'It's our responsibility' - Matt Turner's goalkeeping gaffes, a forgettable four-game losing streak and winners and losers from USMNT's 4-0 Switzerland smackdown

There were question marks before. Now there is considerable concern. When you're mired in a goalkeeper competition, you can't afford to make mistakes, and Turner made a massive one.

"The last thing you want is for balls to be rippling back into the net like that," Turner admitted, "so, yeah, it was frustrating."

Excuse him for the first goal, which would have been a tough save, but was possible. No chance on the second, given the collapse that led to it. The third, though? That was all Turner, as he parried the ball straight into the path of Breel Embolo for the world's easiest finish. Could he have caught it? Could he have pushed the shot somewhere else? Would a different goalkeeper have done better with it?

That last question, in particular, will be the one that will be the talking point. Even with a reported Lyon move looming, Turner's status is on shakier ground than ever, thanks to a underwhelming performance.

"Obviously, I hope to play every game at the Gold Cup, but I don't think that my performance tonight necessarily warrants being the out-and-out starter all the time," Turner said. "For me, I'm just going to continue to work hard in training and try to earn my opportunities when they present themselves.

When this USMNT Gold Cup squad was announced, Pochettino explained that the reason several notable players were left out was because he believed he had others who deserved a chance to prove themselves. They haven't, at least so far, and those watching at home must be feeling like their temporary exclusion will only be that.

Players such as Joe Scally, Josh Sargent, Tanner Tessmann, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Alejandro Zendejas and Auston Trusty were among those left out of the team. All are generally part of the USMNT's second tier - not quite starters, but are capable of starting when called upon. All will feel better about their chances after watching those nipping at their heels fall flat.

That's not to say that each of those guys doesn't have something to prove. All have question marks. That group is, generally, more proven than the one that is involved in this Gold Cup. And through these two games, there's little evidence that group is better. Things can change quickly, of course, and a deep Gold Cup run would enhance those on the squad. But at the moment, it's not been impressive.

Another case of a newer player going against one of the game's best. Manuel Akanji is a Premier League champion. Brian White is not. That was painfully evident.

Whenever there was a duel between the two, Akanji threw White aside with ease. It was a different level of strength and skill than White is used to seeing in MLS. Akanji trains with Erling Haaland every day - why would he be concerned about White?

Pochettino removed him at halftime, turning to the physicality and size of Patrick Agyemang. Fortunately for the Charlotte star, Akanji, too, was off at halftime, although, to his credit, Agyemang instantly tested the Switzerland backline far more than White did during his 45 minutes on the field on Tuesday.

White is a good player, a talented finisher who makes the most of his opportunities in the box. On Tuesday, he was never allowed to get close, though, exposing some of the parts of his game not at a elite level.

"It's a good opportunity but, at the same time, you take a risk in competing with this level of opponent," Pochettino said. "Akanji, Manchester City, one year ago wins the Champions League. (Ricardo) Rodriguez, (Granit) Xhaka, so many good players. When you face these types of players and a team that is very solid, like Turkey, yes, it's a risk."

At halftime, down 4-0, Pochettino knew he needed a change. He made several, sending in an army of the players who have no doubt earned his trust.

Patrick Agyemang, Diego Luna, Tim Ream and Malik Tillman were joined by Pochettino newcomer - but Bundesliga veteran - John Tolkin. From there, the game was more neutral. Was it perfect? By no measure. The U.S. still struggled to create and never really got a foothold. It was better, though, closer to 50-50, which was good even if Switzerland was taking their foot off the gas. The second half was a 0-0 affair.

It's pretty clear now that this roster can be split into two parts: the players Pochettino knows and trusts and those with something to prove. Those substitutes, by and large, make up the former camp. All will play big parts in the Gold Cup and, potentially, in the games to come beyond this summer's tournament.

Dan Ndoye is a hell of a player. He's been linked to Manchester United, and reports say that Bologna would want nearly $45 million for him. You don't get that kind of attention or be assessed that kind of value without being pretty damn talented.

Harriel had a front-row seat to that, and unfortunately for him, it wasn't comfortable. Neither did Max Arfsten on the other side as he, too, was routinely crushed by Swiss teenager Johan Manzambi

Ndoye, to put it frankly, had his way with Harriel. He ran right by him en route to the first goal. He tormented him again moments later, nutmegging him to nearly set up a second. Harriel, making his first USMNT start, was quickly shown the level and, almost immediately, it was clear he wasn't up to it on this particular night.

Same with Arfsten, who also got toasted on Switzerland's second goal. He'd looked solid in his USMNT appearances prior to this but, on this night, his inexperience was on display.

Given the fullback situation in this squad, Harriel will probably get another go at some point. So, too, will Arfsten. Admittedly, it'll be against wingers with significantly less quality. This'll be a lesson, then, but a pretty stern one given what Switzerland did on the day.