United States National Soccer Team Formation

Starting Lineup

FREESE · FREEMAN · RICHARDS · REAM · ROBINSON · T. ADAMS · MCKENNIE (REYNA) · TILLMAN · BALOGUN · S. DEST (BERHALTER) · PULISIC (PEPI)

United States looks to strike on the break using a 5-2-3. This formation is built to play a vertical style of football that relies on quick transitions. The lineup focuses on being compact when the ball is lost and using the width of the pitch once possession is won.

FREESE stands between the posts to guard the goal. The defense works as a back five with T. ADAMS acting as the central defender to command the area and win headers. REAM and RICHARDS sit on either side of him to defend zonally and protect the central space. ROBINSON and FREEMAN act as attacking wing backs, meaning they push high to provide width while the three central defenders stay back to cover the space behind them. The unit functions as a single block to deny the turn and protect the middle.

The midfield uses a two man pairing in the center. MCKENNIE and TILLMAN act as the central duo to connect the defense and the attack. MCKENNIE works to win the second ball and press in a mid block, while TILLMAN looks to carry the ball forward and play through the lines. They must stay close together to avoid being bypassed in the middle. This duo works to recover possession and immediately find the players in the final third.

The front line uses three attackers across the pitch to stretch the opposition. PULISIC and S. DEST play as wide wingers, with PULISIC looking to cut inside and S. DEST to drive forward. BALOGUN operates as a lone striker, acting as a focal point to hold up the ball and link play. When United States moves forward, the wing backs push up to create overlaps and provide crosses. The front three press from the front to force a long ball, which the central defenders can then win.

One major advantage is the defensive compactness when sitting deep. By having three central defenders, the team is hard to break down through the middle. Another strength is the speed of transition. Once the midfield wins the ball, they can quickly find the wingers to hit in behind on the transition. The wide overloads created by ROBINSON and FREEMAN also help to stretch the opposition defence and create space for the central attackers.

This 5-2-3 formation creates a hard team to break down through central areas. It is best suited for matches against possession heavy teams where United States can defend deep and strike on the counter.