The day has arrived for the United States men's national team, and it's been four years in the making. Following the darkest day in program history, a loss at Trinidad and Tobago in 2017 to shockingly miss out on the 2018 World Cup, a new World Cup qualifying cycle begins in what will be a wild Estadio Cuscatlan as the United States face El Salvador. Kickoff is set for 10:05 p.m. ET, and you can watch the match on CBS Sports Network and Paramount+.
Before kickoff, here are three things to watch and a projected USMNT starting XI:
1. USA should win... but don't overlook El Salvador
All I am saying to the USMNT fans is... don't expect this to be easy, and expect there to be a lack of sharpness early. Fans might've thought that last qualifier in 2017 would be easy too. It's true, El Salvador hasn't been good in decades, and they may just be in this round of qualifying thanks to the new format, but they've proven to be tough. Narrow, one-goal losses to Mexico and Qatar at the Gold Cup showed that they can compete, come back when down and push some of the better teams they face to the edge.
Add on top of that the fact that their stadium will be the loudest place in central America, I think it is going to be closer than most people think.
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2. Berhalter made the right call in goal
The big debate was whether USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter would start the most talented goalkeeper in goal in Zack Steffen, the Nations League hero Ethan Horvath or the best goalkeeper at the Gold Cup in Matt Turner. Berhalter goes way back with Steffen, so it made sense for him to be the choice. But, due to back spasms, Steffen is unavailable.
Berhalter then named Turner the starting goalkeeper, and on paper, it is the right decision. He's riding the hot hand, a guy who made countless incredible saves at the Gold Cup, and he is also one of the most consistent, in-form goalkeepers in MLS for the New England Revolution. He's got the best winning percentage among MLS goalkeepers this season and has conceded just one goal in his last 540 minutes with the national team, including four straight cleansheets. He was the logical choice, and now let's see if he continues to step up.
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3. Possession will be key
How to beat El Salvador? Take the ball from them. La Selecta, under Hugo Perez, love to possess the ball, and their patience pays off with plenty of opportunities. In their last four games at the Gold Cup, they averaged 60 percent possession and in that time had 66 total shots. That is way more than the U.S. will want to give up. This is a U.S. team that also wants to hold the ball as much as it can and be patient, so something is going to have to give. Holding onto the ball and making those short, high-percentage passes up the field will be key to keeping it away from the hosts and limited the chances they have. El Salvador do have the pace to go on the counter and make things happen, but that won't be the style they are comfortable with. Winning the possession battle will be vital for the red, white and blue.
USMNT projected lineup
Goalkeeper - Matt Turner
He's already been named the starter. Nothing to see here.
Left back - Antonee Robinson
Gets consistent minutes and allows Berhalter to push Sergino Dest over to the right to form the most talented set of fullbacks.
Centerback - John Brooks
Has been playing a lot, so fatigue could be a concern, but a hot start is important. Far and away the most important defender.
Centerback - Miles Robinson
He is in top form and should be in Europe before long. The hero in attack at the Gold Cup and a rising prospect.
Right back - Sergino Dest
Expect the talented Barcelona man to move to the right and to get forward plenty.
Defensive midfield - Tyler Adams
The sure starter in the middle and an incredible leader.
Center midfield - Sebastian Lletget
This will annoy some USMNT fans, but he is consistent under Berhalter and often makes a positive impact despite not being a big name or a flashy player.
Center midfield - Weston McKennie
The heart and soul of the midfield and an irreplaceable player in this team.
Left wing - Brenden Aaronson
Young and inexperienced, the talent is there to offer something similar to what Pulisic brings. Could also be Konrad de la Fuente.
Striker - Josh Sargent
A tough choice with not many great options. Berhalter goes with the experienced guy here who has had a decent start to his career at Norwich.
Right wing - Gio Reyna
The focal point in attack with Pulisic out. Has become a starter at Dortmund and consistently delivering goals and assists. He'll be needed in this one big time.
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