PREVIEW – The Concacaf Nations League is back. Tonight the United States Men’s National Team takes on Jamaica in the semifinal for the right to play Mexico (probably) in the final on Sunday. Gregg Berhalter’s called in a lineup few fans can argue against. Let’s take a look at the Nations League and what the USMNT lineup could look like.
USMNT Nations League Lineup Prediction vs Jamaica for March 21
Find the full roster for the competition here.
Yanks Abroad Amazing Form
This might be the most inform the USMNT has been going into a competitive international break EVER. Christian Pulisic has scored 11 goals this year for AC Milan. They’re in the quarterfinals of Europa League and second in Series A. Pulisic hasn’t looked this happy at a club team in years. Yunas Musah is enjoying himself as well.
Antonee Robinson had one of his best performances for Fulham FC in a 3-0 win over Spurs. The PSV America remains unbeaten in the Eredivisie with three USMNT players starting regularly. Johnny Cardoso’s a locked in starter for Real Betis. This squad has been goal dangerous at several positions.
The only players not balling out are Gio Reyna, who’s called down the depth chart on loan at Nottingham Forest, and the goalkeepers. Matt Turner’s lost his spot at Forest as well. Ethan Horvath’s made a move to Cardiff City who probably won’t compete for promotion.
Listen: Concacaf Nations League Preview, USMNT, MLS Roundtable
Injuries and Roster Moves
There were two late changes to the roster. Luca de la Torre and Josh Sargent suffered injuries. So Brendan Aaronson and Haji Wright have been called in. Wright had a legendary weekend, scoring in the FA Cup to send Coventry City to the FA Cup Semifinals at Wembley. They remain in the hunt for promotion to the Premier League.
Aaronson will again provide important depth at several positions. Wright should not start over Folarin Balogun. But he will serve as a good foil for him off the bench. That’s how he scored his goal at the World Cup.
A few players aren’t 90 minutes fit going into this week. Tim Ream’s lost his starting spot at Fulham. Tyler Adams is barely healthy as well. Remember Sergiño Dest is suspended for THAT red card against Trinidad.
USMNT Nations League Lineup Prediction
Berhalter did not mess around calling in this roster on merit. This window isn’t just the Nations League. It’s a dress rehearsal for Copa America this summer. Expect him to roll out a lineup that reflects that.
GK – Matt Turner
RB – Antonee Robinson
CB – Chris Richards
CB – Miles Robinson
LB – Joe Scally
CM – Yunus Musah
CM – Weston McKennie
RM – Christian Pulisic
CAM – Gio Reyna
LW – Tim Weah
ST – Folarin Balogun
Turner’s had an up and down club season, but everyone knows what he brings when he starts for the USA. Tim Ream would probably bump Miles Robinson if he was starting for Fulham. Tyler Adams just came back from injury for Bournemouth, playing 19 minutes in his season debut on the weekend. He’s not fit so it’ll be Musah cooking in the double pivot.
Reyna’s gotten just 38 minutes on loan in the Premier League. But starting him would be a good show of faith by Berhalter as they continue to work on their relationship. Like others, we’ve seen how Gio’s club form doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t ball out for the national team.
Also, the U.S. wins this game 2-1 in 90 minutes.
Oct 17, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; United States forward Christian Pulisic (10) celebrates with midfielder Yunus Musah (6) and defender Kristoffer Lund (23) after scoring on a penalty kick during the first half against Ghana at GEODIS Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
