Why the US Men’s National Team Must Rethink Their Approach
Heading: The Importance of Constant Improvement
Two months ago, after a disappointing exit from the Copa América, the U.S. men’s national team players expressed their frustration and the need to elevate their performance. They discussed the importance of holding themselves to a higher standard and rediscovering their identity as a team. Veteran defender Tim Ream warned that players should never consider themselves the finished product until they retire.
The message was clear: complacency leads to stagnation. No matter the hype or potential, constant commitment and improvement are necessary to reach the next level. Entitlement is a surefire path to failure.
Heading: Lessons Not Learned
While it may be unrealistic to expect all of the team’s problems to be resolved within two months, it is not unreasonable to expect a performance that reflects a desire to win. The U.S. men’s national team faced Canada in a friendly match without key players such as Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Tim Weah, Gio Reyna, Sergiño Dest, and Antonee Robinson. However, the team should still have shown the necessary intensity and effort to compete at a top level.
Unfortunately, that was not the case. Canada dominated the U.S. team, outshooting them 11-1 in the first half and winning 63% of the duels. The final score of 2-1 in favor of Canada did not accurately reflect the U.S.’s lackluster performance.
Heading: Desire Makes the Difference
Canada’s coach, Jesse Marsch, who was once a candidate for the U.S. job, expressed his personal satisfaction with the win. He highlighted the clear difference in desire between the two teams. Marsch emphasized the mentality his team had developed, their love for playing for the national team, and their willingness to put everything on the line for each other and the team.
In contrast, Marsch implied that the U.S. team lacked that same level of commitment. And he was right. The U.S. team’s performance was reminiscent of what Tim Ream had warned about two months earlier. To grow and succeed, the U.S. team cannot afford to give anything less than their all in every game.
Heading: Responsibility Lies with the Players
Interim manager Mikey Varas took responsibility for trying to implement too much in a short preparation time. However, he also acknowledged that the players’ mentality and commitment ultimately determined the outcome of the match. Varas mentioned that fighting, running, and sacrificing for the team were responsibilities that fell on the players themselves.
Heading: A Cycle of Comfort
The U.S. men’s national team has seemed too comfortable since the 2022 World Cup cycle, which focused on gaining experience and healing the wounds of the previous cycle’s failure. This current cycle was meant to turn the potential and hype surrounding this generation into tangible results.
Unfortunately, it often feels like the team is treating this cycle as a mere stepping stone to the 2026 World Cup. Even when players had the opportunity to prove their worth and make an impression on the upcoming new coach, they still came out flat against Canada.
Heading: The Need for Change
The players’ responses in the mixed zone after the Canada match echoed the same sentiments expressed after Copa América. They acknowledged the need to take more pride in wearing the national team jersey and to hold themselves to a higher standard. They recognized that intensity cannot be coached and that it is up to each player to bring their best to every game.
The imminent arrival of coach Mauricio Pochettino brings hope for injecting new enthusiasm and accountability into the team. However, Pochettino’s influence can only go so far. Ultimately, it is up to the players to embrace the necessary changes.
Heading: A Team Yet to Prove Itself
Tim Ream’s words from two months ago still ring true. Complacency has no place in this team’s journey. They have everything to prove and cannot afford to rest on their laurels. The loss to Canada only reinforced the need for a shakeup within the team.
In conclusion, the U.S. men’s national team must reevaluate their approach and commit to constant improvement. They must rediscover their hunger, intensity, and love for the game. The arrival of a new coach can only provide guidance; the players themselves must bring the desire and determination necessary for success. It is time for this team to show the world what they are truly capable of.