LOS ANGELES – In the team’s first game since the 2022 World Cup, USA The men’s national team has an early goal from the debutant Brandon Vazquez before conceding twice in a 2-1 loss arrive Serbia at BMO Stadium.
JUMP TO: Best/worst performer | Highlights & remarkable moments | Quotes after the game | main statistics | upcoming match schedule
rapid response
first. The heavy influence of the US-Mexico
All four players on the list are eligible to represent Mexico –Vazquez, Alejandro Zendejas, Cade Cowell and Jonathan Gomez – was in the starting XI. It represents a clear statement of intent from US Soccer that the federation wants lasting commitments from each of them.
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Vazquez, Zendejas — both with first international caps — and Cowell played together in a lively and always dangerous attacking trio. Vazquez’s goal from teammate Julian Gressell’s cross was a brilliant finish — sending the ball wide into the corner — and left a positive first impression of his international prowess. .
For all the attention Zendejas’ arrival came from Club America mid-season, he was dwarfed by Cowell on the opposite flank. The San Jose earthquake The winger has been heralded as a potential star for many years and although he is only 19 years old, it is an important year to cement reasonable expectations for his development. If he is as dangerous for Quakes as he was against Serbia, it would be fair to restart talks over a potential European transfer.
Gomez was not as successful as the other three. His physical limitations were shown and provided important context for why he did not appear in the first team for Real Sociedad in LaLiga since moving from Louisville City in USL in 2021.
2. Gabriel Slonina make a history
Newly transferred from Chicago Fire to Chelsea, Slonina made history as the youngest goalkeeper ever to play for the United States team. 18 years 255 days, taking the record of Tony Meola, who debuted a few months after his 19th birthday before Ecuador in 1988.
The youngster had some good moments – including one where he was kicked in the head while pushing the ball over the goal line – and he wasn’t really at fault for either of Serbia’s goals. Although it is a long way from playing in England, Slonina certainly has the talent to one day develop into the number 1 in the US. Is it possible in 2026? That seems like a stretch, but it’s not out of the question.
3. Typical vibe for a January game
If US Soccer hopes the excitement from the World Cup will translate into a better-than-usual January atmosphere, it will disappoint them. BMO Stadium — new name for LAFChis house — about half full and has the right energy levels for a glorious training session.
The reality for this type of game is that the outcome doesn’t matter. It’s about giving each player the opportunity to be exposed to the international level as part of their development. There’s the team aspect, of course, but as the United States plays against a makeshift coaching staff, being there on Wednesday night is less valuable than it could have been.
Seven new players made their national team debut, the most in a single game since 1988.
Best and worst performers
Best: Aidan Morris, USA
Morris was calm on the ball and firmly defended in one position – defensive midfielder – lacking depth in the area. There was a significant drop after Tyler Adams and Morris seemed poised to compete for a few minutes behind him.
Best: Cade Cowell, USA
As mentioned above, Cowell is always influential when playing on the left wing. He doesn’t have any goals or assists to prove it, but it feels inevitable that every time he gets the ball, he’ll be blown away by his defender and put the ball right in. well located.
Best: Veljko Simic, Serbia
Simic, who plays for Vojvodina in Serbia, scored the winning goal early in the second half and influenced Serbia’s attack throughout the game.
Worst: Marko Mijailovic, Serbia
Cowell made his way with Mijailovic all night.
Worst: Jonathan Gomez, USA
Gomez shows that he is not ready to be considered for official competition.
Worst: Jalen Neal, USA
Neal had some shining moments but a few times he was caught in position and had a weak hold on the ball.
Highlights and remarkable moments
Vazquez opened the scoring on the night with his first goal.
¡Se estrena como goleador🤩 !
⚽ @Brvndonv con la cabeza vence al arquero y marca su primer gol en su debut con @USMNT.
🇺🇸Estados Unidos 1-0 Serbia
EN VIVO by @NBCUuniverso y @peacock ➡️ https://t.co/zx1GZSlU7N#USMNTtelemundo #AmistosoInternational pic.twitter.com/Gcgh8oW3Wq
– Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) January 26, 2023
Serbia’s goals on either side of the first half gave them the lead and won against USMNT.
©️ о Симић за преокрет Лос Анђелесу! 1-2 pic.twitter.com/z3gKZxVYYI
— Fudbalski savez Srbije | Serbian FA (@FSSrbije) January 26, 2023
After the game: What coaches and players say
USMNT Coach Anthony Hudson on Alejandro Zendejas: “It’s unbelievable. Obviously he has to go back to his club tonight and I’ve been trying to beg him to stay because I think he’s brilliant. He’s only been here a few days. and – you met him tonight – you see his personality on the pitch. He’s a really, really interesting player. Good quality. Really technical, really strong. Really yes. offensive mind. I just like his desire to move on and on.”
Walker Zimmerman starts in Qatar against this friendly: “I told the people in the pre-match group chat, whenever we wear this shirt, we don’t care if it’s a World Cup game or it’s a January camp game. You put on that jersey, that’s the pride you have to try to win the game. So we went out there and wanted to compete. It’s a little bit different when you have the satisfaction. that pre-season and for a lot of people it takes a week or two to get back to it.while it’s a normal January of camping, you have a whole month to build.So for a lot of guys , it was really the first bit of football action they had. From that point of view it was difficult. It made it difficult for the rotation, the physical point of view and then the understanding. “
Brandon Vazquez on scoring on his debut: “Debuting tonight and scoring on my debut with my family here, close to where I grew up, it’s unbelievable. Seeing my family celebrate like that and it’s amazing. upon witnessing.”
Key stats (powered by ESPN Stats & Information research)
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Vazquez becomes 59th #USMNT player to score on debut
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Seven new starters made their senior team debut — the most appearances in the USMNT Starting XI since nine players made their debut in a friendly against Guatemala January 10, 1988
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18 years and 255 days, Gaga Slonina becomes the youngest goalkeeper to play for USMNT
Next
USMNT: Americans have one more friend attached to this camp against Colombia on Saturday, January 28 at 7:30 p.m. ET in nearby Carson, California.
Serbia: Currently, Serbia’s next matches on schedule are until March for the Euro qualifying tournament against Lithuania and Montenegro.
