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≡ SPOTLIGHT ≡
Just before the kickoff of Tuesday’s friendly between the U.S. men’s National Team and New Zealand in Cincinnati, the U.S. Soccer Federation formally announced Argentine Mauricio Pochettino as the new men’s head coach:
“Pochettino, 52, a seasoned and highly respected manager, has had successful stints with several top European clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea. Known for building teams with dynamic styles of play, he will now take the helm of the USMNT, bringing his extensive experience and tactical acumen to lead the team into the FIFA World Cup 2026 on home soil.”
Said the new manager:
“I see a group of players full of talent and potential, and together, we’re going to build something special that the whole nation can be proud of.”
Pochettino has been a considerable success as a coach in the English Premier League and France’s Ligue 1:
● 2013-14: Southampton (English Premier): 23-19-18 (W-L-T)
● 2014-19: Tottenham Hotspur (English Premier): 159-72-62
● 2021-22: Paris-St. German (Ligue 1): 55-14-15
● 2023-24: Chelsea (English Premier); 26-14-11
Pochettino played in 20 matches for the Argentine national team from 1999-2002 as a center back, scoring two goals.
Signed to a two-year contract through the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he will take over for the two October friendlies, against Panama in Austin, Texas on 12 October and against Mexico on 15 October in Guadalajara.
Pochettino had been selected some weeks ago, but continued haggling with Chelsea over his contractual release delayed the announcement. The U.S. federation has now entrusted both of its national teams to Chelsea coaches: Pochettino for the men and Emma Hayes for the women. Hayes has started 10-0, including winning the Olympic gold in Paris.
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The U.S. men, in the meantime, suffered through another dreary performance, ending in a 1-1 tie with New Zealand on Tuesday, holding the lead from the 69th minute until the 89th, when Ben Waine “scored” the equalizer for the Kiwis.
The U.S. had 66% possession in the game, and striker Ricardo Pepi scored in the 19th minute, but the goal was wiped away due to a Pepi push-off that was ruled a foul.
Scoreless at half, midfield star Christian Pulisic came in as a substitute in the 57th minute and scored to give the U.S. a 1-0 lead in the 69th, taking a Pepi pass, then angling in the box for a left-footed shot that slid into the net.
The Americans looked poised to win when the defense broke down in the 89th. A long lead pass for substitute striker Waine was headed by U.S. defender Caleb Wiley, then when Mark McKenzie tried to clear, the ball ricocheted off of Waine’s leg and popped over the head of American keeper Matt Turner, who had come out to cut down the angle.
The U.S. ended with a 17-8 shots edge, but to no avail. Since the 2-0 win over Bolivia to start the Copa America in June, the U.S. is now 0-3-1, losing to Panama, Uruguay and Canada and now tying New Zealand. For the calendar year of 2024, the U.S. men are 3-5-2, with two games left.
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