USMNT vs Türkiye: Lessons, Lapses and Late Growing Pains in East Hartford
Photo of the match between the USA and Türkiye
With the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil ticking down, the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) welcomed Türkiye to East Hartford, Connecticut, for a summer friendly that served more than just fanfare. It offered Mauricio Pochettino and his squad a critical litmus test. With roster questions still looming and tactical cohesion still a work in progress, the match gave a snapshot of the growing pains and glimmers of promise defining this new era.
The evening began with a dream start for the Americans as Jack McGlynn cut in from the right and curled a stunning left-footed effort into the far corner within the opening minute. The Hartford crowd, especially vocal in support of hometown striker Patrick Agyemang, were electric early on. Agyemang, who has registered six goals and one assist in MLS play, was handed the start in front of his home fans. A strong gesture from Mauricio Pochettino.
In the first 20 minutes, the US looked composed, stringing passes from the back through midfield. Luca de la Torre particularly stood out, seamlessly transitioning play and linking up well in the final third. However, Türkiye began to settle. Juventus star Kenan Yildiz surged down the wing and found Arda Güler in the box, who fired over from close range. An early warning.
Disaster struck in the 24th minute. A sloppy pass out of the back from Johnny Cardoso deflected off Arda Güler and into the net for a bizarre goal. Just three minutes later, a defensive breakdown led to Kerem Aktürkoğlu pouncing on a failed clearance by Miles Robinson to give Türkiye the lead. From there, the USMNT’s composure visibly dropped as they struggled to regroup in the face of two quick-fire blows.
Halftime changes helped. Tyler Adams came on for Cardoso and steadied the midfield with his presence and energy. Malik Tillman and Niko Arfsten had promising moments although the finishing touch eluded them. Arfsten had multiple chances at the back post while Tillman’s header from close range was comfortably saved.
Brian White, who has tallied an impressive 15 goals in 22 matches this season, replaced Agyemang in the 74th minute. But by then, Türkiye’s experience and structure took over. Led by a commanding performance from Merih Demiral, they expertly managed the closing stages, maintaining possession and limiting the U.S. to hopeful balls forward.
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The Turkish fans were a force of their own, filling East Hartford with noise and color and were serenaded by the players at full-time. Demiral himself called the team over to acknowledge their passionate support.
This 2-1 defeat will not be remembered for its scoreline but for the questions it raised and the few answers it offered. With the Concacaf Gold Cup around the corner and the World Cup a year out, opportunities like these are vital. Players like Adams, De la Torre and McGlynn showed promise, but defensive frailties and missed chances underscore how much work lies ahead.
By: Jahvon Barrett / @JahvonBarrett
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / David Ramos / Getty Images