The United States Men's National Team suffered a 2-1 defeat against Serbia at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday night. In the team's first match since being eliminated from the 2022 World Cup by the Netherlands, the US let an early lead slip through their fingers. Dual nationals Brandon Vazquez and Alejandro Zendejas got the start as interim coach Anthony Hudson handed eight players their senior team debuts, with Vazquez opening the scoring in his first appearance for the US on a silky, glancing header from Julian Gressel's cross into the area.
Despite the loss, the game provided a glimpse of the future for USMNT as Hudson used the opportunity to give experience to a new crop of prospects. The US team is currently in a transition phase with Hudson running the show while the US Soccer Federation determines the future of coach Gregg Berhalter, whose contract expired at the end of last year. Hudson is using the team's annual January camp and the accompanying exhibitions to give experience to a new crop of prospects after the US was eliminated in the round of 16 at the World Cup in Qatar.
The USMNT has been in a state of flux for some time now. The team failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and the 2022 edition in Qatar marked the first time the USMNT has appeared in the tournament since then. Despite the disappointment of being eliminated in the round of 16, the team showed promise and potential under Berhalter. However, with Berhalter's contract now expired, the USSF must decide whether to renew his contract or to seek a new coach to lead the team forward.
Hudson, who was appointed as interim coach, is using the January camp and exhibition matches to give experience to a new crop of prospects. He has called up 11 players who are getting their first call-up, and just five members of the World Cup roster. This is a clear indication that Hudson is looking to build a new team for the future. The USMNT has struggled in recent years, and Hudson sees this as an opportunity to bring in new blood and build a team that can compete on the world stage.
The game against Serbia provided a glimpse of what the future of USMNT could look like. The team showed a lot of promise and potential, despite the loss. The USMNT played with a lot of attacking flair and intent, which is something that has been lacking in recent years. The team created several chances and was unlucky not to score more goals. Cade Cowell, who was lively all night on the left for the USMNT, twice hit the post in the following minutes and blazed a swerving shot wide of the Serbian goal soon after.
The USMNT also had a new-look defense, with several players making their debuts. Chelsea goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina, who was also making his debut for the senior USMNT team, made several key saves over the course of the first half but was beaten at his near post by a Luka Ilic free kick to level the score for Serbia ahead of half-time. The defense looked solid for the most part, but the team was guilty of poor defending.
On the first goal Walker Zimmerman jumped out and to the left of the wall as the free kick squeezed through a place that it shouldn’t have. On Serbia's second goal Jalen Neal’s laxness on two separate consecutive occasions gifted Serbia the opportunity. That proved to be all that was needed for Serbia as Hudson started to make additional substitutes and the game lost all urgency.
Man of the Match
Cade Cowell
I thought the front 3 worked well together and while Vazquez didn’t have a ton of touches he took up good spots and left space for his wingers to play in behind. Cade Cowell especially looked up to the task. He finally, FINALLY looked like a proper soccer player with technique to go with his athleticism. He was unlucky to not score as he hit both posts in a matter of minutes. After this match… I feel like this could be the year of Cowell in MLS.
Good analysis. I only saw the first half live but you confirmed what I saw. I am always glad when someone who knows more than I do supports my views. I have one minor criticism: this post looked a little rushed. I don't read your or others' posts with a critical eye for language, but I can't help noticing when sentences jar or don't read smoothly. There are several sentences that appear to be missing words or at least needed to be edited for clarity. This is very unlike you. I usually marvel at how smoothly your words flow.
Like Stephen Coons, I was only able to watch the first half. It was clear that these were players who really haven't been around each other. Nevertheless, it was possible to see some encouraging potential from several players, including Cowell who was Man of the Half for me. I also think that Vazquez is going to quickly move himself into First Team rotation.
As for Gaga, I've seen (and heard) it described as his being "beaten" at the near post. You go on to cite Zimmerman's responsibility. Nevertheless, I don't feel it's being fair to Gaga. He wasn't beaten; the wall was beaten. Plus, he had a couple of good saves - one an excellent reaction save - on a play where he got kicked in the head. It's still early days for him, but he might be able to challenge for the starting spot in 2026.