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USMNT happy to open Gold Cup with “good feeling”

USMNT happy to open Gold Cup with “good feeling”

Snapping a losing streak is always going to help the mentality of a team and for the U.S. men’s national team, Sunday’s victory couldn’t have come at a better time.

A 5-0 CONCACAF Gold Cup group stage win over Trinidad & Tobago not only ended the USMNT’s four match losing streak in all competitions, but also quieted the pressure surrounding Mauricio Pochettino and his squad. It also moved the Americans to first place in Group D and boosted the confidence of several inexperienced international players. 

“It’s really important now to start the competition with a good feeling. I think important for the players, for the guys,” Pochettino said Sunday postmatch at PayPal Park in San Jose. “Nothing is done, but yes, to feel the victory and being more positive in the next few days.

“Today’s game was also a difficult one, especially because of the negative things that happened in recent weeks,” he added. “Some results that haven’t gone well always generate a bit of noise, right? It’s important for the players to have that confidence.”

The USMNT were led by Malik Tillman’s brace, as well as additional tallies from Patrick Agyemang, Brenden Aaronson, and Haji Wright. Diego Luna and Max Arfsten both registered two assists while goalkeeper Matt Freese posted his first clean sheet on the international level.

Trinidad & Tobago were put under countless pressure by the Americans, being held to just two shots on target and being out-possessed 70%-to-30%. The Soca Warriors looked out of sync for most of the match, which was a testament to the USMNT’s overall hard work as a unit.

While Pochettino would’ve liked to have many of his first string players available for the Gold Cup, the Argentine head coach believes the competition could do wonders for the squad’s depth heading into 2026.

“We want to win, but at the same time it’s to help the players to perform and to knock [on] the door and say, we can perform for the national team and we can be involved in the next World Cup,” said Pochettino.

“That is what I expect,” he added. “Win, and the player really believes that they are having the opportunity…[to] fight for a place in the World Cup.”

The Gold Cup is the USMNT’s final competitive tournament before the bright lights of the World Cup come to North America. While the program will still have at least five additional preparatory windows before the historic competition begins, the Gold Cup brings an extra bit of energy for the squad to face together. 

Many of the current players may not be in the 2026 squad, but Pochettino believes him and his coaching staff should have a clearer picture by tournament’s end.

“We’ll] start working with a smaller group, [and] always keeping the door open for players who might appear,” Pochettino said. “But above all, after the Gold Cup, we’ll have a much clearer idea.”

The USMNT will next face off with Saudi Arabia on Thursday in Austin, Texas. 


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