EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — Not for the first time, U.S. men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino arrived at a post-match press conference after a loss, this time a 2-1 defeat to Turkiye in the first of two friendlies that will precede the Gold Cup. There was one thing he was relieved about, though.

Despite an improved performance effort-wise, the USMNT lost a third consecutive game under Mauricio Pochettino as an important summer got underway.

Vickers, and now the injured Folarin Balogun.There are still plenty of stars, including Tyler Adams, Chris Richards, and perhaps-Atleti-bound Johnny Cardoso, so this will be fun.MORE — USMNT roster | USMNT schedule,