USMNT Tracker: Matarazzo Makes Spanish History, Balogun's Scoring Streak Continues
History was made in Spanish football as Pellegrino Matarazzo became the first American manager to capture a major trophy in Spain, leading Real Sociedad to Copa del Rey triumph over Atletico Madrid in a penalty shootout. It's a milestone moment worth celebrating.
The 48-year-old New Jersey native joined Real Sociedad in San Sebastián this past December after rejecting offers from Major League Soccer and taking time to regroup following his departure from Hoffenheim. Through 14 La Liga matches under his guidance, the club has suffered only three defeats. Now, with a Copa del Rey championship in the cabinet, Matarazzo has authored one of the most intriguing American coaching success stories in recent memory.
"This feels like only the start," Matarazzo commented following the victory. His assessment appears accurate — should Sociedad secure a Europa League berth next campaign, which their current form makes plausible, this journey is poised to gain even more momentum.
Could the USMNT position be in his future?
The timing is worth noting. Matarazzo was a legitimate contender for the USMNT head coaching position after Gregg Berhalter's departure in 2024. U.S. Soccer ultimately selected Mauricio Pochettino's more prominent profile. The decision made sense at the time. However, Matarazzo's impressive run in Spain will inevitably resurface in discussions whenever the national team position becomes available again.
His response to being overlooked showed class: "Pochettino represents an outstanding choice... someone with Pochettino's stature can certainly deliver" what U.S. Soccer required emotionally ahead of hosting a World Cup. Professional, thoughtful — and now also the most accomplished American manager operating in Europe's elite leagues.
The broader USMNT landscape
As Matarazzo flourishes, Christian Pulisic finds himself in a drought. The calendar year has yet to see him register goals or assists in Serie A action. AC Milan secured victory over Hellas Verona on Sunday, though Pulisic failed to record a shot on target or manufacture a scoring opportunity. The facial hair is fresh. The production is not.
Weston McKennie, conversely, continues his stellar play. His setup for Khephren Thuram-Ulien's marker in Juventus' triumph over Bologna highlighted another polished midfield display — exactly the type of performance Pochettino can confidently rely upon.
Meanwhile, Folarin Balogun's scoring touch remains red-hot. A penalty conversion in Monaco's draw with Auxerre extended his streak to eight goals across eight Ligue 1 appearances — ten tallies in ten matches overall. This form, coupled with Haji Wright's Coventry City earning Premier League promotion and Ricardo Pepi finding the scoresheet again for PSV, means Pochettino's attacking depth looks stronger than it has in recent years.
- Brenden Aaronson provided an assist in Leeds' 3-0 victory over Wolves and will face Chelsea in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final
- Malik Tillman and Bayer Leverkusen welcome Bayern Munich for Wednesday's DFB Pokal semi-final clash
- Daryl Dike notched his first goal of the campaign for West Brom — crucial timing amid an ongoing relegation battle
Sunday's Milan versus Juventus showdown featuring Pulisic against McKennie represents the week's marquee fixture for USMNT followers. One player urgently requires a breakthrough performance. The answer is obvious.