During the November international window, Mauricio Pochettino will lead the US men’s national team in competitive suits for the first time. Facing Jamaica in the Concacaf Country League, the group can only be judged by advancing to the overall standings of a competition they have won three times in a row. If they are going to do this, this group should dig deep and show that Pochettino’s methods are starting to make an impact during Thursday’s first leg and Monday’s second leg.
The USMNT couldn’t make this last global window, falling to Mexico in Guadalajara without names like Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, Antonee Robinson and Weston McKennie, but the life that some of these avid players can have again. It is a long way from having a complete team at Pochettino’s disposal. Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun and Josh Sargent lead the absences, but even in the first leg of this match, Weah would be suspended due to a red card in the United States Cup.
When Gregg Berhalter led the USMNT, he emphasized their “next man up mentality,” and to enter the Concacaf Country League, they will want to mean that and more.
Here’s what to expect when the USMNT takes on the Reggae Boys.
Aidan Morris’ time is now
With Adams absent, the Middlesbrough midfielder has gradually become a presence for the USMNT under more than one coach. By taking the step of representing the under-23 team at the Olympics, Morris will now provide a prospect to turn what he can do into something aggressive for the senior team. Things change when the improvement is in form and that is where Morris will want to show that he can deal with the demanding situations of Concacaf life by staying calm and keeping the property going. So far he’s risen to every challenge in his path, but that’s one that means the most. If Morris is not able to meet this challenge, this is where he would like more experience to be able to. It is unknown how Adams will return to the USMNT in the future, getting alternative options in defensive midfield may be important, but the only way to determine if Morris will also be the guy is by using momentum.
Who intervenes in the assault?
The USMNT will proceed as far as Pulisic takes them, but to do so, they will need backup as well. Without Weah and Balogun, understanding the starting eleven would be remarkable. Alex Zendejas and Brandon Vázquez are regulars in Concacaf and were also able to show bravery in the USMNT’s attack against Mexico in the last international window, which would put them in shape to start this match. It’s hard to say what Pochettino will do at the start of his tenure to lead the team, but the options are also a bit slim. It’s an immense opportunity for players to convert what they can do especially under an impeccable manager, but as with Morris, the strength is there. To reject the group that the USMNT has welcomed this festival and not do it again would be sad.
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The United States is not the only team in this situation with an impeccable head coach. Steve McLaren will lead Jamaica in the next meeting in July. Despite strong twin national recruiting, the Reggae Boyz have been unable to make waves in the United States Cup leading the managerial turnaround. McLaren has experience in the global game and will have the team ready to take on Pochettino and the USMNT. As a result of that, this is a point where the side that is more aware of picking up on the impeccable supervisor machine can be essential.
guard and odds
- Chance: November 14, 2024| Chance: 8 pm Eastern Time
- Location: Land of the Free – Kingston, Jamaica
- TV: TNT | They are living the tide: Fubo (Effort for the Far)
- Odd: Jamaica +270; Draw +210; United States +106
