The USMNT suffered a 2-1 defeat against Turkey in a friendly match held on Saturday, marking their third consecutive loss under coach Mauricio Pochettino. The game, played in rainy conditions, saw Turkey capitalize on defensive errors by the Americans, with Arda Güler and Kerem Aktürkoğlu scoring within a span of just over two minutes in the first half.
The USMNT started strong, with Jack McGlynn scoring a stunning goal in the opening minute. McGlynn received a pass from Malik Tillman, took a few touches, cut inside, and curled a left-footed shot from just outside the penalty area into the far post. This was McGlynn's second goal in five international appearances and the fastest goal for the U.S. since Shaq Moore's goal against Canada in the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
However, the early lead was short-lived. In the 24th minute, a miscommunication between goalkeeper Matt Freese and Johnny Cardoso led to Turkey's equalizer. Freese tapped the ball to Cardoso, whose attempted pass ricocheted off a Turkish leg and past Freese, allowing Güler to score his fifth international goal. Just over two minutes later, Turkey took the lead when Aktürkoğlu found the net, further exposing the USMNT's defensive vulnerabilities.
Pochettino made several changes to the lineup following the team's disappointing performance at the CONCACAF Nations League final four in March. Eight new players were introduced into the starting eleven, with only Max Arfsten, Diego Luna, and Patrick Agyemang retaining their spots. Alex Freeman, the son of former NFL All-Pro receiver Antonio Freeman, made his debut for the U.S., while Matt Freese earned his first start in goal.
Despite the changes, the USMNT struggled to maintain defensive stability. The absence of key players such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Gio Reyna, who were sidelined due to injuries or rest, was keenly felt. These absences forced Pochettino to experiment with the lineup, providing opportunities for younger players to prove themselves.
In the second half, the USMNT attempted to regain control of the match, but they were unable to break down the Turkish defense. Substitutions were made to inject fresh energy into the attack, but the team lacked the precision and creativity needed to create clear-cut scoring chances.
The loss to Turkey marks a concerning trend for the USMNT under Pochettino. After a promising start, the team has now suffered three consecutive defeats, raising questions about their readiness for the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host. Pochettino acknowledged the need for improvement. The team needs to address their defensive frailties and find a way to create more scoring opportunities in the absence of their key players. The upcoming friendly against Switzerland and the Gold Cup will provide crucial opportunities for the USMNT to regroup and regain their confidence.
