World Cup: United States loses to Turkiye on goal in eighth minute of stoppage time

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — U.S. men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino made an audacious move, replacing nine of his starting 11 from the team’s recent 2-0 World Cup win over Australia on Thursday night.

There was little doubt that the reserves played their collective hearts out, demonstrating much intensity in a valiant effort, but you have to wonder if the team’s 3-2 loss to Türkiye in the Group D finale might have stunted the team’s momentum.

Kaan Ayhan’s sliding shot in front of the USA net in the eighth minute of stoppage time snapped a 2-2 tie at SoFi Stadium, sending home the pro-American crowd of 70,492 more than a bit disappointed.

What made it even more painful was that it happened on the last kick of the game.

The U.S. (2-1) entered the match on an historic run. The team not only had won the group but also qualified for the knockout stage after only two games for the very first time since the 1930 World Cup.

Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter remained positive, saying the loss did not stop the team’s momentum.

“No, it doesn’t,” said Berhalter, easily the USA’s man of the match with a goal and an assist. “I think you saw the second half. I think we deserved more. I think at one moment we slipped in the last second of the game. I think we’re proud of the performance we put in. I think the guys did well and we fought, and unfortunately not to get a result, but we’ll be ready for sure.”

Berhalter was alluding to the Round of 32, as the U.S. will meet Bosnia and Herzegovina in a knockout-round match at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Wednesday.

Even before the first ball was kicked, the team already had made history. The Americans became the first World Cup team in history to start 21 players in a tournament. That is quite a feat, considering it was only their third match of the competition.

Except for midfielder Weston McKennie, who wore the captain’s armband, and striker Ricardo Pepi, Pochettino made nine changes to his starting 11. That included right back and Lake Grove native Joe Scally, who became the first Long Island men’s player to start a World Cup game. Scally made his Cup debut against Australia.

There was nothing on the line for either side. Türkiye (1-2), which already had been eliminated, played for pride. In an entertaining match, the American reserves played with much intensity while trying to convince Pochettino that they deserved to start or get more playing time.

Berhalter’s corner kick set up Auston Trusty’s third-minute goal before his shot from the top of the box equalized the game at 2-2 in the 49th minute. In between those two scores, Türkiye took advantage of U.S. defensive breakdowns to grab a 2-1 lead behind goals by Arda Guler (10th minute) and Orkun Kokcu (31st minute).

“I think certain times maybe we could have controlled the game a little bit better and maybe just got the ball better in their half,” Berhalter said.

Only time will tell whether this game will affect them negatively or perhaps light a fire when push comes to shove in the knockout round.

The Americans will try to put this loss in the rearview mirror and focus on the Bosnia match.

If the Americans continue to win, they will remain on the West Coast, having to take only relatively short flights, which will give them an advantage. If they prevail against Bosnia, the U.S. will qualify for the Round of 16 in Seattle on July 6.

As promised, Pochettino decided not to use the full team that registered two victories as he sat down four starters with yellow cards — center back Chris Richards, left back Antonee Robinson, defensive midfielder Tyler Adams and forward Folarin Balogun.

A second yellow card in the group stage would have meant a player would have had to sit out a Round of 32 match.

Matt Turner replaced Matt Freese in goal. The backline from left to right included Mark McKenzie, Miles Robinson, Trusty and Scally. McKennie and Berhalter were the holding midfielders, with Brenden Aaronson, Gio Reyna and Tim Weah as the attacking mids. Pepi was the lone striker.

“This is a group that was ready and itching to play,” Berhalter said. “I’m proud of, you know, everyone. I think everyone should be proud of themselves.”