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.

USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino said it's important to focus on the opportunity for his young squad, rather than the absences of several senior players.

The United States men's national team couldn't maintain an early lead over Türkiye in a friendly at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in Connecticut, falling by the final score of 2-1.

Familiar faces may be absent from the United States men's national team squad, but they still have a job to do facing tough opposition in Turkiye on Saturday in East Hartford, Connecticut. Mauicio Pochettino is leading his last competitive camp with the group ahead of the 2026 World Cup as this friendly will begin their preparation for the Concacaf Gold Cup.

Mauricio Pochettino and the United States look to begin their summer romp with the first of two of international friendlies against European opponents as they host Turkey in Hartford on Saturday afternoon.