Hello Friends. Today is a glorious day. Today we newsletter on the day of Poch’s first competitive match in charge of the USMNT, as the former Spurs and Chelsea boss leads our Gen Zeagles into Jamaica’s Independence Park — a.k.a. “The Office” — for the first leg of a CONCACAF Nations League home-and-home quarter-final series against the sneaky talented Reggae Boyz.

While we enter into Thursday night’s game missing a few key players — how nice would it be to have the likes of Tyler Adams (a key player whom Poch is resting to keep in his “best condition for 2026”), Folarin Balogun, Josh Sargent, and Haji Wright wearing the U.S. crest tonight, especially considering the recent club form of all four players — the Jamaica game gives us another chance to genuinely celebrate where the program is at this moment in time. For some perspective, consider:

• Our captain is one of Serie A’s top attackers (!), with none other than Zlatan Ibrahimovic saying that he is doing “extraordinary things”

• Our coach is a charismatic, battle-tested veteran of the highest reaches of European club football, yet also understands the value of building this program around players who genuinely want to play for the U.S.

• Our left back is being labeled “one of the best in the world” by some in the media, while reportedly generating January transfer interest from both sides of Manchester

Player talent is high. We have a great coach. There is every reason for optimism and belief. Yet as American soccer fans, we know two things above all else: 1. CONCACAF gonna CONCACAF. 2. It’s the hope that kills.

During our MiB editorial meeting on Wednesday to prepare for tonight’s game, Producer J-Dubs perfectly encapsulated what it’s like to be a fan of the USMNT. “Over the course of 90 minutes, you’ll oscillate between ‘soccer will never catch on this country’ and ‘we’re going to win the World Cup.’ Yet you absolutely feel a deeper collective experience while watching this team.” 

Truer words.

Enjoy the game tonight. Hopefully it’s the best episode of The Office since (the aptly-titled) “Stress Relief”.

Go Poch Go,

—Randy Kim

The Women's Game LIVE: Night of 1,000 Stars presented by Ally in Kansas City ⭐️

We are heading to Kansas City for NWSL Championship weekend in just a couple of weeks. Rog and I will be LIVE at the Madrid Theater on November 21st for The Women's Game LIVE: Night of 1,000 Stars presented by Ally. It will be a celebration of the championship game, the incredible growth of the league, and an opportunity to revel in the singular, surging soccer culture that thrives in Kansas City.

There will be friends of the show, star players, and a celebrity surprise guest or two joining on stage. Make sure to get your tickets NOW! We can't wait to be with you! 🚨

🎟️ Get your tickets today before they are all gone. We can’t wait to be with you 💙

This! This! Week! Week! In Puli! Puli! Sic! Sic!

While our lad did not technically have a goal contribution in AC Milan’s 3-3 draw at Cagliari on Saturday, this daisy-cutter from distance was as good as — if not better than — an assist on the Rossoneri’s third goal of the day.

Next up for Pulisic and Friends — after the two Nations League games against Jamaica, naturally — is a Nov. 23 showdown with Wes, Weah, and Juve.

Pulisic All-Comps Club Stats: 7G | 4A | 15 apps

On the Scoresheet

🇳🇱 Ricardo Pepi had a goal (watch) and an assist in his third start of the season for PSV in their 3-0 win at NAC Breda on Saturday. El Tren now has six goals in just 425 minutes over 11 league appearances for the Dutch leaders.

🇳🇱 Close on Pepi’s heels in the Netherlands, Paxten Aaronson scored his fourth goal of the season for FC Utrecht (watch) in the second–place Eredvisie side’s 1-0 win over Heracles on Friday.

🇮🇹 It’s now three goals in his last four Serie A games for Tim Weah, his latest coming in Juventus’ 2-0 win over Torino on Saturday (watch). “I play in attack. I’m happy. It’s a big thing for me, I feel like a striker,” said Weah after the game.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Haji Wright scored his seventh league goal of the season for Coventry (watch) in the Sky Blues’ 2-2 draw at Sunderland on Saturday. The 26-year-old striker from L.A. was then named to the EFL Team of the Week for his efforts.

🇮🇹 In the Italian second tier, Andrija Novakovich — the 28-year-old striker from Muskego, Wis. — scored his third goal of the season (watch) in Bari’s 2-0 win at Salernitana on Sunday.

News and Notes

• Latest reports are that Bayern Munich have signed 18-year-old USYNT and LAFC 2 forward Bajung Darboe for $1.5 million.

• According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham Hotspur have agreed to a fixed fee of $26 million with Real Betis for USMNT midfielder Johnny Cardoso. While not a done deal, it would seem to put Spurs in the driver’s seat heading into this summer’s transfer window.

• Pellegrino Matarazzo was sacked by Hoffenheim earlier this week, after 20 months in charge of the Bundesliga side. Despite recent struggles, the American coach was able to lead the German club to the Europa League this season. Here’s to hoping the Columbia grad finds his next European gig soon. 🫡

Parting Shots

The above video is Netherlands national team and Feyenoord left back Quilindschy Hartman being asked whom he thinks is the most underrated player in the Eredivisie. His answer? “I like Pepi.” Which makes perfect sense given Ricardo’s outstanding form this season for PSV. Though one has to wonder if Paxten Aaronson’s four goals and one assist in 11 appearances for surprising second-place side FC Utrecht wouldn’t place him on the short list as well. And maybe even earn him a USMNT call-up alongside big bro Brenden at some point as well. 🤔