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The talented young Americans who were available for this unofficial international break provided a spark of excitement if not an outright inferno in a 3-1 thumping of Venezuela. It was JUST. A. FRIENDLY. but there was a lot to like about the performance. From Patrick Agymeng bullying the entire Venezuela backline and running past them at will to the US pouncing on their opponent after the first goal when the game opened up, things looked decent and possibly outstanding for a January camp.
In what is typically at best disjointed and more often than not shambolic, this January window almost has an aura of fun and excitement about it. The players also seem to be enjoying playing for their new manager.
Now the team will take on Costa Rica to finish up the pair of friendlies. There will no doubt be changes to the XI but with just 7 outfield players on the roster at this point, a wholesale new starting lineup won’t be seen. Brian White may start at striker and bring his at nimes keen nose for the goal into the no. 9 role. Jack McGlynn was a key part to how the USA played in midfield and it seems likely he’ll start again.
The true test in the match will be between Mauricio Pochettino and Miguel Herrera as the US manager faces one of the true characters of Concacaf. Herrera has called in the Costa Rica domestic league All-Stars except for Joel Campbell for the match. While Costa Rica is missing its first pick team as well, Herrera has called in a young team that is looking to prove itself.
Herrera enjoys playing an almost reckless attacking style so the game should be open and entertaining. Poch will want to see his players set the tone and make the opposition react to what the USA is doing in the match.
All in all, this could be a January friendly that has the potential to be almost a little fun… perhaps, good actually? There’s also going to be a lot of substitutions, so that could limit the potential for the potential of fun.