For the first time since the 2021 Gold Cup, Gregg Berhalter has named an unchanged starting 11.
USMNT starting lineup vs. Panama is unchanged from the opener:
Turner;
Scally, Richards, Ream, A. Robinson;
Adams, McKennie, Reyna
Weah, Balogun, Pulisic— Henry Bushnell (@HenryBushnell) June 27, 2024
That stat is a tad deceiving, though. The U.S. was largely unchanged, but for one or two tweaks and injuries, at the 2022 World Cup.
The precedent is relevant, because in Qatar, the USMNT seemed to run out of gas in game No. 4. Is Berhalter going down the same path again 18 months later?
If the U.S. beats Panama, and if Uruguay beats or draws Bolivia, and if Group D results fall into place, the U.S.-Uruguay group finale becomes relatively meaningless — so that could be an opportunity for Berhalter to rotate and rest tired legs. But Uruguay is also the best team in the group; would it really make sense to shy away from the showdown?
We’ll see — if, first things first, the U.S. takes care of business tonight.
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