The U.S. seemed like they'd cap a memorable night with a win, but a late disaster saw them settle for a frustrating draw
CINCINNATI — American soccer only had one eye on Tuesday night's friendly against New Zealand. The other was hyper-focused on an auspicious announcement. If you didn't hear, there's finally a new coach in charge and as expected, it is Mauricio Pochettino.
Attention will widely be on Pochettino's first game in charge in October. Yet, those who did watch what happened in a friendly against New Zealand Tuesday night saw some level of improvement, but also a whole lot to be worried about.
Christian Pulisic came off the bench to score for the USMNT, who couldn't hold the lead in what ended as a 1-1 draw. A defensive breakdown led to Mark McKenzie clearing the ball directly of Ben Waine and in. That's just how things are bouncing right now for the USMNT. On the pitch, they can't catch a break.
The match was played before an announced attendance of only 15,711, much less than FC Cincinnati's season average of 25,292.
"Obviously difficult results for us, and it’s not a great feeling. But I think moving forward, it’s time to turn a page and we really have to pick it up a level – I mean everyone that’s a part of this," Pulisic said on TNT. "It feels pretty low right now but I know there’s better times ahead."
Fortunately for the U.S., the page has largely been turned due to Tuesday's coaching hire. Tuesday was Pochettino's day, and the road to the 2026 World Cup really starts now, even if the performance in Cincinnati shows there's still so much work to be done.
GOAL rates USMNT players from TQL Stadium.
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Matt Turner (7/10):
Made some big, big saves when called upon. New Zealand had a few decent looks, but Turner was there to make sure they didn't convert any. Nothing he could really do on the goal, either. It happens.
Kristoffer Lund (6/10):
Held onto the ball a little too long a few times, but was otherwise solid. A good audition to prove he can stay on as a backup.
Mark McKenzie (6/10):
Largely a really good game from a player desperate for a bigger role. Did a lot of really good things defensively to help put out some fires caused by New Zealand. He was really, really unfortunate on the New Zealand goal, as his clearance bounced right off Waine and in.
Chris Richards (6/10):
The captain of the day, Richards was generally solid. A good game from a player who is pretty close to a locked-in starter these days.
Marlon Fossey (7/10):
That's how you make your mark in your first cap. Fossey showed no fear and bombed forward early and often. He played a part in the goal and nearly assisted a few others. A really encouraging game from a new face, for sure.
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Aidan Morris (7/10):
Another really good game from the Middlesbrough midfielder. Did a lot of little things defensively and made good use of the ball when he did get it, including on Pulisic's goal-scoring sequence. Solid as can be.
Yunus Musah (4/10):
Really struggled. Movement was poor and, despite a few signature drives on the field, his game was defined by his struggles defensively. You can't go 1/7 on duels. Not good enough.
Brenden Aaronson (7/10):
Got beat up a bunch by New Zealand, particularly in the first half. Put himself in positions where defenders simply had to foul him, which is a credit to how good he was with and without the ball. Had one good chance at goal, too, but it was saved by Max Crocombe.
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Haji Wright (6/10):
Had a few decent moments on the left-hand side, but it felt like the end product was always a touch or two away.
Folarin Balogun (7/10):
Drifted just a bit too deep to get the ball, which robs him of his biggest asset: his ability to get in behind. That happened far too little on Tuesday. He did provide the assist, though, with a fantastic lay-off for Pulisic.
Ricardo Pepi (7/10):
He had a heck of a finish midway through the first half, but was unlucky to see it called back for a foul in the buildup. He was dangerous, though, which is all you can ask.
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Luca de la Torre (6/10):
Replaced Musah, who was struggling. Added a bit of stability to a midfield that needed it.
Christian Pulisic (8/10):
Can't ask for more than that, can you? With the game scoreless, the USMNT's best player came in and got a goal that nearly ended this window on a high.
Caleb Wiley (4/10):
Did well on the ball after coming in at left-back, but had a disastrous mistake on the New Zealand goal. Just not a mistake you can make at this level.
Malik Tillman (6/10):
Got the ball a few times, but didn't really get a chance to do anything with it.
Cade Cowell (N/A):
Thrown on late, but didn't really get a chance to run or get loose.
Johnny Cardoso (N/A):
Given just a few minutes to atone for a rough outing against Canada, which wasn't really enough.
Mikey Varas (6/10):
Again, was a rough first half, but it does help when you can turn to a player like Pulisic off the bench. Pulled the right strings when he needed to, so the interim coach gets credit for that.