U.S. men's team caps successful post-World Cup camp with four wins and a surge of young talent
In an 11-day international window, the United States men’s soccer team recorded four victories, gave debuts to 13 newcomers and highlighted the progress of several teenage players, while coach Mauricio Pochettino emphasized long-term development.
Mauricio Pochettino used the first senior camp after the World Cup to integrate a large group of prospects rather than focus solely on results, according to the coach. The United States played four friendlies in three time zones, winning each match and outscoring opponents 12-3 while keeping a clean sheet for the final 221 minutes.
All 28 squad members saw playing time, with 13 making their first senior appearance, including eight teenagers. Forward Julian Hall, 18, scored three goals, while 19-year-old Ellis netted twice, including the winner against Canada before undergoing an MRI for a leg injury. Seventeen-year-old Mathis Albert briefly held the record as the youngest U.S. scorer before it was broken four days later by fellow 17-year-old Cavan Sullivan.
Captain Tyler Adams said the young players performed without pressure and set a standard for the group. Pochettino praised the collective effort, noting that the way the team competed and built its journey was as important as the results.
The coach highlighted the challenge of supporting the newcomers after their debuts, stressing the need to guide them as they assume greater responsibility. With the Nations League quarterfinals against Haiti approaching, Pochettino will decide which of the young players remain in the senior pool, while also coordinating with under-23 coach Steve Cherundolo for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Midfielder Gio Reyna, the only player to start all four matches, was described as more mature and a leader within the squad. Goalkeeper rotation gave each of the four keepers a start, with newcomers Diego Kochen and Brian Schwake posting shutouts in the final two games. Veteran Matt Turner was not invited to the camp.
The United States also defeated Mexico 3-0 in Phoenix, marking a regional shift after losing the previous two meetings. The next objective, according to the staff, is to challenge Mexico for the Gold Cup and Nations League titles.