USA’s lineup against Canada in their upcoming international friendly will feature some new faces amid the USMNT’s injury woes.
The US Men’s National Team will be eager to bounce back from their disappointing Copa America 2024 performances as they prepare for international friendlies against Canada and New Zealand in September. Jesse Marsch’s side are a formidable opponent for the USA, especially after finishing fourth in the Copa America this summer.
Mike Varas will lead the Stars and Stripes in their two games despite the recent appointment of Mauricio Pochettino, and the interim coach must field a different team than Gregg Berhalter’s trusted side as Tyler Adams, Tim Weah, and Sergino Dest are all dealing with injuries.
Here’s what the USA’s starting XI could look like when it takes on Canada at Children’s Mercy Park.
GK: Matt Turner – Having recently moved to Crystal Palace, Turner will win his 45th title for the Stars and Stripes this season.
RB: Joe Sally – Joe Scally will continue to start at right back in place of the injured Sergino Dest.
CB: Chris Richards – Richards has cemented his place in the USA’s starting XI, and should have plenty of success against Canada’s sometimes stagnant attack.
CB: Tim Ream – Ream and Richards formed a strong partnership at Copa America 2024, but the 36-year-old could see his place taken by young talent like Miles Robinson.
LB: Caleb Wiley – Antonee Robinson is the USMNT’s undisputed starter on the left side, but as he rests this international break, 19-year-old Caleb Wiley may get his chance to impress after representing the Stars and Stripes at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
CM: Yunus Musah – Musah’s impressive performance for AC Milan so far this season is exactly what the USMNT midfielder needs, especially after failing to score a single goal or assist at Copa America 2024.
CM: Johnny Cardoso – Tyler Adams is dealing with a back injury, so Johnny Cardoso could get a chance to prove himself in front of the Stars and Stripes’ new coaching staff.
CM: Malik Tillman Weston McKennie did not make the USMNT squad, leaving the door open for Tillman to get more minutes, especially after his impressive start to the 2024/25 season with PSV.
LW: Christian Pulisic – The Stars and Stripes captain has scored 30 goals for the USA in 71 games, and will once again lead his players from the top.
ST: Folarin Balogun – Balogun has emerged as the USA’s number 9 at Copa America 2024, and will need to maintain his goalscoring form to keep the likes of Josh Sargent, Haji Wright, and Ricardo Pepi on the bench.
RW: Gio Reyna – Reyna may not thrive on the wing, but in the absence of Tim Weah, the Dortmund man is the best option to play alongside Pulisic and Balogun.
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