Before the 2025 Gold Cup, the USMNT's most glaring issues are at the back | OneFootball

When the U.S. men’s national team's 4-0 defeat to Switzerland wasn't just a bad result. It was a performance that laid bare major vulnerabilities.

This defeat was the fourth consecutive time the U.S. has lost since Maurice Pochettino took over. These strings of poor results are the first since 2007, and perhaps that 4-0 mauling is one of the most lopsided of the bunch.

And maybe most worrying, the two aspects of play that leaped out most (in a negative way) were the two most basic building blocks of defensive organization and goalkeeping.

Defensive disorganization remains major concern

Perhaps the most glaring issue from the match was the USMNT’s chaotic and disjointed defensive structure. From kickoff, Switzerland looked comfortable stretching the American backline, using quick silky passing combinations and intelligent off-ball movement to slice through with ease.

The center-back pairing — Nashville captain Walker Zimmerman and Mark McKenzie — struggled to communicate and stay in sync. On multiple occasions, Swiss forwards Breel Embolo and Michel Aebischer found space between the lines, and their quick interchanges left U.S. defenders chasing shadows. Fullbacks Max Arsfsten and Nathan Harriel were frequently caught out of position, with Switzerland exploiting the wings with Dan Ndoye and Johan Manzambi to deliver dangerous crosses.

Even more concerning was the lack of tracking from midfield, especially in transition. Once Switzerland broke through the first line of pressure, the midfield trio often failed to recover, leaving gaping holes in front of the backline.

Turner ordinary in goal

The Crystal Palace shot-stopper Matt Turner, who has been the USMNT’s most reliable goalkeeper over the past two years, had a forgettable night. He was beaten four times, two of which came from shots that could have been stopped with better positioning or reflexes. Turner’s hesitancy in commanding his box during corners and his delayed reactions in one-on-one situations added to the chaos. His confidence has now hit rock bottom, having conceded seven goals in his last three games between the sticks.

While it's too soon to press the panic button, the lack of competition for the No. 1 shirt could be an issue heading into the Gold Cup. Matt Freese and Chris Brady, the two other 'keepers on the current U.S. squad, are extremely inexperienced. Zack Steffen, the last man other than Turner to consistently hold the USMNT starting job, just had meniscus surgery

Wake-up call at the right time?

While a 4-0 loss is never easy to stomach, it might be the shock the USMNT needs. There is still time to regroup before the Gold Cup opener, but the clock is ticking. The loss to Switzerland must serve as a rallying point — not just for tactical tweaks, but for a cultural reset.

The Gold Cup remains an opportunity to restore confidence, test leadership, and demonstrate that this team is more than just a collection of talent. But after this loss, the path to continental glory looks steeper than ever. It’s up to Pochettino and his players to prove Nashville was a lesson, not a pattern.