U.S. men's national team manager Gregg Berhalter has done plenty of experimenting in his time in charge. Forty-three players have made their international debuts since Berhalter took over in Dec. 2018. In Sunday's 2-1 victory over Northern Ireland, Berhalter engaged in a different kind of experiment, going with a three-man backline.
Given the relatively low stakes, it was smart of Berhalter to give the alignment a try. The formation switch certainly amounts to a different look and will give future opponents something to think about in the months ahead. It also fits some aspects of the Americans' personnel.