Pochettino’s daring roster choices during the long break paid off spectacularly.
The United States swept all four home friendlies, beating Peru and Chile and edging Mexico and Canada.
Impressive output for a test line‑up:
The squad bounced back nicely after the World Cup Round of 16 loss, delivering a loud answer despite missing stars like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Timothy Weah.
With those veterans out, newly‑named captain Tyler Adams stepped up alongside Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson and Malik Tillman – a leadership mix I consider the team’s strongest yet.
Teenage strikers shone, especially after Ricardo Pepi withdrew injured and Folarin Balogun remained in Monaco.
A new cycle starts with a CONCACAF quarterfinal against Haiti looming in November.
Berhalter caps USMNT move with crisp finish
Sebastian Berhalter slipped a low drive to the far corner, giving the U.S. a 1‑0 lead over Chile.
Will Pochettino’s youthful roster surprise Haiti and secure a Nations League berth?
Players must stay healthy and in form to be eligible – Haji Wright, for example, looks unlikely to return. Yet the November 17 home leg in Cincinnati clashes with the MLS playoffs, which could start as early as the next day, raising doubts about club release.
Among the September‑October roster, several could feature in those playoff games: Red Bulls’ Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti, Orlando City’s Justin Ellis, and Philadelphia’s Cavan Sullivan, Neil Pierre and Frankie Westfield, even as the Union ride a strong run.
Pochettino’s flexibility is evident, but skipping big names for a second window sparks unnecessary debate and costs a chance to gauge Pulisic’s response to being left out.
Goalkeeper Diego Kochen is likely to return as the sole European option. With Matt Freese’s NYCFC in the wild‑card playoffs, spots may open for Brian Schwake (Nashville SC) and Chris Brady (Chicago Fire). If Freese, Andrew Thomas, Roman Celentano or JT Marcinkowski miss the playoffs, the picture shifts. The only other U.S. keepers abroad are Jonathan Klinsmann (Cesena) and Gaga Slonina, who remains at Chelsea.
Clear starters include Adams, Richards, Robinson, Tillman, Freeman, Giovanni Reyna, Sebastian Berhalter and Balogun. Pulisic, McKennie and Weah would be automatic picks in any other window.
Assuming a 23‑25 man squad with three keepers, there are 20‑22 outfield spots. Cavan Sullivan, Julian Hall and Justin Ellis impressed and Hall could become cap‑tied by appearing in the Nations League.
Don’t discount Haiti; Wilson Isidor (Sunderland) and Jean‑Ricner Bellegarde (Wolves) pose threats. At the World Cup they narrowly lost 1‑0 to Scotland, fell 3‑0 to Brazil and twice led Morocco before a 4‑2 defeat. This break they won three of four Nations League matches, beating Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic before a reverse in Costa Rica.
Pochettino’s bold squad choices yielded perfect results as the US won all four matches.
Goalkeepers (3): Diego Kochen, Chris Brady, Brian Schwake
As noted, many other names could slip in, but Kochen’s overseas status with no MLS playoff worries makes him a lock.
Defenders (8): Chris Richards, Auston Trusty, Alex Freeman, Antonee Robinson, Sergino Dest, George Campbell, Max Arfsten, Mark McKenzie
Arfsten should settle at Middlesbrough, giving Pochettino a chance to compare him with recent prospects like Peyton Miller. Joe Scally might also earn a call, though the coach may prefer a fourth traditional centre‑back. Campbell and Toulouse’s Mark McKenzie could be swapped for Miles Robinson, Cameron Carter‑Vickers or Neil Pierre.
Midfielders (9): Tyler Adams, Malik Tillman, Sebastian Berhalter, Giovanni Reyna, Johnny Cardoso, Weston McKennie, Timothy Weah, Tanner Tessmann, Brenden Aaronson
This group gets tougher each window. Europe‑based players were easy picks to avoid MLS playoff conflicts. Diego Luna could join if RSL miss the postseason.
Pochettino’s assessment of Yunus Musah’s comeback, Aidan Morris’s chances, and the status of Weah, Aaronson and Tessmann suggests they were sidelined by numbers and familiar names as the coach leaned toward youth.
Forwards (5): Folarin Balogun, Christian Pulisic, Ricardo Pepi, Julian Hall, Cavan Sullivan
Ellis could remain in the mix, while Pochettino might also eye Liga MX striker Zendejas or give Dortmund playmaker Mathis Albert another look. Cole Campbell appears fit and still shines for Elversberg after limited camp time. Zavier Gozo could break through at Crystal Palace.
I expect the youth nod to fall on Cavan Sullivan and Hall. It would be surprising if Hall doesn’t become cap‑tied, since he wore his mother’s surname on his debut and remains eligible for Poland under 21‑friendly rules.