CHICAGO — The United States men’s national team fell 2-1 to Germany in its pre-World Cup sendoff in Chicago, according to ESPN, a result that underlined both encouraging signs and lingering problems for the Americans ahead of their tournament opener.
An early set-piece miscue allowed Kai Havertz to head Germany in front, but the U.S. settled after the 10th minute and pressed much of the first half. Antonee Robinson produced a long-range volley to level in the 37th minute, and the Americans continued to fashion dangerous opportunities and win corners until another defensive lapse proved decisive.
In the 57th minute, a sustained German passing sequence ended with Havertz finding Leroy Sané at the top of the box; Sané’s finish restored Germany’s lead. Backups on both sides then carved out late chances, with Giovanni Reyna, Joe Scally and Brenden Aaronson forcing saves from Germany keeper Oliver Baumann. U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino said afterward that it was an even game and pointed to the underlying numbers in the side’s favor.
According to ESPN, the U.S. has played four consecutive matches against top-15 FIFA opponents, winning one and losing three. The Americans generated shots worth 5.6 expected goals (xG) to their opponents’ 6.2, but opponents converted at a far higher rate and have outscored the U.S. 11-6 across those games, a trend driven in part by costly defensive inattention.
Robinson stood out, limiting Sané on his flank and delivering the equalizer. In 63 minutes he led the team with 12 defensive interventions and six ball recoveries, created three chances (tied with Malik Tillman) and scored the U.S.’s only goal — his second from outside 20 meters at the international level and his third scored from a volley. Midfielder Tyler Adams praised Robinson’s performance and downplayed a late cramp, saying he would be fine.
Defensive breakdowns factored into both goals: Adams conceded a foul that led to a Kimmich free kick, and Miles Robinson lost Havertz for Germany’s set-piece opener; the second goal was the result of a smooth passing move that caught the Americans a step slow. The match left U.S. supporters with reasons for both optimism and concern ahead of Friday’s World Cup meeting with Paraguay, according to ESPN.
