New U.S. Men’s National Team coach Mauricio Pochettino was greeted with a huge banner adorning his face in his debut match in Austin, Texas.
The word “believe“ was emblazoned at the bottom of the sign.
Pochettino has given new hope to the beleaguered American fan base with his experience as manager of some of Europe’s top clubs, such as Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. Pochettino and the Americans delivered an inspiring performance in his first game with a 2–0 victory over Panama in front of an announced 20,239 crowd at Q2 Stadium.
“I think it was a very professional performance and I think we are happy because I think all the goals that we said before the game, I think that we got, and I think it’s an important victory,” Pochettino said at his postgame news conference. “And to start that period with the victory always is very helpful. Yes, so happy. Happy because I see the staff and the players made a fantastic show and of course with the help of the fans here in Austin.”
The U.S. team appeared reinvigorated by Pochettino, who had a competitive two-hour training session leading up to the game.
The Americans were crisp with their passes and put together several effective attacks against Panama. The Americans opened the scoring in the 49th minute when star Christian Pulisic converted a quick give-and-go pass with Brenden Aaronson and crossed the ball to midfielder Yunus Musah, who volleyed the ball into the goal. It was Musah’s first goal with the U.S. National Team.
American goalkeeper Matt Turner then preserved the lead when he had back-to-back acrobatic saves in the 52nd minute. Turner is competing with several other goalkeepers to keep the starting job and the shutout against Panama is a step in the right direction.
Ricardo Pepi added a second goal in extra time in the second half when he knocked in a cross from Haji Wright that ignited the crowd in Austin. The U.S. team snapped a four-game winless streak.
“I didn’t feel too many changes. But when a new coach is coming, for sure a victory, and that’s what happened,” Panama coach Thomas Christiansen said at his postgame news conference. “He will also need time to adapt his ideas to the team. He has the knowledge and experience, and he has the players to do the job.”
The United States faces another tough test against rival Mexico on Tuesday in Guadalajara. The Americans will be short-handed because five players are leaving the team.
Pulisic is heading back to his club AC Milan to get ready for league play in Serie A and the Champions League. Marlon Fossey, Weston McKennie, Ricardo Pepi, and Zack Steffen are dealing with minor injuries and are returning to their respective clubs for treatment.
However, this will allow Pochettino to evaluate other players as he continues his preparation for the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. It’s a long road, but Pochettino has a bunch of reenergized players fighting for a spot on that final roster.
“I think it’s the basis for the first step, to start to grow and be better,” Pochettino said at the postgame news conference. “Now we are going to have a few days to recover and see and to analyze and assess all the players and to make the best decision for the team and for the players playing Tuesday, another tough game.”
