USMNT vs. Turkiye score, takeaways: USA soccer fall in Gold Cup tune-up despite first-minute goal

The U.S. scored quickly and then conceded twice, losing 2-1 to Turkiye

The United States men's national team may have been elated going ahead a minute into facing Turkiye, but things went back to more of the same in a 2-1 loss on Saturday. It may have been a friendly, but this is now three consecutive losses for Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT, even after Jack McGlynn put them ahead with a wonderful strike from outside the box. 

Turnovers and individual errors were punished by Turkiye, who went into the half ahead and withstood the USMNT in the second half of play. With the loss, Pochettino has also become the first USMNT coach to lose three consecutive games since Jurgen Klinsmann in 2015.

Matt Freese, Alex Freeman, Nathan Harriel, and Quinn Sullivan made their USMNT debuts, but even containing Turkiye wasn't enough to get back into the match in the second half of play. When facing one of the top-ranked FIFA sides, a team will be punished for mistakes, which is just what happened to the USMNT on Saturday. 

Facing Switzerland on Tuesday, things won't get any easier after the Europeans beat Mexico 4-2, but these are the kind of matches that this team also need to improve ahead of the Concacaf Gold Cup, which kicks off on June 14. With a squad that hasn't played much together, these friendlies will show Pochettino who he can trust in upcoming meaningful matches to kick off their last window of competitive games ahead of the World Cup in 2026.

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Jack McGlynn's left foot is something

While this isn't news to most Major League Soccer fans who have been watching McGlynn's exploits since he was 18, the rest of the world is quickly finding out that he is something special in midfield. With the confidence to shoot from anywhere, he was actually the only member of the USMNT to take a shot in the first half, with all of them coming from outside the box. McGlynn has now scored two goals in 2025 for the USMNT and is the only player outside of Patrick Agyemang to score multiple goals for the team in 2025.

Another moment for that @JackMcGlynn7 goal 😍#USMNT x @VW pic.twitter.com/uFVR6lKsC1

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 7, 2025

That's one way to play yourself into the World Cup squad, where goals will come at a premium. The fact that McGlynn's game doesn't change no matter who he is playing against will go a long way when things get tougher for the United States moving forward.

Struggles playing together

With the group playing together for the first time, mistakes can happen, and playing out of the back went quite wrong in gifting Turkiye their opener. Pochettino stated that Johnny Cardoso's withdrawal at halftime was planned due to how much soccer he played, but when Tyler Adams entered for him, a much-needed steadiness came into the squad after Cardoso's poor passing gave Arda Guler the easy opening goal and then led to the second goal. It wasn't completely Cardoso's fault, but issues like this can't continue happening when the goal is building for the World Cup.

"It's about being consistent. We can't perform like this and then fail to perform in the coming games," Pochettino said.

That acknowledgment is important as there's just offer year remaining until 2026. USMNT regulars like Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, Sergino Dest, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun weren't there, but that means these players could show why they need to be in the World Cup squad. Some players like McGlynn did that, and during this window, more need to join him in impressing the manager.

What's next

The USMNT will head to Nashville to face Switzerland on Tuesday. Switzerland won 4-2 against Mexico on Friday, showcasing their strength as a squad. After that, the Gold Cup will kick off with Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, June 15. The USMNT want to win the Gold Cup, and Switzerland will be a good test based on what was seen facing Turkiye. They don't need to win in the friendly, but avoiding the mistakes like we saw on Saturday will be important to give the USMNT a chance to win the match.

[Jun 7, 2025 at 5:36 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

FT: USMNT 1, Turkiye 2

There was improvement from the inexperienced USMNT squad but ultimately, the challenge of facing Turkiye was too much for them. Punished for mistakes in the first half of play, the USMNT saw what happens when giving a top side too many chances in attacking phases of the pitch but the response in the second half was a promising one. When this version of the USMNT hasn't played together much, there are positives to take but no one will want to have seen three consecutive losses from the squad as a whole.

[Jun 7, 2025 at 5:15 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

A better second half

The USMNT is out shooting Turkiye 8-0 in the second half of play but they still need a goal from this, which won't come. 18 minutes remain. Is there room for an equalizer?

[Jun 7, 2025 at 5:08 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

All the changes

It's a USMNT debut for Quinn Sullivan and he'll be joined by his Philadelphia Union teammate Nathan Harriel. Haji Wright will also enter as Diego Luna, Jack McGlynn and Max Arfsten will depart.

[Jun 7, 2025 at 5:05 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

More changes coming

Nathan Harriel is getting ready on the sideline which could give the USMNT a boon from set play scenarios.

[Jun 7, 2025 at 4:57 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Quick improvement

Arfsten and Agyemang were able to put together some attacks so far in the second half, and the changes have been enough for the USMNT to begin getting back into the match. It's a slow improvement but better than being overrun. 

[Jun 7, 2025 at 4:48 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Changes at the half

As expected, there are some shifts to the USMNT XI at halftime of this match. Johnny Cardoso and Miles Robinson have exited the match with Tyler Adams and Mark McKenzie entering to add a steady presence to the team.

[Jun 7, 2025 at 4:33 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

That was a half of soccer

With this version of the USMNT not playing much together, struggles were to be expected but only Jack McGlynn took shots during the first half of play,ay with none coming from inside the box. That's not going to go very far playing against a team that can score like Turkiye. Add in the USMTN making their own mistakes with turnovers, and they're lucky to only trail by one goal at this stage.

[Jun 7, 2025 at 4:22 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Slight improvements

The USMNT has begun to stand up to Turkiye's attack and get the ball back into the attacking third, but at this stage, they may just want the halftime whistle to come. The six minutes until that moment will feel like an eternity, though. 

[Jun 7, 2025 at 4:13 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

The USMNT can't complete a pass

Every passage of play now is ending in a turnover, and Turkiye is going the other way. If something doesn't change soon with getting someone more comfortable in possession out there, this could get ugly as they're getting overrun. 

[Jun 7, 2025 at 4:10 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

GOAL! USMNT 1, Turkiye 2

Well, Turkiye is feeling it now and the good vibes from McGlynn's opener are gone. Again, the defense can't clear he ball and it ends up pushing back to Akturkoglu who wouldn't miss with his chance.

[Jun 7, 2025 at 4:07 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

GOAL! USMNT 1, Turkiye 1

Uhh, that was something. Guler got his goal after playing out of the back to Johnny Cardoso went awfully wrong. With Cardoso being one of the veterans out there, these kinds of turnovers can't happen.

[Jun 7, 2025 at 4:01 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Close!

That's what the USMNT needs to look out for, Guler will want that back as he got the ball from Yildiz in front of Matt Freese's net but he skied it over the bar.

[Jun 7, 2025 at 3:59 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Strong passing but not finding the striker

This has been a good start for the USMNT but like many games before, the starting striker has been isolated. Patrick Agyemang has only touched the ball once and while he had a great layoff to keep play going, Turkiye has been good about keeping the USMNT in midfield, where they're moving the ball among themselves. But for Turkiye, they haven't taken a shot yet in the match as the USMNT defense is doing their job.

[Jun 7, 2025 at 3:50 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

The game is opening a little

Turkiye has created a good chance of their own, but Miles Robinson was there to clear it. Playing with a lead, the USMNT is feeling pretty good in the early going of this one, and it's showing in their passing to keep Turkiye on their heels.

[Jun 7, 2025 at 3:44 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

GOAL!!! USMNT 1, Turkiye 0

Talk about a fast start, it's Jack McGlynn from outside the box with an audacious finish. Most players would've gone for the pass but when you're feeling it, why not go for it, and the USMNT is ahead within two minutes of play.

[Jun 7, 2025 at 3:42 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

USMNT 0, Turkiye 0 (1H)

[Jun 7, 2025 at 3:37 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Almost gametime

The teams are ready for the anthems, and we're about to get underway.

[Jun 7, 2025 at 3:25 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Hello from East Hartford!

It is very rainy at Pratt & Whitney Stadium as the pre-match processes get underway, which may impact the play for a youthful USMNT. The objective is the same, regardless, for today's starters, many of whom begin what could be a month-long quest to make a mark with a year to go until the World Cup.  One of those people could be Patrick Agyemang, a native of East Hartford who will be looking to impress in front of his friends and family after a strong year so far as a newcomer to the national team.

[Jun 7, 2025 at 3:15 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Prediction

In a tense game with pressing on display, these two teams will end up playing to a draw. It will at least be an eventful one with Arda Guler scoring before Brian White comes off the bench to rescue a result for the USMNT in a match that, while it won't be pretty, will build confidence for this squad. Pick: USMNT 1, Turkiye 1

[Jun 7, 2025 at 3:10 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

New faces in the squad

There's another dual-national who will get a look as the 20-year-old Downs had a strong season with FC Koln of the 2. Bundesliga. Downs was able to score 10 goals while assisting three more, featuring as a nine and on the right wing. Eligible to represent Germany or the United States, he could be an intriguing addition to the attack. In midfield, Sullivan and Behalter are both getting their first calls as rewards for their strong MLS seasons so far. 

Midfielders who are comfortable defending or, when it comes to link-up play, can add to the USMNT's transition game in a big way are important. Both come from soccer families, with Gregg Berhalter being Sebastian's father and Sullivan's younger brother Cavan bursting on the scene as one of the best young American prospects. Both have a chance to make a name for themselves heading into this camp, while Orlando City SC defender Freeman has also been rewarded for his strong form this season. Freeman is the son of former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Antonio Freeman, but he has scored four goals this season despite playing as a right back for the Lions. Another wing back who can stretch the pitch, without Robinson and Dest, it's a chance to push for playing time.

[Jun 7, 2025 at 3:00 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Roster

GOALKEEPERS (3): Chris Brady (Chicago Fire; 0/0), Matt Freese (New York City FC; 0/0), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace/ENG; 51/0)

DEFENDERS (9): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew; 3/0), Alex Freeman (Orlando City; 0/0), Nathan Harriel (Philadelphia Union; 0/0), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/FRA; 19/0), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; 68/1), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG; 24/1), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati; 32/3), John Tolkin (Holstein Kiel/GER; 4/0), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC; 43/3)

MIDFIELDERS (9): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/ENG; 47/8); Tyler Adams (Bournemouth/ENG; 44/2), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps/CAN; 0/0), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis/ESP; 18/0), Luca de la Torre (San Diego FC; 24/1), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake; 4/0), Jack McGlynn (Houston Dynamo; 4/1), Quinn Sullivan (Philadelphia Union; 0/0); Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 17/0)

[Jun 7, 2025 at 2:45 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Which USMNT shows up? If the same USMNT from the Concacaf Nations League comes into this match, it will be quite a disappointment as their performance facing Panama and Canada won't be good enough to win this match facing off against Turkiye. With the World Cup looming, that can't happen as questions will also be asked about whether Pochettino is the right man for the job. They may not have to win the game in this friendly, but an improved performance is certainly needed.

[Jun 7, 2025 at 2:37 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

The USMNT XI is in

Wholesale changes for this one with Alex Freeman getting his USMNT debut on his first call up. Matt Freese will be in net while this is a squad with plenty to prove.

USMNT XI: Matt Freese, Max Arfsten, Chris Richards, Miles Robinson, Alex Freeman, Jack McGlynn, Johnny Cardoso, Luca De La Torre, Malick Tillman, Diego Luna, Patrick Agyemang

[Jun 7, 2025 at 2:35 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

How does the midfield shake out?

With camp newcomers in Sebastian Berhalter and Quinn Sullivan, Pochettino will have new options in midfield. Sullivan has represented the USMNT at youth levels, but has mostly played as a winger while he has taken up central positions for his club. Alongside Jack McGlynn, Luca De La Torre, Malik Tillman, Diego Luna, and Tyler Adams, there are quite a few directions that Pochettino can go in for this friendly, and that choice could have major implications on an eventual World Cup squad.

[Jun 7, 2025 at 2:31 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

USMNT predicted XI 

Matt Turner, John Tolkin, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Nathan Harriel, Tyler Adams, Johnny Cardoso, Diego Luna, Malik Tillman, Patrick Agyemang, Haji Wright

[Jun 7, 2025 at 2:24 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Ready for the match

[Jun 7, 2025 at 2:17 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Pochettino on the international break

With such an inexperienced roster on the international stage, Pochettino has been asked if the squad at his disposal is good enough to win these games before heading to the Gold Cup but he quickly dismissed that notion.

"I think we need to respect the players that are here. We need to respect every single player and see if we are good enough," Pochettino said. "I will let you know after. We weren't good enough to win the Nations League. We were not good enough, if we go back to the World Cup, we were not good enough to win the World Cup in 2022. I think we cannot judge or analyze in this way. I think we need to wait, and then if we win, so happy. If we don't win, you can criticize."

While he's not wrong about how the USMNT has performed, this will be an important time for him to get the team to a stage where they are good enough to win these matches. Since taking over in September of 2024, this will be the longest camp that Pochettino has spent with the squad, which will give him a chance to make tactical breakthroughs. If they're still not good enough to win these games after spending that much time with the Argentine, that's when alarm bells will begin to ring about what this team's ceiling is. 

[Jun 7, 2025 at 2:11 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

How to watch USMNT vs. Turkiye, odds

• Date: Saturday, June 7 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Pratt & Whitney Stadium -- East Hartford, Connecticut
• TV: TNT | Live stream: Fubo (try for free)
• Odds: USMNT +165; Draw +220; Türkiye +145

[Jun 7, 2025 at 2:10 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Hello and welcome

It's time to get this international break rolling for the USMNT. All eyes will be on who leads the line for Mauicio Pochettino, as with a few goals, this is a window that could determine the starting nine for the World Cup. Exciting times all around, despite the performances of the USMNT lately, and this could be a time for a statement victory that they desperately need facing Turkiye.