'Tactical preparation is important' - Former USMNT star Taylor Twellman critical of Mauricio Pochettino's tactics, training methods after loss to Panama

The U.S. men's national team were shocked, 1-0, by Panama in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals Thursday, with Cecilio Waterman scoring the decisive goal in the 94th minute. The loss marked a significant setback for Pochettino's team, ending their streak of three consecutive Nations League titles and raising questions about their preparation for the 2026 World Cup.

The USMNT will face Canada nex,t but ahead of that, former USMNT and MLS star Taylor Twellman delivered a scathing analysis of Pochettino, his tactics, and training methods.

READ MORE:USMNT undone by tactics, not lack of passion

"Tactical preparation is important and sets players individually and collectively up to succeed," Twellman posted on social media. "But the game is unpredictable and fluid in different phases of the game. If the manager doesn’t present players with those issues in training, then how would they be COMPETITIVE in the game?! It’s complex and also up to the players to do something in the moment and think on their own. Both were evident.”

The USMNT, under Pochettino, dominated possession but struggled to create meaningful chances against Panama's well-organized 5-4-1 formation. The defeat marks Panama's third consecutive victory over the USMNT in competitive matches, following wins in the 2023 Gold Cup semifinal and the 2024 Copa América group stage.

Following their 1-0 loss to Panama, the USMNT will now face Canada in the CONCACAF Nations League third-place match, ending their March international break. After that, Pochettino and his side will face Turkey and Switzerland on June 9 and 10, respectively, in their final international games before the 2025 Gold Cup, which will take place between June 14 and July 6.