By Tommy Kane

Published: March 27, 2019

Volume III: Issue X

The United States men’s national team faced Chile on Mar. 26, 2019. The game took place at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, TX.

The U.S. tied Chile at the end of 90, 1-1. The Americans scored first, quickly followed by the Chileans.

New U.S. head coach, Gregg Berhalter, was faced with his toughest task since taking over. Prior to the match, he went 3-0 in his first three games, but all against opponents that were sub-par from the World Cup stage. Chile is currently ranked 13th in the world.

Not only was it the toughest competition Berhalter has faced, but it was a prime opportunity for Stars and Stripe’s ‘Golden Boy’ Christian Pulisic (MF). He hadn’t scored in a while and was looking to get back on the sheet.

What We Missed

New Coach, Gregg Berhalter

As said before, Berhalter and the United States won their first three matches of the 2019 year.

On Jan. 27, 2019, the Americans beat Panama, 3-0. The U.S. shutout Costa Rica, 2-0, on Feb. 2, 2019. Finally, the U.S. beat Ecuador on a lone goal, 1-0. That match took place on Mar. 21, 2019.

The U.S. has shown points of light, but also still has a lot to work on heading into the Gold Cup in the summer of 2019, as well as the 2022 World Cup.

A friendly against a Chilean side that also missed the 2018 World Cup was vital to the development of the young team.

Michael Bradley (MF) still led the Americans as a veteran player in the middle of the field. Pulisic and Gyasi Zardes (F) also shined in their roles. Defensively, Omar Gonzalez (D) and Matt Miazga (D) were important to take note of too. Starting in net was Ethan Horvath (G), a new face that is looking for some more playing time in a toss-up position.

Sparks Fly in Houston

The United States got to work right away. In the 4th minute, Zardes lobbed the ball up to an open Pulisic for a breakaway opportunity. Pulisic got the ball past Chilean goalie, Gabriel Arias. The 1-0 lead got the American crowd on their feet.

Pulisic Celebrates After His Goal

That only lasted for five minutes. The U.S. struggled defensively after the goal and allowed Chile to get comfortable in their zone. After batting the ball around a few times, Oscar Opazo shot the ball past Horvath and into the net. The score was already tied, 1-1, after nine minutes.

Both teams had a few prime opportunities throughout the first half, keeping everyone on their toes. Both sides found difficulty defensively and allowed chances.

Then, Pulisic’s night ended early. The 35th minute brought a scary moment for the U.S. side. Pulisic went down with an apparent right quadriceps injury and was subbed out of the match for precautionary reasons. He previously missed matches due to injury.

Tides turned in the last ten minutes of the half and it was all Chile. The Americans did more attacking than defending. The sloppiness was starting to catch up with the U.S., allowing good shots that caused Horvath to make critical saves.

Alas, the first half ended, 1-1.

Draw to the End

Chile controlled the early parts of the second half, but in the 55th minute, the United States found an opportunity, but couldn’t cash in.

Zardes had a great shot, but was under pressure and shot it just above the crossbar. It was the first time in a while that the Stars and Stripes were able to get a chance.

The rest of the half was back-and-forth action between the two squads, with the Americans getting more chances than the Chileans. When the Americans got chances, they would be on rushes up the pitch, not when the game was slower.

Finally, the friendly ended in a draw, 1-1. Chile controlled the possession for most of the game though, 66% to 34%. The U.S. had one lone shot on net which was the goal. On the other hand, Chile had three shots on net, one resulting in a goal.

Gold Cup Coming Up

After their four friendlies to start of the 2019 year, the United States will take part in the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup this summer.

The Gold Cup is a biennial competition between the countries located in North and Central America, as well as the Carribean. The United States last won the cup in 2017.

This Gold Cup will start on Jun. 15, 2019 and end on Jul. 7, 2019. Matches will take place in the United States, Costa Rica, and an undetermined Carribean location. Games will be broadcasted on the Fox Sports Network and its affiliates.

The Gold Cup gives the U.S. a chance to play some good teams, but they are lacking playing time against prime, world-class caliber teams. Still, we need the practice to get ready for the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers, which will be against the same teams competing in the Gold Cup.

It will be interesting to see how Berhalter handles the tournament and where he places key players throughout. It is certain to expect, barring a serious injury sustained against Chile or before the Gold Cup, that Pulisic will play a huge role for the team.

The question is are the United States capable of becoming a contender for the 2022 World Cup, or even the 2026 World Cup, which they will host? The Gold Cup is a good place to practice and may be an indicator of where the team is heading. It is all up in the air now; it’s a whole new United States squad!

GO USA!

Stats

Game Summary

Game Highlights