What We Learned From the USMNT's Back 3 Experiment — And Why It Should Stick

This past international window for the United States men's national team, which was highlighted by a 2-0 victory over Japan, might end up being more than a morale boost for a group that desperately needed it; it instead could be a confirmation of a significant learning under head coach Mauricio Pochettino — a tactical shift.

Following a challenging period — a seven-game winless streak against Top 25-ranked opposition — Pochettino’s decision to experiment with a three-back system, specifically the 3-4-2-1 formation, proved to be a resounding success.

If the September window's primary objective was to learn and integrate new players, the formation itself emerged as the biggest winner. The adoption of the 3-4-2-1 system (hallelujah!), which had been previously used in brief spells, was deployed from the start against Japan and provided a potential path forward.

Pochettino’s blueprint for success has been questioned by many — but this was a good reminder that these things take time, and this appears to have been the last window for experimentation in terms of personnel and tactics. It might have taken longer than people had hoped, but while the Gold Cup was a hugely successful step forward in creating the culture that Pochettino wanted, the friendlies served as an important step in zoning in on the formation. 

But the biggest takeaway is: Pochettino should stick to the 3-4-2-1 until the World Cup — and never look back.

Defensive Solidity and Clean Sheets

(Photo by Dylan Buell/USSF/Getty Images)

The USMNT's recent struggles against top-ranked teams were well-documented, marked by a seven-game winless streak. The win against Japan was not only a break from this trend, but it also resulted in the team's first shutout against