USMNT Cautioned Against Underestimating Haiti in Nations League Quarterfinals
ESPN and GOAL preview the CONCACAF Nations League two-legged tie, set for South Florida and Cincinnati.
The United States Men's National Team has been warned not to underestimate Haiti ahead of the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals, according to ESPN and GOAL. The two-legged fixture, which will be played in South Florida and Cincinnati, represents the final competitive matches of the year for the U.S. side, with a win sending them into the competition's semifinal round. GOAL described the tie as the first truly competitive camp of manager Mauricio Pochettino's new post-World Cup era, following a September friendly window in which Pochettino opened up the player pool to a new generation. According to GOAL's projected 23-man squad, Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun could lead a youthful attack, while emerging talents such as Cavan Sullivan and Julian Hall are pushing for inclusion. The report notes several roster complications, including a recent injury to Weston McKennie and the simultaneous gathering of the U.S. Under-23s for two matches in Europe, which could keep some young stars out of the senior group. Tyler Adams remains the designated captain among the locked-in call-ups. GOAL emphasized that Haiti should not be taken lightly as the U.S. seeks to book its semifinal place.