Who Should Start for USMNT vs. Mexico?

23/03/2024 18:02

For the second time in three editions of the CONCACAF Nations League, the U.S. men’s national team will face Mexico for all the marbles.

Gregg Berhalter’s squad faces off with El Tri in Sunday’s final, aiming for a much better performance compared to Thursday’s semifinal win over Jamaica. A second-half own goal from Reggae Boyz forward Cory Burke paired with a brace from substitute forward Haji Wright led the Americans to a 3-1 win.

However, for most of the match the USMNT looked disorganized, sluggish, and frustrated against Jamaica’s low block of defense. Several lineup changes may occur if the USMNT wants to get after the Mexican backline on a more consistent basis.

Here is the starting lineup we could see the USMNT deploy against Mexico on Sunday, as well as the lineup we would deploy if we were making the final lineup decisions:

GOALKEEPER

Who will start: Matt Turner

Who should start: Matt Turner

Matt Turner didn’t have much to do against Jamaica on Thursday and I don’t see Berhalter making any changes involving his No. 1 goalkeeper.

DEFENDERS

Who will start: Sergino Dest, Chris Richards, Miles Robinson, Antonee Robinson

Who should start: Sergino Dest, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson

Sergino Dest wasn’t available for the semifinal showdown vs. Jamaica but is back available for Sunday’s final.

Dest’s services will certainly be needed at right back, after a lackluster showing from Joe Scally on Thursday. The Barcelona loanee has enjoyed a stellar loan spell with PSV and will aim to carry his strong two-way abilities into Sunday’s final.

Miles Robinson and Chris Richards both had some testy moments at times against Jamaica but likely will remain together in the starting lineup. Tim Ream’s veteran presence could be a positive inclusion into the squad over either Robinson or Richards, but Berhalter likes consistency in his squad.

Antonee Robinson remains the No. 1 left back choice for Berhalter and might have a busy night against Mexico’s dynamic wingers. Robinson had a rough spell during the opening few minutes against Jamaica, but overall delivered a solid shift.

MIDFIELDERS

Who will start: Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, Tyler Adams

Who should start: Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, Gio Reyna

The McKennie-Musah-Adams trio could be on display from the opening whistle vs. Mexico.

Tyler Adams made his USMNT return off the bench against Jamaica, but did not finish the match due to fitness issues. Adams now could get the starting nod alongside McKennie and Musah, in order to dictate the style of play against El Tri.

However, due to Adams’ fitness, it might be better to have him available off the bench.

Gio Reyna’s impactful performance off the bench against Jamaica should warrant him a start in midfield. Reyna delivered a major spark in the final third vs. the Reggae Boyz, registering two assists on the winning and insurance goals from Haji Wright.

Malik Tillman was ineffective against Jamaica and might be dropped in order to make room for either Adams or Reyna in the XI.

FORWARDS

Who will start: Tim Weah, Haji Wright, Christian Pulisic

Who should start: Haji Wright, Folarin Balogun, Christian Pulisic

Berhalter will also have plenty of decisions to make involving his front three.

Christian Pulisic worked tirelessly against Jamaica and will remain a threat off the left wing. Pulisic’s ability to drop into midfield for possession could lead to offensive chances throughout the match for the USMNT.

Thursday marked a quiet performance from Folarin Balogun, but in order to deal with Mexico’s backline, I expect Balogun to remain on the field. A partnership with Haji Wright in the final third could provide problems for El Tri, especially if the duo interchanges.

Wright, who was the USMNT hero on Thursday, should get the nod in the starting lineup over Tim Weah. Weah’s vertical running might be crucial off the bench, but for now, Berhalter should ride the hot hand in the tournament final.

Once again, Reyna, Tillman, and Aaronson are options out wide too, but expect them to stay in midfield.

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.