USMNT Fans Hopeful Despite Friendly Loss to Serbia After 8 Players Make Senior Debut

Supporters of the United States men's national team accentuated the positive following a 2-1 loss to Serbia on Wednesday.

The USMNT is in a transitional period with Anthony Hudson coaching the team on an interim basis. Hudson also selected a young squad for his January camp, with eight players making their senior debut against Serbia.

One of those debutants, Brandon Vázquez, was responsible for the United States' only goal.

Gabriel Slonina, who moved from Chicago Fire FC to Chelsea in one of MLS' biggest transfers last August, made the first of what could be many appearances in goal for the U.S.

Goalkeeper has historically been a position of strength for the USMNT, and the 18-year-old has all of the tools to become the next great shot-stopper.

Cade Cowell drew plenty of praise as well after posing a consistent attacking threat in Hudson's 4-3-3 formation:

The USMNT hosts Colombia on Saturday in Carson, California, for its last friendly until pivoting to CONCACAF Nations League play in March.

While a victory would be nice, the fixture presents Hudson with another opportunity to experiment and lay the groundwork for the future. Whether he's still the coach by then or not, this is a great time to build for the 2024 Summer Olympics.