Doug McIntyre
Soccer reporter
The United States men’s national team ended its annual January training camp with a second straight victory to start 2025, defeating regional rival Costa Rica 2-0 in a friendly on Wednesday in Orlando.
With Christian Pulisic and almost every other top American player unavailable this month due to European club work, USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino has selected a first team based entirely on MLS. Vancouver Whitecaps forward Brian White opened the scoring midway through the first half, and CF Montreal midfielder Caden Clark doubled the Americans’ advantage with 13 minutes remaining. Charlotte FC forward Patrick Agyemang, who scored on his international debut in the 3-1 win over Venezuela last week, added the hosts’ third in stoppage time:
“We are very happy, very happy with the performance,” Pochettino said afterwards on TNT radio. “It looks like we’re working [together] at least six months. And that’s why I’m so happy, because the performance, the attitude, the ability to adapt to new ideas – that’s amazing. And it means good things, because people want to be in the national team. “
Playing the game
Clark took his goal seriously, but it’s hard to overlook the White Open. Real Salt Lake’s Diego Luna – who suffered a broken nose from the Costa Rican’s unprecedented elbow – gave the 28-year-old a chance to break into the area. Meanwhile, White’s clinical finish from the far corner showed why he has been one of America’s best strikers over the past few years.
“‘Please coach, let me continue to play,'” said Pochettino as Luna told him. After getting the green light from the team doctor, the bloodied Luna continued. “And the first act, to help, to score,” said Pochettino. “Big balls,”
He showed good character,” added Pochettino in a press conference after the match. “He is a player we are sure to consider for the future.”
Conversion point
Former Manchester City back-up Zack Steffen has been named in the final USMNT roster for 2024, but Wednesday marked the veteran’s debut under Pochettino. Steffen took full advantage.
With the US still holding a 1-0 lead, the former USMNT and Colorado Rapids No. The current 1 made top wickets either side of the break to maintain the hosts’ lead. The second in particular was a reminder of why Steffen, who is still only 29, has a realistic chance of earning a spot on next year’s World Cup roster.
“Anything is possible,” Steffen told TNT. “I felt good back there. It’s always nice to make some of those top saves.”
“I think he showed his quality,” said Pochettino.
Key figures
It was Steffen’s first appearance in his country in almost three years, starting on March 30, 2022, in the last World Cup qualifying match for America in that cycle. That game was also the USMNT’s last meeting with the Ticos before Wednesday’s meeting in Central Florida.
What’s next for the USMNT?
Pulisic, Weah and the rest of the strong squad will meet for the first time in four months in March for the CONCACAF Nations League final.
The US will face Panama on March 20 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The winner will advance to the finals where they will face either Canada or arch-rivals Mexico three days later.
The USMNT is aiming for a fourth consecutive Nations League crown.
Doug McIntyre is a football writer for FOX Sports who has covered the games United States men’s and women’s national teams in the FIFA World Cup on five continents. Follow him on @ByDougMcIntyre.
Find more in the United States Follow your favorites to get information about sports, news and more