It was a sobering international break for Celtic defender, Cameron Carter-Vickers and the USMNT.
On the domestic stage, most things are going rosy for Brendan Rodgers because Celtic are pushing for the Treble.
Carter-Vickers has played a huge part in that, but he can’t seem to replicate that strong form for his country.
On Sunday, days after USMNT suffered a shock defeat to Panama in the Concacaf Nations League, where Carter-Vickers watched from the bench, the Celtic man was brought back into the XI by his manager, Mauricio Pochettino, for the third-place playoff against Canada.
The USA will be the main host for the 2026 World Cup next summer, with Canada and Mexico also part of the party.
But, as of this moment, and despite the appointment of former Premier League boss, Pochettino, things aren’t going well, including another defeat.
USA media react to Celtic’s Cameron Carter-Vickers’ performance in the Concacaf Nations League
Carter-Vickers played the entire 90 minutes as Canada secured a deserved 2-1 win over USMNT at the SoFi Stadium in California.
Tani Oluwaseyi and Jonathan David netted on either side of the half, including Canada’s opening goal proving to be a defensive mess from the home side.
Whilst Carter-Vickers wasn’t directly at fault for any of the goals, the fact is that his own media didn’t hold back in criticising him because the same issues reared their ugly heads again.
“It was another tough showing in a USMNT jersey for Carter-Vickers, who has to take some of the blame on both Canada goals,” wrote ProSoccerWire.
“Though he wasn’t helped by his midfield, Carter-Vickers was too hesitant on Canada’s opener.
“The Celtic defender stepped out but didn’t get close to the ball, leaving Oluwaseyi free behind him. He was more at fault on Canada’s second, as he didn’t sense the danger in David’s presence early enough and was late stepping over to block the shot (4.5 rating).”
CBS Sports wrote: “Was okay in defence, but he wasn’t able to get long balls up to the attack. Everyone in the backline broke down during Canada’s first goal, and it’s an issue that needs to be fixed. He’s got to do better. Rating: 5”
NBC Sports added: “Ended up down on one knee after trying to make a play leading up to Canada’s first goal, but he was hardly the only one who made a regrettable decision on that play. 5.5 rating.
Thierry Henry worried for USMNT as Carter-Vickers hopes for some luck
It doesn’t help matters that Carter-Vickers is in and out of the XI. It doesn’t do his sharpness any good and he can’t find that form to showcase his true worth.
There are plenty more international games remaining before the 2026 World Cup and it will be interesting to see if Carter-Vickers keeps his place in the XI.
Either way, legendary striker Thierry Henry, speaking to CBS Sports, is worried for the USMNT, as they and Carter-Vickers try to turn a corner.
Not much the game, but the two games and what’s been happening as a unit,” said Henry. “The fans. You guys (pundits). The team. A bit of a disappointment.
“You don’t have the cohesion, so it’s very difficult when the crowd is divided from the team and the ex-players.
