Writing previews is a fraught task. Providing a view into something that has not happened is asking for the concept of time to behave in ways that are generally speaking not entirely possible. When it comes to the USMNT that task is all the more difficult because the team is providing spectacular, cattywampus failures whenever it steps on the pitch lately. The most difficult task when previewing something isn’t noting what could go wrong, but guessing at what could go right.
Switzerland got whatever space they wanted and did whatever they wanted with it in the first half against the USA in Nashville. The result was a 4-0 deficit at the half and a stadium full of loud fans expressing their dissatisfaction. It was the worst first half performance in 45 years for the USMNT. Whatever challenges that the team is facing due to its best players not being available for the summer, the group of players is more than capable enough to not collapse for a full half of a game.
As far as the Trinidad & Tobago match, this is a team that the USMNT usually smashes. In 2023 there was a loss in the Quarter Finals in the Nations League away but the USA advanced to the next round on aggregate. It does not seem like this team has the ability to smash anybody but they are better than the Soca Warriors player for player. It’s time for the team to demonstrate it.
It’s also time for Maurico Pochettino to win a game. It’s his job to win. If he’s not doing that it’s time to find someone who can.