On Friday morning, a little after 7:00 AM CST, the United States played and lost 2-0 in their next to last warm up for the 2022 World Cup. They’ll play one more time against Saudi Arabia next week. Other countries are playing days before the World Cup in Qatar in a friendly, so maybe they’ll add a game, but right now there is just one more warm up before it starts to count.
Matt Turner was a Bright Spot
Let’s start positive before it turns very negative. This game could have easily been four or five to nil. The United States generated zero shots on goal (whoops, I got negative) but Matt Turner was a shining beacon in net. He made several really good saves and seemed to prove not starting everyday at Arsenal isn’t hurting him. His feet still need work, but they are noticeably better and that’s why he’s playing in the Premier League.
Turnovers were Killer
I lost count of all the mistakes in the midfield and defense that led to chances coming the other way. The one that will stand out the most is a turnover by Weston McKennie because it led to the opening goal. However, there had been several poor turnovers before that which could have resulted in goals.
Missing Players
The USMNT, like most teams, were down players. They were without Cristian Pulisic, who was a late scratch due to a knock picked up in practice. They didn’t come to camp with Tim Weah, Antonee Robinson, Yunas Musah, Cameron Carter-Vickers or Chris Richards, all due to injury. They’ll be without Miles Robinson who would be an asset in defense since he’s out for the year. Of those listed players both Robinson’s are starters, Pulisic and probably Weah. Plus Richards may have been next man up at CB.