Game Summary: USA vs. Slovenia – January 20, 2024

Pre-Game Coverage:

The anticipation was palpable as fans gathered at Toyota Stadium in San Antonio, Texas, for the highly anticipated friendly match between the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) and Slovenia. The pre-game coverage on TNT, Telemundo, Universo, MAX, and Peacock began at 2:30 p.m. ET, setting the stage for an exciting afternoon of soccer.

Starting Lineups:

The USMNT unveiled a youthful and dynamic starting lineup, featuring seven players making their international debuts. The team was led by captain Miles Robinson, with Patrick Schulte in goal, DeJuan Jones and Shaq Moore on the flanks, Aidan Morris and Josh Atencio in midfield, and Brian White leading the attack. Diego Luna, Bernard Kamungo, and Sean Zawadzki completed the starting XI.

Game Notes and Interesting Facts:

• The average age of the USMNT starting lineup was 24 years and 95 days, showcasing the team’s promising young talent.
• The seven debutants brought the total number of players to appear for the USMNT to an impressive 867.
• The match marked a modern era record for the most USMNT starting players earning their first cap in the same match, tying the mark set in a friendly against Serbia in January 2023.
• Coach Gregg Berhalter continued to impress with his commitment to giving young players opportunities, surpassing Bob Bradley for the second-most debuts among USMNT head coaches.
• The match also presented the possibility of breaking the USMNT record for debuts in a single match, which stood at 12.

Debutants and Club Representation:

The seven debutants in the starting lineup were a testament to the depth and talent within the USMNT player pool. Josh Atencio, Bernard Kamungo, Diego Luna, Patrick Schulte, Timmy Tillman, Brian White, and Sean Zawadzki all made their international debuts, adding their names to the illustrious history of the team.

The starting lineup featured players from nine different clubs, highlighting the diverse backgrounds and pathways to the national team. Columbus Crew led the way with three representatives (Morris, Schulte, Zawadzki), followed by Seattle Sounders (Atencio), New England Revolution (Jones), FC Dallas (Kamungo), Real Salt Lake (Luna), Nashville SC (Moore), Atlanta United (Robinson), LAFC (Tillman), and Vancouver Whitecaps (White).

Captaincy and Milestones:

Veteran defender Miles Robinson earned the honor of captaining the USMNT for the first time, becoming the 15th different player to lead the team under Gregg Berhalter. Shaq Moore returned to the starting lineup after a brief absence, making his first appearance since the FIFA World Cup group stage finale in November 2022. Aidan Morris and DeJuan Jones also made their returns to the team after featuring in previous matches.

Development Pathways and International Experience:

Eight of the starting players were products of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, demonstrating the success of the player development system in the United States. Five of those players were developed by MLS clubs, highlighting the strong partnership between the league and the national team program.

The match against Slovenia was the third meeting between the two nations, with the previous encounters resulting in a 2-2 draw in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and a 3-2 USMNT victory in a friendly in 2011.

Substitution Rule Change:

The match also marked the implementation of a new substitution rule, allowing six substitutions in three different moments. This rule change aimed to increase the dynamism and tactical flexibility of the game.

Match Highlights:

The match itself was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating scoring opportunities throughout the 90 minutes. The USA had the better chances in the first half, with Brian White and Aidan Morris coming close to breaking the deadlock. Slovenia responded in the second half, testing Patrick Schulte with a series of dangerous shots.

Despite the attacking efforts from both sides, the match ultimately ended in a 0-0 draw, with both teams sharing the spoils. The result extended the USMNT’s unbeaten run to four matches, providing a positive start to their 2024 campaign.

Conclusion:

The friendly against Slovenia served as a valuable opportunity for the USMNT to evaluate young talent and experiment with different tactical approaches. The seven debutants gained invaluable international experience, and the team as a whole showed signs of progress and cohesion. As the team continues to build towards major tournaments in the future, matches like these provide essential stepping stones in their journey.

Call to Action:

Don’t miss out on the next exciting USMNT match! Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from the team’s upcoming fixtures.