Luna, Scally headline USMNT's winners and losers of March window

03/25/2025 11:00 AM

The U.S. men’s national team struggled to take steps forward during the March CONCACAF Nations League window.

Mauricio Pochettino’s squad suffered back-to-back losses to Panama and Canada respectively, finishing fourth in the 2024-25 edition of the tournament. The USMNT struggled for consistency in their two matches, which isn’t a promising sign with the FIFA World Cup just over one year away.

Player-wise, only a few impressed during the March window while many disappointed over the 180 combined minutes.

Here is a look at the USMNT players who boosted or lowered their stock the most in the March international window:

Winners

Diego Luna

Diego Luna walked away from USMNT camp in better shape than when he arrived.

The Real Salt Lake attacker registered one assist in 90 minutes of action, setting up the USMNT’s only goal against Canada on Sunday. Luna was lively in possession, creating two chances and also showing great patience in the 18-yard box.

The 21-year-old also won six duels and completed a match-high four tackles, doing everything he could to keep the USMNT in the match.

Luna now heads back to RSL with added confidence for the continuation of the MLS campaign.

Patrick Agyemang

Three goals in four USMNT caps is a pretty good starting return for Patrick Agyemang.

The Charlotte FC striker scored against Canada, showing great strength and awareness in the 18-yard box. Agyemang was a consistent thorn in the Canadian backline’s side, winning five duels and drawing two fouls.

Although he didn’t find the back of the net against Panama, Agyemang delivered a lively cameo off of the bench.

The 24-year-old certainly walked away with a stock boost heading into the summer.

Tanner Tessmann

Tanner Tessmann featured in both of the USMNT’s matches and overall did a solid job throughout the camp.

The 23-year-old midfielder completed 81% of his passes, won both of his duels, and made two interceptions against Panama over 68 minutes of action. He logged 21 minutes off of the bench against Canada, completing a perfect 8-for-8 passing and providing defensive coverage during the final stages of the match.

Tessmann’s role at French club Lyon has continued to grow this spring and that could certainly continue after a positive international window.

Losers

Joe Scally

Joe Scally entered the March camp as the leading fullback on the current roster, but walked away with little overall improvement.

Scally started in both matches of the Nations League Final Four, featuring at both left and right back at times. The 22-year-old struggled with his passing in both matches, while also being lackadaisical in possession at times.

Antonee Robinson and Sergino Dest are ultimately the USMNT’s best fullbacks going forward, but Scally isn’t guaranteed the No. 3 spot just yet.

Christian Pulisic

Christian Pulisic remains a key part of the USMNT roster going forward, but March’s pair of performances were two of his more disappointing.

Pulisic struggled to get into both matches, creating just three offensive chances and showing frustration at multiple periods throughout. The 26-year-old was pretty invisible against Panama, having just 21 touches before being replaced in the 69th minute.

Luckily for Pulisic, his long-term role isn’t at jeopardy, but Pochettino will hope he can get back to being productive this summer at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. If not, then the USMNT will need to start looking at other options to be their leader.

Weston McKennie

Weston McKennie is normally up for the challenge that CONCACAF brings. The March camp was one of his few blunders in a USMNT shirt.

McKennie offered little in both matches, logging a combined 159 minutes of action. The 26-year-old normally is getting into challenges and setting a tone for the rest of his team. Instead, McKennie was pushed around by both Panama and Canada, losing 20 of his combined 23 duels.

McKennie’s versatility at club level is a positive thing, but it still seems undetermined what position exactly Pochettino wants to play him at in his squad.

Which players impressed you the most in September’s camp? Who disappointed?

Share your thoughts below.