USMNT Crushes Uruguay: The 16-Month Transformation Under Pochettino

United States Crushes Uruguay in a Display of Power

Sixteen months ago, the United States men’s national soccer team hit rock bottom, suffering a defeat against Uruguay that meant elimination in the group stage of the 2024 Copa América. The team was outplayed and out-hustled by La Celeste, crumbling against the physical play of the opponent. The poor performance in the Copa América cost the then-coach Gregg Berhalter his job, opening the way for Mauricio Pochettino. And now? The United States is unrecognizable, in the best possible sense, after demolishing Uruguay with a score of 5-1, thanks to a goal shower in the first half of the match. If this match was supposed to be a benchmark, the USMNT broke it from the initial whistle. Player ratings for the USMNT: Freeman leads the way with a 9/10 The first goal came in the 17th minute, with Sebastian Berhalter assisting Sergiño Dest on a free kick. Dest returned the ball and Berhalter scored a powerful shot, marking his first international goal. Three minutes later, Berhalter served a corner for Alex Freeman to score with a header, and then, in the 31st minute, Freeman extended the lead after an individual play. The fourth goal was a work of art, a sequence of eight passes that Diego Luna finished with a shot. After Giorgian de Arrascaeta’s goal for Uruguay, Tanner Tessmann closed the account in the 68th minute, scoring a header from a cross by Giovanni Reyna for 5-1. The words to describe this match are abundant. It’s the first time the USMNT has remained unbeaten in five consecutive matches against opponents ranked in the top 40 since 2013; the victory equals the largest margin of victory against a South American opponent, and also ties the record for the largest margin of victory against a team ranked in the top 15 of the FIFA world rankings.

Description: Tanner Tessmann celebrates the fifth goal in a resounding victory for the USMNT. The American team did not have its full squad, with several important absences due to injury, including Christian Pulisic, Chris Richards, Tim Weah, and Tyler Adams. Despite this, the result was surprising, and along with the 2-1 victory over Paraguay, it translated into a spectacular match window. Cohesion, aggressiveness, and, above all, the hunger of a group eager to prove something to their coach, were key factors. The competition for places on the World Cup roster is underway, and no one wants to stay home. This speaks to the team’s progress under Pochettino’s direction. The players feel liberated by the expectations.

I believe we have a group full of players hungry for opportunities; a group of competitors.

Mark McKenzie

The stellar execution of unexpected sources, such as Berhalter’s set-piece deliveries and Freeman’s ability to project forward, along with a widespread intensity, made the result clear. The victory crowned a year full of ups and downs. After initial disappointments, the team has proven its worth.

Description: Mauricio Pochettino and Diego Luna celebrate after a goal. The USMNT coach will have difficult decisions to make. For now, the work with their clubs and the desire to maintain momentum continue.

I think you have to maintain a high level every day in training, push yourself more; and when you have matches on the weekends, go to those matches with the same mentality, whether you’re in the camp or out of it.

Mark McKenzie

What a big difference 16 months have made!