Total Soccer Show: USMNT, Champions League, EPL, and more ... Is the USMNT better now than at the 2022 World Cup? | USMNT Weekly
Feb 25, 2026
Joe Lowry, regular analyst on USMNT topics, gives a concise position-by-position read on how the national pool has changed since 2022. They compare keepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards. Short takes cover why goalkeeping looks shakier, why fullbacks and strikers have improved, and how midfield depth shifts the team’s outlook.
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Goalkeeper Group Has Regressed Since 2022
- The US goalkeeper pool has declined since 2022 with Matt Turner, Ethan Horvath, and Sean Johnson all down a level.
- Joe Lowry and Graham Rutherford note Turner lost momentum after Europe and Horvath returned to MLS, leaving an unproven group behind emerging names like Patrick Schulte and Chris Brady.
Chris Richards Makes Centre-Backs Slightly Better
- The centre-back pool is marginally stronger now thanks to Chris Richards joining the conversation alongside Tim Ream and Walker Zimmerman.
- Joe Lowry and Graham Rutherford argue Richards' higher-level reps improve the group's ball-playing and defensive quality despite aging veterans like Ream and Zimmerman.
Fullbacks Are Deeper And More Versatile
- The fullback group is noticeably improved with Sergiño Dest, Alex Freeman, Anthony Robinson, and Max Aarons providing better options than 2022.
- Graham Rutherford highlights Freeman's Villarreal move and Dest's regular minutes at PSV as signs of stronger depth and tactical fits for Pochettino.