USMNT reaches another low after poor showing at Concacaf Nations League

Expectations for the USMNT entering the 2025 Concacaf Nations League tournament were high. They won the first three Concacaf Nation League titles from 2019-2024, and with Mauricio Pochettino now managing the team, expectations have been raised even higher.

After a poor showing during the tournament, a familiar theme of confusion and frustration reemerged for the USMNT.

USMNT performing below expectations

The USMNT finished fourth after being downed by Canada on Sunday in the third-place match, 2-1. Tani Oluwaseyi struck first for Canada in the 27th minute before Patrick Agyemang brought the score level for the U.S. eight minutes later. In the 59th minute, Jonathan David tilted the lead back in Canada’s favor, and that was it for the USMNT’s chance at a third-place finish.

After a brutal 1-0 loss to Panama in stoppage time last Thursday, the USMNT needed to show more passion and fire against Canada. There were plenty of promising moments, but they weren’t enough to prevail over Jesse Marsch’s side.

The fourth-place finish has left Pochettino with many questions and things to consider ahead of the Concacaf Gold Cup this summer. The Gold Cup will be the final competitive tournament for the USMNT before the 2026 World Cup on home soil. Pochettino’s record as the USMNT manager is now 5-3.

Gold Cup, USMNT — U.S. forward Jesús Ferreira, center, reacts to a missed opportunity to score during the second half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal soccer match against Panama, Wednesday, July 12, 2023, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Landon Donovan voices his displeasure

Following the loss to Canada, former USMNT star Landon Donovan expressed his displeasure with the squad’s performance on X.

This USMNT squad has been called the “golden generation” for quite some time now. Yet, they have no major accomplishments to reflect that given title. Christian Pulisic has had an incredible year with AC Milan so far, scoring 15 goals across all competitions. Despite strong play at the club level, he didn’t make an impact at the Concacaf Nations League. In the third-place match against Canada, he completed only seven passes out of 12 attempts and played 69 minutes.

AC Milan will continue to rely on Pulisic for the remainder of the season, but Pochettino will need to figure out a way to get the USMNT star to deliver in the Concacaf Gold Cup this summer.

Other than Pulisic, the Concacaf Nations League squad featured notable Americans who have shined around the world. Antonee Robinson is one of the best left-backs in the Premier League but didn’t play in the tournament after being named to the original squad. Tyler Adams plays heavy minutes for AFC Bournemouth. Also, Timothy Weah and Weston McKennie have been strong for Juventus in Serie A.

MLS talent and rising USMNT star Diego Luna earned more reps during the tournament and shined. Luna showed that he deserves more minutes when the Concacaf Gold Cup arrives.

The USMNT’s talent is obvious—it is the best the country has ever seen in the sport. But positive results continue to be absent.

Pochettino, USMNT — Soccer Football – Serie A – Lazio v AC Milan – Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy – August 31, 2024 AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic reacts REUTERS/Alberto Lingria

Same old story

Despite all the big names on the roster and a big-name manager, the USMNT’s story was the same old story.

Lack of aggression and creativity resulted in limited offensive opportunities, players caught out of position resulted in conceding goals, and the inability to find ways to break down defense was present as ever. If this USMNT squad couldn’t forge wins against Panama and Canada, how should they expect to compete and go even further than they did during the 2022 World Cup? How can they expect to even make it out of the Group Stages?

The losses to Panama and Canada were obviously demoralizing. This is also rock bottom for the USMNT since the 2022 World Cup. But, if there can be a positive spin on the recent negative performances, the USMNT has seen much worse in the past.

The Concacaf Gold Cup will be the most important set of games for the USMNT before next year’s World Cup. Pochettino and the players have time to regroup before training starts in the coming months. If another poor showing is seen during the Gold Cup, scrutiny will be intensified.

The most important World Cup for this generation of American players will be here before we know it. The clock is ticking, and the microscope on the national team is zooming in closer.