A three-game winning streak is enough to keep the vibes high regardless of the context, but for the U.S. men's national team, optimism comes easily these days. Their lopsided wins over Peru, Chile and Mexico over the last week and change came courtesy of a group of teenagers who have so far risen to the challenges of international soccer in their first go, offering early peeks at their collective potential along the way. As the USMNT head into their final friendly of the oversized international break on Tuesday against Canada, the window might already be a success, despite some uneven performances.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has prioritized player development over wins but has ticked off boxes in both columns along the way, perhaps because of the imperfections along the way. The youth-focused U.S. team have found ways to solve problems over the course of their first games together, things trending in exactly the right direction thus far. Pochettino has wasted no opportunity to talk about the "fantastic atmosphere" and a youthful energy in camp he has described as "contagious," heaping praise on the newcomers and more experienced players alike.
There's a relaxed professionalism to the USMNT as a result, a natural tone shift in the first international break after a World Cup. The true objectives of the good vibes camp, though, are always top of mind. Date: Tuesday, Oct. 6 | Time: 8 p.m.
ETLocation: Allianz Field -- Saint Paul, Minn.TV: TNT | Live stream: HBO MaxOdds: USMNT -130; Draw +270; Canada +330 "That is the way to keep going, to build that chemistry in between the senior players with the new players," Pochettino said Monday. "I think that was the most important thing that happened in this window, to have three weeks to build this relationship. That is an important thing.
That is a tactical situation that is important to build. Without this, it's difficult, after, to propose something on the pitch and to feel the complicity inside." Pochettino is hesitant to force connections – he refused to link Saturday's 3-0 win over Mexico to their upcoming game against Canada, describing each as a "different world," and calls the fall friendlies as a "fresh start" rather than a continuation of this year's World Cup. It is hard not to acknowledge the context of the new-look USMNT, even if Pochettino has left it behind.
Two years after first assuming the role and being tasked with preparing for a World Cup in short order, Pochettino now has the luxury of time and hopes not to waste any of it. Twelve players have earned their first caps and a 13th, forward Cole Campbell, could do so on Tuesday against Canada. All but 19-year-old winger Zavier Gozo have played at least 50 minutes so far, Pochettino doing what he can to introduce each of them to the demands of the senior national team before any of them are asked to play a part in competitive matches.
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