USMNT vs. Venezuela recap, score: Pochettino remarks, ‘We played as a cohesive unit’
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Jack McGlynn, Patrick Agyemang, and Matko Miljevic will always remember this moment.
These three U.S. men’s national team (USMNT) players scored their first-ever international goals during a 3-1 victory over Venezuela in a friendly match, attended by 18,008 fans at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium on Saturday.
It was a productive outing for the team and new head coach Maurico Pochettino, who improved his record to 4 wins and 1 loss since he took charge in September, replacing former coach Gregg Berhalter.
“Today, we not only showcased talented players and solid performance, but we also functioned as a team,” Pochettino reflected post-match. “We are extremely pleased.”
McGlynn, aged 21, opened the scoring with a powerful left-footed shot from distance in the 37th minute, marking his first goal for the national team in just his second start and third appearance overall.
“I found a good space with plenty of room ahead, and thought, why not? I have a knack for shooting,” McGlynn stated. “I took the chance, and thankfully it went in.”
Agyemang, 24, followed suit in the 39th minute, scoring his first goal in his national team debut. The Charlotte FC star executed a well-placed left shot with support from Miljevic, sending the ball through Venezuelan keeper Wuilker Faríñez’s legs.
Miljevic added his name to the scoresheet in the 64th minute, with an assist from McGlynn, marking his first goal after having missed a penalty kick just two minutes into the match. At 23, Miljevic made history by being the first player affiliated with an Argentine club to represent the USMNT in a match.
His goal alleviated some initial game tension after he had missed a penalty kick early on. There was uncertainty about whether he or McGlynn was supposed to take the shot. Pochettino intentionally left the penalty shooter decision undecided before the game to gauge which player would step up. The issue was resolved after a conversation between him and the players during halftime.
“We didn’t designate a penalty taker beforehand to observe their reactions. It showed their character. Marko took the ball, while Jack expressed interest in shooting,” Pochettino explained. “This experience is crucial for our growth and mentality. I want them to feel empowered to contribute to our scoring.”
At halftime, Pochettino communicated with a sideline reporter his satisfaction with the club’s 2-0 lead in the first half, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong positioning on the field to prevent the opposing team from gaining momentum.
His caution proved to be warranted when Venezuela’s Jorge Yriarte found the net in the 68th minute, scoring past Columbus Crew’s goalie Patrick Schulte, preventing a shutout.
Nonetheless, it was a positive outcome for the national team as they prepare for the Concacaf Nations League finals in March, the Concacaf Gold Cup later this summer, and the upcoming 2026 World Cup hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
McGlynn mentioned that Pochettino advised the team to “play authentically.” The coach encouraged them to express themselves freely and showcase their skills.
“We hope we made a good impression today,” McGlynn noted.
Star player Christian Pulisic could not join the team, which comprised mostly MLS players, due to the match falling outside the FIFA international window.
“It’s fantastic for us to connect with all these players,” Pochettino said, expressing his belief that he has expanded the USMNT player pool from around 25-30 to nearly 50 for the upcoming year.
Walker Zimmerman made his return to action, coming on in the 88th minute, marking his first appearance for the USMNT since the Nations League Final against Canada on June 18, 2023.
With this victory, the U.S. now holds a record of 4 wins, 1 loss, and 2 draws against Venezuela, marking their seventh all-time encounter.
The USMNT is set to wrap up their January training camp with a friendly match against Costa Rica on Wednesday in Orlando, Fla.
Here are some key highlights from Saturday’s game:
Jorge Yriarte goal: USMNT 3, Venezuela 1
Venezuela’s Jorge Yriarte prevented a shutout, scoring in the 68th minute to put them on the scoreboard.
Matko Miljevic scores goal: USMNT 3, Venezuela 0
Matko Miljevic extended the U.S. lead to 3-0 with a goal in the 64th minute.
Miles Robinson misses a header in the box: USMNT 2, Venezuela 0
Robinson’s attempt at a header was deflected by the thigh of Venezuelan goalie Wuilker Faríñez in the 53rd minute.
Matko Miljevic misses a shot: USMNT 2, Venezuela 0
Miljevic nearly scored again in the 40th minute but missed wide to the left. He had another chance right after that, blocked by a defender.
Patrick Agyemang goal one minute later: USMNT 2, Venezuela 0
Agyemang struck just a minute later, scoring his first international goal with a left-footed shot past the Venezuelan goalie in the 39th minute.
Suddenly, the U.S. led 2-0.
Jack McGlynn scores stunning left strike: USMNT 1, Venezuela 0
McGlynn put USMNT on the scoreboard with a beautiful left-footed strike from outside the box in the 37th minute.
This goal was also McGlynn’s first ever for the national team against Venezuelan keeper Wuilker Faríñez.
Jack McGlynn misses a long strike: USMNT 0, Venezuela 0
McGlynn attempted a left-footed shot from outside the box in the 28th minute but failed to find the net.
USMNT’s Benjamin Cremaschi receives yellow card: USMNT 0, Venezuela 0
Benjamin Cremaschi picked up a yellow card in the 19th minute for pulling down Venezuela’s Juan Añor. Cremaschi is sporting No. 6 for the USMNT while playing on his home turf at Inter Miami.
USMNT’s Patrick Schulte with early saves: USMNT 0, Venezuela 0
Goalkeeper Patrick Schulte made impressive saves against early Venezuelan attacks, including a shot from Gleiker Mendoza in the 15th minute, and another from Jan Hurtado a minute later, who was later ruled offside.
Patrick Agyemang misses sliding kick: USMNT 0, Venezuela 0
Agyemang had a close chance in the 12th minute but failed to connect with a sliding kick that would have given USMNT the lead.
Matko Miljevic misses penalty kick: USMNT 0, Venezuela 0
USMNT had an early opportunity to score when Miljevic’s penalty kick was saved by Venezuelan goalie Wuilker Faríñez in the second minute.
USMNT player Patrick Agyemang was knocked down in the penalty area by Daniel Pereira from Venezuela before the kick.
When will the USMNT play against Venezuela?
The match is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18.
Where to watch USMNT vs. Venezuela on TV
You can catch the game on TNT, with pregame coverage beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET. Spanish-language broadcasts will be available on Telemundo and Universo.
How to watch USMNT vs. Venezuela via live stream
The game will also be streamed on Max and Peacock, with pregame coverage starting at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Where will the USMNT’s friendly against Venezuela take place?
The friendly match between the USMNT and Venezuela will occur at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the home ground for Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami CF.
What to know about the Venezuelan team
Venezuela has yet to qualify for a World Cup, but they made it to the quarterfinals of the 2024 Copa America after securing victories against Ecuador and Mexico. They were eliminated by Canada in a penalty shootout.
Currently, Venezuela ranks eighth in the Conmebol (South American) World Cup Qualifying standings, following draws with Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay across 12 matches.
USMNT roster for the January friendly matches
Here’s the roster for the USMNT arranged by position, along with their clubs and international appearances/goals.
GOALKEEPERS (3): Matt Freese (New York City FC; 0 caps/0 goals), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew; 2 caps/0 goals), Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids; 29 caps/0 goals)
DEFENDERS (7): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew; 0 caps/0 goals), George Campbell (CF Montréal; 0 caps/0 goals), DeJuan Jones (Columbus Crew; 8 caps/0 goals), Shaq Moore (FC Dallas; 19 caps/1 goal), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; 66 caps/1 goal), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati; 30 caps/3 goals), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC; 41 caps/3 goals)
MIDFIELDERS (4): Benjamin Cremaschi (Inter Miami; 1 cap/0 goals), Emeka Eneli (Real Salt Lake; 0 caps/0 goals), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake; 1 cap/0 goals), Jack McGlynn (Philadelphia Union; 1 cap/0 goals)
FORWARDS (6): Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC; 0 caps/0 goals), Caden Clark (CF Montréal; 0 caps/0 goals), Brian Gutiérrez (Chicago Fire; 0 caps/0 goals), Matko Miljevic (Huracán/ARG; 0 caps/0 goals), Indiana Vassilev (St. Louis City; 0 caps/0 goals), Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps; 1 cap/0 goals)
Upcoming USMNT schedule for 2025
- Jan. 20 (friendly) — Venezuela (Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
- Jan. 22 (friendly) — Costa Rica (Inter & Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida)
- March 20 (Concacaf Nations League) — Panama (SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California)
Mauricio Pochettino igniting enthusiasm in the USMNT
With Lionel Messi now in Major League Soccer and Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino leading the U.S. men’s national team as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup, the Argentine influence is prominently felt in American soccer.
Is it possible for Pochettino’s Argentine approach to help U.S. Soccer replicate Argentina’s past successes in the sport? While transitioning from Spanish to English might be smoother, there’s clearly a desire to achieve similar greatness.
USMNT Starting XI vs. Venezuela:
Here’s the lineup for today’s match against Venezuela:
1-Patrick Schulte; 18-Shaq Moore, 20-George Campbell, 12-Miles Robinson (Captain), 15-Max Arfsten; 6-Benjamin Cremaschi, 16–Jack McGlynn; 23-Caden Clark, 11-Matko Miljevic, 17-Brian Gutiérrez; 7-Patrick Agyemang
