FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The latest camp for the U.S. men’s national soccer team focused on providing young talents with vital playing experience. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed satisfaction with the development opportunities witnessed during Saturday’s friendly match.
In a contest featuring many substitutes, the Americans overcame Venezuela with a convincing score of 3-1, marking the first international appearances for Patrick Agyemang and Matko Miljevic. Jack McGlynn also celebrated scoring his inaugural goal for the national team in this match.
McGlynn and Agyemang were instrumental late in the first half, netting goals just a couple of minutes apart before Miljevic found the back of the net in the 64th minute after initially having a penalty kick saved in the third minute. Pochettino noted the importance of teamwork and strategic execution throughout the game, stating, “We respected some rules and concepts, and it was great to see good performances from the players.”
McGlynn fired a spectacular left-footed shot from approximately 30 yards in the 37th minute, contributing to the scoreline shortly followed by Agyemang, who deflected a shot off Venezuela’s goalkeeper Wuilker Faríñez. Miljevic’s goal marked a notable achievement, as he joined Agyemang to become part of a distinguished list of players making their marks on U.S. debuts, totaling 61 scorers thus far.
Venezuela managed to score one goal in the 68th minute through Jorge Yriarte. They have now struggled to find success, going winless in their last eight games since defeating Jamaica during the Copa America group stage last summer. Meanwhile, the U.S. team secured their fourth win in five matches under Pochettino’s leadership.
The match did not fall on a designated FIFA international date, limiting the squad to just two players, defenders Miles Robinson and Shaq Moore, who had more than two prior international appearances. McGlynn reflected on his first goal, saying, “It was a cool moment… scoring my first goal for the men’s team meant a lot.”
The January camp could potentially serve as a launching pad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. While established players are expected to return for the CONCACAF Nations League finals in March, many of the younger talents in this camp are eager for significant roles in the roster for the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup in mid-year.
Notable players who have previously benefitted from January camps, including DaMarcus Beasley, Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, DeAndre Yedlin, and Landon Donovan, highlight the importance of this developmental phase.
During the match, the U.S. team largely controlled the game and had an early opportunity to seize the lead after Daniel Pereira fouled in the penalty area. Miljevic’s initial spot-kick attempt lacked precision as he aimed for Faríñez’s left but fell short. Pochettino later commented on the confusion regarding the penalty, noting that Miljevic was not initially the designated kicker, suggesting a lapse in pre-planned coordination.
In total, six U.S. starters, including left back Max Arfsten, central defender George Campbell, and wingers Brian Gutiérrez and Carden Clark, made their debuts, along with Miljevic and Agyemang at forward. Furthermore, Emeka Eneli and Indiana Vassilev joined in the second half as debutants.
Additionally, goalkeeper Patrick Schulte and midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi, who performs regularly for Inter Miami, made their second international appearances in this match. Venezuela also saw four debuts among their starters, including left back Anthony Graterol, midfielder Bryant Ortega, winger Jovanny Bolivar, and forward Gleiker Mendoza. A number of other players, such as Maurice Cova and Edson Tortolero, earned their debuts as substitutes.
Looking ahead, the U.S. team is set to play against Costa Rica in Orlando this upcoming Wednesday.
