LOS ANGELES -- The U.S. men's national team (USMNT) has undergone significant roster changes for the upcoming Concacaf Nations League finals. The decision, announced on March 18, 2025, comes as key players Johnny Cardoso, Antonee Robinson, and Auston Trusty have been sidelined due to injuries and suspensions.
Replacing these three athletes are Columbus Crew defender Max Arfsten, Chicago Fire midfielder Brian Gutiérrez, and Houston Dynamo midfielder Jack McGlynn. This reshuffle raises questions about the team’s strategy heading into their first semifinal match against Panama, scheduled for Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Cardoso, who was suspended following a decision in the previous match, missed a crucial game last weekend where the USMNT secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Leganes. He was also absent from Real Betis' UEFA Europa Conference League match against Vitoria SC due to a muscle injury. This places additional pressure on the squad as they navigate the finals without the midfielder.
In a similar vein, defender Auston Trusty has been struggling with a calf injury that forced him to sit out of Celtic’s recent loss to Rangers. Meanwhile, Robinson, who had been instrumental in the Premier League, remains sidelined due to an undisclosed ailment, despite having played the full game against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend. His absence, especially given he is tied for second in the Premier League with 10 assists this season, poses a significant challenge to USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
"The USMNT will face Panama in the first semifinal on Thursday, March 20 at 7 p.m. ET at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles," reported U.S. Soccer, highlighting the urgency and importance of the upcoming match.
Taking their places, Arfsten and Gutiérrez each made their senior national team debuts during the annual January camp, where they earned their first caps in victories against Venezuela and Costa Rica. McGlynn, who also represented the U.S. at the 2023 FIFA Under-20 World Cup and the 2024 Olympic Games, showcased his talent during his first senior match at the 2024 January camp, scoring the opening goal in a 3-1 victory over Venezuela.
The players’ stories reflect the success of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy system, which has enabled young talent like Arfsten, Gutiérrez, and McGlynn to rise to the national level.
With the matchup set for Thursday, the USMNT's pathway through the finals will also see Canada facing off against Mexico in the other semifinal, as teams prepare for the winners to contend for the championship on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the same venue.
As the USMNT prepares to face Panama, the challenge now is to adapt swiftly to the absence of seasoned players while integrating new talent into the lineup. This situation underscores the importance of depth within the squad and the potential for emerging players to step up when opportunities arise.
Pochettino has his options open—whether to implement a three-man backline to counterbalance the losses or a conventional four-man setup with Arfsten, Tim Ream, or Joe Scally filling roles in response to Robinson’s absence. This decision will be crucial as the team goes into the playoffs with aspirations of lifting the championship trophy.
The determination of the USMNT to adjust and compete at a high level during this critical period speaks volumes about the strength and depth of American soccer. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Arfsten, Gutiérrez, and McGlynn contribute in their first high-stakes matches for the national side.
This pivotal moment in the Concacaf Nations League finals will not only showcase the individual talents of the new roster members but also test the overall resilience and adaptability of the USMNT under pressure.
As excitement builds around the upcoming matches, the question remains: Can this updated U.S. squad overcome the odds and navigate their way to victory, or will injuries and absences derail their campaign? The answers will come soon enough as the finals unfold.
