St. Louis, MO – The US Men’s National Team (USMNT) triumphed over Uzbekistan in an electrifying international friendly match held at City Park, St. Louis, on September 9, 2023. This match marked the beginning of Gregg Berhalter’s second era as the head coach, following a temporary stint by his assistants during a federation issue. The USMNT clinched a hard-fought victory despite facing adversity due to injuries and absences.
Pre-Game Coverage and Kickoff
The pre-game coverage, which featured in-depth analysis and commentary, started at 4 p.m. ET and was broadcast on TNT, Telemundo, Universo, and Peacock. Fans worldwide tuned in to get insights into the much-anticipated match.
Kickoff took place at 4:30 p.m. ET, with TNT, Telemundo, Universo, Peacock, and Futbol de Primera Radio broadcasting the action to eager viewers.
Starting XI and Lineup Notes
The USMNT’s Starting XI showcased the following talented players:
- Matt Turner (Goalkeeper)
- Sergiño Dest
- Chris Richards (Substituted off at 63′)
- Antonee Robinson (Substituted off at 81′)
- Yunus Musah
- Weston McKennie (Substituted off at 81′)
- Christian Pulisic
- Tim Ream (Captain)
- Luca de la Torre (Substituted off at 35′)
- Folarin Balogun (Substituted off at halftime)
- Tim Weah (Substituted off at 63′)
Substitutes who made vital contributions included Ethan Horvath, Mark McKenzie, Cade Cowell, Ricardo Pepi, Brenden Aaronson, Miles Robinson, Ben Cremaschi, Tanner Tessmann, Malik Tillman, Joe Scally, Kevin Paredes, and Kristoffer Lund.
Notable Highlights and Observations
- The USMNT Starting XI had an average age of 25 years and 140 days, with an average of 30 caps per player.
- Nine players in the Starting XI were 26 years old or younger, reflecting the team’s youthful talent.
- Tim Ream, a veteran defender, captained the team in his hometown of St. Louis, a city with a rich soccer history.
- The USMNT paid tribute to 26 former players from St. Louis, emphasizing the city’s significant contribution to American soccer.
Player Ratings and Standout Performers
Matt Turner, the goalkeeper, received high praise for his sharp performance, maintaining composure throughout the match. Sergiño Dest showcased his exceptional skills with numerous touches and an impressive late dribble.
Despite a few errors, Tim Ream made critical interventions, helping Turner maintain a clean sheet. Chris Richards demonstrated his improved form, while Antonee Robinson’s busy evening on the left demanded relentless effort.
Luca de la Torre, who started despite a recent injury, displayed great promise. Yunus Musah, stepping up in the absence of key players, had an influential role in the game.
Weston McKennie contributed to the team with a sensational first touch, leading to an essential assist. Christian Pulisic relished his freedom on the field, delighting fans with his creativity and crossing.
Folarin Balogun, although limited by a few touches, added vigor to the game. Timothy Weah left a strong impression with his attacking prowess and a crucial intervention in defense.
Substitutes such as Tanner Tessmann and Ricardo Pepi made valuable contributions. Mark McKenzie, Brenden Aaronson, Kristoffer Lund, and Malik Tillman also played their part in securing the win.
The USMNT achieved victory, marking a promising start to Gregg Berhalter’s second coaching era. With a dynamic lineup and rising talents, the team demonstrated its potential on the international stage.
The match against Uzbekistan was an exciting chapter in the journey of US soccer, highlighting the nation’s growing prowess and the bright future that lies ahead.