A Milan-branded goal for new U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino

A Milan-branded goal for new U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino began his new assignment as U.S. coach with a victory, beating Panama 2-0 in a friendly in Austin, Texas. The U.S. success è materialized in the second half, thanks to goals by Musah, on an assist from AC Milan teammate Pulisic, at 49’, and Pepi at 9’4.

The Argentine technician, formerly of Tottenham, Paris Saint Germain and Chelsea, è was hired last month to take over a team that had won only once in its last seven games, leading to Gregg Berhalter's exoneration, with the task of making the U.S. look good at the 2026 World Cup, to be held in North America.

After some difficulties in the first half, when Panama let the U.S. have possession of the ball without risking going under, it was Pulisic who turned on the home team, finding at the beginning of the second half the right assist for Musah, who in his 42nd national team appearance scored his first goal.

"È a very good feeling. È it was a really, really tough game for us,‖ Pochettino commented.

Little by little we are building something. The goal è 2026, but I think I am happy because we were solid and gave a very good performance, but è just the first step to improve".