Analysis of the USMNT’s Gold Cup Performance

By Ryan O’Hanlon | June 26, 2025

The Gold Cup group stage has concluded, revealing some intriguing dynamics within the U.S. men’s national soccer team (USMNT). With a roster filled with players largely from Major League Soccer (MLS) and fringe players from other leagues, the team has emerged from the group stage unscathed, winning all three matches. They scored eight goals and conceded only once, defeating opponents such as Trinidad and Tobago—the only team to beat Argentina in the last World Cup. Despite the perfect record, underlying tensions and challenges remain.

Winning Doesn’t Fix Everything

While a perfect group stage might seem like a cause for celebration, the atmosphere is less than jubilant. An ongoing feud involving the team’s best players, former players, and the coaching staff has overshadowed these victories. Concerns have not dissipated, especially since the matches weren’t all dominant performances.

Aside from the 5-0 mauling of Trinidad and Tobago, the subsequent matches were marked by closer calls. Against Saudi Arabia, the USMNT managed just five shot attempts, winning 1-0 through a set piece. In the final group match against Haiti, they didn’t secure the win until Patrick Agyemang scored in the 75th minute while the game was still tied. These performances against teams ranked 99th, 66th, and 86th in the World Football Elo rankings have led to skepticism about how well the USMNT could fare against tougher competition.

Looking Ahead to the Knockouts

As the USMNT gears up for a quarterfinal matchup against Costa Rica, which stands at 47th in the Elo rankings, the hope is that the challenges presented will provide critical insights into the squad’s readiness for next summer’s World Cup. Questions loom large about key players and tactical decisions.

Is Matt Freese the Starting Goalkeeper?

Before the tournament, most would have placed Matt Turner as the number one goalkeeper. However, injuries to other contenders like Patrick Schulte and Zack Steffen opened opportunities for Freese. After shaky performances in warm-up matches, Turner found himself benched as Freese stepped up.

Across four Gold Cup matches, Freese has faced 11 shots, conceding three goals, which places him squarely in average territory. The analytical data indicates he’s been fine but not stellar, leading some to speculate about his potential position moving forward. Will he continue as the starter, or will noteworthy performances from Turner lead to a change?

Johnny Cardoso: Future in the USMNT?

Expectations were high for Johnny Cardoso heading into the Gold Cup, given his potential as a key player in midfield. After a summer marked by interest from Atlético Madrid, his trajectory seemed promising. Yet, in the tournament, he has only managed 11 minutes on the field. His confidence appears compromised after some early errors, raising questions about his place in the team. With Tyler Adams sidelined and competition in the midfield heated, will Cardoso find a way back into the mix, or has his moment passed?

The Emergence of Tim Ream

Center back was expected to be a position of strength, yet veteran Tim Ream has turned heads by stepping back into the spotlight at 37. While others have faltered or rotated, Ream has played every minute and demonstrated immense value through his distribution and ball movement. His ability to contribute significantly in moving the ball forward, evidenced by his passing statistics, may challenge initial assumptions about USMNT’s defensive line as they prepare for stronger adversaries.

Evaluating Attacking Midfield Talents

As for the offensive setup, the replacement players for stars like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Timothy Weah have performed admirably. Malik Tillman has emerged as a standout player, leading the team in goals and adding considerably in terms of possession value. Meanwhile, Jack McGlynn has shown elite passing ability, creating opportunities that have been crucial in earlier matches. Diego Luna’s dual blend of high-energy play and ball security adds a dynamic component to the midfield.

Yet, the challenge remains: can these younger players withstand the pressure from seasoned teams like Costa Rica and possibly Mexico or Canada later on? The depth and talent of these attacking midfielders will be tested in the upcoming matches.

Pochettino’s Tactical Movements

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has emphasized moving the ball quickly, but statistics suggest that the team has struggled with speed and possession compared to their opponents. Although there has been slight improvement since the group stage began, the USMNT has yet to find a solution to effectively dismantle teams that sit back defensively and rely on counters—a crucial skill as they face increasingly tougher competition.

As the Gold Cup progresses, the USMNT’s performances will determine not just their short-term success but also their prospects in the paramount test that lies ahead—the World Cup. The critical questions raised during the group stage will require thoughtful answers and strategic adjustments in order to make a deeper run in the tournament.