Despite all of the criticism US Men’s National Team qualified for the final of the Concacaf Nations League against Mexico on Sunday night at AT&T stadium. It will be an attempt to win their third consecutive Nations League and their second over rival Mexico.
It took extra time for the US to defeat Jamaica after giving up a first minute goal and finding the equalizer due to an own-goal in the stoppage time. The performance left much to be desired, even though they managed to find two goals from Haji Wright in extra time. By contrast, Mexico cruised into the final with a dominant 3-0 win over Panama in the other semi-final.
Head-to-head USA vs. Mexico has seen the US with the advantage. The last major game between the two was in June of last year where The Mexican team fell 3-0 in the Nations League semi-final. Unlike last year, the momentum is undoubtedly in Mexico’s corner. Not only will the Texas setting make it feel like a home game, the recent form will also favor Mexico as well.
The biggest question for the Americans is who will start in the striker position. While Florian Balogun has been given the reigns by head coach Gregg Berhalter, it isn’t too far fetched to see Haji Wright getting the start after two goals in the last game. Gio Reyna also has an argument to start, after his inclusion helped spark the listless US offense throughout most of the contest against Jamaica.
Lastly, the question of whether Christian Pulisic will emerge in the final remains to be seen. The Serie A winger found himself nearly invisible in the semi-final, finding it difficult to make a statement in the game. A loss to Mexico, could set off discussions as to whether Pulisic is what he has been billed to be for the US Men’s national team.
PROJECTED STARTING XI:
USMNT: Turner; Scally, M. Robinson, Richards, A Robinson, Tillman, Musah, McKinnie, Weah, Balogun, Pulisic