The United States men’s national team auditioned a number of Major League Soccer youngsters in a 1-0 loss to Slovenia in San Antonio on Saturday.
[ MORE: USMNT player ratings vs Slovenia ]
Rogaska forward Nejc Gradisar scored the lone goal of the game in the 26th minute, seizing its chance off a giveaway at midfield, as Gregg Berhalter’s Yanks kept the ball but could not find finish with its chances
Esmir Bajraktarevic, Timothy Tillman, Aidan Morris, and Sean Zawadzki were players to look bright for the USMNT, who held more than 68 percent of the ball and completed more than double the passes of Slovenia while out-attempting the visitors 15-9.
STREAM USMNT vs SLOVENIA EN ESPANOL FULL MATCH REPLAY - PEACOCK PREMIUM
The game existed outside of FIFA’s international window, so neither side had its best stars either, with Jan Oblak, Benjamin Sesko, and Sandi Lovric with their European clubs for Slovenia.
There were only 40 caps collected by the players at the disposal of Slovenia manager Matjaz Kek. 24 of those belonging to Zan Karnicnik and 10 to Timi Max Elsnik. There was also be a first cap for NYCFC teenager Mitja Ilenic.
Subs bring electricity but finish defies young MLS-filled USMNT
There wasn’t a lot of punch from the USMNT in the first 60 minutes of this game, but Gregg Berhalter’s men showed good understanding of what he wanted from them but failed to find many moments of danger.
That changed in the second half. The comfort of Columbus duo Sean Zawadzki and Aidan Morris centrally was there for the whole game, but substitutions helped turn that to danger late in the game.
New England teenager Esmir Bajraktarevic — a Wisconsin-born teenager yet to score his first MLS goal — was so much fun to watch and Philadelphia midfielder Jack McGlynn, barely older than Bajraktarevic, set up several big chances. Gregg Berhalter name-checked both of those players and started Diego Luna after the game.
Gregg Berhalter: Youth impressed, lot to like from USMNT performance
On the performance in general: “In general the guys had a great effort. We wanted the result, part of what we represent is winning, but you can’t fault the effort and the drive. Slovenia had a really tight defense but we just kept probing and going.”
On veterans Miles Robinson and DeJuan Jones: “They played well. Part of the exercise from Miles and DeJuan was to show their leadership in the camp. And they performed up to expectations in the game.”
Was the camp a success? “The biggest takeaway is your have 15 guys that understand the type of performances you need to successful. The international level is completely different and it’s good for the Olympic team to have that moving forward.”
What’s next?
The USMNT will meet Jamaica on March 21 for the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal round in Arlington, Texas. It will then play either Panama or Mexico in the Final or third-place match on March 24.
Slovenia hosts Portugal in a March friendly as it prepares this June’s EURO in Germany.
USMNT vs Slovenia updates, final score: 0-1
Goal: Gradisar (26')
Chance!
The second half has mostly been one of possession, as the USMNT continues to control that part of the game.
Diego Luna’s been the fun watch of the day and he’s cued up Shaq Moore for a hard shot on the right side of the 18. It’s saved by Slovenia’s Vekic.
No subs yet for the USMNT, still down 1-0 in the 58th minute.
Big save! Igor Vekic stands firm
Kamungo almost immediately makes amends for his error on the Slovenia goal, getting solid contact after Diego Luna, Timothy Tillman, and Brian White combine to set him on the doorstep.
But Igor Vekic makes a terrific save, and Slovenia blocks the rebound out for a corner.
Nejc Gradisar goal: Slovenia take the lead
Poor giveaway at midfield by Bernard Kamungo, and it’s off to the races for Slovenia.
Domzale center forward Danijel Sturm slots 21-year-old Rogaska striker Nejc Gradisar through on goal, and the forward uses the outside of his boot to spin the ball past Columbus Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte.
Who has been called up to the USMNT January camp?
Not only is the USMNT roster comprised entirely of Major League Soccer players, it does not include most of the program’s regular participants from that league.
That includes New Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Zack Steffen as well as DeAndre Yedlin, Aaron Long, Matt Miazga, Walker Zimmerman, Jalen Neal, Cristian Roldan, Kellyn Acosta, Jordan Morris, and Jesus Ferreira. Even low-capped MLS players like Matthew Hoppe, Julian Gressel, Eryk Williamson, and Paxton Pomykal are not here.
Miles Robinson and Shaq Moore will be among those taking big leadership roles with he team, as all but four of the 82 caps on the USMNT roster come amongst the back line.
James Sands (13 caps), DeJuan Jones (7 caps), Aidan Morris (4), John Tolkin (3), and Caleb Wiley (1) all have a chance to seize some national team momentum in camp. Whoever plays in goal — whether Inter Miami’s Drake Callender, FC Cincinnati’s Roman Celentano, or Columbus’ Patrick Schulte — will be earning their first cap.
The oldest potential debutant is Vancouver’s Brian White, a 27-year-old Duke product. The youngest is also a forward, as New England’s Esmir Bajraktarevic is not 19 until March.
Philadelphia’s Jack McGlynn, Real Salt Lake’s Diego Luna, Orlando City’s Duncan McGuire, and LAFC’s Timothy Tillman will certainly be attracting eyeballs as well. McGlynn’s been one of the top prospects in MLS for some time, while Tillman starred at Greuther Furth and is the brother of recently cap-tied Malik Tillman.
Luna is of Mexican descent but has only played for the USMNT since making an impression with USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive at age 17, while McGuire has been fantastic for Orlando City after a terrific senior season at Creighton.
How to watch USMNT vs Slovenia live stream online en Espanol, start time
Kickoff: 3pm ET Saturday
Venue: Toyota Field in San Antonio, Texas
Stream online en Espanol: Peacock Premium
USMNT lineup vs Slovenia
Starting things off in '24 🇺🇸
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) January 20, 2024
Lineup Notes » https://t.co/FYiZx1P4Ik pic.twitter.com/jr3HK3MZ73