USMNT vs. Slovenia: Top Storylines and Predictions for 2024 Friendly
A year of opportunity awaits for the United States men's national team, starting with Saturday's friendly against Slovenia at Toyota Field, San Antonio, Texas (3 p.m. ET, TNT/Max).
Gregg Berhalter's squad have a full slate in 2024 and will compete in the last four of the CONCACAF Nations League in March before readying themselves for the Copa America in June.
A healthy portion of participants from the January camp could also appear at the summer Olympics in Paris during a run that will leave the quality and developmental prowess of American soccer nowhere to hide.
Slovenia is the perfect chance for Berhalter to run an eye over an inexperienced squad that is solely made up of MLS talents.
He has 17 uncapped players, including 13 who are young enough to feature at the Olympics, as the usual cohort stay away during this unofficial FIFA window.
Squad Integration the Most Important Factor
This camp provides a really important moment of assessment for Berhalter. It's fair to say most of the coach's main side are nailed on; nobody is dislodging the likes of Weston McKennie and a resurgent Christian Pulisic. Antonee Robinson isn't getting displaced, and Folarin Balogun's spot up front should be set for many years to come.
But international success stems from a settled squad. There are gaps that need filling so that suitable cover is available when a big name misses out. Berhalter's ability to identify these players during this camp is pivotal. It shouldn't just be about the result against Slovenia; who are the characters and personalities he wants to embed long term? Who adds to the whole even when they aren't on the pitch?
The best countries in the world often follow this philosophy. There's a reason Gareth Southgate still picks Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson despite poor form for England. Their experience and leadership skills are key for younger players to settle in and contribute. Berhalter must have the long-term in mind and consider the entire make-up of his squad once the more recognisable names are back.
One Eye on the Olympics
It's no coincidence that Marko Mitrović, the US Under-23s coach, stands alongside Berhalter for this camp. Mitrović has experience with this group and should be able to offer useful advice, but he'll also be looking deep into how they perform with greater attention ahead of squad selection for Paris.
Aidan Morris' aggressiveness in midfield is likely to underpin any good work the Americans do against an inexperienced Slovenia team. The Columbus Crew player knows what it takes to land silverware after starring in his side's MLS Cup win and his energy can set the tone for others to impress.
The route to the USA's main squad is at least now obvious: get the win here, perform at the Olympics and there's likely places up for grabs in Berhalter's main selection.
Prediction
United States 2, Slovenia 0
Berhalter will absolutely be looking for a solid victory. Slovenia's experimental squad should face a team that is full of purpose ahead of setting the tone for a new era.
While this match will prove to be a small step along an exciting road for the USMNT in 2024, it's important Berhalter and his staff find the talent to fill out the main squad. He'll want to see a motivated, gutsy performance that leaves the right type of difficult decisions to be made.
