Turkey’s national team defeated the United States with a score of 2-1 in a friendly match played in the rain, handing the Americans their third consecutive defeat. The match, marked by Turkish effectiveness, highlighted the defensive difficulties of the American team.
Arda Güler and Kerem Aktürkoglu scored within a span of just over two minutes, sealing the victory for Turkey in the first half of the match.The initial goal by the United States, scored by Jack McGlynn in the first minute of the game, was not enough to maintain the lead.
The United States, with a renewed team under the direction of Mauricio Pochettino, is preparing for the World Cup. The next challenge for the United States will be against Switzerland on Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee, followed by the start of the Concacaf Gold Cup against Trinidad and Tobago on June 15th. Under Pochettino’s command, the United States has recorded a record of five wins and four losses.This is the second time in a year that the team has suffered three consecutive defeats.
Pochettino becomes the first US national team coach since Jürgen Klinsmann in 2015 to lose three straight games.
Pochettino made eight changes to the starting lineup from the loss against Canada in March, keeping only Max Arfsten, Diego Luna, and Patrick Agyemang.
Alex Freeman, son of former NFL wide receiver Antonio Freeman, debuted with the U.S. national team. Matt Freese, goalkeeper for New York City FC of Major League Soccer, also made his debut. McGlynn scored after receiving a pass from Malik Tillman, cutting inside and scoring with a left-footed shot from outside the area, achieving his second goal in five international appearances.Turkey tied in the 24th minute when Freese deflected the ball towards Johnny Cardoso, whose pass bounced off a leg and beat Freese, resulting in Güler’s fifth international goal.
In the 27th minute, Miles Robinson attempted to clear a shot from Oğuz Aydın, and the ball reached Aktürkoglu, who scored his twelfth international goal.Berke Özer, goalkeeper of Turkey, also made his international debut. Turkey, preparing for the start of the World Cup qualifying phase in September, has achieved six victories, one defeat and one draw in their last eight matches.
