USMNT vs Venezuela

Photography by Rodolfho Chona.

Three goals from two debutants and a seasoned Olympian lifted the USMNT to an impressive 3-1 win over Venezuela on Saturday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

It was an assertive performance in front of 18,000 fans at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium to kick off this January set of friendlies. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino lined up a mix of rising stars and fresh new prospects, with eight players earning their first-ever cap. It was Pochettino’s fourth win in five matches at the helm, and the new players did their part. USMNT midfielder and Olympian Jack McGlynn opened the score, while debuting forwards Patrick Agyemang and Matko Miljevic added a second and a third, respectively.

It was important to see these new prospects gain their footing at the international level, especially the heavy rotation of MLS players that took the field. For decades, the January camp has been a launching pad for young players, with 30 men who earned their first or second caps during winter camps since the 2002 World Cup cycle later making World Cup rosters. Pochettino has been known to promote young players throughout his coaching career, and this window lined up perfectly to familiarize himself with the US youth talent pool coming out of MLS.

Venezuela’s lineup offered slightly more experience, but they also featured four debutants alongside their veterans. The match was poised to be a great test for both nations going into a crucial 18 months ahead of the World Cup.

From the opening whistle, it was a contested affair. Venezuelan goalkeeper Wuilker Faríñez made an early statement by stopping a third-minute penalty taken by Miljevic after Agyemang was fouled in the box. Despite the setback, the USMNT quickly regained control and were effective in transition and on counters.

The breakthrough finally came in the 37th minute when McGlynn capitalized on a turnover. The 21-year-old midfielder unleashed a stunning 30-yard strike with his left foot that beat Faríñez at the near post, sending Chase Stadium into a frenzy.

Just a few minutes later, Agyemang doubled the lead to put the USMNT firmly in control before halftime. The Charlotte FC striker pounced on a deflected clearance, sprinted toward goal, and fired past the onrushing Faríñez .

The second half saw the U.S. continue their offensive push, but Faríñez made numerous saves to keep the USMNT at bay. Still, Miljevic finally added a third in the 64th minute with an excellent volley to cap a stunning team sequence.

Shortly after, Pochettino made several substitutions and Venezuela pulled one back in the 68th minute through a Jorge Yriarte header from a corner.

Despite the late pressure, the U.S. managed to close out the game and seal the victory. This win improved the U.S. all-time record against Venezuela to 4W-1L-2D and marked a successful start to this set of January friendlies.

Up next, the USMNT will face Costa Rica on January 22 at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando.

Photography by Rodolfho Chona.