By Favian Renkel
The road to Qatar 2022 is now here. The United States Men’s National Team already has the pendulum of momentum swinging them in the right direction. This is an opportunity to make the whole continent forget about what happened in 2018. What the USMNT needs to do now is deliver in this qualifying cycle. Coming off of two very impressive trophies this last summer, the United States needs to get the job done with qualifying this go around in the HEX. Going into El Salvador is no easy task, but Greg Berhalter and starting Goalkeeper vs El Salvador Matt Turner look up to the challenge.
I was extremely fortunate to get on the USMNT Press Conference called to ask Greg and Matt questions prior to their upcoming game vs El Salvador. Greg Berhalter had a ton to say about the path that led him here and what it means to the group of young guys to qualify for this World Cup. Berhalter talked about how CONCACAF not having VAR is a massive mistake. “The whole world is using this technology, there is no need to be scared of it.”, Berhalter stated. Berhalter also talked about how he is down 4 wingers as of right now, Morris, Arriola, Weah, Pulisic. Greg also stated that a lot of new guys will be playing tomorrow. Speaking of which, Zach Steffen won’t be making the trip out to El Salvador. Matt Turner will be making the start in his place. Matt Turner is excited to get his first start for USMNT qualifying. Pulisic will also not be making the trip to El Salvador, so we shall see who steps up and takes that starting position for this next game.
This is a stronger and deeper US team compared to the last qualifying cycle. In my opinion, the USMNT will get the job done in El Salvador and win 2-0. The next challenge will be against a new up and coming powerhouse Canada. It will be interesting to see how the USMNT will line up against Alphonso Davies and Club Brugge’s newest addition Tajon Buchannon.