There was a common theme during the post-game press conference of the U.S. men’s national team. Gregg Berhalter, Zack Steffen and Weston McKennie all said the same thing about the USMNT: “we needed this.”
The coach and players weren’t just talking about the 1-0 victory over Honduras. Instead, the conversation of “we needed this” revolved around the gritty play of CONCACAF. Berhalter rolled out the second-youngest USMNT starting lineup last night. He wanted his players to get familiar with the gritty and often times chaotic play of CONCACAF competitions.
“I think first off, we advanced to a final, so that was important,” Berhalter said over Zoom. “This game was exactly what we needed, when you think of the level of competition and the competitiveness… It wasn’t an easy game at all.”
The United States posted a clean sheet, with Zack Steffen in goal after returning from Manchester City where he was with the team for its UEFA Champions League Final. Chelsea star Christian Pulisic also returned to the USMNT and jumped right into the starting lineup.
In front of Steffen was a young defense, but it had some veteran leadership from longtime center back John Brooks. Mark McKenzie was his partner on the right side of the center back pairing. Steffen had nothing but praise for the two center backs who helped him earn the clean sheet.
“I think Mark and John did well in front of me,” Steffen said. “I think we all could have done better, individually and as a team. I’m proud of John and his composure on the ball. He definitely helps with his experience… And Mark didn’t lose his head and he grinded it out. We got the shut out, so that’s good. There’s obviously things we need to work on.”
“I thought Mark was strong, and this is a really good experience for him.”
DRAMA! On the night he becomes cap-tied to the 🇺🇸, @Theosonsmith finds the late goal to give us the lead!
His first for the #USMNT!
(@TUDNUSA) #HONvUSA pic.twitter.com/4nNB6fB04T
— U.S. Men's National Soccer Team (@USMNT) June 4, 2021
USMNT Defense keeps Honduras at bay
Honduras didn’t just sit back and defend, hoping the United States wouldn’t score against them. The match got physical and Honduras battled their way through the United States at times to get inside the box and get shots off. In fact, Honduras finished the semifinal with seven shots, with four on goal at Steffen.
Josh Sargent, even at one point, raced down and helped the defense, making a goal-line save.
“[His defensive header] was a great moment,” Berhalter said. “To think about his focus on that play, it’s incredible. That was a play that helped us win this game, for sure… We could’ve been in some trouble [if Honduras scored].”
Berhalter had praise for Brooks, but it was the usual veteran talk and how he led the defense. As for McKenzie, Berhalter offered up compliments similar to Steffen. “Mark was strong, I think he played a strong game,” Berhalter said. “He dealt with a lot.”
Honduran midfielder Alexander López lamented his side’s missed opportunities after the match.
“The match itself was hard-fought,” he said. “Honduras was not close in the defense. We had many goal opportunities. Unfortunately, the ball did not go in the back of the net. But, that’s football.”
WON'T 👏 BACK 👏 DOWN👏#HONvUSA pic.twitter.com/SizpkE4G0t
— U.S. Men's National Soccer Team (@USMNT) June 4, 2021
Will McKenzie/Brooks start again on Sunday?
Matt Miazga entered the match in the 94th minute of stoppage time to relieve Christian Pulisic and offer a little more help on defense, as Honduras pressed for an equalizing goal. However, Miazga’s minutes weren’t enough to say, ‘maybe he should start on Sunday.’
Brooks and McKenzie put in a good performance, as did Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest. The young, new-look defense will be relying on Brooks for leadership and guidance, along with veteran Tim Ream, who was available off the bench but did not see action.
McKenzie and Brooks will likely get the start again, but don’t be surprised to see Berhalter potentially sneak in another center back. He has good options to pick from in Ream and Miazga. But, the United States won’t want to sit back against a Mexico side that narrowly and unconvincingly beat Costa Rica in penalties.
(@CBSSportsGolazo) #HONvUSA pic.twitter.com/Jluf2sFett
— U.S. Men's National Soccer Team (@USMNT) June 4, 2021
PHOTO: John Babiak/Last Word on Soccer.
