The U.S. men’s national team closed out an unbeaten October window on Tuesday night with several players excelling over the two matches.
From Haji Wright and Folarin Balogun both finding the back of the net, to Chris Richards’ continued defensive leadership, to Cristian Roldan’s impressive start, there was plenty for USMNT fans to be happy with.
However, a few others disappointed during the window, taking a step back over the two matches. Christian Pulisic played a small role over the two matches before eventually being injured against Australia.
James Sands looked like a player that hadn’t featured for the USMNT in two years while Tim Weah was quiet in the final third.
Here is a closer look at the USMNT’s winners and losers from the October window:
Winners
Haji Wright
The Coventry City forward certainly made the most of his first USMNT start since 2024.
Wright scored twice in Tuesday’s 2-1 home victory over Australia. The in-form striker got the nod over Folarin Balogun and was able to beat Matthew Ryan twice in superb fashion.
Not only did Wright score twice, he worked tirelessly in the final third, holding up possession for his teammates and connecting with fellow attackers.
Now Wright heads back to Coventry with even more confidence than he originally arrived in camp with.
Folarin Balogun
Folarin Balogun was also on the scoresheet this month, padding his stock in the No. 9 race.
Balogun showed great awareness against Ecuador, finishing off Malik Tillman’s pass for the USMNT’s equalizer. The Monaco forward also came close to scoring in the first half, forcing a strong save from Hernan Galindez.
After a slow start to club play this season, Balogun leaves USMNT camp with a confidence boost of his own.
Cristian Roldan
Not many would’ve expected Cristian Roldan to start on Tuesday, but the veteran midfielder did not disappoint.
Roldan registered his first multi-assist match in USMNT colors, setting up Haji Wright for both of his goals against Australia. Despite committing an error on the Australians’ opening goal, Roldan responded by teeing up Wright on a different pair of attacking plays.
The 30-year-old created two chances and won two duels, showing great awareness on the USMNT’s eventual go-ahead goal.
Losers
Christian Pulisic
It wasn’t an international break for Christian Pulisic to remember.
Pulisic logged 48 minutes in his two appearances, failing to make much of an impact overall. The AC Milan star took a beating on Tuesday, eventually being substituted off before halftime.
After being diagnosed with a hamstring injury, Pulisic’s status for the resumption of Serie A play this weekend remains unknown.
Tim Weah
Tim Weah may have started both matches for the USMNT, but he failed to provide much in either appearance.
Weah featured as a wing back behind Weston McKennie, but struggled to really have a say in the final third. He registered one shot on target and created two offensive chances.
However, Weah’s performances were quiet, opening the door for others to potentially step in this November.
James Sands
James Sands looked like a player that hadn’t made a USMNT appearance in two years.
Sands logged 68 minutes on Tuesday, but his unfortunate back clearance led to Australia’s opening goal. While the USMNT defense did not deal with Jordan Bos in the box, Sands’ failed clearance put the Americans under needless pressure.
He still could be an option in November and beyond, but has to be a bit more decisive in his decision-making.
Who did you think impressed during the October window? Who disappointed in your eyes?
Share your thoughts below.
The assessment of Weah is inaccurate and way off. Quietly solid does not mean he struggled. In Pochettino’s 3-4-2-1 formation, Weah’s best position is RWB. His competition is Dest and Freeman. Weah offers more, both offensively and defensively, than either of the other two.
100% agree. I thought Weah showed well in his role during this window.
Sorry, I still don’t see how you can put Weah on the losers list for a few reasons.
1. His touch in tight spaces is much improved since the days of him just blazing down the wing at light speed. His time in Europe playing wingback has helped.
2. If we’re changing to a back 3 for good, 1 or 2 “starters” are gonna be sacrificed. I see this change for him as Poch trying to get his best players on the field together.
Additionally, with the improvement of Tillman and the introduction of Luna, you have 2 guys that can play the 10 in tight spaces (where we thought we’d be seeing Gio) so again, the formation dictates someone is getting left out.
3. Both Dest and Jedi have had serious injuries to overcome, if either can’t go at least now Weah has time at both those spots. I personally would select Weah over Freeman or Arfsten if the WC started tomorrow.
4. I don’t think he played bad, when he gets out in space to counter he can make things happen.
I don’t see him being on the losers list, I don’t necessarily see him on the winners list but he shouldn’t be on the losers list.
I’d say the losrs list would be the guys like CCV that didn’t play, Sands, possibly Morris, because Adams wasn’t in camp and I still don’t see Sands or Morris as a better option than Musah
One more needs to be added to the winner’s list: Pochettino. We’re now starting to see his plans and vision begin to take hold, and the tactics he wants to emphasize. Right now he has the team going upward.
The biggest losers are Carter-Vicers and Agyemang. I sense both right now are on the outside looking in. Agyemang has the better chance to raise his profile if he performs well at Stoke.
I would say McKennie’s stock rose also. I think Freeman’s stock went down. He had a pretty tough game IMO.
He was better off the bench vs Ecuador. Think his stock held fairly steady. Not bad enough that Reynolds or somebody else on the frontier are called in.