“Unveiling the Dualities of Christian Pulisic: From Hero to Villain, the USMNT Superstar Leading AC Milan and Embracing his Authentic Self”
In the world of soccer, heroes and villains are often portrayed in black and white, with players being either celebrated for their skill and sportsmanship or criticized for their mistakes and controversies. However, USMNT superstar Christian Pulisic is proving that there’s no hero without an occasional villain, and he’s embracing both roles as he leads AC Milan to victory on the pitch.
Pulisic, known for his lightning-fast speed, impeccable ball control, and game-changing goals, has quickly become a fan favorite at AC Milan. But the 23-year-old winger is not afraid to show his competitive edge, often pushing the boundaries of fair play and ruffling feathers among opponents and fans alike.
Despite his occasional villainous moments, Pulisic’s leadership and determination on the field have been instrumental in AC Milan’s success this season. Whether he’s scoring game-winning goals or setting up his teammates for success, Pulisic has proven time and time again that he’s willing to do whatever it takes to win.
Off the field, Pulisic has also opened himself up to the world, sharing personal stories and insights into his life and career through social media and interviews. By being vulnerable and transparent, Pulisic has shown that even heroes have their flaws and struggles, making him a relatable figure for fans around the globe.
As Pulisic continues to shine on the pitch and embrace his dual roles as hero and occasional villain, he is setting an example for young players everywhere that it’s okay to be imperfect and to embrace all aspects of oneself in order to reach one’s full potential. With his talent, determination, and willingness to be authentic, Pulisic is proving that there’s no hero without an occasional villain, and that both can coexist in harmony on the journey to greatness.
Tags:
Christian Pulisic, USMNT superstar, AC Milan, hero, villain, soccer, leadership, USMNT, exclusive interview, Christian Pulisic news, sports, teamwork, competition, success, soccer star, AC Milan captain, Christian Pulisic interview, soccer leadership, US soccer, soccer hero, soccer villain
Christian Pulisic and muscle fatigue decoded, Chris Richards’ consistency and Tyler Adams’ controlled chaos all play a part in this week’s USMNT tracker.
Throughout the season, we will be bringing you updates on the USMNT players plying their trade in various leagues around Europe.
With a home-soil World Cup on the horizon, we’re keeping tabs on how they perform every weekend.
Issue of the weekend
The Italian top flight’s most American-influenced rivalry had to do without any Christian Pulisic magic on Friday.
Weston McKennie, who started the game at right-back, was also celebrating by the end, while for the Rossoneri, Yunus Musah, another who started, played well but to no avail as Milan’s Champions League qualification hopes were dented.
It might have been different if Milan, whose 0.97xG (expected goals) overall was inferior to the winners’ 1.08, had been able to call on one of their strongest attacking talents. But Pulisic was not even on the bench after being taken off as a precaution in that win over Como on January 14.
The 26-year-old had appeared to sustain an injury to his left calf but subsequent scans ruled out a muscle tear and his manager Sergio Conceicao explained why he was not willing to risk him at the Allianz Stadium.
“Pulisic is out,” Conceicao said. “I don’t feel like bluffing. He still feels some discomfort and we don’t want to risk it.
“It’s nothing serious but if he plays for about 20 minutes, he risks making the situation worse and I don’t want that.”
Tim Weah scores in Juventus’s 2-0 win over AC Milan (Isabella Bonotto/AFP via Getty Images)
It is not the first time Milan have referred to muscle fatigue when explaining a Pulisic absence. In November 2023, he missed a league game against Udinese before featuring in a Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain.
Pulisic was taken off late in that victory at San Siro and missed the following Serie A fixture against Lecce as well as his country’s CONCACAF Nations League semi-final win over Trinidad and Tobago with what was also described as muscle fatigue.
But what is the condition? Anyone who has ever trained in the gym and felt soreness — commonly known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) — will have a rough idea.
For a professional footballer, heavy DOMs and muscle fatigue can feel the same, and crucially it can elevate their chance of picking up a more serious problem if not rested. Players who have a history of being vulnerable to injury if feeling muscle fatigue are often, in that case, rested.
Conceicao will now hope that his decision to rest Pulisic against Juventus will allow the former Chelsea attacker to play a part in Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with Girona and Sunday’s Serie A game against Parma.
Player of the weekend
Chris Richards is settling into solid form for Crystal Palace and was impressive again as they beat West Ham 2-0 on Saturday.
The 24-year-old made five clearances and eight defensive actions as Palace traveled to the London Stadium and kept a clean sheet against a team now managed by Graham Potter.
Richards has started his team’s last four Premier League games, consisting of three wins and a 1-1 draw with Chelsea. Oliver Glasner’s men are now 12th in the table.
Chris Richards has racked up four starts in a row for Crystal Palace (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Quote of the weekend
“We believe in the system that we’re playing in right now and the culture of the team has grown a lot. We’ve added so many great players.
“The system that we play, you have to be a certain type of player to fit into the style we have and have the mentality to press and run, and compete. Everyone in our squad can do that.
“It’s a controlled chaos. We want to make the game as chaotic as possible but controlled for us.
“We try and overwhelm the opponent as much as possible but for us, it feels normal. We’re running all over the place. We know I have the freedom to step (forward), I know centre-backs are coming with me. The No 10 has freedom to step, they know I’m coming with them.
“It’s this trust but you have to have the nuance to it as well. You can’t go flying into tackles all over the pitch. You have to be smart because we know we can leave ourselves vulnerable at times.”
Tyler Adams gives an eloquent insight into the winning style that saw Bournemouth beat Newcastle 4-1 on Saturday and move level on points with Chelsea (before the latter’s Monday game against Wolves).
Adams, who has made 13 appearances in all competitions this season after returning from a lengthy injury lay-off of his own, was full of praise for his side’s mentality in the face of adversity.
The USMNT defender was typically imperious down Fulham’s left as Marco Silva’s men enjoyed a 2-0 win over struggling Leicester City. Defensively, he was robust too with no opponent dribbling past him as he recorded 10 defensive actions and 10 ball recoveries.
The USMNT man had another sub-par outing. After his Real Betis side’s impressive seven-game unbeaten run came to an end at Real Valladolid last Saturday, they lost 5-1 to Barcelona and then, on Saturday, there was a 3-1 loss at home to Deportivo Alaves. He was booked and won just one of his seven ground duels.
Name: James Sands Club: St. Pauli Position: Midfielder Appearances: 3
On his first Bundesliga start, the American looked composed and comfortable as St. Pauli won 2-0 at Heidenheim. He played 71 minutes, picked up a booking and created a chance for his team.
The 21-year-old has been a hit for a side that has risen to third in Eredivisie. He did well in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with AZ Alkmaar, making five ball recoveries in midfield.
After a season starved of game time in the Greek Super League, the 27-year-old started in defence for Sunday’s 1-0 home win over AEK Athens. He did not get on the ball much — Palmer-Brown had the fewest touches (28) of any outfield player to play 90 minutes — but made nine defensive actions and eight clearances as his team kept a clean sheet.
What’s coming up?
(All times in Eastern Time)
It’s Champions League time, so all eyes will be on the San Siro on Wednesday to see whether Pulisic recovers to play his part against Girona (3pm, CBSSN/Paramount +). At the same time, Auston Trusty and Cameron Carter-Vickers’ Celtic play Swiss outfit Young Boys (Paramount +).
The day before (Tuesday), Ricardo Pepi will hope for more minutes as PSV face Red Star Belgrade (3pm, Paramount +) although Malik Tillman has suffered an ankle injury which may yet mean an extended spell on the sidelines.
On Thursday, Tanner Tessmann’s Lyon play Fenerbahce in the Europa League (12:45pm, Paramount +).
Then on Saturday, Bournemouth’s ‘controlled chaos’ will be unleashed again as Tyler Adams and Co face the stiff test of Nottingham Forest in the Premier League (10am, Peacock Premium).
(Top photos: Tyler Adams, left, and Tim Weah; Getty Images)
In this week’s USMNT Player Tracker, we saw some impressive performances from our young American stars. Timothy Weah made headlines by scoring a crucial goal for Lille in their victory over AC Milan in the Europa League. The 21-year-old winger showcased his speed and skill, reminding fans of his potential to become a future star for the USMNT.
Meanwhile, Chris Richards continued to impress for Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga. The 21-year-old defender has been a consistent presence in the starting lineup, showcasing his defensive prowess and composure on the ball. Richards’ performances have not gone unnoticed, with many fans and pundits praising his development and potential to become a key player for the USMNT.
Lastly, Tyler Adams has been a standout performer for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. The 22-year-old midfielder has been lauded for his energy, work rate, and ability to disrupt opposition attacks. Adams’ style of play has been described as ‘controlled chaos’, as he constantly puts pressure on the opposition and creates opportunities for his team.
Overall, it’s exciting to see these young American talents making a name for themselves on the international stage. With their continued growth and development, the future looks bright for the USMNT. Stay tuned for more updates on our American stars in the next USMNT Player Tracker.
The mark of a good defensive midfielder is when you hardly notice their presence. They’ve snuffed out an opponent’s attack before the crowd can begin to anticipate a box entry. Their passing is so metronomic that it puts a viewer in a daze. Even the most game-changing of defensive actions look tidy when handled with masterful precision.
Tyler Adams is a good defensive midfielder, as has been established for nearly five years now after his breakthrough with RB Leipzig. Despite this, he lacks that “blink and you’ll miss his work” air about him. The reason for this is simple: his clubs and country fare noticeably better whenever he’s involved.
Bournemouth is the latest beneficiary of Adams’ play. They played their first seven games of the season without Adams as he recovered from back surgery in July. Since then, Andoni Iraola’s side has seemingly gone from strength to strength: 10 games unbeaten, dating back to a 4-2 win at Wolves on Nov. 30, with a 2.2-points-per-game clip over the period that only trails Nottingham Forest among Premier League sides.
Adams’ return has been highly anticipated by Bournemouth in part because he was hardly available in his first season. The club signed him after Leeds United were relegated, hoping he would be a more dependable midfield anchor than Jefferson Lerma, who was leaving for Crystal Palace.
Tyler Adams has contributed to Bournemouth’s superb recent form. (Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images)
So great was their faith in the former New York Red Bull that he was their only defensive midfield reinforcement in the three windows following Lerma’s exit. The need for cover was immediately pronounced, as Leeds’ overuse of Adams left him with a torn hamstring that ended his season in early March. Even as he missed nearly all of 2023-24, Bournemouth focused its recruitment on the forward and defensive lines.
After his surgery rehab, Bournemouth has been more willing to ease him back into action. He was slowly reintroduced in late October: one unused appearance on the bench, then two substitute shifts, then his return to the lineup in mid-November.
Starting with that galvanizing win at Molineux, Bournemouth’s 10-game heater yields ample data suggesting Adams has played a significant part. Since Nov. 30, Bournemouth has increased its ball recovery rate by 3.1% (to 58%) from the previous 12 matches, improved the average xG per shot faced from 0.105 to 0.085, and upped its pressing intensity of passes allowed per defensive action made (or PPDA) from 11.2 to 9.3.
“It’s a controlled chaos,” Adams told TNT Sports after last weekend’s win at Newcastle. “We want to make the game as chaotic as possible but controlled for us. We try to overwhelm the opponent as much as possible but for us, it feels normal. We’re running all over the place.
“We know I have the freedom to step, I know center backs are coming with me. It’s trust, but you have to have the nuance to it as well. You can’t go flying into tackles all over the pitch. You have to be smart, because we know we can leave ourselves vulnerable at times.”
Adams has looked back to his best. His 12.43 ‘true’ tackles per 1,000 opponent touches — combining raw tackle data with instances when a defender is either shaken by the ball-handler or commits a foul in the process — since Nov. 28 trails only Alexis Mac Allister and João Gomes among all Premier League players (min. 500 minutes played). His ‘true’ tackle win rate of 55.3% exceeds both of them, while he also ranks highly in interceptions and blocked passes per 1,000 opponent touches (4.5, 5th among 61 qualified midfielders) and aerial win rate (64.3%, 15th).
Even more eye-catching than the data are the results themselves. Since returning, Adams has participated in: a 1-0 win over Tottenham, a 3-0 win at Old Trafford, a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge, and last weekend’s 4-1 blowout at St. James’ Park. Adams was particularly immense in the most recent result, making a mark all over the pitch in a vintage display.
The run has made Iraola among the hottest names in coaching. It has also reinforced the abilities, individually and as a collective, of Adams and his teammates.
“The system that we play, you have to be a certain type of player to fit into the style,” Adams said last weekend. “You have to have the mentality to press, run, and compete.”
Thankfully for Bournemouth, those traits fit Adams to a tee. The next trick is to keep him available for his national team’s biggest tournament in over three decades.
One can assume that Adams and USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino have spoken several times since the Argentine’s appointment in September. Unfortunately, Adams’ back injury prevented him from featuring in either of Pochettino’s first two camps before year’s end.
Adams last played for the national team that he co-captains in early July, when he started the Copa América group finale against Uruguay. The match felt doomed before it kicked off, as the previous game’s shock defeat against Panama made advancing from Group C a near impossibility. It was the only time that Adams played a full 90 minutes in the tournament, having played the opening half against Bolivia and Panama.
As The Athletic wrote in the weeks following the USMNT’s early exit, Adams clearly looked below his usual standard across the competition. His lack of involvement in the preceding months left the USMNT’s crucial midfield cog with significant rust. It’s quite understandable why: Adams had logged just 118 minutes for Bournemouth and 96 minutes for the United States dating back to Jan. 1, 2024.
Elimination at the Copa America group stage ended Gregg Berhalter’s tenure. (John Dorton/ISI Photos/Getty Images for USSF)
In the Copa, Adams was far less effective than usual when tackling opponents. Comparing to another small sample — his 360 minutes in Qatar — his duel win rate dropped from 61% to 53%; his ‘true’ tackle win rate fell from a robust 64.7% to a paltry 37.5%. Concerningly, he was forced to commit fouls more often, possibly a side effect of being below his opponents’ fitness standard: from 1.96 fouls per 1,000 opponent touches at the World Cup to 2.89 per 1,000 touches at the Copa América.
This almost certainly wasn’t a case of a player regressing over 18 months. Adams won’t turn 26 until mid-February. Instead, his and Bournemouth’s shared inability to avoid injuries in the months preceding the tournament left him without time to adequately prepare. Compare that to the months preceding the 2022 World Cup, when he’d logged 1,167 Premier League minutes for Leeds in the season’s first half, and it’s clear how much more ready his body was for hard-labor tournament shifts.
Bournemouth and the USMNT have a shared interest in ensuring that Adams’ recent stretch of consistent, high-level play can be sustained for longer than a couple of months at a time. The United States will need all of its best players in fine form to make a deep run when the 2026 World Cup comes to North America. When drafting the USMNT’s projected strongest lineup for that summer, it’s hard to come up with even a few names who are as vital to making it all work as Adams.
For Bournemouth, that may also mean finding adequate cover before the January window closes. Billing was loaned to Napoli as other attacking options surpassed him on the depth chart. The fact that Adams has quickly partnered well with Lewis Cook and Ryan Christie shows that any two starters from the trio complement each other. During this 10-game run, however, no other player beyond these three has logged a single minute in the engine room.
Tanner Tessman’s emergence has given the USMNT midfield options. (Bill Barrett/ISI Photos/Getty Images for USSF)
For the USMNT, Adams may require rest and rotation whenever he has been heavily utilized before an international window. Thankfully, Pochettino has more depth in defensive midfield than his predecessor Gregg Berhalter. Johnny Cardoso, Tanner Tessman and Aidan Morris have all progressed since the 2022 World Cup. None is quite as industrious of a ball-winner as Adams, but each can take a shift to ease the toll on Adams’ legs.
Adams is invaluable to the USMNT, a quintessential “glue guy” with strong leadership attributes and level-headed relatability. Having him as part of each ensuing Pochettino camp will ensure he’s in sync with his teammates even if his minutes must be managed during friendly windows.
With respect to the next handful of windows, none comes close to matching the magnitude of the 2026 World Cup. Entering that tournament with Adams below optimal fitness, or seeing him miss outright due to injury, would be among the worst imaginable setbacks Pochettino could face.
(Top photo: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Tyler Adams, the dynamic midfielder for the US Men’s National Team, has been on fire lately, and his return to top form has fans buzzing with excitement. Adams has been instrumental in Bournemouth’s recent success, with his speed, skill, and tenacity helping the team climb up the standings.
With the USMNT gearing up for World Cup qualifying matches, Adams’ impressive performances couldn’t come at a better time. His ability to control the midfield and create scoring opportunities has been a game-changer for both club and country.
Fans are optimistic about the USMNT’s chances in upcoming matches, thanks in large part to Adams’ stellar play. His leadership on the field and ability to elevate the play of those around him make him a key player to watch in the coming months.
As Adams continues to shine for Bournemouth and the USMNT, the future looks bright for both teams. With his return to top form, there’s no telling how far Adams and his teammates can go.
Three players – Jack McGlynn, Patrick Agyemang and Matko Miljevic – scored their first USMNT goals, while eight earned their first senior caps during a one-sided victory at Inter Miami CF’s Chase Stadium.
More importantly, they gave Pochettino plenty to think about as the head coach plans for two upcoming tournaments (Concacaf Nations League & Concacaf Gold Cup) later this year, as well as the main target of his tenure: the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“This makes us happy, to see players like [Jack], like Benja [Cremaschi], like Guti [Brian Gutiérrez], like Caden [Clark], like Emeka [Eneli], like Diego [Luna]… everyone,” the Argentine manager said in Spanish postmatch. “The truth is we’re happy about their performance.”
“… This gives us a positive feeling to be able to help these kids keep on growing.”
McGlynn’s moment
Arguably the biggest standout of Saturday’s result was McGlynn. The Philadelphia Union homegrown midfielder notched a goal and an assist, providing the game’s most exhilarating moment in the 37th minute with a long-range screamer from nearly 30 yards out.
“I think we all agree that technically he’s a special player. We’ve seen how he strikes the ball, his control, the quality of his play, his capacity, his vision,” Pochettino said of the 21-year-old.
“… I think he’s a player who’s open [to improve]. He’s got incredible potential.”
McGlynn, who’s coming off a career-best 4g/7a last season with the Union, gave casual USMNT observers a privileged look at the talented left foot many Philadelphia and MLS fans are already well familiar with.
“I saw Caden [Clark] playing me, I found myself in a good pocket, a lot of space in front of me, and thought: Why not? I have a good shot,’” he said. “So I tried it, and thank the Lord it went in.”
Big Pat delivers
Just two minutes after McGlynn’s wonder strike, Agyemang marked his USMNT debut with a trademark goal of his own – harnessing his power and pace to outmuscle defender Francisco La Mantía before beating goalkeeper Wuilker Faríñez from close range.
“I like to be in isolated positions. The ball came through, I saw it was 1v1, I sized up my defender and I said, ‘Let’s go on a run,’” said the 24-year-old striker, Charlotte FC’s top scorer of 2024 with 10 goals. “So I ran with the ball, got it to my left foot and saw the keeper come out, and it went in.
“Such a surreal moment.”
Hungry for more
After successfully passing their first test of January camp, the MLS-heavy USMNT will look to close the cycle out on a high note Wednesday night against Costa Rica at Orlando City SC‘s Inter&Co Stadium.
“You wanna ride this momentum. And that’s certainly what I’m going to do,” said Agyemang. “I’m just happy to be in this moment. I’m going to continue enjoying it.”
For McGlynn, it’s all about putting in more performances like this one to stay on the national team’s radar.
“I think we’re a talented group. We’ve shown a lot in MLS and that’s why we’re here,” he said. “And I think we showed it today as well.”
The MLS-led US Men’s National Team showed promise in their recent friendly match against Venezuela, with a 3-0 victory showcasing the potential of this young and talented group of players.
Despite missing several key players who were competing in the Concacaf Nations League final, the USMNT put on a strong performance, dominating possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities. Goals from George Bello, Daryl Dike, and Nicholas Gioacchini highlighted the attacking prowess of this squad.
Head coach Gregg Berhalter praised the team’s performance, stating “We’re a talented group and we showed that tonight. The players worked hard, played with confidence, and executed our game plan effectively. It’s encouraging to see the depth of talent we have in the squad.”
With the World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, this performance bodes well for the USMNT as they continue to build chemistry and confidence heading into the crucial matches ahead. Fans can look forward to seeing more exciting and promising performances from this group of players in the future.
Tags:
MLS, USMNT, Venezuela, soccer, talent, promising performance, national team, Major League Soccer, international friendly, young talent, future prospects, United States football, American soccer, CONCACAF, player development, performance analysis, match review.
Jeff Carlisle covers MLS and the U.S. national team for ESPN FC.
Diego Luna hasn’t always gotten what he wanted. Professional athletes — especially those who are only 21 years of age, rarely do. But much like the Rolling Stones song, the Real Salt Lake midfielder has shown an uncanny ability to get what he needs.
This month, Luna is in training camp with the U.S. men’s national team under the watchful eye of manager Mauricio Pochettino. On Saturday, Luna earned his second cap in the 3-1 friendly win against Venezuela, and in 25 minutes of work, showed his ability to keep possession in tight spaces.
The Sunnyvale, Calif. native has made it this far by trusting his instincts, whether it was leaving the San Jose Earthquakes academy at age 15 to head to the Barcelona Residency Academy in Casa Grande, Ariz., heading to the USL Championship with El Paso Locomotive three years later, or finally landing with Real Salt Lake in 2022 and last year recording eight goals and 12 assists on his way to earning MLS‘ Young Player of the Year. The USMNT’s January camp is the next step.
“It’s all about timing and when something’s going to happen for you, right?” Luna told reporters prior to Saturday’s game. “So for me, I think performing and getting the opportunities like that is what we work for, and the level’s been great. I think that this week has been unreal.”
Talk to anyone who has watched Luna for an extended period of time, and the same phrase keeps coming up. Luna, they say, is “a little bit different.” This is basically U.S. soccer speak, used to describe a creative player who is a rarity in the American system, one who — beyond his ability to find passes and goals — plays different, and maybe even looks different.
Back when Luna was making his way through the Quakes academy, the feedback from U.S. Soccer types was that Luna was unfit and even overweight. It took the Quakes showing the USSF player evaluators the fitness program Luna was on, insisting that he was “barrel chested” and not overweight. The message finally got through, with a call-up to the U15 national team soon following.
“We try not to work on opinions. It’s true, though: Luna had a different body type,” said Tony Lepore, the current head of talent identification for the USSF. “But for us, it’s part of what we train our scouts and coaches that we have to be patient with all that. And it’s never linear. Players develop in all areas.”
Luna’s physique wasn’t the only thing that was different. He thought differently, too.
Throughout his life, Luna has shown an innate ability to look inward and sense what he needed to do and where he needed to go, no matter how unconventional it might appear. When Luna arrived at Real Salt Lake, he decided to become a barista in a bid to improve his social skills. Later, a period of struggle led him to engage in therapy so he could try and understand himself better.
“I would say, for me, Diego has an old soul,” said RSL manager Pablo Mastroeni, a philosopher coach if there ever was one. “He’s a learner and he’s honest with himself, and he takes responsibility when he’s not doing things the right way.”
To hear Luna tell it, his old soul is an outgrowth of leaving home at a young ago. But even before he departed, there were feelings of isolation.
Luna was raised in a soccer-mad family full of coaches, including father Alberto, himself a former pro with the old San Jose Earthquakes and indoors with the San Diego Sockers and the Milwaukee Wave. Diego Luna’s three siblings are much older. Armando is 44, Giovanni is 32 and Kristal — an assistant coach at Sonoma State — is 29. It’s an experience that has never left him, no matter where he has gone.
“Always being young and living on my own, it was always just kind of, I had to make the right decisions,” Luna told ESPN. “I had to think farther than just at the moment. I think it was having to grow up with lessons rather than growing up with age. You had to learn as you went. At 14, you’re not doing grown-up things, so it’s different. And I think that’s kind of how I grew up. It was only me, my gut feeling, and that’s kind of where it led me to be.”
Listening to that inner voice resulted in an unorthodox path to the professional ranks. In San Jose, Luna appeared to have everything. These days, the academy route is the standard road to a professional career, but Luna felt some internal rumblings. Something wasn’t right.
He didn’t blame the Quakes’ setup, nor did he blame the staff. Luna said he felt “stuck” and “wasn’t improving.” He didn’t like the person he was becoming, either.
“I would say I was a bad kid,” Luna said. “A kid that had trouble in school, was not behaving the best, and I think it was just because that’s kind of just what it was at that time. And I needed to grow up. I needed to wake up if I knew that that’s not how my life wanted to be and where I wanted to end up.”
Luna’s brother Armando, currently a youth coach with the Palo Alto-based Stanford Strikers, chalks it up as typical teenage angst, but the decision was made for young Diego to head to Arizona. Not that the early days were easy there, either. As much as Diego listened to his inner voice, sometimes he needed a push. Armando recalls plenty of phone calls where Diego was “almost crying and asking that he wanted to come home.”
“But my dad and I, we said, ‘No, you’re not coming back. You’re staying. You made a commitment and you’re going to fulfill that commitment,’” Armando said. “So we knew that it was really difficult for him to be away from the family because he was always with us. Since he was a little kid, he was always at the soccer field with us, and we knew that was going to be probably the biggest hurdle for him is how to deal with the being homesick.”
From there, Luna resumed his growth as a player, but after three years, he felt the itch to take the next step. Again, he went the unconventional route: rather than go to MLS, he landed in the USL Championship with El Paso Locomotive. In El Paso, Luna had the freedom to play and show off his creativity. He credits coaches Mark Lowry and John Hutchinson with pushing him when he needed it.
After scoring 13 goals in 41 matches with El Paso, Luna headed to RSL. While the increase in level and competition was welcomed, he found himself facing the same feelings of isolation. With lots of idle time, he took a side job as a barista at a local Dutch Bros. coffee shop.
“I was like, well, I could make some extra money on the side, but also work on things that I’m horrible at; communication skills, eye contact, things like that,” Luna said. “I was always getting nervous. I was always kind of awkward in situations like that. So I just thought why not try this out? Learn things that if I wasn’t a soccer player, I could be doing.”
That wasn’t the end of Luna looking inward. At the start of the 2024 season, Luna wasn’t playing with the consistency he needed. He had recently become a father as well, with the added responsibility that brings.
“You’re not just playing for fun anymore,” Luna said. “You’re playing to take care of people. You’re playing as a job and to make money and to perform well to make sure that your family has a great life.”
play
1:19
Pochettino wants USMNT to match Argentina’s mentality
Mauricio Pochettino talks to ESPN’s Lizzy Becharano about what he thinks his USMNT needs to do at the 2026 World Cup.
In April, Mastroeni — who was constantly imploring Luna to be more of a two-way player — felt compelled to pull him from the lineup. The mental strain of being a professional was taking a toll, while some family issues rose to the surface as well. More than once during the interview, Luna spoke of “not being close to [his] family,” this, despite soccer being so present in his family life. Luna noted that those are two different things.
“Soccer was the thing that connected the family, but outside of soccer, I wasn’t close,” he explained. “I wasn’t really that close to them. … I was never really that comfortable speaking to my family about certain topics, about deeper things.”
Armando, in many ways, is a second father to Diego given their age difference. He was constantly checking on his younger sibling and sensed something was off. Based on the positive experience another family member had with therapy, Armando recommended that Diego try it.
“We have to be in the modern world,” Armando said. “The modern athlete does not just take care of their body and work on the field and train their skill sets. They also have to improve their mind. They have to be mentally able to cope with social media, the criticism that you’re going to receive, and also being lonely, just being away from your family.”
It proved to be an awakening.
“The stereotypical man thinks about it, ‘I don’t need therapy. I’m too strong for that. I’m a man,’” Luna said. “And then there was just some hard times going on in life that I was struggling mentally. I was having some hard times being alone and stuff like that. And I just kind of pulled the trigger, I’m going to go to therapy and I’m going to just try it out. So I went to my first therapy class and I left feeling like a whole different person. It was being able to release things, express things, understand things that I didn’t know. I left refreshed.”
A goal in his next game against the Chicago Fire on April 20 catapulted Luna forward, all the way to the aforementioned Young Player of the Year award.
Mastroeni now lauds Luna’s presence on both sides of the ball, calling the player, “Our best defender on the front line.” The RSL manager recognizes improvement in other areas as well, and the challenges Luna faced in getting there.
“If you are the best player on your team in the academy, there’s almost a sense of entitlement oftentimes with younger players that do really well with youth national teams, and they do lack a little bit of humility to continue to get better,” Mastroeni said. “And so Diego is a rare case where he is so technically gifted, he’s got an ability to find passes and score goals, but yet he’s hungry, and he’s humble enough to know that he’s not the finished product yet, and he continued to work towards it each day.”
Engaging in therapy hasn’t been just about pushing Luna toward better times. A professional snub hit Luna last summer when he was left off the Olympic team roster, but the work he has done for himself allowed him to better handle the setback.
Now the hope is that Luna’s rise will pay even more dividends at the international level. He has options given his Mexican-American heritage, but for now, he’s moving forward with the USMNT — and he’s prepared to be patient.
“For me, it’s just kind of been continuing to work,” he said, “and it will come when it’s ready for you.”
Luna’s unconventional route has led him to USMNT opportunity
Many soccer players dream of representing their country on the international stage, but for 19-year-old midfielder Ricardo Pepi Luna, the path to the US Men’s National Team (USMNT) has been anything but traditional. Luna, who was born in El Paso, Texas, and raised in Mexico, has taken a unique journey to reach this point in his career.
Luna began his professional career with FC Juarez in Liga MX, where he quickly caught the attention of scouts with his impressive playmaking abilities and technical skills. After a successful stint with Juarez, Luna made the bold decision to move to Europe and signed with German club Borussia Monchengladbach. Despite facing challenges adjusting to a new country and league, Luna’s determination and work ethic helped him break into the first team and make a name for himself in the Bundesliga.
Now, Luna’s hard work and perseverance have paid off as he has received his first call-up to the USMNT for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. His unique background and unconventional route to the national team showcase the diversity and talent within American soccer, and Luna’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring young players who may not have followed the traditional path to success.
As Luna prepares to represent his country on the international stage, fans are eager to see how his skills and creativity will impact the USMNT’s performance. With his passion for the game and determination to succeed, Luna is poised to make a significant impact and prove that unconventional routes can lead to incredible opportunities.
Costa Rica friendly provides another opportunity for an inexperienced USMNT group to impress Pochettino ahead of 2026 World Cup
The first game of the U.S. men’s national team’s January camp went about as well as it could have. A young, inexperienced USMNT squad squashed a young, inexperienced Venezuela squad 3-1 on Saturday. What mattered most, though, were the individual performances.
For those who shined, the opportunity to impress Mauricio Pochettino isn’t over. And for those who didn’t? There’s another shot.
The USMNT will be back in action on Wednesday night in Orlando, where they’ll face Costa Rica in the final game of this January camp. The squad is unchanged, with the same MLS-heavy 21-player group still in camp and looking to make their mark ahead of much bigger games down the line.
Some have capitalized on the opportunity – Jack McGlynn, Matko Miljevic and Patrick Agyemang, for starters. All three stepped up in the win over Venezuela, as all three scored their first international goals. Others, though, will hope Wednesday is their turn.
GOAL looks at five things to watch when the USMNT face Costa Rica.
Jack McGlynn’s encore, Diego Luna unleashed and five things to watch as MLS-heavy USMNT call-ups look to impress Mauricio Pochettino against Costa Rica
The US Men’s National Team is gearing up for their upcoming friendly against Costa Rica, and the roster is filled with MLS talent looking to make a statement. One player to keep an eye on is Jack McGlynn, the 18-year-old midfielder who has been turning heads with his performances for the Philadelphia Union.
McGlynn has been a standout performer in MLS this season, and many are eager to see if he can carry that form onto the international stage. With his slick passing and composure on the ball, McGlynn could be a key player for the USMNT in their match against Costa Rica.
Another player to watch is Diego Luna, the young forward who has been making waves with his performances for LA Galaxy. Luna has been in scintillating form in MLS, and his pace and finishing ability could cause problems for the Costa Rican defense.
As the USMNT prepares to take on Costa Rica, here are five things to watch for as the MLS-heavy squad looks to impress new head coach Mauricio Pochettino:
1. How will the young MLS talent fare on the international stage? Players like McGlynn and Luna will be looking to prove themselves against top competition, and their performances could have a big impact on their future with the national team.
2. Can the USMNT midfield control the game? With players like McGlynn, Kellyn Acosta, and Gianluca Busio in the squad, the USMNT will be looking to dominate possession and create chances against Costa Rica.
3. Will the defense be able to handle the Costa Rican attack? Costa Rica boasts some dangerous attacking players, and the USMNT defense will need to be on their game to keep them at bay.
4. How will Mauricio Pochettino’s tactics impact the game? The new head coach will be looking to implement his style of play, and it will be interesting to see how the team responds to his instructions.
5. Can the USMNT pick up a win against a strong Costa Rican side? Costa Rica is a tough opponent, and a victory would be a great confidence booster for the USMNT as they continue their preparations for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Overall, there is plenty to look forward to in the upcoming match between the USMNT and Costa Rica. With a mix of young talent and experienced players, the MLS-heavy squad will be looking to make a statement and impress Mauricio Pochettino as they continue their preparations for the upcoming international fixtures.
LINEUP NOTES USMNT vs. Costa Rica International Friendly Jan. 22, 2024 Inter&Co Stadium; Orlando, Fla. Pre-Game Coverage: 6:30 p.m. ET on TNT, truTV, Universo, Max, Peacock Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET on TNT, truTV, Universo, Max, Peacock and Fútbol de Primera Radio. Social Media: @USMNT on X and Instagram; U.S. Soccer on Facebook, The U.S. Soccer App
Today’s USMNT Starting XI vs. Costa Rica: 22-Zack Steffen; 12-Miles Robinson, 3-Walker Zimmerman, 13-Tim Ream (Capt.), 5-DeJuan Jones; 14-Emeka Eneli, 6-Benjamin Cremaschi; 19-Indiana Vassilev, 10-Diego Luna, 17-Brian Gutiérrez; 8-Brian White
USMNT Starting XI Cap Numbers (including this match): Tim Ream (67), Walker Zimmerman (43), Miles Robinson (32), Zack Steffen (30), DeJuan Jones (10), Benjamin Cremaschi (3), Diego Luna (3), Brian White (3), Emeka Eneli (2), Brian Gutiérrez (2), Indiana Vassilev (2).
Mauricio Pochettino makes eight changes from the lineup that began Saturday’s match against Venezuela, holding over defender Miles Robinson and midfielders Benjamin Cremaschi and Brian Gutiérrez.
Tonight’s lineup has an average age of 26 years, 308 days, marking the oldest Starting XI for a USMNT early-year friendly since the lineup that faced Japan on Feb. 10, 2006 in San Francisco (27 years, 332 days).
The roster also averages 17 caps.
Robinson will start his first international match at right back, making way for veteran center backs Tim Ream and Walker Zimmerman who pair together for the first time since the Round of 16 match against Netherlands at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Ream and Zimmerman partnered centrally in three of the four U.S. matches in Qatar.
Captaining the USMNT for the 14th time tonight, Ream will also earn his 67th cap, equaling the career total of fellow St. Louis native and 1994 World Cup veteran Mike Sorber.
Goalkeeper Zack Steffen earns his first international appearance since March 30, 2022 at Costa Rica,the final match of the USA’s successful run in 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying. The 29-year-old also becomes the eight USMNT goalkeeper to reach 30 caps.
Robinson and Zimmerman also featured with Steffen in the 2022 ‘qualifying finale, which was also the last meeting between the USA and Costa Rica.
Emeka Eneli, Diego Luna and Indiana Vassilev earn their first starts for the USMNT tonight.
With Eneli and Luna in the lineup, Real Salt Lake leads the list of 10 MLS clubs represented in tonight’s Starting XI and are joined by Charlotte FC (Ream), Chicago Fire (Gutiérrez), FC Cincinnati (Robinson), Colorado Rapids (Steffen), Columbus Crew (Jones), Inter Miami (Cremaschi), Nashville SC (Zimmerman), St. Louis CITY (Vassilev), Vancouver Whitecaps (White).
Eight starters are products of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, with five developed by MLS clubs: Benja Cremaschi (Weston FC, Inter Miami), Emeka Eneli (Columbus Crew), Brian Gutiérrez (Chicago Fire), Diego Luna (San Jose Earthquakes), Miles Robinson (FC Boston Bolts), Zack Steffen (Philadelphia Union, FC DELCO), Indiana Vassilev (IMG Academy), Brian White (Players Development Academy).
The USA is 19W-17L-6D in 42 all-time meetings with Costa Rica.
USMNT vs. Costa Rica: Starting XI & Lineup Notes
As the US Men’s National Team prepares to take on Costa Rica in a crucial World Cup qualifier, here is the starting XI and lineup notes for the match:
Lineup Notes:
– Coach Gregg Berhalter has opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with Pulisic and Aaronson providing support for lone striker Pepi.
– Dest and Antonee Robinson will be crucial in providing width and overlapping runs from the fullback positions.
– McKennie, Adams, and Musah will be tasked with controlling the midfield and breaking up Costa Rica’s attacks.
– Brooks and Miles Robinson will anchor the defense and look to nullify any threats posed by Costa Rica’s attackers.
– Steffen will be relied upon to make key saves and organize the defense from the back.
With a spot in the World Cup on the line, the USMNT will be looking to secure a crucial victory against Costa Rica. Stay tuned for updates and analysis from the match. Let’s go Team USA! #USMNT #WorldCupQualifier
Tags:
USMNT, Costa Rica, Starting XI, Lineup Notes, Soccer, International Friendly, Match Preview, Player Analysis, Team News, Tactical Outlook, Key Matchups
Brian Gutiérrez has waited years for the opportunity to represent the United States at the senior international level. Today, he could finally get it.
The Chicago Fire homegrown star, who is still just 21, was summoned by new head coach Mauricio Pochettino for his first January camp, comprised almost entirely of MLS players. Gutiérrez was among them and is poised to make his senior debut tonight against Venezuela.
Fittingly, it was Gregg Berhalter – Pochettino’s USMNT predecessor and the Fire’s new boss – who broke the news to “Guti” that he would be joining the national team camp in Florida.
“It was a surreal moment,” Gutiérrez told MIR97 Media. “I was really, really surprised. Gregg was the first one to tell me and to congratulate me, and I was really, really happy.”
“I didn’t get the chance to play at U-20 level and the Olympics, so being able to do this at the senior level is a great feeling and I’m really excited.”
(Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
Born in the U.S.A.
Gutiérrez was born in Berwyn, just outside Chicago, and he’s dual-eligible for both the United States and Mexico. Uncertainty over his international future – which still remains an open question from an official standpoint – has naturally put a spotlight on his budding career, especially since the Mexican Federation was in touch with his camp last year. However, for the moment, he’s just focused on the U.S., the team he’s played with for his entire youth career.
Though Guti has lived in the Chicago area his whole life, he maintains strong connections on both sides of the border. He even spent some time in Mexico during the offseason visiting family. Even so, relatives from both countries have been quick to congratulate him on the January call-up, especially given how long he’s been trying to earn it.
“I’ve heard from both,” Guti said. “They’ve just been congratulating me and saying they’re really proud of me. Honestly, it was a great feeling for me and my family, and we’re just blessed that I’m here.”
As the 21-year-old is still yet to appear in any form of official international competition at any level, Guti will remain without a cap tie for now, even if he plays in both matches this week. Nonetheless, all indications are that he’s the Americans’ player to lose, particularly considering that he has been in the U.S. system since he was 15.
Brian Gutiérrez could make his first U.S. appearances since October 2023. (via U.S. Soccer)
Poch Watch
The USMNT‘s new head coach, Pochettino, has been a key talking point since he took over the team in September. Comments suggesting that he would not be afraid to call up MLS players bring a whole new meaning to the January Camp setting that had slowly been fading in relevance over the years.
With top-flight experience at some of the biggest clubs in the world, such as Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Southampton, Pochettino carries one of the more impressive managerial résumés in world soccer. His players have been quick to compliment his managerial talent, citing that coaching methods and strategies are dramatically different from what they were under previous head coaches.
“It’s been really good, just enjoying and learning from him,” Gutiérrez said of Pochettino, “hearing what he has to offer for the team, what he wants from the team, and what he wants from each individual. And yeah, obviously learning from him because he’s a really, really top coach, which is what you want. At the end of the day I came here to learn and see what he wants and play to the best of my ability.”
Pochettino took over mid-cycle from Berhalter. (Getty)
Keys to the Midfield?
Given the traditional “Camp Cupcake” nature of the USMNT’s annual January convocation, Gutiérrez has a huge opportunity to make his mark in this pair of fixtures. Officially, only four midfielders were listed on Pochettino’s roster, meaning Gutiérrez could play substantial minutes in his preferred central #10 position. He could also find minutes on the wing, given that he has far more MLS experience than any of the other forwards listed, though the head coach has suggested the idea of using fullbacks in the attack, too.
“I believe that here we have players at this camp like Diego Luna, Matko (Miljević), and Guti, that can play more through the middle,” Pochettino said in his pregame press conference. “Perhaps those players are more central, who prefer to move inside. Then we have other players like Caden Clark or Indy (Vassilev), who are more about staying wide. And maybe when they play in that position, we’ll have a fullback who doesn’t push up as much or who attacks more inside rather than outside.”
It’s possible that Gutiérrez will split minutes with Luna, who is in his second USMNT camp. The Real Salt Lake attacker has played with Guti at the U-20 level, though neither went to the Olympics in France last year; Luna was invited as an alternate but declined. The likes of Caden Clark and Matko Miljević will also compete for minutes out wide, and position out on the left is something Guti is also comfortable playing.
(Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
“Surreal” Moment to Come
No active Chicago Fire player has appeared for the U.S. in a senior-level international match since Djordje Mihailović all the way back in 2019. That will change the moment Guti steps on the field for the Stars and Stripes. It will be a moment he’s waited many years for having climbed the youth ranks in the U.S. system since the U-16 age group.
“It’s honestly going to be a really surreal moment,” Gutiérrez said of his looming debut, “but at the same time, it’s a game at the end of the day. I’m just going out there to show my best abilities and what I have to offer to this team, and hopefully, make the most out of my opportunity, which I’m doing.”
With a CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament coming up in the summer and the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil less than 18 months away, Guti doesn’t have a ton of time to waste. The opportunity this January is massive, so if he can prove to be a standout, he could finally break into a senior team pool that is crying out for more attacking depth.
“Obviously, you put (the World Cup) on your list of what you want to do as a player. And that is up there for me.”
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Gutiérrez, the promising young talent from Mexico, is gearing up for what he describes as a “surreal” debut with the USMNT. The 18-year-old midfielder recently made the switch from representing Mexico to playing for the United States, a decision that has garnered attention and sparked excitement among fans.
Gutiérrez, who has been impressing scouts with his skill and vision on the field, is set to make his debut in the upcoming friendly match against a formidable opponent. The young star has been training hard and is eager to showcase his talent on the international stage.
In a recent interview, Gutiérrez expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play for the USMNT and his excitement for what lies ahead. He acknowledged the significance of his debut and the responsibility that comes with representing his new country.
Fans are eagerly anticipating Gutiérrez’s debut and are looking forward to seeing how he will contribute to the team. With his talent and dedication, Gutiérrez is poised to make a significant impact and carve out a place for himself in the USMNT lineup.
Stay tuned for Gutiérrez’s “surreal” debut as he takes the field and represents the United States with pride and determination.
Tags:
Gutiérrez USMNT debut, Gutiérrez soccer debut, USMNT debut, Gutiérrez surreal debut, USMNT news, US Men’s National Team debut, Gutiérrez soccer, Gutiérrez USMNT game, USMNT soccer debut, Gutiérrez latest, USMNT debut match
Mauricio Pochettino is casting his eye over the next generation of USMNT as he leads a new-look squad through the January training camp in Miami. The team will take on Venezuela on Saturday with a squad comprised exclusively of players from MLS teams.
With less than 18 months to go until the World Cup, the USMNT’s January training camp offers young stars and fringe players the chance to force their way into the squad going forward. Key among them is 21-year-old forward Brian Gutiérrez, who has been a rare bright spot in a poor Chicago Fire team in recent years.
Gutiérrez, who is also eligible to represent Mexico, has been called up to the senior national team for the first time this month and is relishing the chance to work alongside Pochettino. Appearing at a press conference on Thursday, Gutiérrez told AS USA what has surprised him most about the new head coach.
“He just brings the group together,” Gutiérrez explained. “He’s really intense with everybody but at the same time he’s always there for you and gives you a pat on the back. He’s done a lot for us and I think he’s making us better every day.”
He continued: “He’s showing us that we need to bring that intensity, and that’s what we’re doing right now.”
Despite having coached some of the biggest teams in the world – Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Tottenham Hotspur – Pochettino is regularly praised for his down-to-earth nature and ability to connect with young players. Gutiérrez is one of ten players in the January squad aged 23 or younger, all of whom will be thinking that they have an outside chance of forcing their way into the squad for next summer’s World Cup on home soil.
Miles Robinson praises the ‘light’ of Pochettino
While Gutiérrez is still waiting for his first senior cap, defender Miles Robinson has already racked up 30 appearances and looks well-placed to compete for a spot in the USMNT starting XI at the World Cup. Robinson was named in Pochettino’s squad for the November internationals last year and has been impressed with the impact that the new boss has had on the team.
“It’s been great so far. He brings energy in training, on and off the pitch, and the type of light that I think the guys feed off,” Robinson said of Pochettino. “A lot of the guys are learning a lot from him and really enjoying ourselves, but also getting better.”
With no overseas players involved, the USMNT side that takes to the field against Venezuela this weekend will be a far cry from the team that will start at the World Cup in 2026. At best, three or four of those involved in the US squad this month will represent the nation at the upcoming tournament. But these games will give a chance for fans to get a greater sense of the team that Pochettino is building and qualities that he will lean on as 2026 approaches.
Although these games are only friendlies Robinson insisted that the team will not be taking it easy this month, treating it like a ‘must-win game’ every time they are called upon.
“I think that a lot of the guys go out and they play like it’s a qualifier, like it’s a must-win game,” he explained. “Because we all have a lot to prove individually and collectively. A lot of these guys are hungry to show what they have, including myself. We’re always trying to push to that next level and show our teammates, our country and ourselves what we can do.”
Title: USMNT Youngster Shares Surprising Revelation About Mauricio Pochettino
In a recent interview, US Men’s National Team (USMNT) youngster revealed what surprised him the most about his experience with renowned football manager Mauricio Pochettino.
During his time working with Pochettino, the youngster was taken aback by the manager’s intense focus on every detail of the game. He shared that Pochettino’s meticulous attention to even the smallest aspects of training and tactics was a revelation for him, and it highlighted the level of dedication and professionalism required to succeed at the highest level of football.
The youngster also praised Pochettino’s ability to motivate and inspire his players, pushing them to constantly improve and strive for excellence. He noted that the manager’s passion for the game was infectious, and it instilled a sense of determination and drive in the team.
Overall, the USMNT youngster’s experience with Mauricio Pochettino left a lasting impression on him, showcasing the importance of hard work, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication in the world of football. It was a valuable learning experience that will undoubtedly shape his career moving forward.
Tags:
USMNT, youngster, Mauricio Pochettino, surprises, revelations, soccer, football, Tottenham Hotspur, coaching, Premier League
Brian Gutiérrez is no stranger to accolades. After a standout career in the Chicago Fire Academy, the midfielder became the 16th Homegrown signing in Chicago Fire FC history in 2020. Only 16 years old at the time, he was already a familiar face within the United States Youth National Teams, where he featured since 2017. Gutiérrez was named to the 2024 MLS 22 Under 22 class for the second consecutive year, after becoming the second Homegrown Player in Club history to appear in 100 or more matches.
Despite the success, one thing had eluded the Chicago-native: a call-up to the senior U.S. Men’s National Team. This changed on January 6, when Gutiérrez was announced as one of 24 players called into the USMNT’s January camp by head coach Mauricio Pochettino, and one of seven earning their first call-up with the senior team. He readily shared his enthusiasm with media members in a press conference held at the camp.
“I was really excited, really happy,” said Gutiérrez. “It’s been a great camp so far. The intensity of the group and of the coaching staff is always there.”
The significance of this call-up is not lost on Gutiérrez or Chicago Fire FC Director of Football and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. The January training camp has traditionally featured breakout stars getting a taste of the senior team. As a former head coach and player for the Stars and Stripes, Berhalter is well aware of what this could mean for the Homegrown’s future.
“This is an opportunity to really put his mark on the program,” said Berhalter. “I was involved in a lot of January camps and know exactly what it’s like. I also know that players come out of January camp and stick to the roster.”
Upon hearing about the call-up, Berhalter emphasized to Gutiérrez enjoying the time spent in camp. The midfielder has taken the advice to heart, in addition to connecting with – and learning from – an experienced coach like Pochettino.
“It’s been great so far,” said Gutiérrez. “I think he’s really intense with everybody, but at the same time, he’s always there for you, and always gives you that [pat] in the back.
“I think he’s making us better every day, and he’s showing us that we need to be bringing that intensity, and that’s what we’re doing right now.”
As a bilingual Chicago native, Gutiérrez relishes being able to communicate in both English and Spanish with the Argentine coach, adding that it helps make him and other teammates more comfortable without language barriers. But above all, it’s the chance to make his mark with the national team that matters to him the most.
“I think it’s more of a ‘seize your opportunity’ in the national team,” said Gutiérrez. “When you’re at camp, showing your best ability and obviously you’re performing with your club, that’s the most important thing. That’s how you get looked at. I think that from there, you can move on and you could talk about stuff like [earning more call-ups].”
The USMNT will open its 2025 schedule against 2024 Copa America quarterfinalists Venezuela on Saturday, Jan. 18 at Chase Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale. Kickoff for the USA’s first match of the year is set for 2 p.m. CT. The match will be broadcast live on TNT, Telemundo, Universo, Max and Peacock, with Spanish-language audio available on Fútbol de Primera radio.
The team will then head to Orlando and complete the two-match Florida swing with a friendly against Costa Rica on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at Inter&Co Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CT. TNT, truTV, Universo, Max and Peacock will show the match live, with Spanish-language audio provided by Fútbol de Primera radio.
Brian Gutiérrez Seizes Opportunity with the USMNT
Brian Gutiérrez has been making waves in the soccer world recently, and his latest achievement is being called up to represent the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT). The young midfielder has been turning heads with his impressive performances for his club team, and now he has the chance to make an impact on the international stage.
Gutiérrez has been working hard to make a name for himself in the soccer world, and his dedication and talent have not gone unnoticed. His skill on the ball, vision on the field, and ability to score goals have all contributed to his success and earned him a spot on the USMNT roster.
With this opportunity, Gutiérrez has the chance to showcase his skills on a larger platform and prove himself as a valuable asset to the national team. He will have the chance to compete against some of the best players in the world and prove that he belongs among them.
Fans and critics alike are excited to see what Gutiérrez will bring to the USMNT and how he will contribute to the team’s success. With his talent and determination, there is no doubt that he will make the most of this opportunity and continue to impress on the international stage.
Stay tuned to see how Brian Gutiérrez seizes this opportunity with the USMNT and makes a name for himself in the world of soccer.
You must be logged in to post a comment.