USMNT's Loss to Canada Has Fans Begging for Mauricio Pochettino Hire to Be Made

The U.S. men's national soccer team had a chance to earn some positive momentum in a friendly against Canada on Saturday.

That did not happen as the USMNT fell to Canada 2-1 in Kansas City. The result marked Canada's first win over the U.S. since 2022 and the first on U.S. soil since 1957.

Canada opened the scoring with a Jacob Shaffelburg strike in the 17th minute and would expand the lead to two when Jonathan David capitalized on a U.S. turnover.

The U.S. would cut the deficit in half with a Lucas De La Torre goal in the 66th minute but it was too little, too late.

Canada outshot the U.S. 17-8, seven of which were on target. The U.S. possessed the ball for 58 percent of the match but 18 fouls and some inefficient offense held the team back from a win.

Many fans placed the blame on the lack of stability along the touchline. Mikey Varas served as the interim coach after the organization fired Gregg Berhalter. Former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is expected to be the next U.S. coach but the process to bring him aboard hasn't been formalized just yet.

U.S. fans took to social media to beg for Pochettino and an improved squad moving forward:

Pochettino has compiled a 316-144-189 overall record in his managerial career and has found success with Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea. The U.S team, however, will be his toughest task yet.

The U.S. is ranked No. 16 in the world and is currently preparing to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team fell in the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup and did not qualify for the 2018 World Cup.