Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT Ripped by Fans After Shocking Nations League Loss to Panama
Panama remains a thorn in the side of the United States men's national team.
Cecilio Waterman's second-half stoppage time goal was the winner, giving Panama a 1-0 win over the USMNT in the semifinals of the Concacaf Nations League.
In recent years, Panama has now defeated the United States at the 2023 Gold Cup semifinals and the 2024 Copa América group stage. The Americans were seeking their fourth straight Nations League title, but instead sputtered out of the competition without mustering so much as a goal against Panama.
It was the sort of result that the United States was expected to move past after the hiring of Mauricio Pochettino, and the response to the loss was one of anger:
On paper, the United States was the better side, holding 66.6 percent of possession, outshooting Panama 12-3 (5-1 on target) and earning nine corners to just three for the visitors.
None of it mattered in the end.
Such a result became the hallmark of the Gregg Berhalter era, but the Poch hiring was seen as a potential turning point for the USMNT. Instead, heading into a World Cup year, enormous questions remain about these Americans.
What was once thought of as a golden generation, led by Christian Pulisic, has become a group with a whole lot to prove. Patience among supporters is wearing perilously thin.
Christian Pulisic Headlines USMNT's 2025 Concacaf Nations League Roster
The United States men's national team roster for the 2025 Concacaf Nations League was announced on Tuesday.
The USMNT squad, selected by head coach Mauricio Pochettino, is headlined by Christian Pulisic as the U.S. attempts to capture a fourth consecutive Nations League title.
USMNT Nations League Roster
GOALKEEPERS (3): Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew; 3/0), Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids; 30/0), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace/ENG; 49/0)
DEFENDERS (8): Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic/SCO; 18/0), Marlon Fossey (Standard Liege/BEL; 1/0), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/FRA; 17/0), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; 67/1), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG; 23/1), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG; 50/4), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 19/0), Auston Trusty (Celtic/SCO; 4/0)
MIDFIELDERS (6): Tyler Adams (Bournemouth/ENG; 42/2), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis/ESP; 18/0), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake; 3/0), Weston McKennie (Juventus/ITA; 58/11), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund/GER; 31/8), Tanner Tessmann (Olympique Lyon/FRA; 6/0)
FORWARDS (6): Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC; 2/2), Yunus Musah (AC Milan/ITA; 45/1), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan/ITA; 76/32), Josh Sargent (Norwich City/ENG; 27/5), Timothy Weah (Juventus/ITA; 42/7), Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps/CAN; 3/1)
The 2025 roster features 16 players that have suited up in at least one Concacaf Nations League tournament. Pulisic is also one of six players on the team who have participated in all three prior editions of the competition.
The USMNT isn't completely healthy entering the tournament, with striker Folarin Balogun still out as he recovers from shoulder surgery in December.
Ricardo Pepi, who scored against Mexico in the semifinal round of the 2023-24 Nations League, is also unable to participate after suffering a meniscus injury that required surgery on Jan. 29.
Still, the U.S. roster features plenty of experience. Gio Reyna is returning after earning Best Player honors following the 2023-24 CNL Finals and Matt Turner is also back after receiving the Best Goalkeeper award during the same tournament.
Pochettino called the upcoming Nations League a "massive opportunity" for the USMNT.
"This is a massive opportunity to win a trophy and that is our clear objective," Pochettino said, per ESPN's Jeff Carlisle. "We must continue to show our quality, our bravery and our commitment to each other. We have an important moment to represent our country and our supporters, and we are very excited for this opportunity."
The USMNT will begin its attempt to clinch a fourth straight title by facing Panama.
The match will take place on March 20 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, starting at 7 p.m. ET.
Manchester United Reveal Renderings for New $2B+ Stadium with 100K Seats in Hype Video
Manchester United announced Tuesday a plan to build a new 100,000-seat stadium with the goal of finishing construction in five years.
As part of a video posted on X, the Red Devils showed off some renderings of what they anticipate the venue will look like:
According to BBC's Simon Stone, United expect the project to cost about £2 billion, and plans call for the iconic Old Trafford to be demolished once the new stadium is complete.
Old Trafford has been home to the team since 1910, making it one of the oldest and most recognizable sporting venues in England.
However, significant renovations have not occurred at Old Trafford since 2006, and the stadium pales in comparison to some of the more modern EPL venues in terms of quality.
Per Stone, United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe explained the reasoning behind the desire for a new home:
"Today marks the start of an incredibly exciting journey to the delivery of what will be the world's greatest stadium. Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for the past 115 years, but it has fallen behind the arenas in world sport. I think we may well finish up with the most iconic football stadium in the world."
Manchester United have fallen on some hard financial times in recent years, as they are currently £1 billion in debt, but chief executive Omar Berrada is not concerned about financing the new stadium, calling it "a very attractive investment opportunity" and saying he is "quite confident we'll find a way to finance the stadium."
According to Stone, Manchester United believe the new stadium will be a boon to the area, projecting the creation of 92,000 new jobs and an increased annual revenue of £7.3 billion to the United Kingdom's economy.
United are among the most popular and successful clubs of all time, as their 20 championships are an all-time record at the highest level of English football.
However, they have not won an EPL title since 2013 or a UEFA Champions League title since 2008.
They are also a disappointing 14th in the EPL table currently, which would mark their worst finish since 1973-74 when they finished 21st and were relegated.
Perhaps the creation of the most spectacular stadium in the EPL and European football in general could go a long way toward putting the club back on the map and once again making it a destination for the world's top players.
There isn't yet a firm plan in place for when construction on the stadium will begin once it is approved, but United will continue to play at Old Trafford until the new venue is completed.
Barcelona's Game vs. Osasuna Postponed After Death of Team Doctor
FC Barcelona announced that its La Liga home match against Osasuna was postponed after first-team doctor Carles Miñarro Garcia died on Saturday.
"Barcelona are deeply saddened to announce the passing of first-team doctor Carles Miñarro García this evening," the club said in a statement shared to social media.
"For this reason, the match between FC Barcelona and CA Osasuna has been postponed to a later date.
"The FC Barcelona Board of Directors and all staff extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time."
Barcelona's next scheduled match is the second leg of its Round of 16 Champions League tie against Benfica. The match will take place at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Tuesday. Barcelona won the first leg, 1-0.