‘Roll It Out Again’ – Maurice Edu Urges USMNT Boss Mauricio Pochettino to Stick With Same XI vs Saudi Arabia in Gold Cup

A Familiar XI Could Be Key for USMNT and Mauricio Pochettino as Saudi Arabia Awaits

With the Gold Cup heating up and the stakes rising fast, Mauricio Pochettino faces his first true test as head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team. After a convincing 5-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago, the former Chelsea and PSG boss must now decide whether to stick with a winning formula or tweak his lineup as the Americans prepare to face a far stronger side in Saudi Arabia.

One man who believes the decision should be simple is former U.S. international and FOX Sports analyst Maurice Edu. His take? “Roll it out again.”

The debate around team selection isn’t just tactical—it’s symbolic. For a coach just weeks into his tenure, and with several senior players missing, this tournament represents more than silverware. It’s about assessment, adaptation, and opportunity.

What Happened: A Win and a Dilemma

United States v Trinidad and Tobago – Gold Cup 2025

The U.S. opened their Gold Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, sweeping aside a disorganized Trinidad and Tobago side. Despite the absences of Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Tyler Adams, a youthful, largely MLS-based squad dominated from start to finish. The 5-0 scoreline left little doubt about the team’s intent, even if the opposition was far from elite.

Edu believes the performance was not only a statement of intent, but a reason to stay the course. Speaking on FOX, he explained:

“You win 5-0. It’s a tournament setting. You’re trying to learn the players, but you’re also trying to win. It worked. Why would you change it?”

Indeed, with so many new faces and a coach unfamiliar with much of the pool, consistency could prove crucial.

Edu’s Message: Balance Ambition with Evaluation

Edu’s remarks touched on the unique position Mauricio Pochettino finds himself in. On one hand, there’s an expectation to perform and progress. On the other, he’s managing a group he barely knows.

“Your ambition can be to win the tournament, and in doing that, you can still assess this player pool that – if we’re being honest, how familiar is he with it?”

Edu made specific mention of Sebastian Berhalter and Luca de la Torre, two midfielders who impressed against T&T. While veterans like Adams and Johnny Cardoso offer experience and pedigree, Edu argues that the players on the field earned the right to go again.

“Roll it out again.”

What Alexi Lalas Said: A Stronger Opponent Demands Stronger Choices

Tyler Adams USMNT vs Turkey

Edu’s colleague Alexi Lalas took a slightly more cautious approach. He acknowledged the importance of continuity but pointed to the increased challenge of facing Saudi Arabia, a technically gifted and tactically sharp side.

“Maybe you run it back and say, OK, now, you’re playing against Saudi Arabia, and it’s going to be a much bigger challenge. And now [Pochettino] actually gets a much more valid and fair assessment of some of these players.”

Lalas raised the possibility of reintroducing Tyler Adams into the midfield, emphasizing the fine line between evaluation and risk:

“You don’t take any chances because you can’t afford to go backwards.”

Landon Donovan Weighs In: Let Merit Dictate Selection

Landon Donovan, another voice on the FOX panel, struck a middle ground. He echoed Mauricio Pochettino’s recent sentiment that each cap is an audition. Every player must prove themselves every time they put on the jersey.

“Those guys the other day showed him they want to play. So I expect based on his words, you just keep it the same.”

Donovan stressed that with no guaranteed spots and no loyalty to veterans, it’s up to players to make their case. And the squad that faced T&T made a strong one.

“If you show me, do it again, you go again, and you go again, and you go again.”

The Bigger Picture: Missing Stars, Mixed Expectations

Pochettino’s arrival coincided with a uniquely chaotic moment in the U.S. Soccer calendar. With the Club World Cup disrupting availability, several star players opted out or were simply unavailable. Pulisic, McKennie, and Weah—pillars of the Nations League team—are all missing.

The result? A Gold Cup squad full of fringe names and emerging talents. Players like Cade Cowell, John Tolkin, and Brandon Vazquez are getting extended minutes. And for many of them, this tournament is a golden opportunity to stake a claim for future call-ups.

Yet the USMNT entered the Gold Cup on the back of four straight defeats, adding pressure to an already uncertain atmosphere. The dominant win over Trinidad and Tobago eased some of those tensions. But the real test comes now.

What’s Next: Saudi Arabia Looms Large

Malik Tillman

The U.S. face Saudi Arabia on Thursday night in their second group stage match. While a win would likely secure a spot in the quarterfinals, a loss could throw the group wide open.

Saudi Arabia presents a stark contrast to Trinidad and Tobago. Technically adept and tactically drilled, they’re more disciplined in transition and comfortable in possession. This is exactly the kind of opponent that will test the U.S. squad’s depth, shape, and character.

If Haiti also drop points against Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday, a win could see the Americans advance early. But Mauricio Pochettino isn’t just chasing results—he’s building a foundation. And his next XI will tell us plenty about his vision.

Final Thoughts: Risk or Reward?

Mauricio Pochettino USMNT vs Trinidad

The Gold Cup has long been both a proving ground and a pressure cooker for U.S. Soccer. This time is no different. For Mauricio Pochettino, the stakes are personal and professional. Does he ride the momentum of a 5-0 win, or does he inject more experience to counter a tougher opponent?

Maurice Edu believes in momentum. Alexi Lalas warns against complacency. Landon Donovan says trust the players who earned it.

For fans, Thursday night won’t just be about goals and points. It’ll be a glimpse into the mindset of a new manager, a test of depth, and another chapter in the ever-evolving story of the USMNT.

One thing is clear: Whether or not Mauricio Pochettino rolls it out again, this is a squad worth watching.