Turkey took advantage of a sloppy defense to beat the United States 2-1 in a rainy friendly on Saturday, dealing the Americans their third straight loss as Arda Güler and Kerem Aktürkoğlu scored in a 2-minute, 20-second span midway through the first half.

Turkey won more duels, aerial duels, and had a higher success rate of tackles against the Americans, who seemed to lose the mentality game and intensity as the match progressed -- despite the fact that the home side had plenty more possession that led to substandard half chances.

Turkey took advantage of a sloppy defense to beat the United States 2-1 in a rainy friendly on Saturday, dealing the Americans their third straight loss.

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — Not for the first time, U.S. men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino arrived at a post-match press conference after a loss, this time a 2-1 defeat to Turkiye in the first of two friendlies that will precede the Gold Cup. There was one thing he was relieved about, though.

USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino said it's important to focus on the opportunity for his young squad, rather than the absences of several senior players.

The USMNT has two friendlies on deck before Gold Cup play begins. Here's how to watch the first one vs. Turkey.

Suffering from a severe lack of first-team talent, the United States men begin their ramp-up to the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup with the first of two international friendlies, starting with a meeting against Turkey in Hartford.