USA vs Uzbekistan live score, updates, highlights, result: September international friendly

Gregg Berhalter returns as head coach of the USMNT for a second stint in charge as they face Uzbekistan in an international friendly.

Gregg Berhalter is returning as the head coach of the US Men's National Team (USMNT) for a second stint in charge. After his contract expired following the 2022 World Cup, Berhalter stepped away but has now returned after winning a second four-year cycle through a full coaching search. This is an important time for the USMNT as they prepare to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the match against Uzbekistan feels like a fresh start with Berhalter back at the helm.

Uzbekistan, ranked 74th in the world, will provide tough competition. They narrowly missed out on World Cup qualification in the last two cycles. The Sporting News will be providing live coverage of the USA vs Uzbekistan match, including score updates, commentary, and highlights.

The predicted starting lineups for the match are as follows:

USA (4-3-3, right to left): Turner (GK) -- Dest, Richards, Ream, A. Robinson -- McKennie, Musah, de la Torre -- Weah, Balogun, Pulisic.

Uzbekistan (4-2-3-1, right to left): Yusupov (GK) -- Alijonov, Abdullaev, Eshmurodov, Sayfiev -- Hamrobekov, Shukurov -- Masharipov, Urunov, Turgunboev -- Shomurodov.

Gregg Berhalter is expected to give playing time to Inter Miami midfielder Benja Cremaschi, who is deciding whether to represent the United States or Argentina at the international level. Christian Pulisic has been impressed with Cremaschi and believes he deserves a chance to play for the USMNT. This is important as Lionel Messi, Cremaschi's club teammate, may also be trying to recruit him for Argentina.

Christian Pulisic, who has had a strong start at AC Milan, will lead the attacking unit for the United States. Folarin Balogun will start as the striker but will be substituted at halftime as he has not played at the club level this season after recently joining AS Monaco. Ricardo Pepi, who has been on the bench for most of his time at PSV, will have an opportunity to shine in the second half.

Gio Reyna, Tyler Adams, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Josh Sargent, and Alejandro Zendejas are unavailable for selection due to injury. Benja Cremaschi is expected to play in the international window but will not start against Uzbekistan. Luca de la Torre will start in midfield, but his fitness will be assessed as he recently suffered a slight calf injury. If he is unable to play, Tanner Tessman will replace him.

Uzbekistan's most experienced player is Eldor Shomurodov, a 28-year-old striker who plays for Serie A side Cagliari. He captains the Uzbekistan national team and has scored 37 goals in 66 caps. Jaloliddin Masharipov, a playmaker who briefly played with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr, is another key player for Uzbekistan.

The match between the United States and Uzbekistan will be televised on TNT, Telemundo, and Universo. The USMNT is the favored team, having only lost once in four matches against Asian opponents under Gregg Berhalter. Uzbekistan came close to qualifying for the World Cup in the past but narrowly missed out.

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