In Houston’s NRG Stadium, the United States men’s national soccer team was dejected after the final whistle of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup final. They had lost 2-1 against their eternal rival, Mexico, and the fans, mostly in favor of “El Tri”, celebrated with the song “El Rey”. The American players showed faces of disappointment and slumped shoulders, they only had to collect the runner-up medals. Defender Chris Richards, scorer of the initial goal for the United States, showed his dissatisfaction by getting rid of his medal.
Despite the bitterness of the moment, the progress shown during the last 40 days cannot be denied. This young American team demonstrated impressive growth, overcoming the humiliation suffered against Switzerland and reaching the Gold Cup final, something that seemed unthinkable at the beginning of the tournament. The team gained experience playing direct elimination matches in hostile environments, and although the competition was not the most demanding, especially in the group stage, the United States found a way to obtain results and learn in the process.
Several players stood out individually. Richards consolidated his position in the starting eleven, regardless of the options available. Players like Diego Luna and Malik Tillman continued their rise in the USMNT. In addition, new additions such as goalkeeper Matt Freese, right-back Alex Freeman and midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, contributed positively to the American effort.
Midfielder Tyler Adams commented on the experience: “The opportunity to play in the final was the most impressive thing about this tournament. It was a learning experience for everyone on the team. For some, it was the first time playing against Mexico, and coming here to play in front of thousands of fans… The guys were resilient. We fought, and that’s the most positive thing we can take away: we fought. I am happy with the effort of each player.”
The final match revealed aspects to improve. Effectiveness in finishing was a key factor, and Luna regretted his missed shot in the first half. Marking on set pieces needs greater precision, and Patrick Agyemang could have done more to contest the header that led to Edson Álvarez’s goal. Tillman had an irregular performance at an inopportune moment.
Some players experienced the intensity of playing against Mexico in a stadium full of rival fans, as well as the controversial refereeing of Concacaf. A handball in the area by Jorge Sánchez was claimed, in addition to a doubtful foul on Luna that preceded Álvarez’s goal. Coach Mauricio Pochettino called the non-sanctioning of the handball “shameful”.
Richards added that Álvarez’s goal, initially disallowed for offside, should not have been valid. “I feel like we’re always a step behind with the refereeing. In any other league, it would have been called offside. But, that’s Concacaf. They hate us, and we have to move on.”
Pochettino and his coaching staff also drew conclusions. The Gold Cup was their first international tournament, and now they have a better idea of who can contribute and who can’t. However, that will be a constant challenge. In September, players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Timothy Weah could be available. However, Pochettino doesn’t seem inclined to automatically bring them back, as he will assess each player in terms of form, fitness, and attitude. Nothing is guaranteed. Pochettino’s greatest reason for caution is the bond that formed between these players and his coaching staff during the 40 days of the tournament. It began with long training sessions and turned into a determination and a desire within the team that Pochettino values, something that was lacking in the Concacaf Nations League last March. Pochettino seemed to fall more in love with this group with each game. Adams doesn’t think Pochettino is lying.I told some of them the other day after the first knockout game, they are no longer inexperienced. Now they have experienced something, and they have to use that. They have to learn from it and understand what it takes to win a game and they will.
Tim Ream
Some players from the Gold Cup team will surely be included in September, a group that will likely include Richards, Ream, Luca de la Torre, Luna, and Tillman. How could the attitude of the Gold Cup team be transferred to the group that will be named in September, which will surely have different faces?
Ream believes that “we understand what the standard is now. We understand what we need to do on and off the field. We understand what kind of culture is wanted from us. It will take them a little longer than it probably should, but the guys are going to come and go. This group probably won’t be the same, it won’t be exactly the same again. And it’s up to us, the players, to push the ideas they want, the culture they have created”. Ream noted that a new generation of leaders is emerging, including Richards. When September arrives, they will be the ones who must convey Pochettino’s message. Ream added: “Empowering them to speak up, to make sure they’re doing the exact same thing at their club that they would be doing here. Making sure that, if they are, whoever is at the next camp picks up where we left off. And again, it’s not just created on the field. That’s a lot of work off the field and I think that’s been one of the biggest keys for us in this camp and to bring in so many guys. And yeah, it’ll be up to everyone to make sure we push that idea.” Will these ideas be received? They need to be so that this team moves forward and achieves its goal of going far in next year’s World Cup.
