In what was another underwhelming performance by the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) on Tuesday, they could only manage a 1-1 draw against New Zealand. Despite having the home advantage and higher expectations from fans and critics alike, the USMNT struggled to break down a resilient New Zealand side.
One of the major takeaways from the match was the lack of cutting edge in the final third for the USMNT. Despite dominating possession, they struggled to create clear-cut chances and failed to capitalize on their opportunities. This was evident in their only goal of the match, which came from a penalty, rather than from open play.
Head coach Gregg Berhalter acknowledged the team’s shortcomings in his post-match press conference, saying, “We need to be more clinical in front of goal and make better decisions in the attacking third.”
Another point of concern for the USMNT was their defensive frailty, as they were caught out on multiple occasions by the pace and movement of the New Zealand attackers. This was highlighted by the goal they conceded, which came from a swift counter-attack by New Zealand.
Captain Christian Pulisic echoed Berhalter’s sentiments, expressing his frustration at the team’s inability to see out the match, saying, “We need to be more solid at the back and stay focused for the full 90 minutes.”
Despite the disappointing result, there were some positives to take away from the match. One bright spot was the performance of young midfielder Gio Reyna, who impressed with his technical ability and creativity on the ball. His vision and passing range were a key factor in the USMNT’s ability to control the tempo of the game.
Looking ahead, the USMNT will need to work on their finishing and defensive organization if they are to compete at a higher level. With crucial World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, Berhalter and his team will be looking to address these issues and improve their overall performance in the coming months.