It has been established quite emphatically that it's going to be cold. Nearly half of the squad is out of season. Some key players are hurt. Others have their club careers in the balance, with MLS trades and potential European transfers swirling. One player has had travel issues just getting to camp. Generally speaking, the conditions are not ideal for the U.S. men's national team entering the penultimate World Cup qualifying window.
It's not a vacuum, though. The U.S.'s fortunes over the course of the next three matches are tied to those of their opponents as well.