The U.S. men’s national team are in a free fall heading into the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Mauricio Pochettino’s squad suffered a 4-0 hammering at the hands of Switzerland on Tuesday night in Nashville, continuing a worrying run of form for the squad. The USMNT have now lost four matches in a row for the first time since 2007.
Dan Ndoye propelled Switzerland in front after 11 minutes, as the left winger curled a shot past Matt Turner. A deflected pass snuck between Nathan Harriel and Walker Zimmerman, allowing Ndoye to sneak behind the USMNT backline and score.
It marked the third international goal for the 24-year-old.
Switzerland kept its foot on the gas and eventually doubled its lead before the half hour mark. 19-year-old Johan Manzambi raced past left back Max Arfsten on the right wing before cutting a pass into the middle of the box for Michel Aebischer to slam home.
Things got worse for the USMNT in the 32nd minute as Breel Embolo extended the Swiss’ lead to 3-0. A long-range shot from Ricardo Rodriguez was parried by Turner but Embolo was in the right spot to tap home the rebound.
A Quinn Sullivan turnover eventually led to Switzerland’s fourth goal of the opening half. Manzambi picked up possession deep in the USMNT’s half before racing upfield and unleashing a left-footed shot into the top-left corner.
Turner got a hand to it, but didn’t have enough power to keep out the effort.
Pochettino made five halftime substitutions with the hopes of seeing improved fight from his team. Diego Luna, Malik Tillman, and Patrick Agyemang were among the introductions who showed some life in the second half.
Dual-national forward Damion Downs also made his long-awaited senior debut, playing the final 15 minutes of the match.
However, the USMNT would finish the night suffering their worst home shutout loss since 2016 (Argentina and Costa Rica both handed the USMNT 4-0 defeats that year).
There will be little time for Pochettino and his players to rest ahead of the start of the Gold Cup schedule. Rivals Trinidad & Tobago await on June 15 in the group stage opener for both nations before the USMNT also faces Saudi Arabia and Haiti over a seven-day period.
