In the wake of an emotionally and physically demanding win against Mexico in the inaugural CONCACAF Nations League final on Sunday, the job wasn’t completely done for the United States men’s national soccer team.
Only central defenders Mark McKenzie and Tim Ream were holdovers from the lineup coach Gregg Berhalter started against Mexico, and while Costa Rica didn’t field its strongest team, either, the talent gap between the teams was massive.
“What I realized is that it’s gonna take a group to get this done,” Berhalter said of qualifying for the World Cup.
Orlando City striker Daryl Dike, who spent the spring on loan at Barnsley in the English Championship, made a strong case for continued inclusion in the squad, scoring his first international goal and showcasing a physical presence that is unique within the national team pool.
Dike was not included on the Nations League roster, which indicated he is behind both Josh Sargent and Jordan Siebatcheu on the depth chart.
“The physical side of it was there; the movement in behind the backline was there,” Berhalter said.
After helping guide the Philadelphia Union to the Supporters’ Shield in Major League Soccer and earning a move to FC Salzburg, Aaronson has emerged as the clear backup to Christian Pulisic on the left wing.
“I’ve learned a ton with the coaching I’ve had and just playing the professional game.
While Costa Rica lacked intensity from the opening minutes, Adams’ presence at the base of midfielder — both in and out of possession — showed an obvious upgrade over any other player Berhalter has used in that role during his tenure.
“It’s not easy to just throw guy on when you have a game plan and when you’re trying to win,” Berhalter said of Musah.
For most of the players who featured in the four games over the past 11 days, their next national team involvement will come in qualifying in the fall.