The U.S. men’s national soccer team has recently experienced a positive turnaround, overcoming two prior friendly losses to achieve a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia. This win secured their place in the Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinals, a crucial step forward for the team and its confidence.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino capitalized on the victory to encourage his players, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and replicating the emotions and effort displayed during the match. He urged them to embrace this feeling as they look to continue building upon their recent success. “Enjoy that feeling,” he said, highlighting the emotional investment required to secure wins.
Despite the lackluster performance, with only five shots and a low expected goal count, the win came as a relief. Pochettino acknowledged that results matter most in building momentum and trust within the team. The recent victories over Trinidad and Tobago and Saudi Arabia serve not only as victories but as vital building blocks toward creating a cohesive unit capable of competing at higher levels.
However, the atmosphere surrounding the team remains concerning. Sparse attendance at their recent matches—11,727 against Saudi Arabia and just 12,610 against Trinidad—reflects a growing apathy among fans, likely stemming from the team’s previous performance struggles. With less than a year until the 2026 World Cup, U.S. Soccer faces pressure to reinvigorate fan interest and fill stadiums.
Pochettino’s approach emphasizes that results and actions speak louder than words. He believes the culture of the team can be built through consistent actions and good habits, rather than just theoretical discussions. The coach pointed out that creating a successful team requires mutual respect and adherence to shared values.
The hope is that the recent victory can act as a catalyst for further success, igniting a renewed belief among players and fans alike that the team can regain its competitive edge. Midfielder Tyler Adams encapsulated this sentiment by stating, “It’s just that, it’s belief.”
While the journey ahead is filled with challenges, the U.S. men’s national team is charting a path toward rebounding stronger, fostering a belief that with effort and focus, they are capable of achieving their goals.