Pochettino Unleashes USMNT Squad as Gold Cup Campaign Kicks Off Against Trinidad and Tobago
Following a disappointing early June performance, the United States men's national soccer team is beginning its 2025 Gold Cup journey with a match against Trinidad and Tobago.
Not long ago, the USMNT would have been considered among the top contenders to take Mexico's Gold Cup crown. However, the team's elite players, including Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, Folarin Balogun and Sergiño Dest, are absent from this summer's competition due to injuries or personal circumstances.
As a result, the American squad has experienced consecutive losses to Türkiye and Switzerland in their Gold Cup warm-up matches. Coach Mauricio Pochettino faces mounting pressure to guide the USMNT back to victory against Trinidad and Tobago, potentially without the services of Tyler Adams, who continues to recover from a foot injury.
Below is the potential starting lineup for the American team's Gold Cup opener.
USMNT Predicted Lineup vs. Trinidad and Tobago (4-2-3-1)
GK: Matt Freese—The NYCFC goalkeeper is expected to reclaim his starting position after Matt Turner allowed four goals in the Switzerland defeat.
RB: Alex Freeman—With Dest still unavailable for national team duty, Freeman receives a significant chance to be Pochettino's first choice on the right defensive flank.
CB: Chris Richards—Richards will aim to bring his exceptional form from Crystal Palace's recent season to the summer tournament with the United States.
CB: Mark McKenzie—The central defender will be looking to deliver an improved performance just days after the American team's defensive collapse at GEODIS Park.
LB: Max Arfsten—Though primarily effective as a left wing-back, Arfsten will need to emphasize his defensive responsibilities for the national team.
DM: Johnny Cardoso—Despite an impressive season with Real Betis, Cardoso has found it difficult to excel under Pochettino's system. The midfielder faces pressure to regain his form or risk losing his place in the starting eleven.
DM: Luca de la Torre—De la Torre makes his return to the starting formation to pair with Cardoso in midfield.
RW: Jack McGlynn—The Houston Dynamo attacker netted the USMNT's only goal in their last two matches. He should find opportunities against Trinidad and Tobago's vulnerable defense.
AM: Malik Tillman—The midfielder comes off a breakthrough season with PSV where he scored 16 goals during their Eredivisie championship campaign. Tillman has been one of the few standouts for the depleted American squad this June.
LW: Diego Luna—The 21-year-old generated the most scoring opportunities in the loss to Türkiye and is likely to retain his position on the left wing.
ST: Brian White—White currently ranks third in the MLS Golden Boot standings with 10 goals in 12 appearances for the Vancouver Whitecaps. The forward hopes to make an impact in what could be just his fifth international appearance.