US players insist momentum remains with them despite late loss to Turkey

T hroughout the week preceding the United States’ final group game, the matchup with Turkey was discussed as something of a formality. The new World Cup format made it impossible to begin speculation on a possible opponent until the third wave of matches kicked off on Wednesday, but the co-hosts’ place in the round of 32 was already secure. There were ample questions about how much Mauricio Pochettino would (and should) rotate. Christian Pulisic’s every movement, including whether or not he was donning a sleeve on his calf, was closely scrutinized. The atmosphere around training was light and jovial, a rare “eye of the hurricane” moment where the intensity seemed to wane and positivity permeated every corner of the team’s camp in Irvine. So in theory, the only potential setbacks would be injuries. But while the US did have an element of that (Auston Trusty’s rolled left ankle, which he said afterward had already been treated), there was still that last-second goal . And there was still a loss where there could have been a comeback draw. Rather than dwell on the dead-rubber defeat, Trusty and his teammates projected confidence that the good vibes from wins over Paraguay and Australia weren’t totally exhumed on Thursday. “We were overwhelmingly positive,” Trusty said of the team’s morale. “Obviously, going into this game, they really had nothing to play for. Guys got minutes to prove themselves and show their ability, and that’s what we did. And I think we played well. …