The U.S. men's national team fell 2-1 at Switzerland in a friendly on Sunday in a tune-up for CONCACAF Nations League games coming later this week.
Sebastian Lletget gave the U.S. an early lead with a fifth-minute goal after jumping on a loose ball in the box that ricocheted off a touch from Brenden Aaronson. Switzerland tied the game six minutes later when Xherdan Shaqiri raced into space on the right and crossed to Ricardo Rodriguez, who fired a shot that deflected off the heel of U.S. right back Reggie Cannon and inside the far post.
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The U.S. caught a break in the 41st minute when Switzerland was awarded a penalty for a handball in the box on Sergiño Dest, but Rodriguez missed the target to keep the score level.
The U.S. had a couple of chances to take the lead late in the second half, with Lletget missing the target after the Americans' press caused a turnover near the Swiss goal, and Josh Sargent missed a header from inside the box in the 35th minute.
The U.S. created several chances early in the second half. Gio Reyna's shot in the 52nd minute caromed off the post, and Sargent had another header at the near post miss the target. As the second half unfolded, however, Switzerland gained more of the game and started to exploit the U.S.'s defensive deficiencies, finding space centrally in front of the U.S. back line.
Goalkeeper Ethan Horvath had to make several big saves on Breel Embolo in the 54th and 57th minutes. Switzerland finally broke through in the 63rd minute after sloppy defending in the box led to a loose ball that Steven Zuber fired home from close range.
Switzerland created several more chances in the final half hour but weren't able to score.
The U.S. will now fly to Denver to take on Honduras in a Nations League semifinal on June 3. They will be met there by Champions League winner Christian Pulisic and Manchester City goalkeeper Zack Steffen.
U.S. midfielder Tyler Adams did not play in the friendly on Sunday, but it's not yet clear if there will be an injury replacement for him ahead of Wednesday's semifinal. If the U.S. wins, it will face the winner of Mexico-Costa Rica in the final on June 6. The U.S. will then close this window with a friendly against Costa Rica on June 9.
What were the main takeaways from this game?
Sam Stejskal, soccer staff writer: This was the stiffest test for the USMNT in more than a year — and it’s hard to say that the Americans passed.
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The first half was relatively even, but the Swiss took firm control in the second, overrunning an American defense that struggled to stay organized. The absence (again) of Adams, a rangy, defensively stout midfielder, was glaring, but the issues extended beyond the No. 6 position.
The U.S. allowed Switzerland too much space on the ball in the midfield and didn’t do a good enough job of tracking runners in behind. Dest, in particular, had a difficult night, struggling to balance his desire to get forward and join the attack with his defensive responsibilities at left back.
Did anyone make a strong case to start against Honduras?
Paul Tenorio, soccer staff writer: Aaronson had a solid first half, especially for an opponent as strong as Switzerland, and that will make for a difficult decision for Berhalter: Can you get Pulisic, Aaronson, Weston McKennie, Reyna and Yunus Musah on the field together? Probably not.
Perhaps if you are willing to push McKennie back to the No. 6 role if Adams can’t go. Mark McKenzie played well at center back next to John Brooks, and his performance might be enough to stay ahead of the more experienced Matt Miazga in the pecking order.
What changes should we expect ahead of Nations League?
Tenorio: Switzerland’s ability to exploit the space behind Dest on a couple occasions might cause some concerns about starting Dest on the left against Honduras with Alberth Elis lurking. That could open up an opportunity for Antonee Robinson at left back while moving Dest to the right, where he will have a bit more freedom to push forward.
Sargent had some bright moments, but wasn’t able to finish. That could open the door for Jordan Siebatcheu to step into the No. 9 role against Honduras. Most importantly, we’ll see Pulisic and Steffen return from their clubs, and the Champions League final, and step right into their normal starting roles.
(Photo: Marcio Machado / Eurasia Sport Images via Getty Images)
