ATLANTA, March 29 - The United States women's soccer team suffered a 5-2 loss to Belgium in a warm-up friendly, marking only the fifth time in four decades the U.S. has conceded five goals in a match.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino called the defeat a necessary wake-up call ahead of the World Cup, which begins June 12 in Los Angeles. He emphasized the importance of feeling such pain before the tournament starts.
"It’s only a game," Pochettino said. "But now is the moment to feel this type of situation, to improve."
Key players like Christian Pulisic and Chris Richards were absent due to injury, affecting U.S. intensity and defensive sharpness. Despite missed opportunities, including a crucial miss by Pulisic, the team showed flashes of potential.
The U.S. will face Portugal next at the same venue before their opening World Cup fixture against Paraguay.
The Americans are co-hosting the World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, with the tournament running from June 11-July 19.