USMNT vs. Mexico: Top Storylines and Predictions for 2023 Friendly
Apr 19, 2023
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 27: Sergiño Dest #2 of the United States controls the ball during the match between El Salvador and the United States as part of the CONCACAF Nations League at Exploria Stadium on March 27, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
In soccer, exhibitions matches are called friendlies. But there's never anything friendly about a meeting between the United States and Mexico.
So don't expect Wednesday's matchup to be any different.
The two countries meet at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona in the Allstate Continental Clásico on Wednesday (10 p.m. ET on TBS, HBO Max, Peacock, Telemundo, Universo).
Below, we'll break down the top storylines and offer a prediction for the non-friendly, rivalry matchup.
Can the USMNT Keep the Streak Alive Against El Tri?
The Americans haven't lost in four straight matches against Mexico and have won three straight games against El Tri on U.S. soil.
And you can bet that—even in a friendly without a number of star players from either country participating—both sides will come out with something to prove.
Certainly the United States will want to extend its recent dominance against its neighbors to the south. Expect this one to be chippy.
Some Younger Players Should Get a Look
Because European clubs don't have to release players for friendlies during the season, the majority of both rosters is derived from North American clubs.
In total, 19 of the USMNT's 22 players are from Major League Soccer, while 21 of 23 of the Mexico roster play in Liga MX.
So this will be a chance for U.S. fans to potentially get eyes on young, up-and-coming prospects such as defenders Caleb Wiley and Joshua Wynder, forward Cade Cowell and midfielder Aidan Morris, among others.
And yes, players like Sergiño Dest, DeAndre Yedlin, Kellyn Acosta, Jordan Morris, Walker Zimmerman, Aaron Long and Matt Miazga should see the pitch. But a chance to see the future of the USMNT is enticing.
Another Look at Interim Manager Anthony Hudson
It's unclear if Anthony Hudson has any chance of taking over the manager duties for the USMNT on a full-time basis, but he'll have another chance to make his case on Wednesday.
More than likely, the U.S. would probably prefer to bring in a bigger name and more experienced option as the young and impressive core of the team hits its prime.
If Hudson can get this squad moving in a positive direction as that hiring process remains alive, though, he could make himself a more appealing candidate.
A CONCACAF Nations League Preview
Well, sort of.
When these two nations face off on June 15 in Las Vegas in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals, they'll have far more star power on display. Both rosters will probably look dramatically different.
So, this is a warm-up act for that game in the way that Insane Clown Posse would be a warm-up act for Paul McCartney—technically speaking, music would be played, but the main event is going to be something far different...and far better.
Prediction: USMNT wins, 2-0
Hey, anytime you can sneak in a "Dos a Cero" prediction against Mexico, you have to do it. Look for the United States, on home soil, to keep its hot streak alive against El Tri.
Ricardo Pepi Excites Fans as USMNT Tops El Salvador, Advances in Nations League
Mar 28, 2023
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 27: Ricardo Pepi #9 of the United States celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the match between El Salvador and the United States as part of the CONCACAF Nations League at Exploria Stadium on March 27, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
The United States Men's National Team is headed to the semifinals of the CONCACAF Nations League.
The Americans needed a tie or win against El Salvador in Monday's match at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida, to win Group D, and they secured the result with a 1-0 victory. The result also clinched their spot in the 2024 Copa America as well.
Ricardo Pepi put home the lone goal for the winning side, which was all goalkeeper Matt Turner and the defense needed.
The run is what makes the goal from Pepi….McKennie plays a beautiful ball but Pepi’s run sets up the space, pulls defender into a spot and the finish is one with confidence. Good on you @Ricardo_Pepi9….you should have been in Qatar but that isn’t stopping you!!!! #USMNT
Huge respect for Pepi. Scored big goals for this US team and has done so as both a teen phenom and a 20 year old who has picked himself off floor after disappointment that would have finished off lesser players. Tenacity personified 🇺🇸🚂 https://t.co/rWNkJBEWrh
Monday's match didn't figure to be a problem for the USMNT. After all, it had no shortage of momentum on its side after a 7-1 win over Grenada on Friday that included Pepi and Weston McKennie each notching a brace.
What's more, it has been historically dominant against El Salvador with a 19-1-7 record and 21-match unbeaten streak entering play.
Yet that wasn't the case in a scoreless first half, as El Salvador tested Turner in the early going and turned away each of the Americans' chances even though the home team generated plenty.
It felt like a matter of time before the Red, White and Blue finally broke through, though, especially after Gio Reyna hit the post with an attempt in the opening minutes of the second half.
That goal finally came when Pepi chipped it in just minutes after coming on as a sub. McKennie found Pepi's run with a beautifully placed ball on a long pass, and the 20-year-old did the rest with the golden opportunity.
The United States continued to control play and ended up with 17 shots to El Salvador's four. The game never felt in doubt despite the close final score, and it will look to continue its impressive play in the next stage.
USMNT vs. El Salvador: Top Storylines and Predictions for 2023 Nations League
Mar 26, 2023
SAINT GEORGES, GRENADA - MARCH 24: Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States moves towards the box during a Concacaf Nations League game between Grenada and USMNT at Kirani James Athletic Stadium on March 24, 2023 in Saint Georges, Grenada. (Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
The United States men's national team needs a win or draw on Monday against El Salvador in their final match of group play to qualify for the Concacaf Nations League semifinals.
Christian Pulisic and Co. should expect to avoid defeat, if only because of historical results against their upcoming opponents. The Americans have one loss in 27 all-time meetings with the Central American side.
However, after a 1-1 draw the last time they faced off, the USMNT may be concerned that El Salvador can steal an important victory and qualify for the Nations League semifinals at their expense.
Pulisic ran the show in Friday's 7-1 win over Grenada that put the USMNT in first place in Group D of Nations League A, scoring once and providing two assists. He'll be looked upon again to get the USMNT through its final test of pool play.
Weston McKennie and a few others who started on Friday should line up again on Monday at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, but interim manager Anthony Hudson might be tempted into changes to restore senior players to the back line after resting them against Grenada.
USMNT vs. El Salvador Info
Date: Monday, March 27
Start Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: TNT
Live Stream: TNTdrama.com
Top Storylines
USMNT Qualify for Concacaf Nations League Semifinal With Win Or Draw
The goal of the March international window was for the USMNT to qualify for the Nations League semifinals, and the Americans are in a fantastic position to do just that and even go on to defend their crown in the second edition of the tournament.
El Salvador has lost its last three matches since holding the Americans to a 1-1 draw in San Salvador on June 14, 2022. It only scored once in three friendly defeats to Peru, Nicaragua and Honduras.
The USMNT may not blast seven goals past the El Salvador defense, as it did against Grenada, but it should cruise to a victory despite its struggles against La Selecta last time out.
A win would put the Americans alongside the other powers of Concacaf in the Nations League semifinals. Mexico, Panama and Canada are currently in first place in the other three groups in League A.
Mexico holds a two-point lead on Jamaica in Group A, Panama is ahead by one point over Costa Rica in Group B and Canada is up on Honduras on goal differential. All of the first- and second-place sides in those groups play each other to finish out group play.
Participating in the most competitive matches is imperative for the Americans in the 2026 FIFA World Cup cycle. They are already qualified as one of the three hosts, so they must test themselves against the top teams in Concacaf at any opportunity and against the best teams in the world outside of Concacaf-sanctioned events.
The USMNT can set up a potentially huge summer if it takes care of business at home on Monday. It would have the Nations League semifinals and possibly the final on tap in June (if not the third-place playoff) before playing in the Gold Cup from June 24-July 16. The Americans beat Mexico in the finals of both competitions in 2021.
Earning continental supremacy again is an important first step for the USMNT as it builds up to the World Cup over the next few years.
What Lineup Changes Will Be Made?
Hudson opted for a mix of first-team regulars in midfield and attack and an inexperienced back line against Grenada.
That combination of players worked because the Americans overpowered Grenada from the start and were up by three goals in the first 31 minutes.
There should be more squad rotation at the back for Monday's match compared to the other two positional groups.
The Fulham pair of Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson, AC Milan's Sergino Dest and Atlanta United's Miles Robinson could make up the starting back line on Monday, with a more experienced defense useful to ensure nothing unexpected happens against an El Salvador side that needs a win to advance to the Nations League semifinals.
Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty, Joe Scally or Bryan Reynolds could enter off the bench as defensive reinforcements after starting on Friday.
The more complicated decisions come in midfield and attack. Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, Brenden Aaronson, Yunus Musah and Ricardo Pepi occupied the midfield and forward positions against Grenada.
The same six players could start again on Monday, but an argument can be made that Daryl Dike should start over Pepi at striker. That would give the USMNT coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate both forwards in the March international window. Dike may play with some extra motivation because the game is inside his former club stadium in Orlando.
Alejandro Zendejas, who scored in his competitive USMNT debut on Friday, and Luca de la Torre would be the other two options to start to keep the top midfielders fresh.
However, Hudson could try have the game wrapped by around the 60th minute to then give Pulisic and others rest while others close out the result.
Regardless of which players land in the starting XI, the USMNT will be expected to have little trouble finishing off its Nations League group.
Prediction: USMNT 3, El Salvador 0.
The American attack will not be as dominant as it was against Grenada because El Salvador is a tougher opponent.
Pulisic and Co. should create a decent amount of chances against the El Salvador back line at home, and it helps the Americans that the Central American side has not earned a clean sheet in its last 11 matches.
If the first-choice defenders start, the Americans will have an even larger advantage, and that should lead to a clean sheet on home soil.
Christian Pulisic Hailed as USMNT's 'Best Player' on Twitter in 7-1 Rout of Grenada
Mar 25, 2023
AL RAYYAN, QATAR - DECEMBER 3: Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States during a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Netherlands and USMNT at Khalifa International Stadium on December 3, 2022 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. (Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
The United States men's national team cruised to a 7-1 victory over Grenada in its third match of the CONCACAF Nations League on Friday at Kirani James National Stadium in St. George's, Grenada.
The USMNT is now in firm control of Group D in League A of the CONCACAF Nations League with two wins and one draw.
The Americans dominated nearly every aspect of Friday's game, leading in shots on target (12-3), possession (60 percent to 31 percent) and pass accuracy (88 percent to 72 percent).
Nearly every player got in on the action during Friday night's game as Christian Pulisic, Brenden Aaronson and Alejandro Zendejas all scored goals. For Zendejas, it was his first USMNT goal.
Alejandro Zendejas' first USMNT goal makes it 7-1 😱
But while Pepi and McKennie combined for four goals, it was Pulisic who caught the attention of fans on Twitter after a dominant, well-rounded performance:
Easy first half. Pulisic best player on the field, dangerous every time he touched the ball. #USMNT 🇺🇸⚽️
Pulisic has long been touted as the best player on the U.S. roster, so his performance on Friday night shouldn't come as a surprise. The Chelsea star will look to keep the momentum going moving forward, especially with a much more difficult matchup on tap next week.
The United States will be back in action on Monday against El Salvador. The two teams previously met in CONCACAF Nations League action in June, and that match ended in a draw after Jordan Morris tied it 1-1 in second-half stoppage time.
USMNT vs. Grenada: Top Storylines and Predictions for 2023 Nations League
Mar 23, 2023
DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 3: Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States dribbles with the ball during a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Netherlands and USMNT at Khalifa International Stadium on December 3, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by John Todd/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
The United States men's national team plays its first competitive game since the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Friday in the CONCACAF Nations League against Grenada.
Friday's away game marks the start of a new World Cup cycle for the team's top European-based stars, but it is also a continuation of a competition that started before the World Cup.
The USMNT sits second behind El Salvador in Nations League Group D with two matches remaining. They do have a game in hand against their group rivals.
The Americans can top the three-team group with victories over Grenada on Friday and at home against El Salvador on Monday.
Friday's result should be straightforward if past matches are anything to look at. They defeated Grenada by five goals in their last meeting on June 10 and they have plenty of attacking firepower on the roster to produce a similar result inside the Kirani James Athletic Stadium.
Christian Pulisic headlines the USMNT roster, but there are also plenty of intriguing players within the squad who could deliver breakout performances on Friday.
The USMNT is still looking for a first-choice forward. Daryl Dike and Ricardo Pepi are the leading candidates to handle that role in the March international window.
There are also a few new faces to the first-team squad, led by Alejandro Zendejas, who announced his commitment to the USMNT over Mexico ahead of the March roster announcement.
USMNT at Grenada Info
Date: Friday, March 24
Start Time: 8 p.m. ET
TV: TNT
Live Stream: TNTdrama.com
Top Storylines
Will The USMNT Get Some Answers in offense?
Dike and Pepi entered the USMNT camp in decent goal-scoring form from the club level.
Dike has seven goals in 19 matches for West Bromwich Albion in the English Championship. Pepi scored nine times in 21 matches for Groningen in the Dutch Eredivisie.
Dike scored in his last game before the international break, and he has four goals in his last five games. Pepi has two tallies in the same span.
Pepi broke out on the international stage with three goals in CONCACAF World Cup qualification in the fall of 2021.
Since then, the 20-year-old struggled to make an impact for the national team, registering only an assist in 10 appearances since and ultimately failed to make the final roster as the team headed out to Qatar.
Dike also scored his three USMNT goals in 2021. He netted once in a friendly against Costa Rica and then two times against Martinique in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Both strikers have an opportunity to move ahead of others on the depth chart with a solid performance against Grenada, or versus El Salvador on Monday.
The USMNT lacked a true target man up top at the World Cup, and that is one of the things it must fix to be competitive in the years building up to the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
Dike and Pepi need to finish their chances against Grenada in order for the USMNT to have a stress-free road trip to the Caribbean.
They have plenty of attacking talent behind them in Pulisic, Gio Reyna and Brenden Aaronson to create the scoring opportunities, but they must finish at least one of them to put the USMNT in front and avoid a loss that the team can't afford.
A win over Grenada would push the USMNT into first place in Nations League Group D and allow it to advance to the semifinals with a draw against El Salvador. A loss means the Americans would be in a must-win spot on Monday in Orlando.
How Will New Players Look If They Receive Chances?
Ten players on the current USMNT roster have fewer than 10 international appearances.
Zendejas is the most notable name on that list because he finalized his international commitment before the roster was announced.
The Club América player was part of the January camp, but he had time to make his decision because those were friendly matches.
The 25-year-old will be hoping to bring a goal-scoring threat upfront, hoping to get on the end of potential chances created by the likes of Yunus Musah of Valencia.
A majority of the regular first-team lineup, who helped the US reach the round of 16 in Qatar is available for selection, meaning the likes of Zendejas may only see playing time from the substitution bench.
Center-back Auston Trusty, who is having a strong season in the Championship with Birmingham City helping the struggling blues to 11 clean sheets, and FC Utrecht forward Taylor Booth could earn their USMNT debuts at some point in the two-game window.
Trusty could add his name to the USMNT center back conversation if he gets on the field and plays well, adding competition to the aging Tim Ream.
Booth, like Zendejas, could bring something different to the USMNT's approach in the final third. He is listed as a forward by U.S. Soccer, but he has played on the right wing in his last 6 appearances in the Dutch Eredivisie.
Booth only has two goals and three assists this season, but he has at least one shot on target in six of his last seven games, per FBRef, and he could be a good option to bring on for extra energy in the final third in the second half.
Djordje Mihailovic could feature in a similar role in attacking midfield off the bench. The AZ Alkmaar player would be best suited in the center of the park, and could be a replacement for Pulisic or Aaronson to allow them to rest if the game is finished off early.
Prediction
United States 3, Grenada 0
The USMNT should come away from Grenada with a win and first place in Nations League Group D.
The American defense shutout Grenada back in June, and conceded just one goal in its two Nations League matches.
The defense gave up a single goal in the World Cup group stage, that being a penalty to Wales, and with Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson and Sergino Dest in the squad, it should hold the Caribbean side to zero.
Pulisic will be trusted to be the primary creator in attack, and if Dike or Pepi finds the back of the net, it could be a massive confidence boost for the USMNT strikers ahead of Monday's match with El Salvador.
It may not be the 5-0 scoreline we saw last summer, but the Americans strength in depth should be too much again for Grenada.
Ali Krieger to Retire After 2023 NWSL Season; Won 2 World Cups with USWNT
Mar 23, 2023
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 07: Ali Krieger #11 of NJ/NY Gotham FC walks down to the stadium for the game ;S at Torero Stadium on May 07, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Two-time FIFA Women's World Cup winner Ali Krieger is retiring from professional soccer at the end of the upcoming National Women's Soccer League season.
Krieger made the announcement Thursday during an appearance on CBS Mornings.
JUST ANNOUNCED: @USWNT star @alikrieger is retiring from soccer at the end of the upcoming @NWSL season.
Krieger says she’s looking forward to spending more time with her kids — and securing some final wins for @GothamFC: “I want to leave the game better than when I found it.” pic.twitter.com/qpgdAheSzg
Krieger also explained in a separate statement she wants to use this farewell tour as opportunity to win an NWSL championship for the first time in her career.
"I see the 2023 season as an opportunity to celebrate with our fans and my fellow players, but make no mistake—my entire focus is on winning the NWSL championship with Gotham FC," she said. "To achieve this before our incredible Gotham FC fans will motivate me every day this season."
Krieger is entering her second season with Gotham FC after being traded by the Orlando Pride in December 2021. She appeared in 18 games for the club in 2022.
An original member of the NWSL since it was founded in 2012, Krieger spent four seasons each with the Washington Spirit and Orlando Pride. She has 159 career appearances between the three clubs.
Krieger was a member of Team USA's U-23 squad for two years from 2006 to '07 before moving up to the senior team in 2008. She made her first appearance with the group in the Four Nations Tournament against Canada on Jan. 16, 2008.
Over the course of her tenure with the national team, Krieger has played in the FIFA World Cup three times and Summer Olympics in 2016. She won two World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019.
The U.S. team reached the knockout stage at the 2016 Olympics before losing in the quarterfinals to Sweden.
A key part of the United States defense, Krieger finished her senior career with nine assists and one goal in 108 appearances.
Krieger and Gotham FC will begin the 2023 NWSL season on Sunday against Angel City at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.
No sporting director, no general manager, no (full-time) head coach, but that's okay, we've got players. For the first time since the 2022 World Cup, the US…
Gregg Berhalter Remains Candidate for USMNT Job After US Soccer Investigation
Mar 13, 2023
DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 03: USA Head Coach Gregg Berhalter applauds the USA fans after defeat in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Netherlands and USA at Khalifa International Stadium on December 03, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
The United States Soccer Federation says Gregg Berhalter is still a candidate to be the head coach of the men's national team following a three-month investigation into what it called "a serious allegation of past misconduct."
In a statement released Monday, U.S. Soccer said an independent investigation by Alston & Bird concluded that "there is no legal impediment to employing" Berhalter.
Berhalter coached the USMNT in the 2022 World Cup, where the Americans lost to the Netherlands in the round of 16, and his contract ended Dec. 31.
Kevin Baxter of the Los Angeles Times provided a timeline of the allegations and investigation. Claudio and Danielle Reyna, who are former national team players and the parents of USMNT player Gio Reyna, told former sporting director Earnie Stewart—who has since resigned—that Berhalter pushed and kicked his then-girlfriend, Rosalind Santana, outside a nightclub in 1992.
There was no police report filed, and Berhalter and Santana married in 1999.
The Reynas made the allegations after Berhalter said at a conference in December that a USMNT player was almost sent home from the World Cup in Qatar because of disruptive behavior. That player was determined to be Gio Reyna, who played just 52 minutes in the event.
Berhalter then acknowledged and accepted responsibility for kicking Rosalind after the Reynas' allegations.
"The Investigation revealed the absence of any evidence or indication that Mr. Berhalter engaged in similar violent acts at any other point in time," the report said. "Based on the information obtained, we conclude that the 1992 Incident was an isolated event, and we find no evidence to suggest that Mr. Berhalter has engaged in similar misconduct at any other time."
Baxter noted the report also highlighted Claudio Reyna's consistent complaints about his son's playing time, travel arrangements and treatment on the team, which an unnamed U.S. Soccer official characterized to the investigators as "inappropriate," "bullying" and "mean-spirited."
As for the USMNT, Anthony Hudson has been coaching on an interim basis. Interviews are also ongoing to find a replacement for Stewart after his resignation.
When Christian Pulisic walked through the doors at Stamford Bridge to be unveiled as Chelsea's newest star, it was hard not to dream. Hell, not to dream…
USWNT Coach Vlatko Andonovski Paid 73% Less Than Gregg Berhalter in 2022, per Filing
Feb 27, 2023
NASHVILLE, TN - FEBRUARY 19: USA head coach Vlatko Andonovski observing his USWNT warming up before the SheBelieves Cup game between Japan and USWNT at GEODIS Park on February 19, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
U.S. women's national team coach Vlatko Andonovski has enjoyed success on the pitch since his hiring in 2019, but his pay grade is not reflective of that.
According to ESPN, a tax filing for the U.S. Soccer Federation released Monday showed that Andonovski was paid $446,495, including $50,000 in bonuses from the third-place showing at the Tokyo Olympics, in the year that ended March 31, 2022. His salary is 73 percent less than Gregg Berhalter, who coached the U.S. men's national team until the end of the 2022 World Cup.
Berhalter's salary of $1.6 million, including $300,000 in bonuses, was the highest of any employee of the U.S. Soccer Federation.
Pay inequality has long been an issue in U.S. soccer. Last year, representatives from the women's team reached a $24 million settlement with the U.S. Soccer Federation following a lawsuit over wage discrimination.
The U.S. women's team is coming off its fourth straight SheBelieves Cup victory this month and its ninth CONCACAF W Championship title this summer. The team, which won the last two World Cups, has already qualified for the 2023 World Cup, as well as the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris and the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup.
The U.S. men's team has not enjoyed as much success as the women's team. They won the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup title but were eliminated in the round of 16 in the World Cup last year.
Berhalter's contract expired on Dec. 31, and his status is unclear as he is under investigation for a 1991 domestic violence allegation. Assistant coach Anthony Hudson was appointed interim coach last month.
