Mauricio Pochettino experienced something the U.S. soccer team still faces during home games: fans cheering for the other team.
“It felt like we were playing in Guatemala,” said the Argentine coach on Wednesday, after the U.S. team held on to a 2-1 win, thanks to two early goals by Diego Luna, to reach the CONCACAF Gold Cup final. “It was good for our players because we didn’t expect that kind of atmosphere.”
The U.S. will face Mexico in the final on Sunday, after Mexico beat Honduras 1-0 in the other semifinal. This will be the last serious match for the U.S. before next year’s World Cup.
A crowd of 22,423 people at Energizer Park mostly supported Guatemala, who had more shots (20-12) and scored in the 80th minute with a goal from Olger Escobar.
“This is football,” said Pochettino. “That connection between fans and the team is what we want to see at the World Cup. That kind of energy lifts you.”
U.S. players are used to home games where most fans support the opposing team.
“We’re a country full of immigrants, so this was expected,” said defender Chris Richards. “It was a good experience for the younger guys. For us, the older players, we’ve seen this during World Cup qualifiers. It was a lesson the team needed.”
Pochettino, who played 20 times for Argentina, comes from a country where football is everything.
“I saw a Guatemalan player crying,” he said. “That’s how we need to feel. And our fans need to feel the same. It’s not just about enjoying the show. If you lose, it does matter. You’re playing for your pride. There’s so much on the line that I can’t even explain tonight. In Argentina, winning or losing changes everything.”
“In other countries, you play to survive, for food, for pride. It’s not just fun and games. It’s serious.”
Diego Luna has shown the kind of passion Pochettino wants. The 21-year-old impressed the coach back in January when he kept playing in a friendly against Costa Rica despite having a broken nose. That match featured mostly MLS players.
Now, Luna is a regular in the Gold Cup and has scored three goals in his last two games.
“Since January, Diego has been an example of someone who is desperate to play for this team. That’s why he’s performing at this level now,” said Pochettino.
Patrick Agyemang, another player from that January camp, has also earned a starting spot in the Gold Cup, where many top players are missing.
“Some say the January camp is useless,” Pochettino said. “But it’s not. It’s important for the team, the players, and the country.”
Luna scored in the 4th and 15th minutes — one goal with his left foot, the other with his right.
“I loved it. It was amazing, man!” Luna said about the atmosphere. “Every match should feel like this. Guatemalan fans should be proud of the support and energy they bring.”
Defender Tim Ream, who captained the U.S. team in his hometown, said the fanbase will grow if the team keeps winning.
“None of this matters unless we win,” he said. “What defines a U.S. team? It’s fight and unity. That’s what we’re showing in this tournament. It won’t always be perfect or pretty, but winning builds that connection — with loyal fans, casual fans, with everyone. If we keep doing that, the culture grows, the passion grows, and the bonds grow.”