USMNT keys to the match: Who starts in goal, protecting Christian Pulisic, more on Mauricio Pochettino’s debut

Saturday, the United States will host Panama after losing to them during Copa America. This, however, can’t be viewed as a revenge game. There’s a new coach for the USMNT in Mauricio Pochettino and while the USMNT will want to win the match, the priority is for everyone to understand the new coach’s tactics and ideals. Pochettino mentioned that he wants this camp to be used as a time to get to know the players, so while winning is important, the focus for him, along with his staff, will be to figure out who can perform in different roles and positions among other things. 

Players have already spoken about the training intensity under Pochettino in comparison to past coaches, but that’s something that will only help make their pressing better during a match. The Argentine is taking into account how many minutes players have already logged coming into camp which is where rotation could come into play. With this being Pochettino’s first foray into international management, there are circumstances that he now needs to consider that weren’t the case on the club side of things. In his first match leading the side, let’s take a look at some of the keys to the match.

Confidence in net

A defense is always better when they trust the goalkeeper behind them and if Zack Steffen starts this match, he’ll become the third keeper to start in just three matches for the USMNT. The race to become the number one is in full swing due to Matt Turner’s lack of playing time at Crystal Palace and it may have come full circle back to Steffen. He’s playing regularly for the Colorado Rapids, but outside of a strong run during the Leagues Cup where he was named keeper of the tournament, Steffen has struggled.

Any hesitation from whoever is in net will be taken advantage of by Panama during the match, which is where the training that the team has done under Pochettino is key. He’s a manger who will work to instill confidence and find what his players do best to put them in the best position to succeed, but it’s all going to stem from the choice of his starting keeper.

Trust in Christian Pulisic, but also protect him

When asked about Christian Pulisic’s performances so far, Pochettino couldn’t help but glow in his press conference ahead of the match, but he also offered some caution that shows he’s beginning to adjust to international management already.

“A great player, a player who is going to help now and in the future to put the team in a place that we want. I think he’s a fantastic player, one of the best offensive players in the world,” Pochettino said.  “He’s playing every single game, every single minute. That is also, I think that’s where we’re a little bit worried because at some time, we need to protect [him]. He arrived a little bit tired.”

If this were a Concacaf Nations League match, things would be a little different, but it seems to be fair to not expect Pulisic to play 180 minutes during this international window. While the USMNT will go as far as he can take them, it’ll also be good for Pochettino to see how they perform without their talisman on the pitch. Demands for soccer players globally have only risen by the season, and it’s been no different for Pulisic with Milan playing in Champions League and Serie A. There would be nothing better than for him to get a goal early in the match to make it easier to rest later.

Rotation will be key during this window because it’s a good time to try and get players who have featured less for their clubs minutes while also taking a look at who can be sharp without regular minutes versus who needs to be playing weekly to perform well. As Pochettino gets to know the pool, this will get easier but seeing as many situations as possible early will help.

Let Josh Sargent cook

Being a starting striker is a game built on confidence, and as the focal point of the Norwich City attack, Josh Sargent has thrived with four goals and three assists so far this season. He’s physical enough to deal with Panama’s defense while also keeping an eye on those around him to setup teammates. Without Folarin Balogun, Sargent could be the next man up to start at the nine as Pochettino takes the reigns. Brandon Vazquez was called in too, but the two are very different forwards, due to Sargent getting more involved in build up play.

Both have their place but in a moment like this, it can be good to ride the hot hand and trust Sargent to keep putting the ball in the back of the net during this massive opportunity to secure his national team future.

How to watch and odds

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 13 | Time: 9 p.m. ET
• Location: Q2 Stadium — Austin, Texas
• TV: TNT  | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
• Odds: USMNT -215; Draw +290; Panama +550