World Cup champ Germany a familiar friendly foe for Klinsmann, USMNT

Jurgen Klinsmann leads the U.S. men's national team against World Cup champion, and his former side, Germany, in the penultimate friendly before the start of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Brian Straus | Jun 9, 2015

World Cup champ Germany a familiar friendly foe for Klinsmann, USMNT /

First there was the June 2013 friendly in Washington, where there was plenty to celebrate in addition to a 4-3 win. The U.S. national team had yanked its World Cup qualifying campaign back on track and U.S. Soccer observed its centenary. Then a year later, there was the group stage finale in Recife, where the U.S. was outplayed and lost but still won, securing passage to the round of 16.

On Wednesday, Jurgen Klinsmann’s Germany trilogy will conclude with a visit to his native land as the U.S. meets the world champions in Cologne. It will be the final game before the U.S. coach selects his 23-man CONCACAF Gold Cup roster (a provisional 35-man list was due to CONCACAF on June 7). And it will mark the conclusion of Klinsmann’s “year of transition,” which has featured significant personnel and tactical churn along with several highs and lows, from a five-game winless streak in October-January to last Friday’s stunning 4-3 triumph at the Netherlands.

For the U.S., Germany feels far less foreign than the sport’s other entrenched powers. American fans watched “Soccer Made in Germany" on PBS in the 1970s and 80s, Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Müller played in the NASL and coaches like Manny Schellscheidt and Lothar Osiander made their marks in soccer’s new world.

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In turn, young U.S. players like Eric Wynalda, Paul Caligiuri, Joe-Max Moore and Claudio Reyna, among others, were welcomed in Germany at a time when it was rare to find an American footballer abroad.

Steve Cherundolo is the “Mayor of Hannover ". Jovan Kirovski won the Intercontinental Cup with Borussia Dortmund. Kasey Keller captained Borussia Mönchengladbach and lived in a castle.

Now, of course, the bonds are even stronger. Klinsmann, who won the 1990 World Cup with Germany, brought five players who were born and/or raised in Germany to the World Cup, and there are five (two different) on the team that will face Die Mannschaft on Wednesday.

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The U.S. and Germany met at the 1998, 2002 and 2014 World Cups and in the 1999 Confederations Cup, where the U.S. won, 2-0, on goals by Ben Olsen and Moore.

That familiarity may help close the intimidation gap, if not the talent gap. The U.S. has beaten Germany three times total (3-7-0). It’s won only four games combined against the other four European nations that have won a World Cup (4-20-4).

“I just expect it to be fun for everybody involved, especially the players. I mean you’re playing against the world champion. Who else do you want?” Klinsmann told U.S. Soccer’s website. “It’s going to be a special day for all of the German-Americans that are on our team. For us it’s kind of the last exclamation mark we can send before the Gold Cup, so we want to do well. We want to have a good result and leave a good impression and then we will make our decisions toward the Gold Cup. We want to see Germany no later than two years from now when we play the Confederations Cup in Russia.”

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Here a few more story lines to follow as this unique rivalry and relationship is renewed:

Confidence is rising

Klinsmann’s team has had an uncanny ability to get results in tough places. There were the 2012 wins in Italy and Mexico City, the 2013 triumph in Bosnia and last September’s win in the Czech Republic. The U.S. has eight wins or ties in 13 matches in Europe under Klinsmann, compared to seven wins or ties in 26 such games from 1992 through 2010.

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The most recent came last week, when the U.S. recovered from a 3-1 deficit to beat the reeling Dutch. Rather than simply fold in a foreign friendly, the Americans maintained their intensity as the hosts faltered and scored three goals in the final 20-plus minutes. There’s no better way to meet the world champions on their turf than on a high. This was a team that couldn’t buy a result a few months back and was yielding late leads far too frequently. A win like Friday’s can change the mood.

“Obviously it creates a feel-good factor for us,” goalkeeper Brad Guzan said. “It gives us some confidence going into the Germany game on Wednesday. But I think more than anything, it gives us that belief that when we do play tough teams, when we do play big teams, especially in difficult venues, away form home outside the United States, that we can go and get wins.”

Said Klinsmann, “It’s a confidence builder because obviously when you play the top 10 teams in the world there is always a risk that you might not look so good and lose the game. But then when you actually surprise a lot of people and beat them and end up winning, even if it’s only a friendly, it tells you that you are actually able to do it.”

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A hallmark of Klinsmann’s tenure has been his faith, and frequent reliance, on younger players.

That was a part of the World Cup-winning foundation he built in Germany in 2004-06 and it was a key part of the story last summer in Brazil (think of Julian Green, DeAndre Yedlin, John Brooks, etc.). Over the past year, Klinsmann has continued to introduce untested talent, and that requires patience.

There’s no way to know if a player can hack it unless he’s thrown in the deep end, and there have been flashes of improvement from several. For example, Jordan Morris scored against Mexico in April and then assisted on the game-winner in Amsterdam. Gyasi Zardes was heavily involved against the Netherlands, found ways to threaten the opposing goal and combine with teammates and scored in the first half. Bobby Wood opened his international account as well.

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“We hope that gives them a boost in terms of confidence, but also gives them more consistency so they kind of expect from themselves to keep that level,” Klinsmann said. “They should expect from themselves to really keep up to those standards that they just experienced. This is our hope that they take all the positive momentum with them.”

Midfield structure flexibility

Different opponents require different systems and responses. While sometimes it seems like Klinsmann’s tactical experimentation robs the U.S. of the opportunity to establish an identity it can rely on, it is helpful to have some flexibility. Germany and Mexico are very different teams.

Germany's World Cup Celebration Parade

Bastian Schweinsteiger, Per Mertesacker, Manuel Neuer, Kevin Grosskreutz and Lukas Podolski (L-R)

The airplane with the German national on board flies over the Fanmeile at Brandenburg Gate during the German team victory ceremony.

Germany's defender Philipp Lahm holding the World Cup.

The bus with the players of German national soccer team arrives in central Berlin.

Head coach Joachim Loew.

Thomas Mueller, Per Mertesacker, Manuel Neuer and Bastian Schweinsteiger

Lukas Podolski, Per Mertesacker and Thomas Mueller

The German team arrives at Brandenburg Gate.

Per Mertesacker (L) and Jerome Boateng.

Per Mertesacker, Manuel Neuer and Bastian Schweinsteiger

Team Germany and Helene Fischer.

Manager Joachim Loew.

Mats Hummels and Thomas Mueller.

Germany's players perform a conga line.

Lukas Podolski, Jerome Boateng and Mesut Oezil.

Lukas Podolski and Kevin Grosskreutz.

Roman Weidenfeller, Shkodran Mustafi, Andre Schuerrle, Miroslav Klose, Mario Goetze and Toni Kroos.

Benedikt Hoewedes

Mario Goetze takes a photo of Ron-Robert Zieler, Jerome Boateng, Lukas Podolski, Per Mertesacker and Mesut Oezil.

Lukas Podolski, Ron-Robert Zieler, Jerome Boateng, Sami Khedira, Mesut Oezil and Per Mertesacker.

The 4-1-4-1 the U.S. deployed in Amsterdam looked like a set-up that could be effective in games where the Americans don’t expect to see a majority of the possession. It clogs the midfield and offers multiple passing and outlet options when the ball turns over. And with the right flank players, it can evolve into a 4-3-3 on the attack. The problem for the U.S. was that it had difficulty denying service to the Dutch frontrunners.

But that’s correctable with a bit more aggression and the right sort of cover for the first defender on the ball.

Another benefit was that Friday’s approach put the team’s best player in position to play to his potential. Michael Bradley was at his box-to-box best against the Netherlands. Because he had an anchor behind him in Kyle Beckerman and support further up in Alfredo Morales, Bradley had the leeway to find spots to contribute without being saddled with the multi-front responsibility that weighed on him at the World Cup. And no American player picks those spots better. He was especially dominant late in the game and had a hand (or, foot) in the final three U.S. goals.

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Bradley can do just about anything, but he can’t do everything. The 4-1-4-1 provided the U.S. with sound structure against a talented opponent (including a genuine presence in wide midfield) while offering Bradley the freedom to flourish. It was a good sign, and U.S. fans should hope to see something similar in Cologne. Klinsmann might want to get a longer look at Danny Williams, the Reading midfielder who’s shown some long-term potential since returning to the national team in March.

Concerns in back persist

Several of Klinsmann’s top defenders are unavailable, which means the likes of Brooks, Ventura Alvarado and Brek Shea will continue their international education in Cologne.

The back four struggled against the Dutch. Yes, the U.S. midfield should have done a better job denying some of the crosses and longer passes that created problems for the U.S., but there still were far too many lost marks and open headers for comfort. In addition, the outside backs must improve their one-on-one defending. There was a bit too much space and respect afforded the Dutch attackers last week.

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Klinsmann may decide to pull Fabian Johnson back into defense. Although the Mönchengladbach man is dynamic and dangerous when given the opportunity to push forward (he played right midfield against Holland), he’s also the best outside back on the U.S. roster. Timmy Chandler will be familiar with his German opponents, although he’s yet to put together a convincing, 90-minute effort in a U.S. jersey.

Germany will have plenty of weapons as it prepares for its 2016 European Championship qualifier against tiny Gibraltar. It won’t really need them all against the UEFA newcomer, so may be more inclined to show them off against the U.S. Among the World Cup winners at coach Joachim Löw’s disposal are Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mesut Özil, Sami Khedira, André Schürrle and Mario Götze. Klinsmann and the U.S. will get the test they desire at the RheinEnergie Stadion on Wednesday, and if history is any indication, they’ll likely make a game of it.

“We will tell the players to just rise to the occasion. Enjoy that moment, but give it your all. Really go at them and give them a fight. Show the character that you already showed with the Holland game, and after the game with Germany we’ll have a lot more answers to many of our questions about every individual player and about the entire team,” Klinsmann said. “We want the players to get used to dealing with constant high expectations, and that’s what we get heading into the game against Germany.”

GALLERY: U.S. Soccer in 2015

The Year in Photos: U.S. Soccer in 2015

U.S. U-20 vs. El Salvador, January 24

Paul Arriola (7) celebrates his goal in a World Cup qualifying playoff match vs. El Salvador. The U.S. U-20s cemented their place in the World Cup with a 2-0 win. They drew host New Zealand, Ukraine and Myanmar in their summer group.

USMNT vs. Chile, January 28

bobby-wood-chile — Martin Bernetti/AFP/Getty Images

Bobby Wood flies high in the USA's 3-2 loss to Chile, which opened the calendar year for the national team. Brek Shea and Jozy Altidore scored in the loss.

USMNT vs. Panama, February 8

gyasi-zardes-clint-dempsey-gallery — Victor Decolongon/Getty Images

Gyasi Zardes and Clint Dempsey celebrate after combining for a goal against Panama at StubHub Center to cap off winter training camp with a 2-0 victory.

USWNT vs. France, February 8

Lori Chalupny (left) and the USWNT had a tough time keeping pace with Jessica Houara (center) and France in a 2-0 loss in a friendly in Lorient. The match was the first of two played without suspended goalkeeper Hope Solo.

USWNT vs. England, February 13

Alex Morgan celebrates scoring the lone goal in the USWNT's 1-0 win over England in a friendly at Stadium mk in Milton Keynes.

USWNT vs. Norway, March 4

The USWNT opens the Algarve Cup with a 2-1 win over Norway, marking Hope Solo's return from a 30-day suspension with a come-from-behind victory. Carli Lloyd scored both goals for the Americans.

USWNT vs. Switzerland, March 6

Alex Morgan celebrates her goal in the USWNT's 3-0 win over Switzerland in the Algarve Cup group stage.

USWNT vs. Iceland, March 9

Alex Morgan and the USWNT were frustrated by Iceland, held to a 0-0 draw to wrap up group play at the Algarve Cup. The result was still enough to put the Americans in the final against France.

USWNT vs. France, March 11

uswnt-algarve-cup-podium — Francisco Leong/AFP/Getty Images

The U.S. women's national team celebrates winning the Algarve Cup after a 2-0 triumph over France. Julie Johnston and Christen Press scored, and Hope Solo saved a penalty kick.

U.S. U-17 vs. Jamaica, March 15

The U.S. U-17 national team celebrates qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup after defeating Jamaica on penalty kicks following a 0-0 draw in a playoff match.

USMNT vs. Denmark, March 25

nick-rimando-denmark-gallery — Lars Ronbog/FrontZoneSport/Getty Images

U.S. goalkeeper Nick Rimando expresses his frustration after one of Nicklas Bendtner's three goals in Denmark's 3-2 win over the Americans. Jozy Altidore and Aron Johannsson scored for the USA.

USMNT vs. Switzerland, March 31

Jozy Altidore watches as Brek Shea hits a perfect free kick to put the USA on the board against Switzerland. The Americans settled for a 1-1 draw.

USWNT vs. New Zealand, April 4

Lori Chalupny (16) celebrates her goal vs. New Zealand with Lauren Holiday at St. Louis's Busch Stadium. The goal opened the floodgates for a late outburst en route to a 4-0 U.S. victory in front of more than 35,000 fans.

USMNT vs. Mexico, April 15

Jordan Morris etched his name in U.S.-Mexico lore, as the Stanford University forward scored in his first senior national team start to break a scoreless draw against El Tri at the Alamodome.

USMNT vs. Mexico, April 15

Juan Agudelo collapses to the ground in celebration after his goal at the Alamodome gave the USA a familiar lead over Mexico: Dos-a-Cero.

U.S. U-23 vs. Mexico, April 22

Real Salt Lake's Luis Gil captains the USA to a 3-0 win over Mexico at StubHub Center in Olympic qualifying preparation for both CONCACAF favorites.

USWNT vs. Ireland, May 10

Abby Wambach celebrates one of her two goals vs. Ireland as the USWNT took a 3-0 win on Mother's Day at Avaya Stadium.

USWNT vs. Mexico, May 17

Sydney Leroux is congratulated by her teammates after one of her two goals in a 5-1 pre-World Cup rout of Mexico at StubHub Center.

U.S. U-20 vs. Myanmar, May 30

Maki Tall celebrates his equalizer for the USA as part of a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Myanmar to open the U-20 World Cup group stage in New Zealand.

USWNT vs. South Korea, May 30

Carli Lloyd gets off a shot through traffic in the USA's final World Cup send-off friendly, a 0-0 draw against South Korea at Red Bull Arena.

U.S. U-23 in Toulon Tournament, May-June

Alonso Hernandez, left, takes on Qatar, while Julian Green, right, vies for the ball against France in the Toulon Tournament as part of Olympic qualifying preparations.

U.S. U-20 vs. New Zealand, June 2

Gedion Zelalem controls the ball against New Zealand in the USA's 4-0 win that cemented a place in the U-20 World Cup knockout stage.

U.S. U-20 vs. Ukraine, June 5

From left, Joel Soñora, Gedion Zelalem and Rubio Rubin show frustration during a 3-0 loss to Ukraine that wrapped up group play in the U-20 World Cup.

USMNT vs. Netherlands, June 5

DeAndre Yedlin and Danny Williams salute each other after the latter's goal–his first international strike–brought the U.S. level with the Netherlands at 3-3 in the 89th minute.

USMNT vs. Netherlands, June 5

Bobby Wood puts the finishing touch on an epic comeback, with his 90th-minute strike capping a wild 4-3 win for the USA over the Netherlands. The USA trailed 3-1 in the 71st minute.

U.S. U-23 vs. England, June 7

Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP/Getty Images

USA defender Boyd Okwuonu makes a tackle on England's Duncan Watmore in the Toulon Tournament third-place game. The U.S. U-23s won 2-1, sealing their best finish in the tournament.

USWNT vs. Australia, June 8, WWC

Megan Rapinoe lets out a yell after her second goal, which sealed the USA's 3-1 win over Australia to open Group D play in the Women's World Cup.

U.S. U-20 vs. Colombia, June 10

Rubio Rubin celebrates the goal that gives the USA a 1-0 win over Colombia in the FIFA U-20 World Cup round of 16. Zack Steffen's late penalty save preserved the win, as the Americans reached the quarterfinals for the first time since 2007.

USMNT vs. Germany, June 10

Michael Bradley was everywhere against World Cup champion Germany, assisting on Mix Diskerud's equalizer and commanding the midfield in a 2-1 win in Cologne.

USMNT vs. Germany, June 10

Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images

For the second straight game, Bobby Wood came off the bench and scored a stunning winner. He watches his long-range blast beat Ron-Robert Zieler in a 2-1 win over world No. 1 Germany.

USWNT vs. Sweden, June 12

Julie Johnston wins the header in a dominant showing on the U.S. back line, helping the Americans preserve a 0-0 draw against Sweden in the second game of the Women's World Cup group stage.

U.S. U-20 vs. Serbia, June 13

U.S. players' emotions say it all after a gut-wrenching loss to Serbia in penalty kicks at the U-20 World Cup. After a 0-0 draw, the Americans fell 6-5 in PKs, despite Zack Steffen's two saves in sudden death.

USWNT vs. Nigeria, June 16

Abby Wambach leaps for joy after scoring in the 45th minute off Megan Rapinoe's corner kick, which delivered a 1-0 win to the USA and first place in Group D of the Women's World Cup.

USWNT vs. Colombia, June 22

Alex Morgan's goal broke a 0-0 draw, provided relief after Abby Wambach's PK miss and helped the U.S. women to the World Cup quarterfinals after a 2-0 win over Colombia in the round of 16.

USWNT vs. China, June 26

Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photo/Getty Images

While Carli Lloyd (10) celebrates her goal in the distance, stalwart center backs Julie Johnston and Becky Sauerbrunn rejoice in the goal that put the USA into the semifinals of the Women's World Cup.

USWNT vs. Germany, June 30

Carli Lloyd yells in celebration after scoring the penalty that put the USA up over Germany en route to a 2-0 victory in the Women's World Cup semifinals.

USMNT vs. Guatemala, July 3

DeAndre Yedlin and Jozy Altidore, wearing special jerseys with stars-and-stripes numbers for July 4, celebrate after a Guatemala own goal gifts the USA a 1-0 lead during a 4-0 win in Nashville, Tennessee, prior to the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

USWNT vs. Japan, July 5

Carli Lloyd sets the tone with a third-minute goal in the Women's World Cup final against Japan, the first of her three strikes within 16 minutes that lifted the USA to a 5-2 win and its first title in 16 years.

USWNT vs. Japan, July 5

U.S. players rush the field after the final whistle, which sealed their 5-2 triumph over Japan and a record third World Cup title.

USWNT vs. Japan, July 5

Victorious, the U.S. women's national team raises the World Cup trophy for the third time, but the first in 16 years, after completing a 5-2 win over Japan in the final at Vancouver's BC Place.

USMNT vs. Honduras, July 7

Clint Dempsey leaps in celebration of his second goal in the USA's Gold Cup opener against Honduras. The Americans won 2-1, fending off a late Honduras surge to collect all three points in the start of their title defense.

USA vs. Haiti, July 10

Clint Dempsey (8) is congratulated by his teammates after a 47th-minute goal gave the USA a 1-0 win over Haiti in the Gold Cup. Gyasi Zardes, second from left, came on at halftime and assisted, and the win clinched first place in Group A.

USMNT vs Panama, July 13

Clint Dempsey, left, and Michael Bradley, right, celebrate after the latter's goal in the USA's 1-1 draw vs. Panama, which wrapped up group play in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

USMNT vs. Cuba, July 18

Rob Carr-Getty Images/Matthew Ashton-AMA-Getty Images/Patrick Semansky-AP

The U.S. men put on a clinic against an overmatched Cuba in the Gold Cup quarterfinals, with Clint Dempsey's hat trick leading the way in a 6-0 rout. Gyasi Zardes, Aron Johannsson and Omar Gonzalez also scored.

USMNT vs. Jamaica, July 22

A downtrodden Clint Dempsey and Jurgen Klinsmann walk off the field as Jamaica celebrates a stunning 2-1 win over the USA in the CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals.

USMNT vs. Panama, July 25

Michael Bradley walks away in dismay after having a penalty saved in a PK shootout in the USA's loss to Panama in the Gold Cup third-place game. After a 1-1 draw, Panama prevailed 3-2 in PKs, the USA's first shootout in 10 years.

USWNT vs. Costa Rica, August 16

Meghan Klingenberg waves a Terrible Towel in her hometown of Pittsburgh after scoring one of the USA's many goals in an 8-0 rout of Costa Rica in its first game since winning the 2015 Women's World Cup.

USWNT vs. Costa Rica, August 19

Alex Morgan and Kelley O'Hara celebrate during a second rout of Costa Rica in three days, this one a 7-2 win in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

USA U-23 vs. England U-21, Sept. 3

U.S. U-23 goalkeeper Zack Steffen looks on in disappointment as England U-21 forward James Wilson celebrates with Duncan Watmore after scoring the lone goal in a 1-0 friendly win in England.

USMNT vs. Peru, Sept. 4

Jozy Altidore, right, is congratulated after one of his two goals that sparked the USA's come-from-behind win over Peru at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.

USA U-23 vs. Qatar, Sept. 8

Gedion Zelalem made his U-23 debut off the bench in the USA's 2-0 win over Qatar in England in the final tune-up before Olympic qualifying

USMNT vs. Brazil, Sept. 8

Neymar and Marcelo celebrate while DeAndre Yedlin and Ventura Alvarado look away in disgust during Brazil's 4-1 rout of the USA at Gillette Stadium.

USWNT vs. Haiti, Sept. 17, 20

Kevin C. Cox/Duane Burleson/Getty Images

Carli Lloyd scored hat tricks in both games and NWSL Golden Boot winner Crystal Dunn scored her first international goals as the USWNT beat Haiti 5-0 and 8-0 in a pair of friendlies in Detroit and Birmingham, Alabama. Haiti replaced on-strike Australia as a last-minute opponent.

USA U-23 vs. Canada, October 1

Jerome Kiesewetter, left, and Emerson Hyndman, right, sandwich Jordan Morris after his first-minute goal in the USA's 3-1 win over Canada in their Olympic qualifying opener.

USA U-23 vs. Cuba, October 3

Cameron Carter-Vickers gets congratulated by Jerome Kiesewetter and Emerson Hyndman after opening the scoring in a 6-1 rout of Cuba in their Olympic qualifying match. The USA cemented its place in the semifinal round with the win.

USA U-23 vs. Panama, October 6

There was plenty of credit to go around, as the Americans finished off a perfect group run in Olympic qualifying with a 4-0 win over Panama. Jordan Morris and Jerome Kiesewetter came on at halftime and provided the spark needed to seize the three points.

USA U-23 vs. Honduras, October 10

Wil Trapp's reaction says it all, as the USA failed to secure an automatic berth to the 2016 Olympics after falling to Honduras 2-0 in the semifinals of CONCACAF's Olympic qualifying tournament at Real Salt Lake's Rio Tinto Stadium.

USMNT vs. Mexico, October 10

Captain Michael Bradley leads the USA out onto the field ahead of the Americans' CONCACAF Cup playoff vs. Mexico at the Rose Bowl.

USMNT vs. Mexico, October 10

Geoff Cameron beats Rafa Marquez to the spot and heads home a 15th-minute equalizer off a free kick from Michael Bradley, negating a Chicharito goal five minutes earlier in the CONCACAF Cup playoff between USA and Mexico.

USMNT vs. Mexico, October 10

U.S. forward Bobby Wood celebrates his 108th-minute goal vs. Mexico that brought the Americans level at 2-2 after Oribe Peralta had given El Tri the lead in extra time. That reprieve would only last for 10 minutes, though.

USMNT vs. Mexico, October 10

Jermaine Jones falls to his knees in disappointment as Mexico celebrates after Paul Aguilar's sensational volley in extra time captured the CONCACAF Cup for El Tri and sends the U.S. rival to the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.

USA U-23 vs. Canada, October 13

Marc Pelosi (15) celebrates after his goal breaks the deadlock and sends the U.S. U-23s on their way to a 2-0 win over Canada in CONCACAF's Olympic qualifying third-place game. The U.S. still has a chance to reach Rio, but it'll have to go through Colombia in a playoff.

USMNT vs. Costa Rica, October 13

Tim Howard can't watch as Costa Rica players celebrate Joel Campbell's goal in a 1-0 friendly win at Red Bull Arena. The match marked Howard's return to the U.S. goal for the first time since the 2014 World Cup round of 16.

USA U-17 vs. Nigeria, October 17

Victor Osimhen scores for Nigeria in a 2-0 win over the USA in the teams' FIFA Under-17 World Cup opener in Chile.

USA U-17 vs. Croatia, October 20

USA U-17 midfielder Christian Pulisic watches his opening goal find the back of the net in the Americans' 2-2 draw with Croatia at the World Cup. The U.S. led 2-0 on Pulisic's goal and assist to Brandon Vazquez, but the European side mounted a furious rally to salvage a point.

USWNT vs. Brazil, October 21

Shannon Boxx, right, passes off the captain's armband to Carli Lloyd in her final act as a player, riding into retirement in the first half of a 1-1 draw against Brazil in Seattle.

USA U-17 vs. Chile, October 23

USA U-17 captain Hugo Arellano sits dejected after a 4-1 loss to host Chile eliminated the Americans from the World Cup in the group stage.

USWNT vs. Brazil, October 25

The USA said goodbye to two more veterans, with Lauren Holiday, left, and Lori Chalupny ending their careers during a 2-1 win over Brazil in Orlando. The team improved to 5-0-1 on its World Cup victory tour with the win.

USWNT at the White House, October 27

President Barack Obama welcomes the World Cup-champion USWNT to the White House, honoring their triumph in Canada.

USMNT vs. St. Vincent and the Grenadines, November 13

Jozy Altidore watches one of his shots head toward goal in the USA's 6-1 win over St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the opening of 2018 World Cup qualifying. Altidore scored twice, as the USA overcame a shocking early deficit and won at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.

USMNT vs. Trinidad and Tobago, November 17

Gyasi Zardes and the U.S. men were held to a 0-0 draw by Trinidad and Tobago in Port of Spain, closing the year with a World Cup qualifying and sitting atop Group C in the semifinal round via goal differential tiebreaker.

USWNT vs. Trinidad & Tobago, December 10

Christen Press triumphantly raises her hand after a goal during her hat trick in a 6-0 rout of Trinidad & Tobago at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

USWNT vs. China, December 13

Crystal Dunn leaves her feet to settle a pass in the USA's 2-0 win over China at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Dunn and Christen Press scored the goals.

USWNT vs. China, December 16

Abby Wambach is introduced in the U.S. lineup for the last time at the Superdome in New Orleans, playing in her final match before retiring. She ends her U.S. career with 255 appearances and an international-record 184 goals.

Published Jun 9, 2015

BRIAN STRAUS

A lifelong soccer player, coach and fan, Brian Straus joined SI in 2013 after covering the sport for The Washington Post, AOL and Sporting News.