With March's CONCACAF Nations League matches around the corner, the January camp gave Pochettino plenty of options
January camp is in the rearview mirror, and honestly speaking, there isn't much to complain about from a U.S. men's national team perspective. The U.S. smashed Venezuela, 3-1, before crushing Costa Rica, 3-0. In terms of results, this was about as good as it could have gone for Mauricio Pochettino.
Mission accomplished, then, for the U.S. manager. This camp, for him, was mostly about learning, and there was a lot learned. There were guys in this USMNT camp that he could legitimately count on, and those guys saw their stocks soar as a result.
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March's CONCACAF Nations League camp in less than two months, and there's a shot that some of these January camp stars could be involved. A lot can happen over that span, of course, but there are a few players in contention that might not have been just a few short weeks ago. That's the power of a good January camp. So many USMNT stars have used it as a springboard. It feels like this year's edition was no different.
So who were the big winners and losers? Whose stock rose and who took a dip? GOAL takes a look.
Getty ImagesSTOCK UP: Zack Steffen
He may not be leading the goalkeeper race, but he's definitely in the mix now.
Steffen's two huge saves against Costa Rica were a huge boost for the Colorado Rapids goalkeeper, who hadn't had an opportunity like this since missing out on the 2022 World Cup. So much has changed since then, including Steffen, who spoke to GOAL in 2024 about how he's grown since that ultimate disappointment. The 2026 World Cup is very much on his mind and the way to get there is to make big saves. He had a few on Wednesday.
"It was great," he said after the match. "It gives me a lot of confidence, and I hope it gives my teammates confidence to know that they can rely on me. It's great to get to end the camp with a three-goal win and a shutout. It's been a while since I had a shutout."
Matt Turner is probably still the starting keeper. Schulte, who started the game against Venezuela, may still be ahead of Steffen, But he has given himself a chance, as long as he continues to build on this momentum throughout the MLS season.
"Today was Zack, and that is good to increase the competition," Pochettino said. "We are very honest and transparent, and we always go with the truth and in the way we think. We don't hide anything, and that's why they know that, through the performance, they can be fighting for the position in different places in the same way.
"It's important, and we can feel confident and safe in goal."
AdvertisementGetty Images SportSTOCK DOWN: Matt Freese
There was always going to be an odd man out in goal. Unfortunately, it was Freese.
The NYCFC shot-stopper was fantastic this past season in MLS, but the reality was that there were only two games. Schulte was starting one, and it would all come down to starting the second. Steffen got the nod and, based on his performance, it wasn't unfair. Freese, then, was left out as the only player in the squad to not see the pitch during the two games.
Unlucky, to be fair, but this isn't the last opportunity for Freese. Just 26, he's heading towards his prime as a goalkeeper, with this past season being a huge leap forward from him on the club level. Any further leaps will no doubt get him more USMNT attention. That first cap might not be too, too far away.
Getty ImagesSTOCK UP: Patrick Agyemang
Just a few years ago, Agyemang was playing D3 soccer at Eastern Connecticut State University. In March, if things bounce his way, he could legitimately be on the USMNT's CONCACAF Nations League roster.
Agyemang's two goals came in just 80 USMNT minutes over two matches as the Charlotte FC star announced himself to the world. With those two goals, he showed all of the things that make Charlotte FC so high on him: pace, strength, and, more importantly, an ability to finish with either foot. This was the perfect January camp for Agyemang, who outperformed even his own expectations.
"Just playing with these guys and making friends out of this camp, that was something I was hoping for," he said. "To do that and then to add my game into it, it just makes everything better. Of course, I can't lie, the goals? I'm never gonna forget that."
Pochettino won't forget them either. With Folarin Balogun still out, there are legitimate fitness issues at the striker position. Josh Sargent has struggled with injuries, as has Haji Wright. Depending on availability, Agyemang could slide right into a backup role come March. Few would have seen that coming just a few weeks ago, which is why the striker might just be the big winner of this camp.
Getty ImagesSTOCK UP: Jack McGlynn
The second game wasn't awe-inspiring, but the first one was. That's why he's on this list.
McGlynn was incredible against Venezuela as he showcased all of the clubs in his bag throughout his runout. Long passes, quick passes, stunning goals – McGlynn did it all. He can do incredible things with the ball at his feet, things that few others in this player pool can do, and that's what might just keep him in it when the A-team next gathers.
The midfield picture is deepening. You have the regulars of Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, and Yunus Musah. Then factor in Tanner Tessmann, Johnny Cardoso, Gianluca Busio, and Aidan Morris pushing for spots. McGlynn might just be in that mix, too, largely because he's very different from just about all of those other players that were named.
McGlynn offers a lot off the ball, but not as much off of it. Is that something Pochettino can use? McGlynn showcased why he has a case in this camp as he inched closer to midfield contention.
