The United States Mens National Team is coming off a thrashing by the hands of Columbia as the red, white, and blue lost 5-1. The USMNT has one more friendly before the start of Copa America, but unfortunately for them, it is against an even stronger opponent in CONMEBOL juggernauts Brazil.
While the matchup is still a friendly, the squad will want to perform better to build confidence entering Copa America. Here are three players that need to step up for the USMNT in their friendly against Brazil.
Christian Pulisic needs to create more chances
Chrisitan Pulisic only played 45 minutes against Columbia after being swapped off at halftime in favor Haji Wright as manager Greg Berhalter tried to manage his minutes. The problem wasn’t that Pulisic played limited minutes; it is that the AC Milan club player did nothing of note with his time on the pitch.
The man nicknamed Captain America needs to cause havoc every chance he gets and force nations to gameplan against him. That starts with a strong showing against Brazil.
The USMNT need Antonee Robinson to continue his strong play
The entire United States backline struggled against Columbia, but Antonee Robinson’s performance was particularly eye-opening. Robinson’s failed clearance led to Columbia’s opening goal, and the 26-year-old seemed almost uncomfortable at times on the pitch, particularly when dealing with overloads on the left.
Robinson needs to perform well if the USMNT hopes to go anywhere in Copa America, and that starts with a solid showing against Brazil.
Matt Turner has to be better in net
Five goals on six shots on target. That was Matt Turner’s stat line against Columbia, and it arguably could have been worse if not for a stellar diving stop from Turner on the other shot that hit the target. Not all of those goals were Turner’s fault, but one or two felt like the 29-year-old could have better cut off his angles.
The United States needs Turner to be at his best if they hope to go far. If the New Jersey native can make a couple of big saves against Brazil, that will go a long way toward building the squad’s confidence.