United States National Football

The United States men's national team renews its rivalry with Mexico on Thursday amid a tricky set of circumstances. 

Gregg Berhalter's team needs four points from the next three games of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying to secure a spot in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Thursday's contest at Estadio Azteca is by far the toughest of the three games in the next week. Berhalter may be inclined to start more of his reserves so that some starters are fresh for Sunday's home game against Panama.

Berhalter is in a tough spot with his lineup selection, even if he sends a first-choice XI to the field. Weston McKennie, Sergino Dest and Brenden Aaronson are all out of the squad because of injuries. 

The injuries to those key players will shift more pressure to the shoulders of Christian Pulisic, and they require more players to step up alongside the Chelsea star to ensure safe passage to Qatar in November. 

     

USMNT vs. Mexico Info

Date: Thursday, March 24

Start Time: 10 p.m. ET 

TV: CBS Sports Network, Univision

Live Stream: Paramount Plus

Odds (via DraftKings Sportsbook): Mexico (-110; bet $110 to win $100); USMNT (+300; bet $100 to win $300); Draw (+230) 

     

Preview

The USMNT comes into the final three-game window of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying in second place with 21 points, level with Mexico. 

Canada leads the eight-team group with 25 points. The three nations are currently in the automatic qualification spots for Qatar.

Panama is fourth with 17 points, while Costa Rica sits in fifth with 16 points. The fourth-place team heads to the intercontinental playoff against the top team in Oceania. 

The USMNT needs a win on Sunday at home against Panama more than a result against Mexico. Those three points would put the Americans in a safe position, and it might be enough for them to qualify depending on results elsewhere. 

The recovery turnaround from Thursday to Sunday will be rough for the Americans, especially with Mexico City sitting at altitude. 

The situation produced a debate as to whether Berhalter should field a first-team XI at Estadio Azteca. He may be forced into that decision with some inexperienced players in attack. 

Pulisic and Tyler Adams should be locks to at least start because of how vital they are to the USMNT in midfield. 

Walker Zimmerman should be partnered by either Miles Robinson or Aaron Long at center back. That is where the certainties end with the potential starting XI.

Right back Reggie Cannon returned an inconclusive COVID-19 test and missed training on Tuesday. Cannon was in line to start for the injured Sergino Dest. 

If Cannon can't go, Berhalter may have to call on DeAndre Yedlin. The Inter Miami right back brings experience to the field and that may be vital among a group of players that lack experience of playing a World Cup qualifying match inside Azteca. 

The good news in attack is that Giovanni Reyna is fit and in the squad. He and Pulisic could fill the playmaking role left open by Aaronson.

Berhalter has a handful of options up top, but they all come with some inexperience and question marks. 

Ricardo Pepi has struggled since his move to Augsburg in the Bundesliga. Jesus Ferreira only has seven caps, but he is coming off a hat-trick for FC Dallas. Jordan Pefok has 17 league goals for Young Boys in Switzerland, but he has just one goal in eight USMNT appearances. 

Berhalter could save all three of those players for the next two games and start Jordan Morris, who recently played at elevation in Mexico with the Seattle Sounders in the CONCACAF Champions League. 

Morris is used to the conditions in Mexico, and he owns the most caps and goals among the true forwards on the roster. 

A draw at Azteca would be a fantastic result for the USMNT. A win would be a stunning outcome, and it would put the squad on track to qualify for Qatar. 

Mexico needs three points to alleviate any concerns about dropping into the intercontinental playoff. 

El Tri finish the "Octagonal" with a road trip to Honduras and El Salvador at home. Those two games should produce enough points to finish in the top three if a result does not come on Thursday. 

Both squads could use an upset in Panama City to ease the pressure on their respective qualification processes. 

Panama hosts Honduras and Canada visits Costa Rica in the two other meaningful games across CONCACAF. Jamaica welcomes El Salvador in a clash of bottom-table squads. 

        

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The United States men's national team released its roster for the final three World Cup qualifying matches:

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐛.🇺🇸

Gregg Berhalter selects 27 players for the final three 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying matches » https://t.co/XUoH6QlfKW#USMNT x @BioSteelSports pic.twitter.com/yv8xUkZM1U

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) March 17, 2022

Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic will look to lead the team beginning with a road match against Mexico on March 24. The Americans will then host Panama on March 27 before closing qualifying with a trip to Costa Rica.

The squad currently sits second in the table with the top three teams qualifying for the 2022 World Cup. A fourth team qualifies for an international play-off. 

Injuries could be a significant story for the United States in the upcoming window, with star midfielder Weston McKennie unavailable due to a broken foot. Goalkeeper Matt Turner is also out due to an ankle injury. Right back Sergino Dest is on the roster, but he suffered a leg injury Thursday during Barcelona's Europa League match against Galatasaray.

On the other hand, Gio Reyna makes his return to the roster for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury in September. He has played just one of 11 matches during qualifying for the United States.

Jordan Pefok will also look to help the team after making just two appearances in World Cup qualifying. The striker has been in excellent form with Young Boys, scoring 17 goals in 25 Swiss Super League matches.

The goal production likely kept Pefok ahead of Josh Sargent, who has just two goals for Norwich in 25 Premier League appearances. Though Sargent plays in a significantly tougher league, manager Gregg Berhalter is seeking someone who can add some much-needed scoring to the roster.

Ricardo Pepi currently leads the team with three goals in qualifying.

Another notable exclusion is John Brooks, who has not played for the national team since September. The Wolfsburg defender was considered one of the top players on the roster heading into qualifying but has clearly fallen out of favor with the coaching staff.      

United States soccer is coming to Turner Sports.

Turner Sports and the U.S. Soccer Federation agreed to an eight-year rights agreement that will begin in 2023. The agreement will make TNT, TBS and HBO Max the exclusive English-language home for more than 20 annual women's and men's national team matches, including World Cup qualifiers, friendlies, send-off matches, the SheBelieves Cup and more.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Turner Sports at this amazing time for soccer in the United States," U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone said. "During our discussions it was clear how dedicated they are to growing soccer in the United States, especially their commitment to expand the women's game. As we build towards 2026 and beyond, we have found a fantastic partner to spotlight the stories of our Women's and Men's National Teams."

More than 20 games per year will be live-streamed on HBO Max, and TNT or TBS will feature coinciding television coverage for approximately half of them. What's more, Bleacher Report will provide digital highlights and coverage.

This announcement comes as the United States men's team is building toward the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The Americans are second in the CONCACAF table and four points behind first-place Canada through 11 games in the final qualifying stage. They have the same number of points as Mexico but are ahead on goal differential and remain a crucial four points ahead of fourth-place Panama.

There are only three remaining games in qualifying, and the top three seeds advance to the World Cup. The fourth-placed team will face a nation from Oceania in an intercontinental playoff in June.

While the men's team is fighting for position in the World Cup, the women's team is an international powerhouse. 

The Americans won back-to-back World Cups in 2015 and 2019 and notably just agreed to settle their equal pay lawsuit with U.S. Soccer. The agreement will feature equal pay for the men's and women's teams in the future, pending a new collective bargaining agreement.

The women will also receive $22 million in back pay and $2 million more toward their post-career charitable activities.

The United States Soccer Federation announced on Monday that it would not play Russia "no matter the level of competition or circumstance" until the ongoing military invasion of Ukraine is ceased. 

#WeStandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/spRVx7NZbr

— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) February 28, 2022

On Monday, FIFA announced that Russia would be banned from all international competitions and that Russian clubs would be banned from UEFA competitions. 

"Football is fully united here and in full solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine," the organizing bodies said in a joint statement. "Both presidents hope that the situation in Ukraine will improve significantly and rapidly so that football can again be a vector for unity and peace amongst people."

The football associations from Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic had all said publicly they would not play Russia in scheduled men's World Cup qualifying playoff matches in March. 

OŚWIADCZENIE FEDERACJI PIŁKARSKICH POLSKI, SZWECJI I CZECH. Więcej... https://t.co/fkNXQJIseH pic.twitter.com/Tc9o5POp02

— PZPN (@pzpn_pl) February 24, 2022

"The illegal and deeply unjust invasion of Ukraine currently makes all football exchanges with Russia impossible," Karl-Erik Nilsson, the chairman of the Swedish FA, said. "We therefore urge FIFA to decide that the playoff matches in March in which Russia participates will be canceled. But regardless of what FIFA chooses to do, we will not play against Russia in March."

"In light of the escalation of the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine, the Polish national team is not going to play a match against Russian Republic," Poland's FA chief Cezary Kulesza added. "This is the only right decision."

FIFA initially chose against banning Russia outright, instead saying the country had to play under the name the Football Union of Russia and couldn't host international games nor have its flag or anthem be a part of them. 

That was met with backlash, however. The football associations from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales also stated they would not play Russia in international football. 

Statement from The FA: pic.twitter.com/bz0CLR0rum

— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) February 27, 2022

The Scottish FA send a message of support, friendship and unity to the people of Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/hSckZTs0Xz

— Scottish FA (@ScottishFA) February 28, 2022

On Friday, the 2022 UEFA Champions League final, originally scheduled to be held in Russia's St. Petersburg, was moved to France. 

The weather outside was frightful. But for the USMNT, getting all three points against Honduras in World Cup qualifying was more than a little delightful. 

On an absolutely frigid Allianz Field pitch in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on Wednesday night, the Americans beat Honduras, 3-0 behind goals from Weston McKennie, Walker Zimmerman and Christian Pulisic. 

🧙‍♂️ YOU'RE A WIZARD, WESTON pic.twitter.com/fUCtnuGkME

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) February 3, 2022

Another set piece, another GOAL for the @USMNT 🔥@thewalkerzim sends it home for the 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/2hxLMjDHFn

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 3, 2022

CHRISTIAN. PULISIC. 🇺🇸

Just minutes after coming into the game, @cpulisic_10 scores the third goal of the night for the @USMNT pic.twitter.com/U0S28UV1Qh

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 3, 2022

Just how cold was it? Try three degrees Fahrenheit. 

USMNT takes on Honduras in frigid temperatures.

With a kickoff temperature of 3 degrees reported, its the coldest for a USMNT game in the last 20 years.

The last NFL game with a kickoff temperature as chilling was Titans at Chiefs on Dec. 18, 2016 (1 degree) pic.twitter.com/TPeDtjq712

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) February 3, 2022

This is how cold it is in Saint Paul, Minnesota ❄️ pic.twitter.com/jr3dn95NUF

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 3, 2022

Weston McKennie, when asked yesterday if the extreme cold would affect the way players head or kick the ball:

"I mean, I have a pretty big head so I don't think it'll really affect the way I had the ball."

He wasn't lying.#USMNT

— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) February 3, 2022

That weather was one of the major storylines coming into the game. Another was that, on a night when the United States desperately needed three points after a disappointing 2-0 loss against Canada, the team sat players like Pulisic, Sergino Dest and Yunus Musah, among others. 

Pulisic did come on to replace Jordan Morris in the 64th minute, however, and three minutes later scored the game's third goal. That might be just what he needed to end a protracted slump at both the club and country levels.  

I didn't think we needed to bring Pulisic on (because why risk him getting hurt?) but clearly GGG's brain is much bigger than mine because he knew he would score so we could build up his confidence again.

Well played, Gregg.

— Jimmy Conrad (@JimmyConrad) February 3, 2022

Just takes one game to get back on that 🌊 @cpulisic_10

— Clint Dempsey (@clint_dempsey) February 3, 2022

3rd Acosta set piece leads to goal.
Just what Dr ordered for Christian Pulisic.

— Maximiliano Bretos (@MaxBretosSports) February 3, 2022

Gregg Berhalter's roster decisions worked, as the United States completely dominated the run of play and kept Honduras buried on their own side of the pitch. Timothy Weah was once again excellent down the wing, while McKennie bossed the game in midfield without his usual partners, Musah and the injured Tyler Adams. 

And Kellyn Acosta—who was the set-piece taker on all three goals—had a strong showing. The United States getting any joy off set pieces, let alone three times in one game, was a welcome change. 

After only scoring 1 goal from a set piece in their previous 14 competitive fixtures, the USMNT has 2 such goals in the first half of play tonight.

Kellyn Acosta took both of the set pieces and goals were scored by:
- Weston McKennie: 8'
- Walker Zimmerman: 37' pic.twitter.com/ZHUQQm6pwB

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) February 3, 2022

All in all, a good night for the USMNT.

The win moved them up to 21 points after 11 games and, barring a goal-scoring barrage from Mexico when they face Panama later on Wednesday, ensured that the United States would remain in second place on the CONCACAF table. The United States is currently three points and four goals ahead of El Tri on goal differential. 

The United States now has three games left in qualifying, hoping to reach the World Cup four years after a bitterly disappointing failure to do so. In the short term, however, a triumphant USMNT will be looking for someplace to get warm. 

The United States men's national team needs to beat Honduras at home on Wednesday to remain on track to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. 

The USMNT comes into the 11th of 14 matchdays in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying level on 18 points with Mexico but with a marginally better goal difference. 

Gregg Berhalter's side sits four points back of Canada after it lost 2-0 to the table-toppers on Sunday. 

The Americans will not have an easy night at Allianz Field in Minnesota. The conditions are expected to be some of the worst faced by any team across the globe in the qualification tournament. 

According to AccuWeather, the temperature at kickoff is expected to be three degrees. 

         

USMNT vs. Honduras Info

Date: Wednesday, February 2

Start Time: 7:30 p.m. ET 

TV: FS1

Live Stream: FoxSports.com and Fox Sports app

Odds (via DraftKings Sportsbook): United States (-575; bet $575 to win $100); Honduras (+1200; bet $100 to win $1,200); Draw (+600) 

          

Preview

The USMNT is still in good shape to qualify for the World Cup. but it is under pressure to pick up a result in Minnesota. 

The Americans did not play well in their road defeat to Canada, and their attack has been underwhelming in the first two games of this international window. Berhalter's side produced a single goal in Thursday's win over El Salvador and did not score north of the border. 

The USMNT has scored 13 goals in 10 qualifying matches and found the back of the net on multiple occasions four times in the qualifying cycle. 

The first of those four instances came on the road against Honduras, when the Americans pounded four goals past the Central American defense. 

Honduras carries the worst defense in qualifying into Allianz Field. It has conceded on 19 occasions, which is a major reason why the team has been eliminated from qualifying for the finals. Ricardo Pepi, Gyasi Zardes or Jesus Ferreira must take advantage of a poor defense to calm concerns about the U.S. attack. 

It will not be easy for the American attackers, or any players for that matter, to get going early because of the freezing conditions. 

U.S. Soccer opted for Allianz Field to take away any advantage Honduras would have in a warmer climate, but that does not mean much now that Los Catrachos can't qualify for Qatar. 

Between Christian Pulisic, Timothy Weah and Weston McKennie, the USMNT should have enough attacking depth to score at least one goal to finish off Honduras.

Ideally, the team would take out all of its attacking frustration on Honduras to reach the 21-point mark ahead of the final three games in the qualifying cycle. The Americans visit Mexico and Costa Rica and play host to Panama in March. 

The USMNT could use some help from Mexico to create separation in the standings going into March. El Tri hosts Panama at Estadio Azteca on Wednesday. Mexico has 18 points in third place and Panama holds fourth with 17 points. 

Canada needs a win over El Salvador combined with an American loss, Costa Rica loss and Panama draw or loss to qualify for the World Cup on Wednesday, per Kristian Jack of OneSoccer. Jamaica hosts Costa Rica in the other CONCACAF match. 

        

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O Canada. Two-O, Canada, to be precise. 

The Canadian men took control of the top of the CONCACAF table on Sunday afternoon, beating the USMNT 2-0 in World Cup qualifying. Canada now sits at 22 points, four clear of the second-place United States and five points above Mexico. Canada is also undefeated in qualifying.

CANADA DEFEAT THE USMNT 2-0

Still unbeaten in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying 🇨🇦 https://t.co/F4swmVjBQd

— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 30, 2022

🇨🇦 Canada gets its first WCQ win vs the #USMNT since 1980 (fourth WCQ meeting since then).

🇨🇦 Canada is the first team to take eight total points off the U.S. and Mexico in a final round.

— Paul Carr (@PaulCarr) January 30, 2022

FT: #usmnt 0-2 Canada. The US simply wasn't sharp enough, nor did it play fast enough in the final third. The subs provided a spark, but that was too late. Credit Canada. They played like a team with something to prove, and now they can practically touch a spot in Qatar.

— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) January 30, 2022

https://twitter.com/stuholden/status/1487909609117392896

absolutely dominated today -- and some felt it would be "easy" when Alphonso Davies was ruled out

— James Tyler (still) (@JamesTylerESPN) January 30, 2022

Cyle Larin scored the decisive goal in the seventh minute, as a bad turnover by the United States led to a lightning-quick counter for the Canadians:

WHO OTHER THAN CYLE LARIN? 🇨🇦 👏 pic.twitter.com/1BwBvqe3ME

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) January 30, 2022

🇨🇦 Canada hadn't scored in the first half against the #USMNT since 1993, a 15-game drought.

🇨🇦 23rd int'l goal for Cyle Larin, passing Dwayne De Rosario for most goals in team history.

— Paul Carr (@PaulCarr) January 30, 2022

https://twitter.com/stuholden/status/1487884710307000323

And Sam Adekugbe sealed the deal in the dying moments for Canada's second goal.

https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1487910564193988609

The United States had its moments, holding large chunks of possession and pushing forward into the box. But the Americans were poor in the final third, lacking the crisp passing and clinical finishing needed to beat a very solid Canadian side. 

The United States' best chance to equalize before allowing the second goal came from Weston McKennie—only to see Milan Borjan make a miraculous save:

WESTON MCKENNIE OFF THE CROSSBAR. A HUGE SAVE FROM MILAN BORJAN. 🧤 pic.twitter.com/Y09wgnivZi

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) January 30, 2022

So for a United States team that looked a step off the pace against Canada, where does the blame lie? In the tactics?

Do you see the "freedom of thought"?

Do you see the "explosiveness" that you saw from Canada?

Do you see "plan B" when it comes to chasing games or changing games?#USMNT https://t.co/7i7Iq3eM9T

— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) January 30, 2022

It was not a dominant performance.
Canada executed their game plan, as they always do, and won. https://t.co/hc4CWL6670

— Maximiliano Bretos (@MaxBretosSports) January 30, 2022

Canada had more shots on goal.

It’s almost like Gregg only looks at the possession stats when determining if the US played well. https://t.co/GHuonDiWtU

— Will Parchman (@WillParchman) January 30, 2022

Berhalter asked about Canada’s physicality: “Actually, they couldn’t handle OUR physicality, we gave it to them up and down the pitch.”

This is an aggressive and defiant Berhalter after a signature loss #USMNT

— Kyle Bonn (@the_bonnfire) January 30, 2022

In its best player, Christian Pulisic, looking flat for a second straight appearance?

The story continues to be lack of form of Christian Pulisic. I truly believe this is the handiwork of his recent time with Chelsea.
Happy to see him that corner on Borjan save, hopefully sign his confidence returning.
Where are the goals for the USMNT??

— Maximiliano Bretos (@MaxBretosSports) January 30, 2022

https://twitter.com/AndyGlockner/status/1487899866898436097

Or is Canada just better? It certainly has been thus far in qualifying.

There was a time when Canada was considered a soft team. Today? They were the tougher team, had more bite. They brought the edge, and took the #USMNT out of their comfort zone.

Also, David, Larin and Buchanan were clearly sharper than USA's attackers, who were just plain flat

— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) January 30, 2022

In this qualifying period, the United States continues to veer between promise and inconsistency. They'll follow poor halves with excellent showings down the stretch. A good game will be followed by disappointment. Players will look world-class in one moment and mediocre the next. 

Perhaps that partially comes with the territory for a talented but young roster. Some blame will fall on manager Gregg Berhalter for the flat showing after Thursday's 1-0 win over El Salvador. 

Granted, the end game is qualifying for the World Cup, and the United States remain in excellent position to do so. The top three teams in CONCACAF qualifying receive an automatic berth to the World Cup, while the fourth-place team goes to an intercontinental playoff with a chance to qualify.

But Sunday's disappointing loss makes Wednesday's showdown with Honduras (7:30 p.m. ET) in Minnesota all the more important. Canada, meanwhile, can all but clinch its berth with points at El Salvador on Wednesday (9 p.m. ET). For the moment, they are the kings of CONCACAF. 

The top two teams in Concacaf FIFA World Cup qualifying square off Sunday in Hamilton, Ontario.

Few people expected to utter that sentence nine games deep into the qualifying process because Canada is not a typical powerhouse in men's soccer.

Canada's program has made a ton of progress over the past few years and has a chance to solidify its spot atop the Concacaf table with a win over the United States men's national team.

The USMNT should have a ton of motivation to beat its neighbor to the north. A victory would put the Americans in first place and one giant step closer to qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Gregg Berhalter's side took another leap toward qualification with a 1-0 win over El Salvador on Thursday. The USMNT boss should use most of his starters from that clash in Ontario on Sunday.

              

USMNT vs. Canada Info

Date: Sunday, January 30

Start Time: 3 p.m. ET 

TV: Telemundo, NBC Universo

Live Stream: Paramount Plus

Odds (via DraftKings Sportsbook): Canada +195 (bet $100 to win $195); USMNT +160; draw +185

         

Preview

The USMNT took the majority of its first-team roster into Ontario.

Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie started together for the USMNT for the first time in three years Thursday. The European-based midfield trio should field the same roles Sunday as the Americans try to take the top spot from Canada.

The Americans will be without goalkeeper Zack Steffen, who did not travel from England because of a back issue he suffered with Manchester City, and attacker Timothy Weah because of an issue with his vaccination status. Weah should be back for the final game of the international window against Honduras on Wednesday, per U.S. Soccer.

#USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter said Tim Weah did not travel because his vaccination – which meets all criteria in France, where he plays professionally – doesn’t meet Canada’s entry requirements.

Weah travels today to Minnesota for #USAvHON. pic.twitter.com/V9o1UuOx8M

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) January 29, 2022

Brenden Aaronson should be the top candidate to take over Weah's spot in the starting lineup. The Red Bull Salzburg midfielder is putting together a terrific season with his club, and his skills could be vital to the U.S. attack looking better than it did against El Salvador.

Aaronson is one of the most relentless two-way midfielders in the American talent pool. He will look to win the ball in midfield and set up chances.

Ricardo Pepi should be on the end of some of those passes if he starts up top. Pepi was not handed the start Thursday, with Jesus Ferreira featuring in that role.

Pepi is in the middle of transitioning from FC Dallas in Major League Soccer to Augsburg, which is in the middle of a relegation fight in the Bundesliga. He is one of five players with three or more goals in Concacaf World Cup qualifying, and he is a better option than Ferreira, who did not offer much moving forward in his last start.

Berhalter will be forced into one change and could also alter the forward lineup, but outside of that, no major tweaks are expected.

The USMNT boss could rotate Miles Robinson into the middle of defense to keep some legs fresh in the three-game window, but the Canada match takes precedence right now over a home matchup with Honduras.

The Americans caught a break because of Alphonso Davies' absence from the Canadian squad, but they still have to deal with Jonathan David in the final third.

David is tied with two others for the scoring lead in World Cup qualifying, and he has been in fantastic form in Ligue 1 with Lille. The striker could be Canada's difference-maker in its attempt to remain on top of the Concacaf table.

                     

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You've read this script before. For 45 minutes, the United States men's national team came out flat and uninspired, only to look like a different team come the second half. 

It's been the theme of World Cup qualifying for this group, and Thursday night's 1-0 win over El Salvador was the same story, as Antonee Robinson's 52nd-minute goal served as the difference between the teams. 

ANTONEE ROBINSON WITH THE BREAKTHROUGH FOR THE USMNT  🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/ybatzdZaGj

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 28, 2022

FT: #usmnt 1-0 El Salvador: Not pretty - games against ES seldom are. I thought the U.S. could have managed the game better after Antonee Robinson's goal, but it was enough to get three massive points. On to Canada.

— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) January 28, 2022

https://twitter.com/nrarmour/status/1486879959834632192

3 points is 3 points. The #USMNT remains in strong position in World Cup qualifying.

— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) January 28, 2022

The result left the United States on 18 points, one ahead of Mexico and four points clear of Panama, which has a game in hand. Canada beat Honduras 2-0, which pushed it to 19 points. 

With five matches to play, the Stars and Stripes find themselves in excellent position. In CONCACAF, however, there's never a safe moment to let down your guard. 

The first half was a reminder of that, as the USMNT didn't deliver many chances outside of a stunning miss from Jesus Ferreira, who was a controversial selection as the No. 9. 

Jesus Ferreira misses a golden chance 😯 pic.twitter.com/T2OflF56fs

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 28, 2022

That almost cost the United States dearly, as Alex Roldan came close to giving El Salvador the lead later in the half. 

https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1486859149635948544

But the United States, as has become its calling card, looked a more vibrant side early in the second half, leading to Robinson's goal. 

A number of players, including Ferreira, justified their selection. And some of the usual suspects came up large yet again:

Jesus Ferreira moved closer into the USMNT inner circle tonight. Has to take his chances, but was excellent first 15/20 of 2nd half.

— Maximiliano Bretos (@MaxBretosSports) January 28, 2022

https://twitter.com/LeanderAlphabet/status/1486871150428934144

GOAL #USMNT !!! And it's Antonee Robinson!!!!

Told y'all he was going to have a big window, and he delivers a BIG goal to open the scoring.

1-0 USA, 53rd minute.

— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) January 28, 2022

https://twitter.com/lgbtqfc/status/1486862892695650304

Weston McKennie. Best player on the field. #USAvSLV 🇺🇸⚽️

— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) January 28, 2022

Thursday night wasn't without its concerns. The slow starts remain an issue. More clinical teams than El Salvador will make the USMNT pay for sluggish openings. Manager Gregg Berhalter's halftime adjustments have been good throughout qualifying, but his opening tactics have been questionable. 

A second goal in the second half to put the game away would have been nice from the USMNT's perspective too. 

But most pressing was the poor form from captain Christian Pulisic. He did not put his best foot forward against El Salvador:

https://twitter.com/stuholden/status/1486865172132032514

Christian Pulisic leaves in the 65th minute. Not a great night for him, you can tell the rhythm isn't there in his game, and his recent lack of time + positional moves at Chelsea have hurt his form.

Still 1-0 USA, 66th minute.

— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) January 28, 2022

Honest truth with Pulisic is that he is suffering with his club, and has returned to his international team and felt the need to force it. Huge test for Berhalter and his man management over the course of the 3-game window

— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) January 28, 2022

Ferreira is the 10th different striker Pulisic has played with in 42 caps. He has to take ownership of his play but if he looks routinely uncomfortable with his forwards I think there’s a deeper strategic reason why.

— Will Parchman (@WillParchman) January 28, 2022

Pulisic has had a frustrating season with Chelsea, which was perhaps reflected in his play Thursday. But the USMNT needs the best version of its best player going forward. 

He'll get his next chance Sunday in a massive matchup against Canada (3:05 p.m. ET). El Salvador will face Honduras that same day at 7:05 p.m. ET.

The United States men's national team starts the final stretch of Concacaf FIFA World Cup qualifying Thursday night against El Salvador.

The Americans enter the first of two final three-game sets in great shape in the eight-team table. They are one point behind first-place Canada, whom they are set to play in Hamilton, Ontario, on Sunday.

Gregg Berhalter's side opens up the international window in a town he his more than familiar with. Berhalter was the manager of the Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer before he took over the USMNT.

Thursday's contest will be the second World Cup qualifying match of this cycle inside Lower.com Field, which was opened up last year.

The USMNT will be at close to full strength for the clash with El Salvador. Goalkeeper Zack Steffen is the only main contributor who will not be available because of a back injury. Steffen's absence is not a major deal, however, because Matt Turner has been pushing the Manchester City man for the No. 1 shirt throughout the qualifying cycle.

El Salvador comes into Columbus in need of three points to drag itself out of seventh place. The Central American nation needs to be near perfect in the final six games of the Octagonal round to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

               

USMNT vs. El Salvador Info

Date: Thursday, January 27

Start Time: 7 p.m. ET 

TV: ESPN2

Live Stream: ESPN.com and ESPN app

    

Match Odds

Moneyline: USMNT -500 (bet $500 to win $100); El Salvador +1100 (bet $100 to win $1,100); draw +550

Over/Under: 2.5 Goals (-120)

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

          

Preview

The USMNT should breeze through the contest in cold conditions in Ohio.

The Americans are looking ahead to a massive clash with Canada on Sunday that became a more winnable game after Alphonso Davies was ruled out.

Berhalter's team can't completely look past El Salvador, but if it gets one or two goals before the hour mark, the USMNT boss could rest some of his key players with Canada and Honduras on the horizon.

Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams are all available and should form the midfield spine for the Americans.

Pulisic's play in the final third will be massive for the team to get an early goal, while McKennie and Adams are tasked with shutting down any opportunities El Salvador may get in the midfield. The Chelsea man will be asked to feature in a chance-creating role behind Ricardo Pepi, who recently completed a move to Augsburg in the Bundesliga.

Pepi has been the United States' breakout star of World Cup qualifying, and he should get another chance to lead the forward line.

Jordan Morris, Gyasi Zardes and Jesus Ferreira are among the options Berhalter can turn to to either finish off the game or rescue three points. The Americans will hope the latter scenario does not pop up so that they can rest a few key figures in the final third of the contest.

The USMNT drew with El Salvador in its World Cup qualifying opener on September 2. That was viewed as an OK result since the squad picked up a point on the road. A win is the only acceptable result for Thursday's match after the Americans took seven points from their three-game set in November.

There should not be much of a drop off, if at all, from Steffen to Turner in net. Turner could start all three games in this window with Steffen out because of a back injury.

Berhalter's biggest concern comes in defense, where Walker Zimmerman and Miles Robinson will likely pair at center back. John Brooks was once again left off the USMNT roster because of his poor form at Wolfsburg, but that opens up a chance for Zimmerman and Robinson to lock down the No. 1 center back partnership.

An American victory will keep them on pace with Canada ahead of Sunday's showdown in Hamilton. Canada plays Honduras, Mexico visits Jamaica and Costa Rica plays host to Panama on Thursday.

                          

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