USA's Striker Battle and McKennie's 90%: Key Takeaways from Friendlies
The US men's national soccer team showcased an intriguing battle for the central striker role between Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi in their recent friendlies against Uzbekistan and Oman. Balogun, who recently joined Monaco from Arsenal, scored in both matches but was substituted at halftime, while Pepi impressed with his goal-scoring form. Weston McKennie stood out as the team's best player, displaying his skills and intelligence in midfield. The US team demonstrated a commendable performance against Oman, with young talents like Kristoffer Lund, Ben Cremaschi, and Kevin Paredes making their debuts. However, the real tests lie ahead as the US prepares to face Germany and Ghana in upcoming matches.