In a rain-soaked friendly match on Saturday, the United States Men’s National Team fell to Turkey with a score of 2-1, extending their losing streak to three games. The Turkish team exploited errors in the US defense to secure the win, highlighting ongoing concerns about the American squad’s defensive consistency.
The match, held in Istanbul, saw Turkey take the lead early in the second half through a well-placed shot by midfielder Cem Kaan. The US, struggling to control possession, conceded a second goal in the 72nd minute after a defensive error allowed the Turkish forward to capitalize. Despite a late rally, the Americans could not find the equalizer, ending the game with a 2-1 loss.
Coach Gregg Berhalter has faced criticism for the team’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly after consecutive losses to Mexico and Germany in recent friendlies. Analysts pointed to a lack of cohesion and poor decision-making in critical moments as key factors in the defeat. The result raises questions about the team’s readiness for upcoming international competitions and may prompt a reassessment of the squad’s strategy.
Turkey’s victory, while not a major international fixture, underscores their growing competitiveness in World Cup qualifiers. The win also provides a confidence boost for the Turkish squad ahead of their own upcoming matches, demonstrating their ability to challenge top-tier teams in crucial encounters.