Picture Credits: Massive Report Twitter
How To Watch: ESPN2
When: Thursday, January 28, 2022
Where: Lower.com Field Columbus, Ohio
Time: Kickoff 7 p.m.
The United States Men's National Team begins the second half of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying Octagonal in prime position to gain one of the three automatic Words Cup qualifying spots. Halfway through the octagonal, the USMNT sit in second with 15 points, above rivals Mexico, along with Panama who each have 14 points a piece. The USMNT sit behind only Canada in the table, who are at the top with 16 point through 8 matches.
Though the USMNT are favorites to automatically qualify, along with Mexico and Canada, the first set of matches will prove to be critical in the teams chances. For the current international window, the USMNT will play three matches. The first match will be played against El Salvador, in Columbus, Ohio. The second match will be played in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, with the third and final match of the window being played in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Current Standings
Picture Credits: USMNT Twitter (@USMNT)
The Squad
Picture Credits: USMNT Twitter (@USMNT)
Goalkeepers:
Sean Johnson (NYCFC)
Gabriel Slonina (Chicago Fire)
Zack Steffen (Manchester City)
Matt Turner (New England Revolution)
Defenders:
Reggie Cannon (Boavista)
Sergino Dest (FC Barcelona)
Brooks Lennon (Atlanta United)
Mark McKenzie (Genk)
Chris Richards (Hoffenheim)
Antonee Robinson (Fulham)
Miles Robinson (Atlanta United)
DeAndre Yedlin (Galatasaray)
Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC)
Midfielders:
Kellyn Acosta (LAFC)
Tyler Adams (RB Leipzig)
Luca de la Torre (Heracles)
Sebastian Lletget (New England Revolution)
Weston McKennie (Juventus)
Yunus Musah (Valencia)
Christian Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC)
Forwards:
Brenden Aaronson (RB Salzburg)
Paul Arriola (D.C. United)
Jesus Ferreira (FC Dallas)
Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders FC)
Ricardo Pepi (FC Augsburg)
Christian Pulisic (Chelsea FC)
Tim Weah (Lille)
Gyasi Zardes (Columbus Crew)
Projected Starting XI
What To Expect
The USMNT has the El Salvador's number in recent matchups. With the youth, as well as the quality that the United States posses, this should, in theory, be a pretty decent match for the United States. In 9 head-to-head World Cup Qualifiers, the United States is unbeaten against El Salvador, with four of those matches ending in a draw (5-0-4 Overall). It also helps the USMNT that they are playing where many believe to be the home of U.S. Soccer, Columbus, Ohio. Columbus, Ohio has served the USMNT very well, with the team posting a stunning 8-1-2 overall record in Columbus, Ohio, including earlier in the hexagonal against Costa Rica, a match in which the USMNT won 2-1. Perhaps the biggest hurdle for both teams will be the weather, as they are expecting below freezing temperatures.
Prediction
Let's not get ahead of ourselves, El Salvador will be a tough out for the United States. But, with the United States having such an advantage when it comes to talent, fans should expect nothing less than all three points, and to get them pretty comfortably come Thursday night. But, this is CONCACAF, and anything is possible. With everything being taken into account, I expect the United States to leave Columbus and head into the big matchup Sunday afternoon against Canada with a 3-0 win.
Whats Next?
After Thursday nights match against El Salvador, the United States will make the short trek across the border to Hamilton, Ontario, Canada for a Sunday afternoon kickoff against Canada. Kick-off for that match is currently scheduled for 3 p.m. After that, the United States again will make a short trek back to the states to play their final qualifier of this window in Saint Paul, Minnesota at Allianz Field against Honduras. Kickoff for that match is currently scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 2nd.