Turkey Secures 2-1 Victory Over US in Friendly Match

    0
    1

    EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — The United States national soccer team succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Turkey in a rainy friendly match on Saturday, marking their third consecutive loss. Turkey capitalized on the Americans’ defensive lapses with goals from Arda Güler and Kerem Aktürko?lu, who struck in rapid succession during the first half.

    Jack McGlynn gave the U.S. an early lead with a goal scored just 59 seconds into the match. The American squad was without many of its regular players as coach Mauricio Pochettino opted to overhaul the roster in response to their poor outing at the CONCACAF Nations League finals in March.

    With preparations underway for the World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host in a year, the team is set to face Switzerland on Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee, in another friendly match. Their opening game of the CONCACAF Gold Cup against Trinidad and Tobago is scheduled for June 15.

    The recent defeat drops the U.S. team’s record to 5-4 under the guidance of Pochettino, who took over after the team’s disappointing exit in the Copa America led to the dismissal of former coach Gregg Berhalter. This stretch of losses marks the second time the team has suffered three consecutive defeats in a single year.

    In a significant lineup change from the Nations League clash against Canada, Pochettino introduced eight new starters, retaining only Max Arfsten at left back, Diego Luna on the wing, and Patrick Agyemang up front. Alex Freeman, the 20-year-old son of former NFL wide receiver Antonio Freeman, debuted in defense, while Matt Freese, goalkeeper for Major League Soccer’s New York City FC, was handed his first start in goal. Matt Turner, previously the regular starter, was notably absent from his duties with Crystal Palace since March 1.

    McGlynn’s goal originated from a well-placed pass by Malik Tilman. After controlling the ball with several touches, McGlynn veered inside and executed a left-footed shot from just outside the penalty area that curved into the far post. This marked his second goal in his fifth international appearance and the quickest U.S. goal since Shaq Moore’s 20-second strike against Canada in the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

    Turkey leveled the score in the 24th minute when a mistimed tap from Freese landed at Johnny Cardoso, whose attempted pass deflected off a defender and found its way to Güler. The goal marked Güler’s fifth on the international stage. Shortly thereafter, in the 27th minute, an attempted clearance by Miles Robinson from an O?uz Ayd?n shot misfired, enabling Aktürko?lu to volley the ball beyond Freese, securing his 12th international goal.

    Turkey’s keeper, Berke Özer, made his first appearance for the national team, contributing to their preparations for the World Cup qualifiers beginning in September. Turkey has displayed an impressive record with six wins, one loss, and one draw in their past eight matches.