AUSTIN, Texas — Mauricio Pochettino marked a successful beginning to his tenure as head coach of the U.S. men’s national soccer team with a 2-0 victory over Panama on Saturday night. The pivotal moment came in the 49th minute, where Yunus Musah netted a goal after receiving an assist from teammate Christian Pulisic, who plays for AC Milan. Ricardo Pepi added another goal in stoppage time.

In front of an enthusiastic crowd of 20,239 at Q2 Stadium, this match was the first of two friendly games scheduled for the U.S. within a week, with an upcoming clash against Mexico in Guadalajara on Tuesday. This win ended the U.S. team’s four-match winless streak, marking their first home win since they encountered a similar tough stretch back in 2010-11.

Pochettino, a seasoned coach hailing from Argentina who has previously managed teams like Tottenham, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain, stepped into his new role just last month. His appointment followed the dismissal of former coach Gregg Berhalter, who parted ways with the team after their early exit from the Copa America in July. The 52-year-old has been handed a contract extending until the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host. His objective is to rejuvenate a squad that hasn’t advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals since 2002.

Yunus Musah’s goal was significant as it marked his first after 42 appearances for the national team. The play was set in motion by Antonee Robinson, who skillfully maneuvered around Panama’s defender Michael Murillo to pass the ball to Pulisic. Following a quick exchange with Brenden Aaronson, Pulisic delivered a precise cross that Musah decisively volleyed in from close range.

Pulisic now holds the record for playing under eight different U.S. coaches, a unique feat among American players. The second U.S. goal came from a combination of substitutes in the second half. Malik Tillman received a pass from goalkeeper Matt Turner, which he then laid off to Haji Wright. Wright’s cross found Texas native Pepi, who cleverly slotted the ball through Panama’s goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera’s legs, marking his 11th goal in 31 international matches.

Turner, who had started all of the U.S.’s matches during the 2022 World Cup, showcased his skills with a remarkable double save during the match. He first deflected a shot from Puma Rodríguez before quickly getting back up to block a follow-up attempt from Yoel Bárcenas.

In a noteworthy moment for Panama, forward José Fajardo missed a significant opportunity when he shot wide with an open chance in the 87th minute. Tim Ream captained the U.S. side, becoming the oldest field player for the national team since Preki Radosavljevi? in 2001, just one week after celebrating his 37th birthday. Forward Josh Sargent also made a comeback, starting for the first time since the 2022 group-stage match against Iran.

Adding to the historical context of the match, Mexican referee Katia Garcia was believed to be the first woman to officiate a U.S. men’s national team game. Goalkeeper Zack Steffen, who has not played since the World Cup qualifiers in March 2022, was absent due to what the U.S. Soccer Federation described as a minor injury, along with defender Marlon Fossey, who also did not participate in training leading up to the match.