The US men’s national soccer team has already achieved significant milestones this summer. They recorded their highest goal tally in a single World Cup match, clinched two consecutive victories for the first time in the modern era, and secured the top position in a competitive Group D ahead of schedule.
However, on Thursday night, they faced a familiar challenge: World Cup adversity. In crucial moments—where knockout matches are often determined—they faltered. Kaan Ayhan’s last-minute goal delivered a 3-2 victory for Turkey, providing a silver lining to their otherwise disappointing tournament. Consequently, the Americans now head into the last-32, set to face Bosnia and Herzegovina, with lingering questions about their performance.
Before a crowd of 70,492 at Los Angeles Stadium, the Americans initially appeared to face a manageable task. Much like their games against Paraguay and Australia, they took an early lead, this time thanks to an unexpected 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. This marked the first time the US had trailed in the tournament.
Despite this setback, the team fought back. Sebastian Berhalter equalized shortly after halftime with a well-placed volley. The US also created several other opportunities that could have altered the outcome.
Squad Rotation and Tactical Shifts
This match, though deemed insignificant in the context of the tournament, sparked discussions regarding Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to largely rotate his squad. Weston McKennie was the only player retained from the starting lineups against Paraguay and Australia. Pochettino faced limitations in his choices; a quadriceps injury sidelined Cristian Roldan, whose absence was felt in a midfield that lacked the dynamic fluidity seen in previous matches.
The US began strongly, generating two chances from corner kicks delivered by Berhalter. The first corner, taken from the right, slipped between the goalkeeper and the defense, but no player was available to capitalize. The second corner proved fruitful, landing at the feet of the unmarked Trusty. From a difficult angle, Trusty scored the US’s third early goal in as many games, sprinting to the sideline with a triumphant expression as his teammates engulfed him in celebration, while he fought to embrace Pochettino.
Defensive Struggles and Comeback Efforts
After impressing skeptics with a robust defense against Paraguay and Australia, the US reverted to a more conventional flat back four against Turkey—a system that Belgium exploited during a 5-2 friendly win in March. This was evident throughout the first half after Trusty’s goal, with Güler’s equalizer epitomizing the US’s defensive vulnerabilities. The Real Madrid player took advantage of a disorganized backline, making a decisive run and finishing effortlessly past goalkeeper Matt Turner.
Turkey’s second goal was similarly a result of lost individual matchups. In midfield, McKennie, who had performed well, was outjumped, allowing Turkey to execute a well-timed third-man play that left Joe Scally exposed. Eren Elmalı’s cutback to Kökçü was perfectly timed and executed with enough pace that it found the back of the net with minimal effort.
Upon the second half’s commencement, the US displayed a renewed vigor, pressing more effectively and tightening their defense, shaking off the sluggish energy that characterized the first half. Their opportunism paid off when they capitalized on an uncleared corner, with Berhalter striking a low half-volley that found the near post. He sprinted to retrieve the ball, eager to resume play and push for a third goal.
Last-Minute Heartbreak
Despite creating additional chances, that elusive third goal never materialized. Christian Pulisic, returning from injury as a substitute, looked lively but saw two attempts narrowly miss. In a chaotic moment during the 63rd minute, his deflected shot struck the crossbar, and McKennie’s follow-up was blocked.
The decisive moment came in the dying seconds. Following a well-executed corner, Güler evaded two defenders, delivering a cross to an unmarked Ayhan at the far post, who finished clinically. This goal not only shifted the atmosphere in the stadium but also impacted the US locker room.
This US squad has consistently emphasized their sense of
