With Mauricio Pochettino set to take over in the coming weeks, the U.S. national team will look to end September on a better note as they host New Zealand in a friendly from Cincinnati, OH on Tuesday.
Defeat to Canada on Saturday left the USMNT red-faced as they were beaten by their northern neighbors on home soil for just the second time ever and first since 1957.
Ugly giveaways and otherwise sloppy play plagued the United States throughout the match as they were pressed throughout by a Canadian team led by American coach Jesse Marsch.
A bounce-back would be welcome against the 94th-ranked team in the world by FIFA's standards, whereas an adverse result would bury the USMNT deeper in a hole with very few opportunities to rebuild before hosting the 2024 World Cup.
What channel is USA vs. New Zealand friendly?
The USMNT friendly vs. New Zealand in Cincy will be televised in the United States on TNT, as part of Turner's long-term rights deal with U.S. Soccer.
TBS and other Turner channels are available to stream on Sling , while the match can also be streamed on Turner's dedicated platform Max.
MORE: Full USMNT schedule, results, and highlights for 2024 calendar year
What time is USA vs. New Zealand kickoff?
This international friendly match kicks off from TQL Stadium on Tuesday, September 10 at 7 p.m. local time in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Here's how that time translates across the time zones in North America:
| Date | Kickoff time |
| Eastern Time | Tue, Sep. 10 | 7 p.m. |
| Central Time | Tue, Sep. 10 | 6 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Tue, Sep. 10 | 5 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Tue, Sep. 10 | 4 p.m. |
MORE: USMNT roster for September international friendlies vs. Canada, New Zealand
USA vs. New Zealand lineups & team news
The USMNT is without a few key players because of injuries. Sergino Dest continues to recover from his torn ACL and will be out for some time, and Antonee Robinson is not on the roster to gain some rest.
Tyler Adams is still recovering from a back injury and has missed significant time for various fitness issues in recent years, while Tim Weah is also out thanks to a hamstring injury suffered in the Juventus season opener. Gio Reyna was forced to withdraw from the squad because of a groin strain, replaced by Cade Cowell .
In goal, Patrick Schulte was the standout performer from the Canada defeat, while substitutes like Luca de la Torre and Haji Wright played well and could earn starts.
USA projected starting lineup (4-3-3): Schulte (GK) — Scally, Richards, Trusty, Lund — Musah, de la Torre, M. Tillman — Pulisic, Sargent, Wright.
Max Crocombe for now appears to have taken over the goalkeeping spot from Oliver Sail but head coach Darren Bazeley could use this match to switch it up and give the latter a chance.
New Zealand have called in a high dose of MLS talent for this international break in the United States, including Portland Timbers youth product Finn Serman who was a starter for the Football Ferns at the Olympics this summer. Olympiacos midfielder Marko Stamenic , at 22 years old, is another exciting young player, earning key minutes for the Greek giants early this season.
New Zealand projected starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Crocombe (GK) — Payne, Boxall, T. Smith, Cacace — Bell, Stamenic — Barbarouses, Garbett, Old — Wood.
USA vs. New Zealand prediction
- Score prediction: USA 2-1 New Zealand
The United States looked devoid of passion and motivation against Canada, but they should have the quality to beat an inferior New Zealand side, especially if they cut out the ugly giveaways.
Mikey Varas criticized the team's effort levels after the Canada defeat, and that should push the players to know they need to perform if they wish to be involved in Mauricio Pochettino's plans down the road.
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