The U.S. men’s national team faced a 5-2 defeat at home against Belgium in a friendly match held at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday.
During a competitive first half, the U.S. gained the advantage in the 39th minute when Weston McKennie scored from close range following a corner taken by Antonee Robinson. Belgium equalized just before halftime with a powerful long-range effort from Zeno Debast in the 45th minute that got past American goalkeeper Matt Turner.
In the second half, the visitors asserted their dominance. Quick goals from Amadou Onana (53rd minute), Charles De Ketelaere (penalty in the 59th minute), and Dodi Lukebakio (68th and 82nd minutes) quieted the crowd as Belgium showcased their strength against a struggling U.S. team. After a total of eight substitutions, the Americans managed to score a consolation goal when Ricardo Pepi intercepted a pass leading to a shot from Patrick Agyemang in the 87th minute.
Moving forward, U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino and his squad will prepare for their second and final friendly of the March window against Portugal next Tuesday.
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Manager rating out of 10
Mauricio Pochettino, 3: While it is challenging to place all the responsibility on Pochettino, whose main adjustment was starting Turner in goal, the U.S. was able to compete with Belgium in the first half but struggled in one-on-one situations that increasingly favored the visitors. Overall, the team faltered and required more motivation from the coach, who likely observed his players losing composure as the match progressed.
Player ratings (0-10; 10 = best, 5 = average)
GK Matt Turner, 3 — How does one evaluate a player who made several significant saves yet conceded five goals? Despite his shot-stopping abilities, it was insufficient to counter the barrage of high-quality shots directed at him.
DF Tim Weah, 2 — After initially containing JΓ©rΓ©my Doku in the first 20-25 minutes, Weah struggled to keep up with the dynamic winger. With Doku gaining momentum early in the second half, Weah was substituted in the 64th minute.
DF Mark McKenzie, 3 — Although he won some duels and contributed defensively, he was unable to effectively neutralize Belgium’s attack, which maneuvered around him with ease.
DF Tim Ream, 2 — While the captain’s long-range distribution was commendable, his decision-making was questionable on a couple of Belgium’s goals. A handball by the defender also led to Belgium’s third goal.
DF Antonee Robinson, 7 — The standout player for the U.S. on the day. Despite being average defensively, he compensated with his proactive involvement on the left flank, earning a well-deserved assist from the first-half corner.
MF Tanner Tessman, 4 — He created some important opportunities and made a few key tackles, but was also occasionally subdued in the midfield. The U.S. needed a stronger presence from him.
MF Johnny Cardoso, 4 — Looking to make an impact after some lackluster performances internationally, Cardoso had moments of effectiveness due to his movement and precise passing. Pochettino noted post-match that substituting Cardoso at halftime was planned due to discomfort he experienced earlier in the week.
AM Weston McKennie, 6 — Scored the opening goal, participated in threatening runs and build-ups, and connected well with the forwards. He was one of the few positive aspects of the match.
AM Malik Tillman, 3 — As the youngest player in the starting lineup, expectations were higher. Positioned behind the striker, the attacking midfielder was largely absent for extended periods of the match. He could have contributed more to prevent Belgium’s second goal.
AM Christian Pulisic, 3 — While Pulisic deserves credit for his defensive tracking, his offensive impact was minimal aside from a brief positive start to the second half.
FW Folarin Balogun, 3 — A subdued performance for a striker who managed a shot on target in the first half but was largely ineffective in the attacking third thereafter.
Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
MF Cristian Roldan, 4 (on for Cardoso, half-time) — The Seattle Sounders FC midfielder did not significantly change the game, though he deserves recognition for a few defensive contributions.
MF Sebastian Berhalter, 3 (on for Tessman, 64′) — Did not make a notable impact and should have performed better to prevent Belgium’s fifth goal.
DF Alex Freeman, 4 (on for Weah, 64′) — Failed to complete any successful dribbles forward and lost possession multiple times. A couple of recoveries and tackles were his understated highlights.
DF Max Arfsten, 2 (on for Robinson, 64′) — A defensive liability on Belgium’s fourth and fifth goals.
AM Gio Reyna, N/R (on for McKennie, 70′) — Aside from his passes in the opponent’s half, he did not significantly impact the match.
FW Ricardo Pepi, N/R (on for Balogun, 71′) — Provided the assist for Agyemang’s goal.
FW Patrick Agyemang, N/R (on for Tillman, 71′) — Scored the consolation goal and appeared eager for a second late in the match.
DF Joe Scally, N/R — (on for Pulisic, 71′) Limited time and influence for the defender, who lost both of his ground duels and received a booking for a shirt-pull.
