NEW YORK – Mauricio Pochettino got it right immediately. In answering the first question asked at his introductory news conference after being unveailed as the new coach of the U.S. men's national team Friday, the Argentine head coach called it soccer.
“I’m impressed that you remembered to call it soccer,” USSF President Cindy Parlow Cone added with a laugh.
And it wasn’t the only chuckle of the hour-long event. Tucked away on the 24th floor of Hudson Yards in New York City, before the bright lights of a deceptively large auditorium, the United States Soccer Federation curated a jovial atmosphere.
The media, officials, and, of course, Pochettino, gathered for good vibes and at times shameless platitudes. But after nearly two years of negativity around the USMNT, one thing shone through: hope.