Competition should stiffen for unproven Americans in CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals
Associated Press
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Matt Freese's gaffe that cost the U.S. the lead in a CONCACAF Gold Cup group play finale drew a reaction from coach Mauricio Pochettino that Americans can apply to the rest of their last competitive test before next year's World Cup.
'Move on,' Pochettino said of the goalkeeper's botched clearing attempt before Patrick Agyemang's tiebreaking 75th-minute goal in a 2-1 victory over Haiti on Sunday night.
'Remember, the most important action is the next one,' Pochettino said. 'If you think in the last one like that, you're going to do another mistake. This type of accident happened, and it will happen it the future.'
The immediate future for the U.S. after a 3-0 run through Group D is a quarterfinal against Costa Rica or Mexico next weekend. Either way, the opponent will be ranked higher than any of th group opponents.
The U.S. ended a four-match losing streak by beating No. 100 Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 in its Gold Cup opener, followed by a 1-0 victory over 58th-ranked Saudi Arabia. Haiti is No. 83.
'The confidence level is super high,' said Brenden Aaronson, who assisted on Malik Tillman's goal that opened the scoring in the 10th minute. 'I mean, nine points from three games. We've had two shutouts and another win today against a good Haiti team. I think we're really flying at the moment. Now we have a week to prepare, which we haven't had for any team.'
Still, the play has been uneven from what amounts to a B team of mostly young and unproven players and A team backups. Several of the usual stars and starters sat out for personal reasons, injuries or playing in the Club World Cup.
Missing the tournament for the U.S. are regulars Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Gio Reyna, Antonee Robinson, Folarin Balogun and Sergino Dest.
'We were not a clinic with the chances that we had,' Pochettino said of the Haiti win. 'I think we should have scored more.'
Freese blundered when took a back pass from Tim Ream and tried to play the ball to John Tolkin with his left foot. The ball went straight to Louicius Don Deedson, who took a touch and scored inside the far post for a 1-1 tie in the 19th minute.
The unsightly moment did nothing to dissuade Pochettino, who suggested his decision to go with Freese over Matt Turner will continue in this Gold Cup. The coach thought Freese followed orders by moving on.
'Continues to build me up,' Freese said of Pochettino. 'That's something I really appreciate. Very grateful for the opportunity. I just want to help the team win as much as I can.'
The U.S. won its group for the 17th time in 18 Gold Cups. The Americans have 43 wins, one loss and five draws in group play, going 3-0 for the seventh time. Still, a four-match losing streak punctuated by a Switzerland's 4-0 blowout in the final Gold Cup tune-up is a not-very-distant memory.
'To be the best, you've got to beat the best,' Freese said. 'I think always continuing to push ourselves and play against harder teams and show what we can do and learn from it and continue to grow as a group ahead of a big summer next summer is an opportunity we're all looking forward to. We want to continue to move on.'
___
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer in this topic
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
44 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Eight Years Later – Inter Milan Captain Lautaro Martinez Hopes To Repeat Early Heroics Vs River Plate In Crunch Club World Cup Clash
Eight Years Later – Inter Milan Captain Lautaro Martinez Hopes To Repeat Early Heroics Vs River Plate In Crunch Club World Cup Clash Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez will hope to repeat his heroics from eight years ago against River Plate at the Club World Cup. Today's print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, note the parallel for the Argentine striker. Advertisement In 2017, before joining Inter Milan, striker Lautaro Martinez made his name at Racing Club. Martinez broke onto the scene early for Racing. There were a number of matches in which Martinez really shone early in his career. But one of the most high profile came against River Plate. Playing away to the Buenos Aires giants, Martinez showed no fear. He scored Racing's opening goal in a memorable 3-2 win. Lautaro Martinez Aims To Repeat River Plate Heroics At Club World Cup PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 17: Lautaro Martinez #10 of FC Internazionale Milano warms up prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between CF Monterrey and FC Internazionale Milano at Rose Bowl Stadium on June 17, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by) That performance against River Plate came almost exactly eight years ago for Martinez – on the 18th of June, 2017. Now, Lautaro Martinez finds himself in a much different situation. Advertisement Having been very much a breakout talent when he enjoyed that memorable win over River, now Martinez has fully established himself within the European game. Martinez is Inter's captain. He inherited the captain's armband from Samir Handanovic two years ago. And the Argentine has been Inter's top scorer for four seasons running. He has started in two Champions League finals for the Nerazzurri, and won the Serie A title twice. Therefore, Martinez has made good on the promise he showed the better part of a decade ago against River Plate. Now, the 27-year-old will aim to prove that he can retain the same hunger against such iconic opposition from his home country at the Club World Cup.
Yahoo
44 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Croatia Star Reveals: ‘Several Serie A Clubs Wanted To Sign Me, But Then Inter Milan Came Along'
Croatia Star Reveals: 'Several Serie A Clubs Wanted To Sign Me, But Then Inter Milan Came Along' Midfielder Petar Sucic says that he had interest from a number of other clubs in Serie A before Inter Milan signed him. The 21-year-old Croatian international gave his thoughts in an interview in today's print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews. Advertisement The Nerazzurri snapped up the Croat in time for the Club World Cup. He has already made two appearances at the tournament, against the likes of Monterrey and Urawa Red Diamonds. And the young midfielder could also feature in Inter's final match of the group stage. Watch Inter Milan vs River Plate for FREE with DAZN on any device! Inter had in fact secured a deal to sign Sucic all the way back in February. However, the 21-year-old remained at Dianmo Zagreb over the second half of the campaign. Petar Sucic: 'Several Serie A Clubs Interested, Then Inter Came Along' SALZBURG, AUSTRIA – OCTOBER 23: Petar Sucic of GNK Dinamo in action during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between FC Salzburg and GNK Dinamo at Stadion Salzburg on October 23, 2024 in Salzburg, Austria. (Photo by) Midfielder Petar Sucic admitted that joining Inter is 'a big change, in my life and career.' Advertisement 'But I really wanted it,' continued the Croatian international. 'Now I'm at a club that's simply massive.' Sucic said that 'I want to enjoy this experience to the fullest.' 'And to grow as a player, and as a man. And, obviously, win trophies.' Meanwhile, Sucic said that it's 'true' that other teams in Serie A had wanted to sign him. 'But I won't say which ones.' 'Then my agent called me, and said: 'Inter also want you.'' 'At that point it was all over,' Sucic claimed. 'Because I told him: 'I only want to o there.'' 'This club is also special because of all the Croatians who've worn this shirt,' the 21-year-old noted. Advertisement 'And I spoke to all of them. Brozovic, Perisic, and even Kovacic.' 'And they all told me the same thing,' Sucic said. 'Go to Milano, don't even think about it.' 'Now let's just say I followed their advice,' added the 21-year-old. Meanwhile, Sucic gave his thoughts on his new coach at Inter, Cristian Chivu. 'He loves what he does,' said the midfielder. 'And transmits it.' 'You can see it in the precision that he has in every single training session.' 'And I've also noticed another important quality,' Sucic went on. 'His frankness.' The Croat said that Chivu 'speaks directly, he says what he thinks to your face.' Advertisement 'He doesn't mince words. He gets to the point.' Then, Sucic commented that 'at the moment he hasn't asked anything specifically from me.' 'But just to create a sense of harmony with my teammates. And just to… understand. Understand how he wants me to play, understand how to to train.' Therefore, Chivu wants Sucic to 'understand the team that I've come to, in short.'
Yahoo
44 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Revealed – Combination Of Results Inter Milan Need To Advance From FIFA Club World Cup Group Vs River Plate & Monterrey
Revealed – Combination Of Results Inter Milan Need To Advance From FIFA Club World Cup Group Vs River Plate & Monterrey Inter Milan would only need a draw against River Plate to advance from their Club World Cup group. Today's print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, note that if the Nerazzurri lose to the Argentines and Monterrey beat Urawa Red Diamonds, however, they will be eliminated. Advertisement Inter Milan are heading into their final match of the Club World Cup group stage. The Nerazzurri have already drawn with Mexican side Monterrey. Then, they got a dramatic late win over Japanese team Urawa Red Diamonds. Early Thursday morning (Wednesday evening local time), Inter take on Argentine giants River Plate. And that match will be decisive for both Inter and River. Whilst Urawa Reds are already mathematically eliminated from the tournament, all of Inter, River, and Monterrey could progress. Inter Milan Only Need Draw Vs River Plate To Reach Club World Cup Knockouts PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 17: Nicolo Barella #23 of FC Internazionale Milano warms up prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between CF Monterrey and FC Internazionale Milano at Rose Bowl Stadium on June 17, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by) In the event that Inter Milan were to beat River, then they would go through to the round of sixteen top of their group. Advertisement However, where things get more interesting is in the event that there is a different combination of results. As the Gazzetta notes, a draw would also guarantee Inter a place in the knockouts. This would be due to head-to-head results and goal difference. If Thursday's match ends 0-0 and Monterrey beat Urawa Reds then Inter and Monterrey will go through. If Inter and River draw 1-1, then River and Monterrey's progression will go down to goal difference. Then, if Inter and River draw 2-2, 3-3, and so on, it will be the Nerazzurri and River who go through no matter what. Meanwhile, if Inter are to lose to River Plate, they'll be hoping that Monterrey don't beat Urawa Reds. That combination of results would send the Nerazzurri packing. On the other hand, if Inter are to lose but Monterrey fail to beat Urawa Reds, then Inter would still go through.
