United States National Football

The United States men's national team finishes out its 2021 schedule with an eye on the first few games of 2022. 

USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter called in a mix of first-team regulars and young players from Major League Soccer for the Saturday friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

The Americans are relying on a heavy MLS roster because Saturday's game does not fall during a traditional FIFA international window. 

Goalkeeper Matt Turner, defenders Walker Zimmerman and Aaron Long, midfielders Kellyn Acosta and Cristian Roldan and forwards Gyasi Zardes, Ricardo Pepi and Jordan Morris are among the first-team regulars in the camp. 

Berhalter will hand out some international debuts as well. Atlanta United's Brooks Lennon was confirmed as one of those players on Friday. The 24-year-old will start at right back around some familiar faces in defense. 

The young USMNT roster can secure a record for victories in a calendar year by the program if it beats Bosnia and Herzegovina inside Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

       

USMNT vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina Info

Date: Saturday, December 18

Start Time: 8:15 p.m. ET 

TV: FS1, UniMas and TUDN 

Live Stream: FoxSports.com and Fox Sports app

Odds: All available odds can be found on DraftKings Sportsbook.

      

Preview

The Americans are expected to go with a mix of veterans and international rookies on Saturday night. 

Berhalter already confirmed that Brooks Lennon would start at right back during his pre-match press conference on Friday: 

Gregg Berhalter confirms that Brooks Lennon will start at right back for the #USMNT vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Berhalter pointed to Lennon as someone who has impressed in camp.

Berhalter also revealed the USMNT will start January camp on January 6 ahead of January qualifiers

— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) December 17, 2021

The USMNT boss went on to explain what his strategy is with the MLS-based players staying prepared for the January CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers, per Sporting News' Mike DeCourcy: 

#USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter told reporters re: to Saturday's friendly with Bosnia and Herzegovina, "The whole idea is to keep the guys moving, specifically guys" in MLS. Cited F Ricardo Pepi, D Walker Zimmerman. "That's the emphasis ... keeping our core guys" active. 1/2

— Michael DeCourcy (@tsnmike) December 17, 2021

Turner, Zimmerman, Acosta, Roldan and Pepi will be trying to stay fresh in between the 2021 and 2022 MLS seasons to be ready for the early 2022 matches against El Salvador, Canada and Honduras. 

Long, Zardes and Morris could be vital to those contests, but they all need to work back to full fitness after suffering injuries in the MLS season. Long and Morris are coming off long-term injuries. 

Long could be a vital piece next to Zimmerman at center back, especially if John Brooks continues to be out of the picture. Brooks was kept out of the last set of World Cup qualifiers. 

The progression of Morris and Zardes is vital to the thin talent pool at striker. Pepi broke on to the international stage in the fall, but the USMNT can't rely on the 19-year-old to be the lone threatening force up top. 

Morris and Zardes could provide some much-needed depth at the position with three games coming up in a short span at the end of January and beginning of February. 

The rest of the players in the December camp are there to show what they can do at the highest international level. 

Lennon, George Bello and Bryan Reynolds could add some depth at the full back spots, while Cole Bassett could audition for a spot on the midfield bench. 

Jesus Ferreira is the name to watch up top. The FC Dallas forward is aiming to make a similar impact as Pepi after an eight-goal campaign in MLS. 

Bosnia and Herzegovina brought over an inexperienced squad to play the USMNT because the date does not fit into an international window. 

The USMNT should come away with a victory, but Saturday's game is not about the result, it is about the individual performances of players looking to stay fit and trying to impress Berhalter. 

      

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The United States men's national team couldn't build off its win over Mexico, managing only a 1-1 draw against Jamaica in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier.

Timothy Weah gave the Americans an early lead in Kingston, Jamaica, but Michail Antonio responded with the equalizer a 11 minutes later for the home team.

Chances were limited for both teams beyond that with just four combined shots on goal across the 90 minutes.

Jamaica appeared to score the winning goal in the 84th minute on a corner kick, although the referee called it back for a foul.

The Americans were without midfielder Weston McKennie and defender Miles Robinson because of suspensions, while Christian Pulisic was only a substitute as he works his way back from an ankle injury. The short-handed squad was unable to muster much offense as it settled for the tie.

The United States now has 15 points through eight matches, which could be enough for first place in the CONCACAF table depending on Canada's match against Mexico.

The squad also only has one win and two draws through four road matches this qualifying cycle, continuing the same struggles from four years ago away from home.

Despite concerns about a flat start after an emotional game a few days earlier, the United States impressed with quality passing and a lot of aggressiveness.

Weah needed just 11 minutes to get his team a 1-0 lead thanks to a strong finish in the box:

Tim Weah finishes off a lovely team goal from the USMNT 😤

(via @CBSSportsGolazo) pic.twitter.com/nObYiJXINT

— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 16, 2021

Wow. Whoa. World Class!!!
Timothy Weah single-handedly changing attacking profile of @USMNT !!!

Holy moly does this team seem deep now. https://t.co/xnfoiXgkNM

— John Berman (@JohnBerman) November 16, 2021

Counter pressing, an eight pass sequence, quick combination play, a beautiful finish from Weah. That’s a great goal from the USMNT.

— Joseph Lowery (@joeclowery) November 16, 2021

The lead didn't last long, however, as a counterattack gave Antonio all the opening he needed for an incredible strike from distance:

MICHAIL ANTONIO. THERE WAS NO STOPPING THAT. 😳

His second goal in three appearances for Jamaica 🇯🇲 pic.twitter.com/r6uK1XUCkZ

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 16, 2021

Unreal strike from Antonio

Spent the last minute trying to find someone to blame, but you just don't stop those... #USMNT

— Chris Smith (@Chris_SXI) November 16, 2021

Michail Antonio's goal from 34 yards is the longest by any player in this CONCACAF final round. pic.twitter.com/Bf4qxNhIP9

— Paul Carr (@PaulCarr) November 16, 2021

The West Ham United forward had enough space in front of Tyler Adams to drill a shot that Zack Steffen simply couldn't reach.

It was the only shot of the first half for Jamaica, but it was enough to go into intermission tied 1-1.

The score stood through the second half, though there was still plenty of drama.

Both teams had close chances in the first 10 minutes of the second half, but the ball sailed over the crossbar each time:

Gianluca Busio got close 👀 pic.twitter.com/ItBqGpXFQj

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 16, 2021

¡Perdonó @bobbyreid93 😱!

Solo dentro del área y voló su disparo #RumboAlMundial

#Jamaica 🇯🇲 1-1 🇺🇸 #EstadosUnidos

📱EN VIVO por @NBCUniverso y nuestra APP Telemundo Deportes ➡️ https://t.co/0fBKS1RUW7 pic.twitter.com/eEeuPgFfx0

— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) November 16, 2021

Pulisic subbed on in the 66th minute, but he was limited aside from drawing multiple fouls.

In the closing minutes, a controversial call by the referee took a Jamaica goal off the board:

¡Se salvó @USMNT 😱!

😢 Damion Lowe remató de cabeza, pero fue anulado por falta sobre @thewalkerzim #RumboAlMundial

#Jamaica 🇯🇲 1-1 🇺🇸 #EstadosUnidos

📱EN VIVO por @NBCUniverso y nuestra APP Telemundo Deportes ➡️ https://t.co/0fBKS1RUW7 pic.twitter.com/gTJNNqSExZ

— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) November 16, 2021

The Reggae Boyz kept the pressure on but couldn't secure the second goal for the upset win.

CONCACAF World Cup qualifying will now be on hold until Jan. 27 when the United States hosts El Salvador. The squad is also scheduled to face Bosnia-Herzegovina in an international friendly on Dec. 18, though that will most likely feature domestic players.       

The United States men's national team will try to stay on top of the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying table on Tuesday when they visit Jamaica. 

Gregg Berhalter's side grabbed control of first place through its 2-0 victory over Mexico on Friday night and now faces one of the struggling teams in the octagonal round of qualifying. 

The USMNT will have to get three points in Kingston, Jamaica, without two of their key contributors, though. Atlanta United center back Miles Robinson and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie are both suspended for the match due to card accumulation. 

Berhalter still has Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Ricardo Pepi at his disposal against the Reggae Boyz, which enter Tuesday in need of a victory after picking up six points from their first seven qualifying matches. 

       

USMNT vs. Jamaica Info

Date: Tuesday, November 16

Start Time: 5 p.m. ET 

TV: NBC Universo

Live Stream: Paramount Plus

Odds (via DraftKings Sportsbook): USMNT (-165; bet $165 to win $100); Jamaica (+475; bet $100 to win $475); Draw (+260)   

    

Preview

Jamaica is the first team the USMNT will face for a second time in World Cup qualifying. 

When the two sides last met on October 7, the Americans were in need of a victory on home soil to boost their positioning in the table. 

Pepi, the 18-year-old striker from FC Dallas, scored his second and third career international goals to power the U.S. past the Reggae Boyz in Austin, Texas. 

Since then, Berhalter's side has reeled off home wins over Costa Rica and Mexico to grab hold of first place and put itself on track to qualify directly for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The top three teams at the end of CONCACAF qualifying will automatically land in the tournament. 

Pepi is one of the regular faces we should see on the field for the Americans at the end of the two-game international break. The two earlier qualification rounds required more squad rotation because they comprised three-game windows. 

Whether Pulisic starts beneath Pepi in the American attack is still unknown. The Chelsea player came off the bench to score the game-winning goal against Mexico on Tuesday but is still working his way back to 90-minutes fitness. 

Pulisic is in the mix to start Tuesday's match, but Berhalter was not ready to reveal that decision yet.

However, the USMNT boss did say Manchester City's Zack Steffen would start over Matt Turner from the New England Revolution in net for the second straight game, per The Athletic's Sam Stejskal: 

Highlights from Berhalter presser:

✔️Steffen will start in goal at Jamaica
✔️Pulisic could've started vs. Mexico, but US felt he wasn't 90 minutes fit. In consideration to start Tues.
✔️Full XI isn't yet decided. Conditions of field will play a role. USMNT trains this evening.

— Sam Stejskal (@samstejskal) November 15, 2021

The unit in front of Steffen will change a bit with Robinson out for the match. Mark McKenzie or Chris Richards will step in alongside Walker Zimmerman in the back line. 

Zimmerman has been one of the best defenders in the octagonal round and has helped the Americans concede just four goals through seven matches. 

The USMNT has the best qualifying record and is tied with Canada for the region's best defense. Both teams have a plus-seven goal differential and have conceded four goals. 

Kellyn Acosta or Sebastian Lletget could enter into a reconfigured midfield with McKennie out. Yunus Musah is a lock to start in one of the central positions in front of Tyler Adams, who has a defensive-midfield role in front of the back four. 

If the Americans win on Tuesday, they will enter 2022 on top of the table. Mexico and Canada play in Edmonton in what is now a battle for second place. 

Jamaica needs three points at home to try to salvage what has been a wretched qualifying campaign to date. It opened qualifying with one point from four games and lost to Mexico, Panama and the USMNT. 

The Reggae Boyz have found their footing a bit through a win over Honduras and a draw with El Salvador, but they need victories and some help over the next seven matches to force their way into the World Cup picture. 

Two-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Andre Blake is Jamaica's best hope for picking up a win. If he pitches a clean sheet, the home side will be in a great spot to earn a positive result. 

Elsewhere in CONCACAF on Tuesday, Costa Rica plays host to Honduras, and El Salvador visits Panama. Canada and Mexico clash in the night's final scheduled kickoff. 

       

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The United States men's national team welcomes back Christian Pulisic ahead of two World Cup qualifying matches, but the squad will still be without some regulars.

Here is the full roster for the Nov. 12 game against Mexico and Nov. 16 battle with Jamaica:

The positional breakdown of the #USMNT’s 25-player November #WCQ roster.

El plantel de 25 jugadores de #USMNT por posición para los partidos de eliminatorias de #WCQ en noviembre.

READ MORE: https://t.co/amqUIwk6HG
LEE MAS: https://t.co/HplhGitjMH #OnlyForward #SoloPalante pic.twitter.com/Ih2dIyYojM

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) November 4, 2021

Pulisic missed the last qualifying window with an ankle injury but returned to the pitch for Chelsea in Tuesday's Champions League match.

Giovani Reyna and Sergino Dest are out with injuries. Dest's back injury kept him out of Barcelona's Champions League game Tuesday.

"If we thought he could play, he'd be in camp," coach Gregg Berhalter said of Dest on Thursday. "These games are that important."

Reyna has not played for Borussia Dortmund or for his country since suffering a hamstring injury with the USMNT in September.

Another notable absence is John Brooks, who had been a fixture at center back for the United States. The Wolfsburg defender owned up to his struggles Thursday:

“The decision to leave me out of this this camp isn’t surprising given some of my recent performances.”

Impressive accountability from John Brooks. Here’s his full statement to @FOXSports on being left off the latest #USMNT roster: pic.twitter.com/i5CdZzIbSH

— Doug McIntyre (@ByDougMcIntyre) November 4, 2021

It could put pressure on MLS center backs Miles Robinson and Walker Zimmerman to pick up the slack.

The latest roster also features new addition Joe Scally, an 18-year-old who has made 10 Bundesliga starts for Borussia Monchengladbach this season. He can play either right or left back and could be an important player for the Americans.

Ricardo Pepi returns after scoring three goals in four matches with the national team in September and October, although Berhalter chose to omit fellow strikers Josh Sargent and Daryl Dike. Fans should see a lot of the 18-year-old over the next two matches, although FC Dallas teammate Jesus Ferreira could also get playing time at forward.

The United States enters this stage of qualifying with 11 points through six matches, good for second place in CONCACAF but three behind Mexico for first. Jamaica ranks sixth of eight teams and suffered a 2-0 loss to the Americans in October.   

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said Tuesday that winger Christian Pulisic has struggled to overcome lingering pain from an ankle injury suffered during a Sept. 8 appearance with the United States men's national team.

However, the German coach added Pulisic is "very, very close" to rejoining the squad.

"He got injured during a match with USA," Tuchel told reporters. "It was a tough foul and he hurt his ankle. There is nothing to worry [about] in terms of that we are hiding details or not telling you details. I cannot give you all the details because I am simply not a doctor."

Tuchel also confirmed Pulisic won't be available for the Blues' UEFA Champions League match against Malmo at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

"He is very impatient of course," Tuchel said. "He does everything and we can see him suffer in every meeting and every time we meet him here in our training center, he is really suffering. He wants to be on the pitch and help us. Everybody is doing their very best but unfortunately the injury takes its time."

Pulisic has only made two appearances for Chelsea during the early stages of the 2021-22 season. He helped the club beat Spanish side Villarreal in the UEFA Super Cup and then scored in the Blues' 3-0 win over Crystal Palace to open the Premier League term.

The 23-year-old Pennsylvania native was then sidelined after testing positive for COVID-19, however, and suffered the ankle injury upon his return to action with the USMNT.

He missed the latest round of World Cup qualifiers for the U.S., which included home wins over Jamaica and Costa Rica along with an away loss to Panama.

Pulisic's creativity in the attacking third was sorely missed by the Americans, who scored just four goals in the three matches.

While Tuchel is hopeful the playmaker can return in the near future, he noted the recovery process from ankle injuries can have a lot of stops and restarts.

"Once these players with these quick movements like Christian, once they feel this pain and are not free in the movement, the recovery is not happening so you start all over again," he told reporters. "You start all over again and reach a certain point and then the pain comes back and you have to do a little pause and start all over again."

U.S. head coach Gregg Berhalter will hope Pulisic is back in action before the next international window in mid-November with the side set to host rival Mexico on Nov. 12 and visit Jamaica on Nov. 16.

Meanwhile, Chelsea sits atop the Premier League table with 19 points (6-1-1) through the first eight matches on the strength of a plus-13 goal differential (16-3).

So Pulisic will likely have to earn a role within the in-form squad once he's cleared to return.

The United States men's national team returns to its spiritual home of Columbus, Ohio, on Wednesday night for its latest CONCACAF World Cup qualifying match. 

The major difference between Wednesday's match in Columbus and previous World Cup qualifying cycles is Mexico is not the opponent coming to the home of Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew. 

Instead, the USMNT will take on Costa Rica, who was perceived as its second-toughest foe at the beginning of the qualification process. 

Both teams come into the sixth match of qualifying in need of points for different reasons. The USMNT is looking for a bounce-back win after losing in Panama, while Costa Rica is trying to steal points on the road after picking up four points in the last two matches. 

Mexico is on top of the eight-team CONCACAF World Cup qualifying table with 11 points. The USMNT is second with eight. Costa Rica is fifth on six points. 

The top three teams at the end of the qualification cycle automatically advance to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The fourth-place squad faces an intercontinental playoff. 

          

USMNT vs. Costa Rica Info

Date: Wednesday, October 13

Start Time: 7 p.m. ET 

TV: ESPN2 

Live Stream: ESPN.com or ESPN app

Odds (via DraftKings Sportsbook): USMNT (-260; bet $260 to win $100); Costa Rica (+650; bet $100 to win $650); Draw (+350)

     

Preview

USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter comes into Wednesday under pressure after his poor lineup choices led to the loss in Panama. 

Berhalter swapped out seven starters from the 2-0 win over Jamaica last Thursday, and the move backfired on him.

The Americans did not put in a noteworthy performance in Panama, and that allowed the Central American side to gain ground and move into third place in the "Octagonal" round. 

Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie should be back together in midfield, and 18-year-old phenom Ricardo Pepi will most likely start up top. 

Pepi has been the breakout star of World Cup qualifying for the Americans. He leads the region with three goals. Four other players have two strikes, including USMNT attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson.

Look for Aaronson to play a major role in the attacking setup once again. The RB Salzburg player has been a nice piece in between Adams, McKennie and Pepi when those players have started together. 

Aaronson provides a goal-scoring prowess out of the No. 10 role in support of Pepi. He should look to make a handful of carving runs in between the Costa Rica defense to help the 18-year-old FC Dallas player with chance creation. 

In defense, Antonee Robinson and Sergino Dest will likely be back in the starting full-back roles, while Miles Robinson could be paired with one of a few different candidates. Walker Zimmerman and Mark McKenzie both started in Panama. 

Zimmerman partnered Robinson in the Jamaica win, and Berhalter may not be willing to use the Nashville SC man for all three games in this international window. 

If that is the case, Chris Richards may receive a start over McKenzie. Richards has played well on loan at Hoffenheim from Bayern Munich, and he has the potential to be a permanent starter in the American defense. 

Even though Mexico is not the opponent in Columbus, the USMNT should benefit from a clear home-field advantage inside the new Lower.com Field. 

The Americans played El Tri in Columbus in every World Cup qualifying cycle dating back to 2002. The rivalry will renew in November in Ohio, but in a different city. That game will take place at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati. 

Costa Rica will attempt to spoil the party in Columbus with an experienced squad, led by PSG goalkeeper Keylor Navas. 

However, the Ticos will be without forward Joel Campbell after he sprained his right ankle. They called in 39-year-old Alvaro Saborio and 37-year-old Christian Bolanos for Wednesday's match.

Costa Rica picked up four of its six WCQ points in the last two matches. The Ticos picked up a road point in Honduras and then beat El Salvador at home. They experienced a disappointing start in September with draws against Jamaica and Panama and a home loss versus Mexico. 

The next two games are crucial to Costa Rica's qualification campaign. It opens the November window on the road in Canada. 

Canada and Mexico should pick up more points in Wednesday's other matches. Canada welcomes Panama to BMO Field in Toronto and Mexico visits El Salvador. Honduras hosts Jamaica in the fourth match on Wednesday's slate.

            

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United States men's national team manager Gregg Berhalter decided to shuffle the lineup for Sunday's road matchup against Panama in World Cup qualifying. It turned out to be costly. 

The USMNT dropped crucial points against their underdog opponents, losing 1-0. Anibal Godoy's glancing header off a corner kick was the game's lone goal. 

Panama take the lead over the USMNT 😳 pic.twitter.com/tMsgTaqXTI

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 10, 2021

In what has become a recurring theme for the United States in qualifying, the first half was a slog. It was Panama had the better chances and, were it not for the heroics of Matt Turner, easily could have been up a goal or two.

Big save from Matt Turner 👊 pic.twitter.com/UBBCONk5G3

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 10, 2021

The USMNT have yet to register a good first half in qualifying.
Now the good news… They have been a great 2nd half team.

— Maximiliano Bretos (@MaxBretosSports) October 10, 2021

#USMNT hasn't scored in eight straight first halves, the team's longest such streak in the last 30 years.

On the bright side, the U.S. outscored opponents 9-1 in the previous seven games. 🇺🇸

— Paul Carr (@PaulCarr) October 10, 2021

HT: #usmnt 0-0 Panama. Very few positive other than the fact that the U.S. didn't concede thanks to Turner and the two CBs. Press isn't in sync. Sloppy play in midfield. Crosses not finding targets. Just brutal for the most part.

— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) October 10, 2021

US playing like a team devoid of leadership. Plenty on bench that to change that and reinforce trend of being a Second Half Team

— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) October 10, 2021

But unlike past performances, the USMNT's second-half heroics never came. 

Perhaps some shakiness was to be expected from a lineup that was comprehensively reworked after Thursday's 2-0 win against Jamaica. But the USMNT has enough depth to be far brighter than they showed in the first half, or in the full 90 minutes, period. 

Suffice to say, the performance was met with frustration:

Gross. #USMNT

— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) October 10, 2021

Berhaulter at the helm for some of the most insipid, clueless, gutless efforts ever in WCQ and isn't even halfway through the cycle. Terrible hire.

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) October 11, 2021

FT: #usmnt 0-1 Panama.This loss was particularly ugly. U.S. subpar in too many areas to deserve anything. In the future, 1 of Adams or McKennie has to be on the field. That initial midfield lineup never looked in sync on either side of the ball. Pressure is on against Costa Rica.

— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) October 11, 2021

If nothing else, it highlighted how important players like Tyler Adams, Sergino Dest, Weston McKennie and Ricardo Pepi—not to mention Christian Pulisic and Gio Reyna, each unavailable over this international break—are to the USMNT's attack. 

Still, it remains a huge concern that the United States has shown both a propensity to start games at a snail's pace and have dropped points from winnable matchups in the final round of qualifying. Some of Berhalter's lineup decisions, in hindsight, have been perplexing. 

After the last set of WCQs for USMNT, I decided to wait before being critical of lineup choices and Berhalter. The team is in first place after four games, after all.

But uh…this starting lineup was very much not it in this situation, on the road in Panama.

— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) October 10, 2021

Squad rotation to prioritize home games is one thing.

A lot of squad rotation to prioritize home games while on the road against the team that went to the last World Cup you failed to qualify for... might lead to a loss.

— Jonathan Tannenwald (@thegoalkeeper) October 10, 2021

Yes, it is smart to rotate players with three games in a week in what is a grueling octagonal. The issue is how Berhalter chose to rotate the lineup in this game, moves that will be examined closely (and likely harshly). 

With this loss, the United States has eight points through five games and fell to second place in the qualifying standing. Mexico took a three-point lead on the Americans after beating Honduras. Panama, meanwhile, also has eight points and only trails the United States on goal differential. Canada lurks in fourth place with seven points. 

So what was already an important matchup with Costa Rica on Wednesday night (7 p.m. ET) has become absolutely crucial. Dropping points is no longer an option for the United States. Once again, the USMNT's margin for error has shrunk. 

The United States men's national team will look to maintain its position atop the 2022 FIFA World Cup Concacaf qualifying standings when it takes on Panama on Sunday night at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City.

It's the second of three qualifying matches in October. The USMNT is coming off a strong 2-0 win over Jamaica that vaulted them from third to first in the Octagonal standings, but the Panama matchup figures to be a trickier test. The game is on the road, there's rain in Weather.com's forecast and Panama has proved to be resolute in defense during qualifying, with two goals allowed in four matches.

The USMNT will also be missing several key players for this contest, so it's up to Gregg Berhalter to show that his young squad has the depth and maturity to get a result in difficult conditions. 

Here's how to watch the match.

                    

Panama vs. USMNT Match Info

When: Sunday, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. ET

Where: Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City, Panama

TV/Live stream: Paramount+, Universo

Odds: USA -125 (wager $125 to win $100), Panama +390 (wager $100 to win $390), draw +220

Odds via DraftKings.

           

2022 World Cup CONCACAF Qualifier Standings

1. USA (2-2-0, 8 pts, +5 goal differential)

2. Mexico (2-2-0, 8 pts, +2 GD)

3. Canada (1-3-0, 6 pts, +3 GD)

4. Panama (1-2-1, 5 pts, +2 GD)

5. El Salvador (1-2-1, 5 pts, -2 GD)

6. Costa Rica (0-3-1, 3 pts, -1 GD)

7. Honduras (0-3-1, 3 pts, -3 GD)

8. Jamaica (0-1-3, 1 pts, -6 GD)

           

Team USA proved against Jamaica it can without Christian Pulisic, Giovanni Reyna and John Brooks, all of whom are missing with injuries. Against Panama, the U.S. will have to prove it can perform just as well without a few other key players.

Midfielder Weston McKennie didn't travel with the team to Panama because of a minor quad injury suffered against Jamaica. Per ESPN's Jeff Carlisle, Berhalter said the injury is "not severe," and he hopes McKennie is available for the match against Costa Rica on Wednesday.

The team will also be missing backup goalkeeper Zack Steffen and defender Antonee Robinson, who play in England. According to the United Kingdom's COVID-19 restrictions, they would have had to quarantine upon returning to the UK if they visited a high-risk country like Panama, per the Associated Press.

That means more opportunities for Team USA's fringe players. Shaquell Moore or George Bello could see playing time with Robinson missing, while Kellyn Acosta or Sebastian Lletget could get a start with McKennie absent.

One player Berhalter will be counting on is Ricardo Pepi, the 18-year-old FC Dallas striker. He scored both goals in the 2-0 win over Jamaica, one on a header and one finishing a short cross. He also had a goal and assist in the team's 4-1 win over Honduras in September. His finishing, movement and work rate have been excellent, and he will have another chance to star against Panama.

"We're all excited," Berhalter said, per ESPN's Kyle Bonagura. "For us, we're just sitting there and we're on the train. He's an 18-year-old who gets an opportunity, takes advantage. What you see and I think what I really like is that he has this instinct, and it's really hard to teach that to players."

Another player who might see more playing time is winger Timothy Weah, who came on as a substitute against Jamaica. He provided a great spark off the bench, making decisive runs and taking on defenders. He came close to notching a couple of assists. If Berhalter needs to rest Brenden Aaronson or Paul Arriola, Weah will likely get the nod.

As for Panama, they are facing immense pressure to get a result after losing 1-0 to El Salvador on Thursday. While the defense has been solid throughout qualifying, the attack has left much to be desired.

Los Canaleros managed to put three goals past Jamaica but have scored just once in their other three qualifiers. They didn't get a single shot on target against El Salvador. Veteran striker Rolando Blackburn, who has two goals this qualifying cycle, will once again figure to be the focal point of the attack.

If there's a danger here for the United States, it's starting slow. All seven of the team's goals in World Cup qualifying have come in the second half. They did a better job against Jamaica, drawing two fouls on clear goal-scoring opportunities but couldn't convert the ensuing set pieces.

Panama will be pouncing on any opportunity it can to get the offense going, and it will be tough to battle back from a deficit on the road against a solid team that is hungry to return to the World Cup after reaching it for the first time in 2018.

After Panama, the United States will finish out this qualifying window with a home match against Costa Rica on Wednesday at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio.

               

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Ricardo Pepi. Learn the name. He's the future of the forward position for the United States men's national soccer team.

The 18-year-old striker has continued his torrid run during World Cup qualifying, posting a brace in just his second USMNT start, a 2-0 win over Jamaica in Austin, Texas, on Thursday night. 

DEST ➡️ PEPI 🔥

The USMNT go up 1-0 over Jamaica 🙌 pic.twitter.com/UmO45fcMnA

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 8, 2021

PEPI DOUBLE!

THE KID IS ON FIRE 🔥 pic.twitter.com/OMZIhLq3l0

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 8, 2021

In September, Pepi scored the game-winner and added an assist in a crucial 4-1 victory at Honduras.

His and fellow 18-year-old Yunus Musah's excellent performances Thursday were the storyline after the USMNT's much-needed win, which pushed it at least temporarily atop the CONCACAF table with eight points. The future looks bright for the young Americans.

Finding a truly dangerous center forward has been the USMNT's quest for, what, 30 years now?

— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) October 8, 2021

So, um, Ricardo Pepi is a No. 9 the #USMNT has never seen. That's not an exaggeration.

— Stephen Meyer (@StephenMeyerRDC) October 8, 2021

https://twitter.com/davisjsn/status/1446280447902765057

https://twitter.com/stuholden/status/1446280004766109715

All we talked about in the #USMNT community was the lack of ball-carrying MFs. We wanted Musah & LDLT. GGG brought them, & Musah just created a crucial goal. That skill set was so wildly lacking.

— Stephen Meyer (@StephenMeyerRDC) October 8, 2021

But without Pepi's positioning and scoring touch—and beautiful buildup play by the United States—that storyline could have been the questionable officiating. 

Just 20 seconds into the game, Paul Arriola was played into empty space and appeared to be free on goal when he was clattered into by Jamaica's Kemar Lawrence. It certainly looked to be a denial of a clear goalscoring opportunity, which would have resulted in a red card, though referee Reon Radix brandished a yellow.

In the 33rd minute, Brenden Aaronson was fouled on the edge of the box by Damion Lowe, and again it appeared only the goalkeeper was between the American and the net. And again, Radix opted for a yellow. 

Only a yellow card was given for this tackle. pic.twitter.com/EL3X4VkXUG

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 8, 2021

wtf is this ref doing in USMNT-Jamaica? Totally unsure on what to do in these big spots. Totally unwilling to show red. CONCACAF refs remain just hilarious.

— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) October 8, 2021

CONCACAF refs gets it wrong

*drink*

— Raymond Summerlin (@RMSummerlin) October 8, 2021

https://twitter.com/AndyGlockner/status/1446272211522785296

CONCACAF doesn't have VAR availability, so that can at least be partially blamed for the poor decisions. Either way, the United States rightly will feel aggrieved that the game ended with 11 Jamaica players on the pitch.

Granted, it's a moot point in a 2-0 win. And while Jamaica isn't one of the top sides in CONCACAF, the United States' fairly easy victory without Christian Pulisic or Gio Reyna shouldn't be ignored.

The positives from Thursday were numerous. Weston McKennie made his return and played well. Sergino Dest was weaving down the right flank and assisted on the first goal. 

For the past few years, the talk about the USMNT after its failure to qualify for the last World Cup has featured the young talent waiting in the wings. At least on this night, those players justified the hype.