United States coach Mauricio Pochettino emphasized that the January camp cannot be categorized as an "alternative" team, serving instead as an opportunity for newcomers to fight for a spot in the organization's overall player pool.

Here are the players who impressed in the friendly win and how the manager is taking a unique approach to learning about his team

The USMNT beat Venezuela 3-1 on Saturday in the first of two fixtures this month, with manager Mauricio Pochettino using a squad mainly comprised of MLS players since it is not a FIFA-recognized international break.

USMNT midfielder Lennard Maloney has joined Mainz from Bundesliga rivals Heidenheim. Maloney, 25, has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at the club through to the summer of 2028. The defensive midfielder spent two-and-a-half seasons at Heidenheim and was part of the side that won promotion to the top flight of German football at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.

German-born U.S. midfielder Lennard Maloney has joined Mainz from Bundesliga rival Heidenheim, where he was dropped last month after expressing his wish to leave. The 25-year-old Maloney, who had informed Heidenheim he was going to join Mainz when his contract expired at the end of the season,

Mainz sporting director Niko Bungert said he's optimistic his club will complete a deal for Heidenheim midfielder Lennard Maloney this month.