USMNT: Predicted lineup vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

The United States men’s national team wrap up a long and prosperous 2021 with a friendly against Bosnia & Herzegovina. Fittingly this friendly comes as a result of the worldwide pandemic ravaging the international soccer calendar over the past 18 months.

A friendly outside of the international calendar isn't the greatest litmus test, but it is a proving ground regardless—especially in the middle of a World Cup qualifying cycle.

This mostly domestic-based squad features a mix of new and interesting names along with some familiar ones. While it’s highly unlikely this camp results in much more than an opportunity for players to keep fit and fresh during the offseason, there are still chances for some to make their mark.

The team the Americans are facing at Dignity Health Sports Park outside Los Angeles is not the one that could call on the likes of Edin Džeko, Miralem Pjanić, and Sead Kolašinac. It's a young, almost entirely domestic-based side with a total, combined tally of 10 caps.

USMNT seeks to set a new record

The USMNT faces off with the European visitors at Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday, knowing a win would set a new national team record for wins in a single calendar year.

With 16 wins, the USMNT has already tied the team record for the most victories in a calendar year previously set in 2013. A win on Saturday would be the 17th and set a new high mark.

“It’s a big motivator for this group,” USMNT defender Brooks Lennon, who Berhalter confirmed will start for the team on Saturday, said about the opportunity to set a new wins record in a calendar year. “It was one of the key things Gregg had mentioned during this camp and we are looking to do that on Saturday night.”

Berhalter has called in several veterans, including Gyasi Zardes, Jordan Morris, and Kellyn Acosta, but the roster features 11 uncapped players, ensuring that some players will get their first taste of the USMNT experience.

“I think it’s a nice challenge for the guys,” Berhalter said Friday in a conference call with reporters. “You aspire as a player to reach certain things in your career and then you get the opportunity. It’s nice to see how the players embrace that and we wanted to expand our player pool, but it’s up for them to take advantage of their opportunity. You don’t always get that, but what I can say is these guys have worked very hard to be here.”

Berhalter confirmed on Friday that Lennon and left-back George Bello will start for the USMNT in Carson, California, while other starting spots are up for grabs. Ricardo Pepi, Matt Turner, and Cristian Roldan are just three of seven players in the squad who have appeared during the octagonal round of World Cup Qualifying and are all coming off strong seasons in MLS.

USMNT possible lineup

Besides Brooks Lennon and George Bello, Berhalter´s possible lineup could be this way:

Matt Turner is the only goalkeeper with experience in camp and the arguable #1, so he gets the start. Brooks Lennon gets the start alongside MLS Defender of the Year Walker Zimmerman, with George Bello at left-back. If Kevin Paredes had been healthy, he likely would have received the start at right-back. Instead, it’s dual national Jonathan Gomez who we should expect to see on the right side of the backline.

In the middle, Berhalter goes with some experience, with Kellyn Acosta operating at the 6 and Cristian Roldan at the 8. Cole Bassett also gets the nod to provide some speed in the middle.

Upfront, Ricardo Pepi gets the start ahead of Gyasi Zardes, who we should expect to see as a substitute later in the match. Jordan Morris is back with the national team and starts on the right-wing, with Cade Cowell getting the start on the left.

How to Watch

Advertised Kick-off Time: 8:00 p.m. Eastern, 5:00 p.m. Pacific

Venue: Dignity Health Sports Park; Carson, CA

Available TV: FS1 (English), TUDN (Spanish), UniMás (Spanish)

Available Streaming: FOX Sports GO (App/Website), TUDN (App/Website), UniMás (App/Website), fuboTV (Free trial)