EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — Not for the first time, U.S. men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino arrived at a post-match press conference after a loss, this time a 2-1 defeat to Turkiye in the first of two friendlies that will precede the Gold Cup. There was one thing he was relieved about, though.

After suffering shocking defeats to Panama and Canada in back-to-back 2025 Concacaf Nations League matches, the USMNT returned to action in its first of two international friendlies ahead of this summer’s Gold Cup.

Vickers, and now the injured Folarin Balogun.There are still plenty of stars, including Tyler Adams, Chris Richards, and perhaps-Atleti-bound Johnny Cardoso, so this will be fun.MORE — USMNT roster | USMNT schedule,