Tyler Adams will not participate in the US men’s national team match against Switzerland, as announced by coach Mauricio Pochettino on Monday. Adams is dealing with minor injuries and missed part of a training session, which was eventually postponed due to weather conditions.
"I don’t see this as a significant issue. I hope it won’t become one," Pochettino mentioned to the press, adding that Adams might take a few days to recover before assessing his readiness for the upcoming Gold Cup. Therefore, he will not play in the final preparation match against Switzerland.
Adams had come off the bench during the Americans’ recent 2-1 defeat to Torquier and had captained the team throughout the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Despite the loss, he expressed optimism about the game, highlighting the positive takeaways: "It was one of the first times we’ve gone down but created numerous clear opportunities. Now, it’s about finishing those chances."
Pochettino also noted that he isn’t concerned about other players who may miss Tuesday’s match. He reassured that players like Matt Freeze, Chris Richards, Alex Freeman, Luka de la Torre, and Malik Tillman will be evaluated for fitness, along with Walker Zimmerman, who is recovering from a concussion.
"We’re consistently communicating with the medical team to ensure everyone is in optimal shape for the Gold Cup," Pochettino said. "Tomorrow’s match against Switzerland will be another chance for us to enhance our skills against a strong opponent, similar to Torquier."
The coach addressed the goalkeeping situation as well. Matt Freeze, a player from New York City FC, made his USMNT debut on Saturday, taking over duties from veteran Matt Turner. Pochettino emphasized that competition in goal remains open, providing opportunities for Freeze.
"I’m very pleased with him; he handled himself well," Pochettino remarked about Freeze’s performance. "Of course, he needs to improve, but debuting on the national team is vital for his growth. He’s a great asset with significant potential."
The USMNT is scheduled to play against Trinidad and Tobago in San Jose, California on Sunday, June 15.
Laken Litman covers college football, basketball, and soccer for Fox Sports and authored Strong Like A Woman in Spring 2022 to honor Title IX’s 50th anniversary. Follow her on Twitter at @lakenlitman.
This news is crucial for soccer fans as it reflects the team’s readiness for the Gold Cup, and Tyler Adams’ absence highlights the challenges faced by national teams in maintaining player fitness. The outcome of the upcoming matches could greatly influence team morale and strategies leading into the tournament.
