The U.S. men's national team (USMNT) faced a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Turkey in their first pre-Gold Cup friendly at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Despite an early lead from Jack McGlynn's first-minute goal, the team couldn't maintain their momentum, conceding two quick goals from Arda Güler and Kerem Aktürkoglu in the 24th and 27th minutes, respectively.

Key Issues and Takeaways

1. Lack of Mental Resilience The USMNT struggled to recover after conceding the first-half goals. The team's mental toughness and intensity waned as the match progressed, despite having more possession. This raises concerns about their ability to handle pressure in crucial moments during the Gold Cup.

2. Experimental Lineup With an average age of 23.8, the experimental XI featured several young players. Outside of McGlynn, Tyler Adams, and Malik Tillman, there were few standout performances. Turkey dominated in duels, aerial duels, and tackle success rates, exposing the inexperience of the U.S. squad.

3. Striker Dilemma Patrick Agyemang, starting as the striker, failed to make a significant impact. Despite his physicality, his touch and goal threat were lacking. Haji Wright, deployed out wide, also struggled to influence the game. Manager Mauricio Pochettino is still searching for a reliable No. 9.

4. Midfield Concerns Johnny Cardoso's error led to Turkey's first goal, shaking the team's confidence. While Luca de la Torre was sharp in the first half, the midfield lacked the necessary steel when paired with Cardoso. Tyler Adams' introduction at halftime provided some stability, but the midfield remains a concern.

5. Defensive Cohesion The inexperienced fullbacks, Max Arfsten and Alex Freeman, struggled defensively, allowing Turkey to exploit the flanks. The absence of key defenders like Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest was evident, and Pochettino will need to find solutions quickly.

Looking Ahead

The USMNT's next friendly against Switzerland in Nashville will be crucial for Pochettino to address these issues. With the Gold Cup approaching, the team must find a way to improve their mentality, cohesion, and overall performance to have a successful campaign.