The U.S. Men's National Team began training for their second match in the group stage Tuesday at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground. Madison Crews here to give you a round down of everything we know from Tuesday’s session and press conference…
For the USA, Number 641 entering the pitch…
USMNT and Atlanta United goalkeeper, Brad Guzan, was honored at training today for being the 641st player to wear the crest for the USMNT. Guzan made his debut on February 19, 2006 in a 4-0 friendly win over Guatemala. He has had over 64 appearances, 20 clean sheets and 33 wins with the USMNT. A well deserved recognition for Brad Guzan and a great way to kick off training here in Atlanta,
Looking for Revenge
The last meeting between the USA and Panama was not too long ago. The two sides faced off in the Gold Cup semifinal back on July 12, 2023. The Central Americans won in a penalty shootout, 5-4, after a 1-1 tie. There is a sense of vengeance when it comes to this upcoming match on Thursday. Goalkeeper Matt Turner spoke about Uruguay's 3-1 victory over Panama, their upcoming match-up and what the team is expecting from Panama.
“I can speak to our recent history against Panama. They beat us in the Gold Cup semi-final last year with a pretty good performance. They bring man-to-man pressure. They’re a team that has a lot of really talented players and athletes,” said Turner. “It’s expected to be a physical game and be really competitive. Obviously, the score line was 3-0 at one point, 3-1 in the end, but that didn't really have that drastic of a feel to it in the game. We know how good Panama is, and it's going to be a real test for us.”
Home Sweet Home
Welcome to Atlanta! The USMNT will play their first match in the future home of US Soccer! Matt Turner and forward Tim Weah expressed their excitement on playing this match here in Atlanta, and for the future of US Soccer here.
“It feels good to be in Atlanta. I've played in the MLS for a number of years and this is one of the away games you didn't really ever want to play, especially when they first came into the league,” said Tuner. “We know that the fan turnout at Mercedes-Benz for Atlanta United is really good and we're hoping to feel that energy from the crowd on Thursday night.”
“Atlanta is a progressive city. The training center is going to be in a perfect place for all of us. We are all pretty much East Coast boys, so I see myself in the future investing in Atlanta as well. Either you know getting land out here building a house so that my family can be close when I come back here.”
The USMNT trains June 26, and then they face off against Panama on June 27 at 6:00 p.m. at Mercedes- Benz Stadium.
✍️ & 📷: Madison Crews
Comments