USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter made sweeping changes to the XI ahead of the CONCACAF Nations League final vs Mexico, including benching Folarin Balogun!
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USMNT XI vs Mexico releasedBerhalter benches Folarin BalogunReyna, Wright and Adams startWHAT HAPPENED?
After a goalless semifinal from the Monaco forward, Berhalter opted to change up his attack and move Balogun to the bench. However, that's not the only movement in the U.S. team.
Gio Reyna slid into the team in place of PSV star Malik Tillman in the attacking midfield position, while captain Tyler Adams makes his first start since the 2022 FIFA World Cup for the USA beneath him.
Defensively, Fulham ace Tim Ream replaced FC Cincinnati defender Miles Robinson and Sergino Dest slid in for Joe Scally at right fullback.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE:
Wright came off the bench to lead the USMNT to victory Wednesday evening in the semifinals vs Jamaica. The U.S. equalized to send the match to extra-time in the 96th minute, with Wright notching a brace in the extra 30 minutes of allocated time.
Gio Reyna tallied both assists in extra-time, serving Wright for each goal scored. Meanwhile, Adams and Ream – both mainstays in the XI at the 2022 FIFA World Cup – find themselves in the mix for the final, while Dest returns after serving a one-game suspension.
Berhalter's bold XI is rewarding those who put on a performance against Jamaica, while making changes in positions where he may have seen an issue in the semifinal.
DID YOU KNOW?
Wright has 15 goals and six assists across all competitions for Coventry City in the English Championship this season.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT?
The U.S. will face off against Mexico Sunday evening at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for a chance at their third-straight CONCACAF Nations League title. The dubbed 'three-peat' would mean they become the first nation to ever do so.