Who Should Start for the USMNT vs. Panama?

10/11/2024 11:00 AM

The U.S. men’s national team will seek a winning start to the Mauricio Pochettino-era on Saturday when Panama opposes them in the first of two October friendlies this month.

Q2 Stadium will play host to Saturday’s CONCACAF showdown, which will be the second USMNT-Panama meeting of 2024. Panama defeated the USMNT 2-1 in Copa America group stage play last summer, but the Americans will certainly have revenge on their minds with Pochettino beginning his spell as head coach.

Tyler Adams, Chris Richards, Folarin Balogun, and Tim Weah are among the absentees for the USMNT due to respective injuries.

However, several familiar faces are back in international action including Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, and Antonee Robinson.

With the USMNT hoping to kick off the Pochettino-era with a bang, here is the starting lineup we would deploy the against Panama on Saturday:

GOALKEEPER

Who should start: Zack Steffen

Pochettino has already expressed his concern in Matt Turner and Ethan Horvath’s roles at club level, opening the door for veteran Zack Steffen to get his first opportunity in quite a while.

Steffen has played regularly this year for the Colorado Rapids following his return from Manchester City. The former Columbus Crew standout will be seeking his first cap since 2023.

Turner and Horvath could fight for opportunities this window but expect Pochettino to potentially go with the hot hand.

Patrick Schulte is also an option after remaining the Crew’s No. 1 goalkeeper in MLS this season.

DEFENDERS

Who should start: Joe Scally, Miles Robinson, Mark McKenzie, Antonee Robinson

The absences of Chris Richards and Cameron Carter-Vickers will lead to a new pairing at centerback for the USMNT.

Miles Robinson has remained a consistent performer for FC Cincinnati and brings strong aerial abilities to the field. Robinson has previously been on the outside, but due to Richards and Carter-Vickers’ absences, will aim to make the most of this camp.

Mark McKenzie also gets the nod in our XI after growing into a regular for Ligue 1 side Toulouse. McKenzie has quickly made the adjustment to a top-five European league and deserves more of a look under the new head coach.

Veteran Tim Ream and Celtic’s Auston Trusty should also see minutes this window after remaining in the defensive pecking order.

Sergino Dest remains sidelined in Eindhoven meaning Joe Scally is the USMNT’s No. 1 right back. Scally split time in September with Marlon Fossey and I expect that to be the case again this month.

Fossey excelled in his USMNT debut vs. New Zealand and has continued to rack up consistent minutes with Standard Liege.

Antonee Robinson is back in the USMNT fold after receiving the September window off. Robinson has been one of Fulham’s better players during the early stages of the English Premier League season and remains one of the best left backs overall.

Kristoffer Lund will also seek minutes as he tries to claim down the No. 2 job behind Robinson.

MIDFIELDERS

Who should start: Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, Brenden Aaronson

Pochettino could go a bunch of different ways in midfield but expect familiarity this window.

Weston McKennie has fought his way back into Thiago Motta’s plans at Juventus, which is a testament to his work ethic. McKennie originally looked destined to leave Serie A before the season began, but instead has jumped right back into the plans both domestically and internationally.

His role remains just as important with the USMNT.

Yunus Musah hasn’t hit the ground running under Paulo Fonseca at AC Milan but is important to the USMNT. His aggressive style of play paired with his tireless engine makes him a key cog of the midfield corps.

Brenden Aaronson has helped Leeds United to a fine start in the EFL Championship and will look to carry that form over to the USMNT. Aaronson’s pressing ability paired with his overall offensive awareness could be what Pochettino leans on in his tactics.

Malik Tillman, Aidan Morris, Tanner Tessmann, and Gianluca Busio will also see time this month, after delivering positive starts to the European club season.

FORWARDS

Who should start: Haji Wright, Josh Sargent, Christian Pulisic

Folarin Balogun’s absence from the USMNT roster opens the door to Josh Sargent, Ricardo Pepi, and Brandon Vazquez in the No. 9 race.

Balogun’s dislocated shoulder forced him out of USMNT action despite the forward scoring in each of his last three club matches. Sargent, Pepi, and Vazquez have all found the back of the net in their respective club seasons, but I expected Sargent to get the nod this time around.

Haji Wright is also an option at the No. 9 position but Tim Weah’s absence likely shifts Wright to the right-wing role, something he has continued to do at Coventry City. The strong mix of pace and physicality makes Wright sometimes un-guardable as an opposing defender.

Alex Zendejas is also an option at right wing, but I expect Wright to get the bulk of the opportunities there.

In-form Christian Pulisic remains the USMNT’s most important player. After winning AC Milan’s Player of the Month award for September, the 26-year-old has continued to produce in the final third this fall.

Pochettino will rely heavily on Pulisic’s playmaking and goalscoring abilities going forward.

What do you think of our projected lineups? Which would you start? Who are you most excited to see play? Are there any doubts you have?

Share your thoughts below.