USA vs Turkey: Young USMNT Falls 2-1 in Friendly Match
East Hartford, Connecticut
The U.S. Men’s National Team continued its troubling stretch of results with a third consecutive defeat, falling 2-1 to Turkey in an international friendly on Saturday at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Despite an early spark from Jack McGlynn, defensive errors and inexperience proved costly for Mauricio Pochettino’s restructured squad.
Just 59 seconds into the match, McGlynn gave the Americans a dream start, slotting home a curling left-footed effort after being set up by Malik Tilman. It was the Philadelphia Union midfielder’s second goal in only five international appearances and the fastest U.S. goal since Shaq Moore’s 20-second strike in the 2021 Gold Cup.
However, that early momentum quickly faded. Turkey responded with two quick-fire goals in the first half, capitalizing on miscommunication and defensive lapses. In the 24th minute, Arda Güler was the beneficiary of a misplayed pass that bounced off a U.S. leg and left debuting goalkeeper Matt Freese exposed. Just three minutes later, Kerem Aktürkoğlu pounced on a deflection from a blocked shot and buried a one-time finish to give Turkey a 2-1 lead they would not relinquish.
Despite holding 60% of possession and outshooting Turkey 13-11, the U.S. failed to find the equalizer. The result dropped Pochettino’s record to 5-4 since taking over as head coach, a tenure that began after last year’s disappointing Copa América campaign led to the dismissal of Gregg Berhalter.
Still, the Argentine coach remained defiant in the post-match press conference.
“We need to believe,” said the 53-year-old former PSG and Chelsea manager. “We need to compete like today, and for sure we’re going to have the possibility to win the World Cup.”
Pochettino made eight changes to the lineup that lost to Canada in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals in March, keeping only Max Arfsten, Diego Luna, and Patrick Agyemang in the starting XI. Saturday’s match was an opportunity for a group of young, untested players to prove themselves, and while the energy was evident, the results still fell short.
Among the newcomers, 20-year-old right back Alex Freeman, son of former NFL star Antonio Freeman, made his senior debut. So did Freese in goal, Quinn Sullivan in midfield, and Nathan Harriel in defense. Tyler Adams entered at halftime and praised the attitude of the youthful roster.
“Some guys are coming in and they’re not playing it safe,” said Adams. “They’re taking people on, trying things. That energy and fearlessness—that’s what will push this group forward.”
The United States has now lost three straight for the second time in the past year and hasn’t reached the World Cup semifinals since 1930. But Pochettino stressed that progress requires patience, especially as the team rebuilds heading into the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host alongside Canada and Mexico.
“I am sad because I think this group of players is working so hard, and we deserved a better result,” Pochettino said. “We pressed. We were brave. We showed attitude. Playing like this, we’re going to win most of our games.”
Next up for the U.S. is another friendly, this time against Switzerland in Nashville on Tuesday. That match will serve as the final tune-up before the Americans begin their 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign against Trinidad and Tobago on June 15.
Match Highlights – U.S. vs. Turkey
Score: USA 1, Turkey 2
Venue: Pratt & Whitney Stadium, East Hartford, CT
U.S. Goal: Jack McGlynn (1st minute)
Turkey Goals: Arda Güler (24th minute), Kerem Aktürkoğlu (27th minute)
Possession: USA 60% – Turkey 40%
Shots: USA 13 – Turkey 11
U.S. Player Debuts
Alex Freeman (RB)
Matt Freese (GK)
Quinn Sullivan (MF)
Nathan Harriel (DF)
What’s Next for Team USA?
Friendly: U.S. vs. Switzerland – June 10, 2025, Nashville, TN
Gold Cup Opener: U.S. vs. Trinidad and Tobago – June 15, 2025
Stay tuned to Bal Leagues for continued coverage of the U.S. Men’s National Team, CONCACAF Gold Cup, and everything American football across North America.
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