The US men’s national soccer team made significant strides this summer, achieving several milestones. They recorded their highest goal tally in a single World Cup match, won two consecutive matches for the first time since the modern era began, and secured the top position in a competitive Group D with a game remaining.
However, on Thursday evening, they faced a familiar challenge: World Cup adversity. In critical moments, where knockout games can turn, the team faltered. Kaan Ayhan’s last-minute goal secured a 3-2 victory for Turkey, providing a silver lining to their disappointing tournament. This result leaves the Americans heading into the Round of 32, where they will face Bosnia and Herzegovina, with lingering uncertainties.
Playing in front of 70,492 fans at Los Angeles Stadium, the US began the match confidently. They took an early lead, mirroring their performances against Paraguay and Australia, with a surprising goal from defender Auston Trusty. However, the US defense struggled under pressure, conceding two goals from Arda Güler in the 10th minute and Orkun Kökçü in the 31st, marking the first time the US trailed in this tournament.
Yet, a comeback was on the horizon. Sebastian Berhalter leveled the score shortly after halftime with a well-placed volley. The Americans created additional opportunities that could have altered the outcome.
Despite the match being a dead rubber, Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to nearly completely rotate his squad is noteworthy. Weston McKennie was the only player retained from the starting lineups against Paraguay and Australia. Pochettino’s options were further constrained by Cristian Roldan’s quad injury, which sidelined the Seattle Sounders captain throughout the week, leaving a gap in leadership for a midfield that lacked the dynamism seen in previous matches.
The US made a strong start, earning two chances from Berhalter corner kicks. The first corner, delivered from the right, slipped between the goalkeeper and defenders, but no one was available to capitalize. The second corner proved more fruitful, finding Trusty unmarked. Despite the challenging angle, Trusty netted the US’s third early goal in as many games, celebrating with a fierce embrace of Pochettino after his teammates swarmed him in jubilation.
After impressing critics and breezing past Paraguay and Australia with a solid backline, the US reverted to a more traditional flat back four against Turkey. This formation had previously been exploited by Belgium in a March friendly, leading to a 5-2 defeat, and it continued to be a point of contention for the US defense in much of the first half. Güler’s equalizing goal exemplified the struggles, as he exploited a disorganized backline with a sharp run, utilizing Barış Alper Yılmaz as a screen before easily finishing past Matt Turner.
Turkey’s second goal capitalized on individual battles lost. In midfield, McKennie, otherwise solid, was outmuscled in the air, allowing Turkey to execute a well-timed combination play that left Joe Scally isolated. Eren Elmalı’s precise cutback to Kökçü was executed perfectly, needing only a simple finish to find the net.
The US emerged as a different team at the start of the second half, pressing more effectively and tightening their defense, shaking off the lethargy that characterized their initial performance. They seized opportunities, with Berhalter capitalizing on a corner that failed to be cleared. He struck a low, powerful half-volley that found the net inside the near post, eagerly sprinting to the ball to restart play, determined to push for a third goal.
However, that goal never materialized, despite several good chances. Christian Pulisic, returning from injury and looking sharp after coming on as a substitute, narrowly missed two scoring opportunities. In a frantic moment during the 63rd minute, his deflected shot hit the crossbar, and McKennie’s follow-up was blocked.
In the dying moments, Turkey delivered the final blow. An impressive corner routine allowed Güler to evade two defenders, and his cross found Ayhan unmarked at the far post. He finished decisively, shifting the atmosphere in the stadium and the US locker room.
The US squad has consistently emphasized their “brotherhood,” stressing that all 26 players contribute fully and that no one is guaranteed playing time or privileges. They highlight the importance of collective responsibility.
If the team learns from this defeat and sharpens the focus of both first-choice and reserve players, they may find a crucial boost in morale. World Cup knockout rounds require resilience, and the US aims to rise above this latest setback.
