PREVIEW – The United States Men’s National Team are playing in the Nations League Final. It was not a pretty performance on Thursday against Jamaica, but just like teams in March Madness, the USMNT survived and advanced. Given the performance, let’s look at what the lineup could be for Gregg Berhalter and company.
USMNT Lineup Prediction for Nations League Final vs Mexico
There was a lot of hype going into this competition for U.S. soccer fans. The squad was on a great run of form for their club teams. A number of players had been goal dangerous. Then Gregory Leigh scored in the first minute of Thursday’s game. The frustrations of this team trying to break down a Concacaf-y low block came back with all the PTSD.
Cue a stoppage time own goal. Gio Reyna and Haji Wright did the business in stoppage time. Now can they put that behind them and play up to their potential to beat Mexico in another final?
There were no observable injury substitutions on Thursday. The Federation hasn’t announced any roster changes. Unless something happens last minute, it’s the same squad. The one change is Sergiño Dest is eligible, having served his one match ban for his red card against Trinidad and Tobago.
USMNT Lineup Prediction for Nations League Final
GK – Matt Turner
RB – Antonee Robinson
CB – Chris Richards
CB – Miles Robinson
LB – Sergiño Dest
CM – Yunus Musah
CM – Weston McKennie
RM – Christian Pulisic
CAM – Gio Reyna
LW – Tim Weah
ST – Haji Wright
Nothing against Joe Scally, but a fully rested Dest should be a better compliment to Antonee Robinson on the right for the USMNT. Reyna’s not gotten as many minutes at the club level recently, but surely his performance off the bench against Jamaica has earned him a starting spot in midfield. He probably isn’t 90 minutes fit though, so Malik Tillman and Brendan Aaronson are both viable options off the bench.
Folarin Balogun has been hyped by the fanbase, but he has not been on as great form for club or country. Haji Wright might be on the form of his life. Let’s see if the serendipity of Wright can get it done against El Tri.
Mar 21, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; United States forward Christian Pulisic (10) moves the ball past Jamaica defender Di’Shon Bernard (6) during the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
