Mauricio Pochettino made some big changes by putting six different players in the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) lineup for their friendly match with Australia. These changes is gonna test both the experienced guys and new talent, showing how Pochettino likes to coach and work with younger players.
- Pochettino puts six new players in the USMNT lineup against Australia.
- Haji Wright and James Sands come back to play for the national team.
- Matt Freese keeps his spot starting for the tenth time in a row.
Pochettino’s Tactical Changes
Making some different moves, Mauricio Pochettino who everyone knows is really good with tactics changed up the USMNT team for the Australia friendly. This game lets players show what they can do which is how Pochettino likes to find new talent. When he was at Tottenham Hotspur he made the team way better showing he knows what he’s doing.
Pochettino makes six changes for tonight’s friendly vs. Australia.
Wright gets first start under Poch.
Sands makes first appearance since 2023.
McKenzie, Richards and Miles Robinson start together for the first time.
Tenth straight start for Freese. https://t.co/yMpwVaEoAA— Doug McIntyre (@ByDougMcIntyre)
October 15, 2025
Players Coming Back and What it Means
Haji Wright who’s been doing really good at Coventry City is back playing with the national team starting for the first time since Pochettino took over. Wright’s been playing awesome in the EFL Championship and got better from his Achilles injury which makes it pretty important that he’s back. James Sands is coming back too which helps the midfield get stronger after we last saw him play in 2023.
How the Defense Looks
The defense has Miles Robinson McKenzie and Richards playing together for the first time which shows how Pochettino wants to try new things. Robinson being there makes sense cause he’s really important at Atlanta United FC. Also Matt Freese keeps doing good and got his tenth start in a row which shows how important he is becoming to the team and how good he’s been for Philadelphia Union.
