MLS-Made USMNT Devastates El Salvador, 6-0

The US men’s national team smashed El Salvador in a friendly international this Wednesday night with 6-0. Gregg Berhalter reshuffled the entire team, using the majority of the players based in the MLS. And that worked out more than well for the leader of the American side.

The game took place at Inter Miami CF Stadium, with 2,500 spectators being present. All of them went home more than pleased with the overall performance of their favorites. The USA had a 5-0 lead after 27 minutes of play, but decided to slow down afterward and keep the intensity a bit lower.

Whether Berhalter wanted to try out some other tactical approaches or simply didn’t want to humiliate the rivals from El Salvador, we don’t know, but there was just one goal in the second half.

Paul Ariola scored an opener in the 17th minutes, and over the next 10 minutes, the USA netted four more times. It was an avalanche coming from their side of the pitch, rolling over the guests each time after passing the midfield.

One by one, Chris Mueller, Sebastian Lletget, then Mueller again, and finally Ayo Akinola scored. It was a knockout from which El Salvador couldn’t recover. Fortunately for them, the US player didn’t want to continue with their rampage, and the only goal until the end was delivered by Brendan Aaronson, who hit the target five minutes into the second half.

For Berhalter, this was an ideal opportunity to experiment and try some players who could be useful in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The competition in the CONCACAF region is severe, and after missing the planetary gathering in Russia in 2018, securing a spot in Qatar is imperative.

“I think the team has confidence, but we still have to go out in the field and play the game, and every game is different. We’ll prepare as hard as we can to put the team in position to win those games,” Berhalter stated about the future challenges.

A positive moment from the match was that Akinola and especially Mueller had a very good debut, putting their names on the scoresheet in the first match.

“Chris gave us exactly what we wanted from him,” Berhalter about Mueller’s performance. “I said, ‘Just be you. Be Chris Mueller. We watched you all season long, and this is what we want you to bring to the team.’”

Two goals and an assist in his #USMNT debut. Not a bad day's work.@cmueller1662 is tonight's Insiders Man of the Match!

👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/KTXseUsA7w

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) December 10, 2020

The United States has a very promising and talented group of young guys who are already playing top-level football in Europe. Christian Pulisic is the leader of the same, with Chelsea’s player making his name at a young age. Gio Reyna is another American player from Borussia Dortmund who will undoubtedly follow Pulisic’s footsteps and become one of the best midfielders on the continent. Weston McKennie is playing side-by-side with Cristiano Ronaldo in Juventus, and Sergino Dest is the latest addition to Barcelona’s roster and a starter in Ronald Koeman’s side.

Along with several other top prospects who are still perfecting their crafts in the youth teams and are slowly becoming senior members, Berhalter should have enough resources to put together one decent squad who will not only qualify for the World Cup, but also play a major role in Qatar.

That would be a perfect experience for all the guys present there, who are projected to be the team leaders at the 2026 World Cup, hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.