USMNT Held to Frustrating 0-0 Draw by Uruguay in World Cup Preparation

The United States Men’s National Team extended its home unbeaten streak to 25 matches but failed to find the net in a goalless draw against Uruguay at Children’s Mercy Park, highlighting persistent finishing concerns ahead of the 2022 World Cup.

The USMNT’s second World Cup warmup match on June 5, 2022, showcased both the team’s defensive resilience and their ongoing struggles in the final third. Despite controlling 53.8% of possession and creating several quality chances, Gregg Berhalter’s side couldn’t break down a disciplined Uruguayan defense led by veteran Diego Godín.

Tactical Analysis: Formation Battle

United States (4-3-3): The USMNT deployed their preferred 4-3-3 formation with Sean Johnson between the posts, a back four of Joe Scally, Aaron Long, Walker Zimmerman, and DeAndre Yedlin. The midfield trio featured Tyler Adams as the defensive anchor, flanked by Yunus Musah and Weston McKennie. Christian Pulisic, Jesús Ferreira, and Timothy Weah formed the attacking trident.

Uruguay (3-5-2): Diego Alonso’s Uruguay lined up in a 3-5-2 system with Fernando Muslera in goal, protected by a back three of Diego Godín, José María Giménez, and Martín Cáceres. The wing-backs Matías Viña and Guillermo Varela provided width, while Fernando Gorriarán, Manuel Ugarte, and Mauro Arambarri controlled the midfield. Darwin Núñez and Maximiliano Gómez led the attack.

First Half: Missed Opportunities Define Opening Period

The opening 45 minutes belonged to the United States in terms of clear-cut chances, with Jesús Ferreira squandering two golden opportunities that could have changed the match’s complexion.

Key Moments:

• 19th minute: Ferreira’s 15-yard shot was expertly saved by Fernando Muslera after excellent build-up play
• 20th minute: The FC Dallas striker headed wide from close range with the goal at his mercy
• 35th minute: Weston McKennie’s header from a Christian Pulisic corner kick sailed over the crossbar

Uruguay’s best chance came through Manuel Ugarte in the 23rd minute, forcing Sean Johnson into a crucial save with a right-footed effort from the edge of the box.

Second Half: Substitutions Fail to Break Deadlock

Both managers made significant changes at halftime, with Berhalter introducing Erik Palmer-Brown, Paul Arriola, and Brenden Aaronson, while Alonso brought on Mathías Olivera for the injured Diego Godín.

Critical Moments:

• 63rd minute: Mathías Olivera’s close-range effort was saved by Johnson in what proved to be Uruguay’s best chance of the second half
• 82nd minute: Federico Valverde received a yellow card for a tactical foul on Antonee Robinson
• 90’+3 minute: Edinson Cavani’s 8-yard shot went wide in stoppage time – a miss that epitomized both teams’ finishing struggles

Individual Performances

Sean Johnson (USA) – 7/10: The New York City FC goalkeeper made crucial saves, including a point-blank block on Darwin Núñez that preserved the clean sheet.

Weston McKennie (USA) – 6/10: Playing his first start since breaking bones in his left foot, McKennie showed rust but provided physicality in midfield.

Christian Pulisic (USA) – 7/10: The Chelsea winger was the USMNT’s most dangerous player, creating chances and drawing fouls in advanced positions.

Darwin Núñez (Uruguay) – 6/10: The Liverpool striker was dangerous in transition but couldn’t find the clinical finish needed to break the deadlock.

Historical Context: Building on Previous Encounters

This result continues a pattern of tight contests between these nations. The September 10, 2019, friendly at Busch Stadium in St. Louis ended 1-1, with both teams showcasing similar tactical approaches and defensive solidity.

The finishing struggles displayed against Uruguay were reminiscent of previous international windows. Just months earlier, the USMNT had shown similar inconsistency in front of goal during their December 18, 2021, victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, where, despite the win, converting chances remained an issue that would plague the team through multiple camps.

This pattern continued into their June 1, 2022, friendly against Morocco, where the USMNT managed a 3-0 victory but again struggled with clinical finishing in the opening stages before finding their rhythm. The Morocco match served as the perfect confidence-builder heading into this Uruguay encounter, though the finishing concerns persisted.

Statistical Breakdown

Match Statistics:

• Possession: USA 53.8% – URU 46.2%
• Shots: USA 9 – URU 12
• Shots on Target: USA 3 – URU 4
• Corner Kicks: USA 4 – URU 4
• Fouls: USA 12 – URU 15

The statistics reveal a closely contested match where Uruguay slightly edged the Americans in shots despite having less possession, highlighting their efficiency in transition.

World Cup Implications

This performance raised questions about the USMNT’s ability to convert chances against quality opposition. With forwards managing just one goal in the team’s previous 13 matches, the lack of clinical finishing remained a primary concern heading into Qatar 2022.

The match took place just hours after Wales secured their World Cup berth by defeating Ukraine, confirming the USMNT’s Group B opponents: Wales, England, and Iran.

Looking Ahead

The draw extended the USMNT’s home unbeaten streak to 25 matches, just one shy of the team record set from 2013-15. However, the inability to break down Uruguay’s organized defense highlighted areas for improvement before the World Cup.

Upcoming Fixtures:

• June 10: vs. Grenada (CONCACAF Nations League)
• June 14: at El Salvador (CONCACAF Nations League)
• September: Two exhibitions in Europe (Japan and Saudi Arabia)

The USMNT showed defensive maturity against quality opposition but must find solutions to their finishing woes before facing Wales, England, and Iran in Qatar.

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