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On a humid evening in East Hartford, the US Men’s National Team takes the pitch against Türkiye with an experimental starting XI that speaks volumes about Mauricio Pochettino’s vision for the program. With several senior players rested, today’s lineup — captained by Chris Richards — features two debutants, five players with five or fewer caps, and an average experience of just 13 international appearances.
Local Boy Agyemang Starts Again, Freeman Makes History
All eyes at Rentschler Field will be on Patrick Agyemang, the East Hartford native, who earns his fifth cap — most in the squad this year — just five minutes from where he grew up. Agyemang, already leading the USMNT in goals for 2025 with three, once again starts up front and brings pace, power, and a local crowd firmly behind him.
At the opposite end of the experience spectrum, Alex Freeman, the 20-year-old defender from Orlando City, becomes the youngest player to debut under Pochettino and the first to do so during a FIFA window. Joining him in making a senior debut is Matt Freese, the NYCFC goalkeeper, trusted between the sticks in what could be a preview of post-Turner succession planning.
Richards Leads a Backline with Familiar Chemistry
Fresh off lifting the FA Cup with Crystal Palace, Chris Richards wears the captain’s armband for just the second time. He’s joined at center-back by Miles Robinson, with whom he shares an impressive 6W-1L-0D record when paired — including wins in their last four starts together.
Further up the pitch, Luca de la Torre returns to the XI for the first time since November 2023, and Johnny Cardoso and Malik Tillman make their first appearances of the calendar year. It’s a midfield packed with potential, and one that will need to stay composed against Türkiye’s high-press setup.
McGlynn and Arfsten Start During FIFA Window for First Time
For Jack McGlynn and Max Arfsten, today marks their first competitive starts during a FIFA international window, reflecting their rising stock within the national team pool. Both made their debuts in January camps but are now being tested on a bigger stage — against European opposition, no less.
Also making their first appearances against UEFA sides are Agyemang, Freeman, Freese, and Tillman, suggesting a deliberate move by Pochettino to expose his younger core to elite-level football early.
Bench Full of Potential Debuts
Five more players could earn their first caps tonight if introduced: Sebastian Berhalter, Chris Brady, Damion Downs, Nathan Harriel, and Quinn Sullivan. The bench is deep with raw talent, and depending on how the match unfolds, Pochettino may opt to further accelerate his youth movement.
Historical Edge with a Caveat
This is the fifth all-time meeting between the US and Türkiye, with the Americans holding a 2W-1L-1D record. The last two encounters — 2-1 victories in 2010 and 2014 — both favored the USMNT, though Türkiye claimed their lone win in the 2003 Confederations Cup.
And yet, those results carry limited relevance for this evening’s encounter, which leans more towards long-term player development than a win-at-all-costs mentality.
Final Thoughts
This XI may lack seniority, but it’s rich in narrative. A local star playing on home turf, a fresh captain fresh off silverware, and a wave of debuts under a manager who clearly believes in trusting youth. The result tonight may matter less than the foundation being laid — one that, if nurtured correctly, could carry the Stars and Stripes into a promising new era.
Credit: Us Soccer
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