the right, Sergiño Dest and Alex Freeman connected effectively. Freeman’s forward runs assisted in creating the U.S.’s second goal.

Sergiño Dest and Alex Freeman connected effectively, creating opportunities.

In the midfield, Gio Reyna was steady though unspectacular. Sebastian Berhalter, despite praise from Pochettino, struggled to impact the game. Weston McKennie’s introduction in the second half, along with Malik Tillman and Folarin Balogun, offered an exciting glimpse of the future.

Essential players missing from the starting lineup illustrated the potential lineup’s strength. Even without changes in system or strategy, the U.S. can become more dominant with full-strength players.

Midfielder Tyler Adams pointed out areas for improvement. Pochettino highlighted the need to manage situations better to prevent conceding chances. Both goals conceded were avoidable; greater defensive quality could mitigate such vulnerabilities.

The Senegal coach, Pape Thiaw, acknowledged the challenge posed by the U.S. Pochettino’s team excelled in possession, imposing their game style on Senegal.

Pochettino’s vision of possession-focused play is coming to fruition. He explained this vision in 2024 when hired, stressing the importance of dominating possession to defend better and play near the opponent’s goal.

During recent discussions with reporters, Pochettino emphasized the importance of building play with control. The team showed this adjustment on Sunday, showcasing strong cooperative play.

Pochettino expressed satisfaction with seeing the team’s potential becoming reality. The high hopes the team and its fans hold might lead to a memorable summer for U.S. soccer, captivating the American audience.