USMNT vs New Zealand
After a disappointing performance as the host nation in this summer’s Copa America, the United States men’s national soccer team is on the brink of a new chapter.
But that new era won’t fully unfold until Tuesday night when the USMNT takes on New Zealand for the first time since 2016 in their fifth-ever visit to Queen City.
Just half an hour before kickoff, the U.S. made headlines by announcing the official hiring of Mauricio Pochettino, who has previously managed top European clubs like Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea.
“Introducing… #USMNT Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino 🇺🇸” — U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team (@USMNT) September 10, 2024
However, Pochettino won’t be on the sidelines today. Instead, interim coach Mikey Varas will be leading the U.S.
Cincinnati has been a lucky venue for the U.S., with a record of 2-1-1 in their previous four matches here, and they’re unbeaten in their last three, all at TQL Stadium. The U.S. even turned one of those draws into a victory, defeating Canada in penalty kicks last summer during the Gold Cup quarterfinals.
After a 2-1 loss over the weekend, the U.S. is eager to return to the win column — a feat they haven’t achieved in their last three matches across all competitions.
88′ – 1-1 Everything seemed to be going well. The U.S. was on track for their first win in four games.
Then, disaster struck.
In an unexpected twist, New Zealand scored a shocking goal due to a defensive mishap by the Americans. The Kiwis launched a ball from their defensive half, seemingly harmless with three U.S. players in the vicinity. However, Caleb Wiley failed to clear it, and Mark McKenzie’s attempted clearance hit the chest of All White forward Ben Waine. The ball bounced and crossed the goal line, leveling the score.
69′ – 1-0, USMNT It looked like a sure thing as soon as the substitution was made. Christian Pulisic scored the first official goal of the game in the 69th minute.
A series of quick touches on the right allowed Pulisic to advance from midfield. Folarin Balogun held up the ball at the edge of the box and found Pulisic wide open to his left. Pulisic took two touches to close in and slotted the ball into the far post, beating goalkeeper Max Crocombe.
60′ – 0-0 The score remains tied, but the officials have been busy. Three yellow cards have been handed out since play resumed: two to New Zealand and one to the U.S.’s Luca de la Torre for pulling down Matthew Garbett during a transition.
Another substitution for the USMNT: Christian Pulisic has entered the fray, adding some pace, particularly in the attacking third.
45′ – 0-0 The second half is underway, with a halftime change for the USMNT: Luca de la Torre has replaced Yunus Musah.
HALFTIME – United States 0, New Zealand 0 At halftime, TQL Stadium sees the U.S. dominating possession with 66.5% compared to New Zealand’s 33.5%. The U.S. also leads in shot attempts and has the only corner kick of the game. The disallowed goal in the 20th minute is still a significant talking point.
40′ – 0-0 The match has picked up in the last few minutes, though the score remains tied.
In the 32nd minute, the U.S. earned their first set piece — a corner kick — after Elijah Just of New Zealand fouled Brenden Aaronson in the penalty area.
By the 36th minute, the U.S. had their best chance yet, but it didn’t result in a goal. Yunus Musah sent a ball to Marion Fossey, who found Ricardo Pepi in the box. Pepi’s shot barely missed, sailing just past the post.
A minute later, Aaronson was tackled hard by Alex Rufer while breaking towards the goal, but he managed to continue after a brief stoppage.
Though scoreless, the game is heating up.
20′ – 0-0 We almost had our first goal, but it was ruled out — and the delay made it even more anticlimactic.
Some quick play from the U.S. kept the ball alive in the penalty area, eventually reaching Marlon Fossey. Fossey passed to Ricardo Pepi, who scored, but the celebration was short-lived as the goal was disallowed. The ball was returned to the New Zealand keeper instead of restarting play from midfield.
15′ – 0-0 It’s been a slow start with few opportunities. New Zealand had an early chance in the 2nd minute when U.S. midfielder Yunus Musah mishandled a pass, allowing a Kiwi player to take a shot that went over the bar.
The U.S.’ best chance came two minutes later when Brenden Aaronson perfectly timed a pass to Haij Wright. Wright was a step ahead of the defense but couldn’t reach the ball before New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe intervened.
Kickoff – 0′ The USMNT and the All Whites are underway at TQL Stadium!
Pregame and Lineups
The last time the U.S. played at TQL Stadium, it was a Gold Cup thriller with four goals scored after the 80th minute and a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Canada.
Tonight’s atmosphere is different: The squad is younger, with seven starters having fewer than 25 national team appearances, though veterans like Matt Turner are still in the lineup. With no major tournaments on the horizon, it’s a perfect opportunity for the younger players to get valuable experience, though some key players like Christian Pulisic and Tim Ream are available off the bench.
Our XI in the Queen City 👑
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) September 10, 2024
Lineup Notes ⤵️
Our XI in the Queen City 👑
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) September 10, 2024
Lineup Notes ⤵️
Source: WLWT5
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