On a chilly Saturday afternoon in San Antonio, Texas, the USMNT lost their first friendly of 2024 to Slovenia. Nejc Gradišar scored the only goal of the match in the 26th minute.

USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter’s selection of mostly U23 MLS players was designed to evaluate talent leading up to the Paris Olympics this summer.

The only goal of the game came after right winger Bernard Kamungo lost the ball to Slovenia attacker Danijel Šturm. Šturm then slotted a ball to Gradišar, catching the US’s defensive line and keeper Patrick Schulte off guard.

Despite holding a 69% possession rate, the US was unable to even the score. The young Americans had plenty of opportunities but lacked a finishing touch.

“We’re disappointed not to win but you can’t fault the effort… the intensity, and the drive to continue to perform and try to get the goal,”  USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter said after the match.

The match marked 11 players’ debut in senior international soccer, including seven starters and four substitutes.

Fullback John Tolkin had two significant chances at goal as a second-half substitute. However, both of his shots swung far left.

Off the bench, Esmir Bajraktarevic also brought new energy to the match after immediately nutmegging a Slovenian defender in his first few minutes of playing.

Berhalter said, “All in all, for them to experience what it is like to play at a full senior level is valuable.” In particular, the coach mentioned some notable performances by Esmir Bajraktarevic and Philadelphia Union’s Jack McGlynn.

All 23 players will return to their club teams to prepare for the upcoming MLS season. Of the 12 eligible for the Olympics this summer, many will begin the under-23 training camp with coach Marko Mitrovic before the Paris games.

USA:

Patrick Schulte, DeJuan Jones, Diego Luna, Aidan Morris, Brian White, Timmy Tillman, Miles Robinson, Sean Zawadzki, Josh Atencio, Bernard Kamungo, Shaq Moore, John Tolkin (61’), Jack McGlynn (61’), Duncan Maguire (61′), Esmir Bajraktarevic (61′), Caleb Wiley (75′), Aziel  Jackson (89′)

Slovenia:

Igor Vekic, Zan Karnicnik, Zan Zaletel, David Zec, Srdjan Kuzmic, Adrian Zeljkovic, Tamar Svetlin, Jan Repas, Timi Max Elsnik, Nejc Gradisar, Danijel Sturm, Mitja Ilenic (46′) Luke Ticic (46′), Mark Zabukovnik (65′), Andés Vombergar (65′), Matej Poplatnik (80′), Ratnik (88′)

Scoring Summary:

Slovenia: Nejc Gradisar – 26′ (Danijel Šturm)

Disciplinary Summary: 

SVN: Danijel Strum– 45′

USA: Brian White – 46′

SVN: Mark Zabukovnik – 67’