USMNT prepare for Jamaica, Nations League semifinals

In the past, 11th-hour changes would have been problematic for a program operating with little room for error. U.S. depth is not like Argentina’s.

But when Josh Sargent, a 13-goal scorer in England’s second division, pulled out with an ankle ailment, Coach Gregg Berhalter turned to another 13-goal scorer on the same circuit, Haji Wright. And if he had not selected Wright, Berhalter could have turned to Brandon Vazquez, who has excelled since arriving in the Mexican league two months ago.

Likewise, the sudden absence of Luca de la Torre (Spain’s Celta Vigo) with a quadriceps strain prompted the recall of Brenden Aaronson, a seasoned attacker who had scored Saturday for Union Berlin in Germany’s Bundesliga.

The opportunity to summon last-minute replacements with strong portfolios illustrates the state of the U.S. player pool at the start of a massive 2½-year period.

“When you look at the roster, look at the quality here — and even some of the guys that aren’t here — it’s an incredibly talented group of players,” said English-based defender Tim Ream, who, at 36, is the squad’s elder statesman. “Seeing them perform throughout Europe is just so impressive. To see the number of guys doing well and then to see them bring that into the camp and into these games and going into the summer is a good position to be in.”

The Americans will face Jamaica on Thursday in the Nations League semifinals, with the winner headed to Sunday’s final against Mexico or Panama. This summer, the United States will compete in Copa América, the acclaimed South American tournament taking place at U.S. venues.

Next year comes the Concacaf Gold Cup, then in 2026 the World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

“Every time we play for a trophy it means something, but I want to keep winning this trophy to the point it gets boring to people,” left back Antonee Robinson said. “We always focus on the bigger picture. We know the big, big picture is the World Cup, but we obviously have little steps in between. … Plenty of opportunities to practice in knockout competition before the big one.”

To be in position for international success, Berhalter needs players thriving with their clubs, players in good health and the player pool continuing to expand. On the eve of the Nations League, the U.S. team is in a good place in all areas.

With those elements working in his favor, the pressure on Berhalter to make it all work properly will continue to grow. Failing to beat Jamaica on Thursday and advance to Copa América’s knockout stage this summer could cost him his job.

“We know how difficult these games are,” Berhalter said. “It’s avoiding complacency, being focused and doing our business. … Now is not the time to start resting on our laurels.”

The U.S. team arrived here with forward Christian Pulisic (career-high 12 goals, plus seven assists, across all competitions) and midfielder Weston McKennie (seven assists in Italian Serie A) producing for AC Milan and Juventus, respectively. Pulisic has scored in four consecutive matches, a personal best.

In addition to 13 goals for Coventry City in league play, Wright has scored twice in the FA Cup. Fullback Sergiño Dest, forward Malik Tillman and striker Ricardo Pepi are playing key roles for PSV Eindhoven, the undefeated Dutch leader. Pepi (seven goals) is not a starter but on average scores every 50 minutes.

“Anytime you see players in form, Christian included, it brings great joy to all of us and know that when they come into camp, there’s going to be a high confidence level,” U.S. assistant B.J. Callaghan said. “Hopefully they can continue to raise the standard.”

Robinson (England’s Fulham), fullback Joe Scally (Germany’s Mönchengladbach), defender Chris Richards (England’s Crystal Palace) and midfielder Johnny Cardoso (Spain’s Real Betis) are starting in top-five European leagues.

Only four players are unavailable because of injury: Sargent, de la Torre and center backs Cameron Carter-Vickers and Walker Zimmerman.

Seven players with strong cases for a call-up were passed over, including Mexican-based Vazquez (five goals in 10 games for Monterrey) and Alejandro Zendejas (eight goals and six assists in 27 matches for Club América) and Kevin Paredes, a winger for the Bundesliga’s Wolfsburg, who was assigned to the U.S. under-23 squad preparing for the Olympics.

The situation is not perfect, though. Matt Turner, Berhalter’s first-choice goalkeeper, and midfielder Gio Reyna have not played much for Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. Striker Folarin Balogun has scored five goals for Monaco in French Ligue 1 after posting 21 for Reims last season.

U.S. starters Yunus Musah and Tim Weah are employed by major clubs but usually come off the bench for AC Milan and Juventus, respectively. And Dest will miss Thursday’s semifinal after an outburst in the second leg of the quarterfinals in November resulted in a red card. He is eligible to return Sunday.

“Our guys have worked so hard throughout the year with their clubs, it’s nice to get them back,” said Berhalter, whose team won the previous two Nations League trophies. “We deserve to win a trophy together and it would be nice to get our third title.”