Spanish soccer expert Graham Hunter followed the USMNT at the Gold Cup, and he saw the foundations being laid for Mauricio Pochettino's vision.

Pochettino's inexperienced side had well-defined standout players at Houston's NRG Stadium on Sunday, with Malik Tillman and Diego Luna making the most of their opportunities over the course of the last month and Chris Richards rising to the occasion in a strong year for club and country.

The U.S. men's national team made a run to the Gold Cup final on Sunday despite not having its best squad available. But that won't have head coach Mauricio Pochettino feeling any better about the 2-1 loss to rival Mexico. And one no-call, in particular, will haunt the USMNT into months ahead.