LOS ANGELES — In the team’s first game since the 2022 World Cup, the United States men’s national team got an early goal from debutant Brandon Vazquez before conceding twice in a 2-1 loss to Serbia at BMO Stadium.
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Rapid reaction
1. Heavy Mexican-American influence
All four players on the roster eligible to represent Mexico — Vazquez, Alejandro Zendejas, Cade Cowell and Jonathan Gomez — were in the starting XI. It represented a clear statement of intent from U.S. Soccer that the federation wants long-term commitments from each of them.
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Vazquez, Zendejas — both making their first full national team caps — and Cowell played together in a front three that was lively and consistently dangerous. Vazquez’s goal on a cross from fellow debutant Julian Gressell was an excellent finish — redirecting the ball to the far corner — and leaves a positive first impression about his ability to play at the international level.
For all the attention Zendejas’ inclusion drew coming in midseason from Club America, he was outshined by Cowell on the opposite wing. The San Jose Earthquakes winger has been billed as a potential star for years and while he’s still only 19 years old, this is a massive year in terms of solidifying what fair expectations for his development should be. If he’s as dangerous for the Quakes as he was against Serbia, it’s fair to reignite talks about a potential European transfer.
Gomez didn’t find the same success as the other three. His physical limitation were on display and provided important context for why he has not made a first team appearance for Real Sociedad in LaLiga since transferring from Louisville City in USL in 2021.
