While this team may not have spent much time under Pochettino, this is a match where we’ll get a great look at the Argentine’s philosophy due to the USMNT getting more time than an average international break to train. That will be enough to push them to a victory in the match. Score: USMNT 3, Venezula 1
The midfielder is in line for his first cap with the USMNT after his contract expired with Newell’s Old Boys but he has had quite the path here. He had his contract with CF Montreal terminated by Major League Soccer for something that sounds too strange to believe. When he wasn’t getting consistent playing time, Miljevic used a fake name to sign up for an indoor soccer league in Quebec.
That alone is enough to get a contract terminated as playing in any league other than MLS violates a player’s contract but it’s how Miljevic was discovered to be playing in that league that really takes the cake. The midfielder was banned for life from the league due to punching another player in the face. One thing led to another and his contract was rescinded and he returned to Argentina but with a good camp here, there’s every chance that things could come full circle with a return to MLS in the cards.
1-Wuilker Fariñez; 2-Carlos Vivas, 3-Anthony Graterol, 6-Bryant Ortega, 9-Jan Hurtado, 10-Juan Pablo Añor, 11-Jovanny BolÍvar, 14-Francisco La MantÍa, 15-Daniel Pereira, 16-Roberto Rosales (Capt.), 21-Gleiker Mendoza
Six players are set to get their first senior national team caps for the USMNT as Pochettino mixes the experience of Miles Robinson and Shaq Moore with youth options like Brian Gutierrez. There are also a few interesting debuts in Charlotte FC striker Patrick Agyemang and free agent Matko Miljevic.
USMNT Starting XI vs. Venezuela: 1-Patrick Schulte; 18-Shaq Moore, 20-George Campbell, 12-Miles Robinson (Capt.), 15-Max Arfsten; 6-Benjamin Cremaschi, 16–Jack McGlynn; 23-Caden Clark, 11-Matko Miljevic, 17-Brian Gutiérrez; 7-Patrick Agyemang
GOALKEEPERS (3): Matt Freese (New York City FC; 0/0), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew; 2/0), Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids; 29/0)
DEFENDERS (7): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew; 0/0), George Campbell (CF Montréal; 0/0), DeJuan Jones (Columbus Crew; 8/0), Shaq Moore (FC Dallas; 19/1), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; 66/1), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati; 30/3), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC; 41/3)
MIDFIELDERS (4): Benjamin Cremaschi (Inter Miami CF; 1/0), Emeka Eneli (Real Salt Lake; 0/0), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake; 1/0), Jack McGlynn (Philadelphia Union; 1/0)
FORWARDS (6): Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC; 0/0), Caden Clark (CF Montréal; 0/0), Brian Gutiérrez (Chicago Fire FC; 0/0), Matko Miljevic (Huracán/ARG; 0/0), Indiana Vassilev (St. Louis CITY SC; 0/0), Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps FC; 1/0)
- Date: Saturday, Jan. 18 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Chase Stadium — Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- TV: TNT | Live stream: Fubo TV (Try for free)
It’s almost time to get things underway for the USMNT in Fort Lauderdale. While there’s no way to tell what lineup Pochettino will go with, the goal will be to win as he stressed that this is a camp that’s being taken seriously. With young players like Diego Luna involved, it’s sure to be an exciting affair.
