On Saturday, October 13, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) will face off against Panama in an international friendly at the Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. This match marks a significant milestone as it will be the debut of new head coach Mauricio Pochettino for the USMNT. Pochettino, known for his stints with Chelsea, PSG, and Tottenham, is expected to bring a fresh tactical approach to the team.
The USMNT is looking to bounce back from a recent slump, having secured only one win in their last seven matches. The team will be without several key players due to injuries, including Folarin Balogun, Tim Weah, and Gio Reyna. However, this provides an opportunity for other players like Josh Sargent and Malik Tillman to step up and impress the new coach. Christian Pulisic, who has been in excellent form with AC Milan, is expected to be a key player in the match.
Panama, on the other hand, is seeking to recover from a 5-0 defeat to Colombia in the Copa America quarterfinals. They have a history of performing well against the USMNT, having won three of their last four matches against them. Jose Fajardo, who led Panama with two goals in the Copa America, will be a player to watch.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 9 p.m. ET, and it will be broadcast on TNT, Telemundo, and Universo. Fans can also stream the game through various platforms such as Fubo, Sling, and Peacock. The odds favor the USMNT, with a money line of -195 for the Americans, +490 for Panama, and +285 for a draw.
SportsLine soccer expert Brandt Sutton has analyzed the match from every angle and has made his predictions. Sutton suggests that the USMNT could get a boost from their new coaching staff and the presence of top players like Pulisic, despite potential growing pains as they adjust to new tactics.
The match promises to be an exciting encounter as both teams look to make a statement. For the USMNT, it’s about showing they are ready to compete under Pochettino, while Panama aims to start a new winning streak after their recent setback.
