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 possessions that led to substandard half chances.

Turkey took advantage of a sloppy defense to beat the United States 2-1 in a rainy friendly, dealing the Americans their third straight loss as Arda Güler and Kerem Aktürkoğlu scored in a 2-minute, 20

The U.S. manager said he has "faith in the players who are here," while critics continue to lament how many big stars are absent.

The United States men's national team couldn't maintain an early lead over Türkiye in a friendly at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in Connecticut, falling by the final score of 2-1.

Familiar faces may be absent from the United States men's national team squad, but they still have a job to do facing tough opposition in Turkiye on Saturday in East Hartford, Connecticut. Mauicio Pochettino is leading his last competitive camp with the group ahead of the 2026 World Cup as this friendly will begin their preparation for the Concacaf Gold Cup.