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U.S. Coach Pochettino Throws Pitch Before Mariners-Blue Jays Game

7/4/2026

Summary

Pochettino Throws Pitch

U.S. national team coach Mauricio Pochettino will throw pitch before the Mariners-Toronto Blue Jays game on Friday, July 3, at T-Mobile Park, near the United States-Belgium World Cup round-of-16 venue, July 6.
Pochettino practiced pitch with team players at Husky Soccer Stadium and got tips from goalkeeper Matt Turner.
Forward Folarin Balogun said the event shows can only happen in America and expressed pride in representing United States at World Cup.

Summary

Pochettino Secures Record

Mauricio Pochettino earns a $6,040,600 salary, highest for a U.S. Soccer coach, funded by Ken Griffin’s multi-million-dollar donation facilitated by Scott Goodwin.
U.S. Soccer offered him an extension to the 2030 Cup cycle, pending a 2026 decision.
He includes his son Sebastiano as a sports scientist on his staff, and after the Bosnia-Herzegovina win he led fans in a John Denver song, prompting Tyler Adams to say he changed soccer culture.

Summary

Pochettino Sets Record

Gareth Pochettino became winningest U.S. manager at a World Cup with three wins and first knockout victory since 2002.
Brad Friedel praised the squad’s pace and pressing after the Paraguay win, noting ten goals in four games from six scorers.
Matt Freese’s three saves earned a second clean sheet matched only by Spain and Mexico.
On July 6 in Seattle the United States faces ninth-ranked Belgium without top scorer Folarin Balogun.

Summary

Pochettino Picks Striker

FIFA confirmed the United States cannot appeal the red-card ruling on Folarin Balogun, stating the decision is final.
Mauricio Pochettino argued that Balogun’s red card was accidental and should not be classified as a sending-off.
Pochettino must pick a replacement striker for the Belgium match, choosing between Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright.
Malik Tillman scored the United States’ second goal with an 82nd-minute free-kick against Bosnia.

History

Historical Context

The 1994 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, culminated on July 17 at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl, where Brazil defeated Italy on penalties after a 0-0 draw—the first final to require a shoot-out and the only scoreless match after 120 minutes. Over 94,000 spectators attended, a legacy that fuels today’s U.S. soccer expansion.

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Pochettino Throws Pitch

U.S. national team coach Mauricio Pochettino will throw pitch before the Mariners-Toronto Blue Jays game on Friday, July 3, at T-Mobile Park, near the United States-Belgium World Cup round-of-16 venue, July 6.
Pochettino practiced pitch with team players at Husky Soccer Stadium and got tips from goalkeeper Matt Turner.
Forward Folarin Balogun said the event shows can only happen in America and expressed pride in representing United States at World Cup.

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