USMNT Announces Starting XI and Lineup Notes for Clash Against Jamaica
ICARO Media Group
The US Men's National Team (USMNT) has revealed their Starting XI and lineup notes for their upcoming match against Jamaica in the 2023-24 Concacaf Nations League Semifinal. The game is scheduled to take place on March 21, 2024, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Head coach Gregg Berhalter has chosen a strong lineup for the crucial semifinal match. The Starting XI includes goalkeeper Matt Turner, defenders Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson, midfielders Yunus Musah and Weston McKennie, captain Christian Pulisic, and forwards Miles Robinson, Malik Tillman, Joe Scally, Folarin Balogun, and Tim Weah.
On the bench, the USMNT has several substitution options, including Ethan Horvath, Drake Callender, Tyler Adams, Gio Reyna, Ricardo Pepi, Brenden Aaronson, Tim Ream, Haji Wright, Johnny Cardoso, Mark McKenzie, and Kristoffer Lund.
This Starting XI represents an average age of 24 years and 186 days, showcasing a relatively young and talented team. The players in the lineup have an average of 29 caps, with 19 in official competition.
It is worth noting that all 22 players in the squad are 21 years old or older, making it the first time since the Gold Cup Final against Jamaica in 2017 that no players under 21 will appear for the USMNT. This squad's experience and cohesion will be essential in their pursuit of victory.
Ten of the eleven starters were part of the USMNT squad that won the 2023 Nations League last June in Las Vegas, highlighting their familiarity with playing in high-pressure situations. The only exception is Malik Tillman, who did not participate in the tournament.
Tonight's match also marks a significant milestone for midfielder Weston McKennie, who earns his 50th cap, becoming the 61st USMNT player to reach this achievement. McKennie has been a consistent performer for the team and will be aiming to make a positive impact on the game.
Furthermore, Christian Pulisic will captain the team for the 20th time, equalling former teammate Clint Dempsey for ninth place on the USMNT captains list. With Pulisic leading the team, the USMNT boasts an impressive record of 14 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses.
Pulisic will also be the only player to have appeared in all five of the USA's matches at the Concacaf Nations League Final Four since the tournament's inception in 2021, showcasing his importance and reliability for the team.
Another player to watch is striker Folarin Balogun, who has shown promise with three goals and two assists in his previous eight caps. Balogun, who made his debut in last year's Concacaf Nations League Final against Mexico, has been a regular starter for the USMNT, highlighting his growing influence.
In defense, the pairing of Chris Richards and Miles Robinson has proven effective, with the USMNT winning four out of five matches when the duo partners together. Their solid partnership will be crucial in maintaining a strong defensive line against Jamaica's attacking threats.
Both Miles Robinson and Matt Turner started in the USMNT's last match at AT&T Stadium, where they helped secure a clean sheet in a 1-0 victory against Jamaica in the Gold Cup quarterfinals back in July 2021.
Defender Antonee Robinson has been in excellent form, scoring in each of his last two appearances for the USMNT. His attacking prowess from the backline adds an additional threat to the team's offensive capabilities.
Winger Tim Weah will also be looking to make an impact in the match, as he faces the country of his mother's birth. Weah has previously played against Jamaica during the 2022 cycle, scoring a goal in a 1-1 draw.
Unfortunately, defender Sergiño Dest will not be available for the match due to a one-match suspension. He received a red card in the USMNT's last Concacaf Nations League match against Trinidad and Tobago.
With an impressive lineup and an experienced squad, the USMNT is eager to secure a victory against Jamaica in their quest for the Concacaf Nations League title. The match will be officiated by Selvin Brown from Honduras, who will be overseeing his first USMNT game as the center referee.
Fans can catch the pre-game coverage at 6 p.m. ET on Univision, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Kickoff at 7 p.m. ET. Additionally, updates and highlights can be found on social media platforms such as @USMNT on Twitter and Instagram, as well as U.S. Soccer on Facebook and The U.S. Soccer App.