While several World Cup exclusions made their mark, two familiar faces combined for a game-defining early goal.
For the first 90 minutes of Saturday's match between the U.S. men's national team and Uzbekistan, it looked like there would be just one moment of magic. An early goal in the fourth minute seemingly set the tone but, ultimately, it didn't. What came after was a largely-tepid attacking performance for the U.S., who couldn't put the game away until the very last moments.
That early moment of magic came via Tim Weah and Weston McKennie, who combined on the opening goal. It was a fantastic sequence, particularly for McKennie, who showed off that technical skill that his critics so often, unfairly, take aim at.
In the end, the U.S. emerged victorious via a 3-0 result, one that was a bit flattering thanks to two late goals from Ricardo Pepi and Christian Pulisic. It was a game that showed both the good and bad of this USMNT: the effort, technical skill and possession, but also the attacking ineffectiveness that partially doomed them in Qatar last cycle.
Still, it's a start to the second Gregg Berhalter era, one which saw several players left out of the 2022 World Cup squad make big statements in their first opportunity since the coach's return
Getty ImagesWINNER: Ricardo Pepi
With the Copa America less than a year away, Pepi needs to create as many big moments as he can. On Saturday night, he did just that.
His 45 minutes were, largely, a bit quiet, much like Folarin Balogun's were before him. Both strikers, though, had one big chance. Balogun's clattered off the post. Pepi's? Well, it almost went right on through the net.
Pepi hit his goal with force, smashing a Brenden Aaronson layoff for what turned out to be the first of two stoppage time goals. It was a big goal for Pepi, who now has five goals in as many games since the start of the year. That comes after he went scoreless in five games in 2022, effectively ending his World Cup hopes.
How Pepi would react to that setback was always a big question mark. Would he use it for bad or good? So far, Pepi's answer has been perfect, as he continues to show why he should, at the very least, should be a lock for that backup striker spot, if not more.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesLOSER: Yunus Musah
If the USMNT do switch to something of a 4-2-3-1, one member of the famous MMA midfield will need to be sacrificed to get Gio Reyna, Malik Tillman or some other attacking midfielder on the field.
It almost certainly won't be Tyler Adams, the USMNT captain and based on this performance, it probably won't be Weston McKennie, either. Musah, though, could be the one to make way.
It didn't help that the newly-signed AC Milan midfielder was somewhat anonymous against Uzbekistan, failing to make the impact that those around him did. He tried to make several dribbled forward, but none of them were particularly memorable or effective.
As the game rolled on, it was quite clear that there was a gigantic pocket of space right where a No. 10 should be. The U.S., as assembled, had no one capable of occupying that space. That is not a Musah issue; it's a USMNT issue, to be clear.
However, as the fight for midfield spots reopens after a pretty locked-in 2022 World Cup cycle, Musah's starting spot could very well be in danger, especially if he isn't quite able to get going over these next few games.
GettyWINNER: Malik Tillman
Speaking of attacking midfielders, Tillman's time on the field was brief, but it certainly was impactful.
The PSV star drew a penalty late on with some good footwork in the box, paving the way for the team's third goal. It wasn't a long cameo for Tillman, who came on for just the last 10 minutes, but it was the type of performance that could, and should, lead to more chances.
At one point, Tillman looked like a potential World Cup gamechanger. It didn't quite work out that way, as he was left out of the squad. However, if the U.S. does end up playing with a No. 10, Tillman very well could be the guy, particularly if Gio Reyna's injury issues continue to limit his availability.
Tillman is a player that impacts games. He did it for Rangers last year and has offered glimpses so far at PSV. He deserves a chance to show he can do it with the USMNT, too, as we begin this new cycle.
GettyLOSER: Luca de la Torre
Not a loser in the "had a bad game" sense of the term. Moreso a loser in that it would have been better to see more of him.
De la Torre was cooking right up until he had his nose broken, forcing him out of the game. It was an unfortunate exit for the Celta Vigo midfielder, who was among the best players on the pitch before his injury knocked him out.
In his 35 minutes, the midfielder completed 98 percent of his passes, including five into the final third, while winning the ball back several times in midfield. Playing a bit behind McKennie and Musah, De la Torre was looking fantastic as Adam's replacement.
Gregg Berhalter said that De la Torre's status for the Oman game remains to be seen as the medical team assesses the status of his nose. It was an ugly injury, for sure, but also one that robbed De la Torre of a chance to continue putting on what looked like was going to be a heck of a performance.