Vazquez's debut header goal not enough in 2-1 USMNT Friendly loss against Serbia in Los Angeles
After a disappointing finish to their Qatar campaign, the US Men’s National Team kicked-off the road to the 2026 World Cup with a bang, starting with a friendly against the Serbian National Team.
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Jonathan Gomez was one of seven starters who claimed their first appearance with the USMNT in the 2-1 loss against Serbia. Photo Courtesy: William Liang
Pending an ongoing investigation on USMNT Head Coach, Gregg Berhalter, Assistant coach, Anthony Hudson, has taken the interim role for the month of January, calling up 13 players who will experience their first cap for the United States, including seven newcomers who started tonight’s match. Of those starters, US fans had all their eyes on Dual-Nationals, Brandon Vazquez and Alex Zendejas, as they secured their first appearances with the US senior team in loom of their decision to represent the US or Mexico on a full-time basis.
Vazquez wasted no time to get himself on the board after scoring a beautiful header in the 30th minute, assisted by Julian Gressel. In between the goalposts we have the youngest player in US Soccer history to make their debut on the senior squad, the recently transferred Chelsea Goalkeeper, 18 year old Gaga Slonina, who had one of the best starts a goalkeeper could have within their international career, accumalating x saves, including a goal-line clearance in the first half. Despite his efforts, he was unable to get the debut clean sheet as he concedes a goal from Serbian winger, Luka Ilic, via free kick in the 44th minute. Moments into the second half, a backline mistake led to a costly turnover which resulted in an easy strike for Striker, Veljko Simic, making it 2-1 in favor of Serbia, which was enough to seal the win for the Serbians.
Post-World Cup friendlies such as these ones make you think about the possibilities of having some players be a part of the GGG’s Qatar star, and despite not scoring any goals for the United States tonight, Cade Cowell definitely makes you stop and think “What if?”. The midfielder from the San Jose Earthquakes was on every part of the pitch possible, creating every chance he can to put his team back on the board, including an unlucky opportunity where he hit the post twice after taking out multiple defenders. Cowell was replaced by Paul Arriola in the 72nd minute.
The US Men’s National Team finish off their January campaign against Columbia, this Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
Written by Jerry Reynoso
Jerry Reynoso is a Journalist, Reporter/Correspondent, Broadcaster and Producer, contributing to many publications and media corporations such as XRM Media/110 Football and 22 West Media. He is also the Founder/Owner of the Los Angeles Saga, and a Journalism Major over at Long Beach State, where he is the Sports Director over at 22 West Radio. You can see more of his work on this website and socials.