Following their recent loss to Turkiye, the United States Men`s National Team (USMNT) has an opportunity to demonstrate lessons learned by facing another strong UEFA opponent, Switzerland. Ranked 20th globally, Switzerland is a consistent performer, regularly reaching the knockout stages of European Championships and World Cups. While they haven`t won a major title, the Swiss team represents the level the USMNT aspires to reach.
Pressure is mounting on coach Mauricio Pochettino and the USMNT squad after suffering three consecutive defeats, a first since 2015. This match against Switzerland, especially with key player Tyler Adams unavailable, presents a significant test as the team prepares for the upcoming Concacaf Gold Cup. Pochettino continues to expand the player pool, with four players debuting against Turkiye and potentially more getting their first caps in this encounter.
The USMNT has historically found it challenging when key players like Tyler Adams, Antonee Robinson, and Christian Pulisic are absent. This fixture provides an opportunity to demonstrate they can succeed despite potential absences. Building cohesion is crucial under Pochettino, but developing chemistry is difficult with frequent roster turnover; only a few starters from the 2022 World Cup match against the Netherlands are expected to play in this game.
Prior experience playing together at youth or club level offers limited benefit when coach Pochettino hasn`t had a consistent group of players available since taking charge. This international window, featuring five matches, offers a chance to build some consistency, even if the specific players change. Failing to achieve positive results with this consistent schedule, a year before the next World Cup, could raise concerns, but there is still time for the team to improve.
Match Information & Odds
- Date: Tuesday, June 10
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: GEODIS Park — Nashville, Tennessee
- TV: TNT
- Live Stream: Fubo
- Odds: USMNT +200; Draw +220; Switzerland +130
USMNT Predicted Starting XI
Predicted Starters: Matt Turner, Max Arfsten, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Alex Freeman, Luca De La Torre, Jack McGlynn, Johnny Cardoso, Diego Luna, Patrick Agyemang, Malik Tillman
Player to Watch
Malik Tillman, USMNT: Coach Pochettino expressed satisfaction with Tillman`s display against Turkiye. Although his assist to Jack McGlynn highlighted McGlynn`s skill, Tillman (of PSV) showed promising moments. In Gio Reyna`s absence, creativity falls on Tillman and Diego Luna. Despite being a highly talented USMNT recruit with strong club form, Tillman hasn`t always consistently translated that to the national team. A key objective for this camp under Pochettino is to help Tillman better connect his club performance with the national team, which would elevate the entire squad`s potential. Creating chances to pressure the opponent`s defense will be crucial, even if he isn`t directly scoring or assisting.
Key Storyline
The Need for Progress: Ultimately, these friendly matches are not absolute indicators of Gold Cup success (even Mexico lost to Switzerland but remains a tournament favorite). However, the USMNT must be competitive in this game. The loss to Turkiye, while only by one goal, wasn`t always competitive. Switzerland offers a different tactical challenge, which will make creating attacking opportunities difficult, and that`s precisely why this is a valuable test.
Prediction
Switzerland is likely to score early and hold onto their lead. While the USMNT showed some improvement in retaining possession against Turkiye, they may struggle to create enough scoring chances to mount a comeback. This could result in their fourth consecutive defeat before they look to reset for the Gold Cup. Final Score Prediction: USMNT 1, Switzerland 2
