Changes are coming to the USMNT, but which players should be in the starting XI? GOAL makes the picks

There will be changes to the U.S. Men's National Team starting XI. After a performance like the one against Canada, there has to be. The USMNT needs to do something different.

Following the 2-1 loss to Canada, Tuesday's clash with New Zealand in Cincinnati suddenly feels more urgent than ever. No, reported hire Mauricio Pochettino will not be coaching, which takes some of the energy out of this match, but the reality is the U.S. needs a response. Pochettino or no Pochettino on the sidelines, this team needs to show some fight.

But what changes are necessary? Which players are in the best position to step into the XI? Those are the two big questions interim coach Mikey Varas is staring down as the USMNT prepares to take on New Zealand.

"It's a delicate balance, and we're going to find a balance," Varas said. "We want to put on a winning performance. Anybody who plays, they will have earned it. At the same time, this is a September window with a new coach coming in, so it's also my responsibility to make sure that multiple players get a chance to showcase themselves, as long as they have also shown that they can earn it."

Ahead of Tuesday's match, GOAL breaks down who should start for the USMNT…

Getty ImagesGK: Matt Turner

Patrick Schulte did well against Canada, and is perhaps the only player that can actually say that. Varas hinted, though, that there would be a change at goalkeeper and, realistically, it makes sense.

Despite his lack of club minutes, you can't write Turner off with the USMNT. He's still arguably the team's most reliable goalkeeper, and he's earned that title particularly when wearing a U.S. shirt. Because of that, he deserves the chance to fight for his spot as the national team No. 1 with a start here.

AdvertisementIMAGO / Just pictures LB: Caleb Wiley

We know that Wiley is a good player. He showed it in Atlanta and he's already shown it in a few games with Strasbourg. Is he a legitimate left-back option at the top levels of international soccer? Now is the time to find out.

A New Zealand friendly under an interim coach won't answer that question, but it could provide us with some valuable data. And, either way, neither Wiley nor Kristoffer Lund, 22, are starting over Antonee Robinson any time soon so, with that in mind, Tuesday is another opportunity to see what Wiley can bring to the fold.

Getty ImagesCB: Auston Trusty

Trusty was, right or wrong, left out in the cold by Gregg Berhalter despite playing for Sheffield United in the Premier League. Now, he has a very real chance to prove why that shouldn't have been the case.

A big move to Celtic this summer will help keep him on the USMNT radar, but the best way to do that is to deliver big performances in actual national team matches. Trusty hasn't gotten enough chances to do so, so it makes sense to give him this one to see what he's got.

GettyCB: Mark McKenzie

Much of what we said for Trusty could apply to McKenzie. Yes, McKenzie has been more involved, even making the Copa America roster. He didn't play, though. He's a fringe player, by his own admission, but he could soon become much more.

Now at Toulouse, McKenzie is ready to push Chris Richards and Tim Ream for one of those starting center back spots. This is an audition. Normally, you wouldn't want to swap out both center backs, but it's fine here all considered. McKenzie and Trusty, former Philadelphia Union teammates, should bring some old chemistry to the table as they both look to make their case.