USMNT
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I thought about giving up at half as well.
At the start of the match, seeing the horrendous conditions, I couldn’t help but think that Pulisic and any other semi fragile player or valuable player should be OFF the field and on the bus to the airport. Who cares about this result.
The field was just so bad that as you say @approxinfinity , talent was minimized.
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@rockchalkjayhawk home field advantage was maximized. No VAR, mudbowls, Concacaf is RAW
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@approxinfinity said in USMNT:
@rockchalkjayhawk home field advantage was maximized. No VAR, mudbowls, Concacaf is RAW
TOTALLY!!!
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OMG, English “football” writers just crack me up. This story about the US squad had me crying. An excerpt: It was an archetypal febrile, bad-tempered, VAR-less Concacaf scrap on a dreadful surface, a context that will bear little resemblance to the Group B games in Qatar against Wales, England and Iran. You’d hope.
The Guardian story: https://sports.yahoo.com/world-cup-sight-usmnt-still-111447019.html
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@rockchalkjayhawk good article. I liked their takes across the board. They told it like it is And didn’t hesitate to criticize american coverage contributing to lack of interest in USMNT:
Sure, Friday’s NBA finals Game 4 held more interest for the average American sports fan than a Nations League stroll in a Texan sweatbox against the world’s 170th-ranked team. But did the Grenada game need to kick off on a Friday night at 10pm ET and be broadcast in English on the cavernous ESPN+ subscription streaming service, where viewers may have been distracted by alternative delights such as the La Crosse Loggers versus the Bismarck Larks in the Northwoods baseball league?
Tuesday’s clash in San Salvador, on FS1, Univision and TUDN, also kicked off at 10pm ET as the USMNT continued its war on people who have to get up early the next morning. The game even clashed with a rescheduled home MLS match for one of the continent’s most popular clubs, as Seattle hosted Vancouver. This on the day that MLS announced a lucrative and comprehensive deal with Apple TV; compare and contrast.
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@approxinfinity said in USMNT:
@rockchalkjayhawk good article. I liked their takes across the board. They told it like it is And didn’t hesitate to criticize american coverage contributing to lack of interest in USMNT:
Sure, Friday’s NBA finals Game 4 held more interest for the average American sports fan than a Nations League stroll in a Texan sweatbox against the world’s 170th-ranked team. But did the Grenada game need to kick off on a Friday night at 10pm ET and be broadcast in English on the cavernous ESPN+ subscription streaming service, where viewers may have been distracted by alternative delights such as the La Crosse Loggers versus the Bismarck Larks in the Northwoods baseball league?
Tuesday’s clash in San Salvador, on FS1, Univision and TUDN, also kicked off at 10pm ET as the USMNT continued its war on people who have to get up early the next morning. The game even clashed with a rescheduled home MLS match for one of the continent’s most popular clubs, as Seattle hosted Vancouver. This on the day that MLS announced a lucrative and comprehensive deal with Apple TV; compare and contrast.
Way more entertaining. You nailed it, they truly say it like it is.
Isn’t that just way more fun than reading something like this?
From Ives’ site: The USMNT was put under pressure in the first half by El Salvador and conceded 10 minutes from halftime with Alexander Larin supplying the opening goal.
Zzzzzzz
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That said Im enjoying The Athletics coverage of USMNT. Its behind a paywall but in depth.
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Good start to my afternoon…Kansas City and Seattle both get named as host cities for the 2026 World Cup ! The USMNT’s youth movement should by coming into its own by then. As for this year, I’ll be happy if we make it out of our group.
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I’m in Mexico on vacation right now. I’ve asked a few locals if they remember what happened 20 years ago today in world soccer. Then I reminded them of the fat ‘Dos a Cero’ the US laid on Mexico in the round of 16 in World Cup '02. They didn’t seem particularly interested in remembering…but I sure remember.
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@nwhawkfan said in USMNT:
Good start to my afternoon…Kansas City and Seattle both get named as host cities for the 2026 World Cup ! The USMNT’s youth movement should by coming into its own by then. As for this year, I’ll be happy if we make it out of our group.
Getting out of the group may be a close call this year. England the clear cut No. 1. I think we can do it, but the US, Wales and Iran aren’t too far apart in the world rankings. I truly believe we have more talent though. Just gotta play to that level and minimize the stupid mistakes.
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@focojayhawk said in USMNT:
I’m in Mexico on vacation right now. I’ve asked a few locals if they remember what happened 20 years ago today in world soccer. Then I reminded them of the fat ‘Dos a Cero’ the US laid on Mexico in the round of 16 in World Cup '02. They didn’t seem particularly interested in remembering…but I sure remember.
You’re typing, so you must still be alive after mentioning Dos A Cero while in Mexico. You got big balls!
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The manager of the Wales national team just resigned today. Ryan Giggs, the one-time Manchester United star, is facing domestic assault charges. His assistant took charge of the team in their last few games. Hard to tell how all of this will affect the USMNT in group play, but it ought to at least remove that possible distraction for the Welsh side.
https://www.espn.com/soccer/wales-wal/story/4688788/ryan-giggs-steps-down-as-wales-manager/
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@nwhawkfan said in USMNT:
The manager of the Wales national team just resigned today. Ryan Giggs, the one-time Manchester United star, is facing domestic assault charges. His assistant took charge of the team in their last few games. Hard to tell how all of this will affect the USMNT in group play, but it ought to at least remove that possible distraction for the Welsh side.
https://www.espn.com/soccer/wales-wal/story/4688788/ryan-giggs-steps-down-as-wales-manager/
There are some interesting charges levied against Giggs. The charges make him sound very controlling and jealous. Crazy. They say he kicked his girlfriend in the back, and booted her into the hall butt naked at a hotel! Too bad. He was a good player to watch back in the day.
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“Kate is a fame hungry wannabe wag. She was never going to stop until she bagged a footballer.” — Damian Burke, ex-husband.
Fun times
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@approxinfinity said in USMNT:
“Kate is a fame hungry wannabe wag. She was never going to stop until she bagged a footballer.” — Damian Burke, ex-husband.
Fun times
And the story gets better!
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I have been completely impressed with the U-20 team. Not something i typically watch, but I caught a few of their games the last few days in the CONCACAF U20 championship.
They seem confident as hell, dominated the ball, with some great shots on goal. They made the championship game, so can’t wait to watch that on Sunday.
Quinn Sullivan really seemed impressive. It’s my first time seeing any of these guys really.
Very fun to watch. Happy to see that. Very much hope that translates to the big boy team.
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@rockchalkjayhawk thanks for the heads up! Meant to watch more of them
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Just a dominant tournament for the US. They crushed the Dominican today.
I mean literally barely a shot taken on our goal in all games.
Very fun to watch.
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@rockchalkjayhawk twas. Reminded me of the womens dominance.
They were competing with themselves.
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@approxinfinity said in USMNT:
@rockchalkjayhawk twas. Reminded me of the womens dominance.
They were competing with themselves.
It really did remind me as well of the women’s dominance.
I don’t really follow the under 20s much, but if i recall they haven’t qualified for the olympics in like a decade? that says something about their performance this week.
Hard to get into the nitty gritty of their play without knowing the talent by name, but more than a few stood out. Aaronsen’s little brother tore it up!
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Their link up play was awesome. Felt like they were moving down the field at will all the way to a quality shot on frame.
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Well, disappointed that the last few games for both the men and women have been on a streaming pay service. Paramount+ just another one i gotta shell out cash for now i suppose. insert grumpy old man joke here: __________
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@rockchalkjayhawk There are a couple good shows on Paramount+ as well. Helps justify the cost. I figure it’s several hundred dollars to go to a game, so I don’t mind spending a few to watch it from the comfort of home. -and it’s still much cheaper than cable or satellite for me.
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@dylans this is the first ive considered watching anything other than soccer on paramount
will look.
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@rockchalkjayhawk There are a couple good shows on Paramount+ as well. Helps justify the cost. I figure it’s several hundred dollars to go to a game, so I don’t mind spending a few to watch it from the comfort of home. -and it’s still much cheaper than cable or satellite for me.
Oh good. what shows you like? Always looking for new material. i put a few on my fav list last night so i could check em out.
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BTW, i do like the Paramount+ platform so far. Seems easy to navigate, stable, clean.
Slightly bummed that i could not watch the USWNT game on replay last night, i had to wait til this morning before it was posted. (couldn’t watch live).
So far so good though.
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@rockchalkjayhawk A couple ends of the spectrum - I believe Yellowstone is on paramount+ as is that new star trek show - discovery. the new Sonic the hedgehog movie is as well - I have a 6 year old. There’s a few decent shows/movies if you dig around, but it’s no Netflix that’s for sure!
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@rockchalkjayhawk A couple ends of the spectrum - I believe Yellowstone is on paramount+ as is that new star trek show - discovery. the new Sonic the hedgehog movie is as well - I have a 6 year old. There’s a few decent shows/movies if you dig around, but it’s no Netflix that’s for sure!
Oh cool. I Was debating watching the new Star Trek, and Yellowstone. Thx for the recommendation!
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Looks like we have a tune up roster named for the USMNT.
Goalkeepers: Matt Turner, Sean Johnson, Ethan Horvath
Fullbacks: Sergiño Dest, DeAndre Yedlin, Reggie Cannon, Joe Scally, Sam Vines Center backs: Walker Zimmerman, Chris Richards, Aaron Long, Cameron Carter-Vickers
Central midfielders: Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, Luca de la Torre, Kellyn Acosta, Malik Tillman
Wingers/attacking midfielders: Christian Pulisic, Brenden Aaronson, Gio Reyna, Paul Arriola, Jordan Morris
Strikers: Jesus Ferreira, Josh Sargent, Ricardo Pepi
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This feels like basically the final roster for the World Cup with only a few injury exceptions (Antonee Robinson and Zach Steffen). I don’t have too many issues with it.
–Reyna and Aaronson give them versatility in the midfield so I’d drop Arriola for Robinson (but I’m pretty sure Berhalter takes Arriola no matter what…maybe they’re related).
–Steffen (if healthy) takes Horvath’s spot –Pepi is probably the one guy who could either play his way off the team or have someone leapfrog him on to the team.
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I take tremendous issue with Joe Scally being on the final roster, if he makes it.
He’s been tremendously awful for the USMNT. I haven’t seen his play for club, but man has he been bad for the US.
Vickers i’m hoping is just a temporary replacement for Robinson’s roster spot.
Forward: like it matters! ha.
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Missing Weah. And our 9 still doesnt feel settled.
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@approxinfinity said in USMNT:
Missing Weah. And our 9 still doesnt feel settled.
Missing Weah for sure. Think he’ll be a super sub or starter?
But, our 9 will not be settled before the World Cup. Is Dempsey still a available???
I just hope he chooses a 9 who can run around and press on D. Any scoring on top of that would be gravy.
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Im not impressed by our defense in general. I think besides the 9 problem, we might not point at one person on the D and say this guys a problem… but we should point at the whole group and say this is a problem. Dest is a solid offensive player but not a solid defender. Yedlin is too old, Scally is too young, Cannon is ok, and I dont think i know who Vines is. Zimmerman and Long are the prefered CBs i think, Richards and Long will compete… its been too long and i cant remember my impression of Carter Vickers. Im afraid good teams are going to eat this defense alive.
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Wish Weah could play the 9. I think hes one of our best 11 but not our best top left or right. Pulisic and Reyna. And Aarsonsen has been playing centrally for club. We will see there.
Has Weah played wing back?
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@approxinfinity said in USMNT:
Im not impressed by our defense in general. I think besides the 9 problem, we might not point at one person on the D and say this guys a problem… but we should point at the whole group and say this is a problem. Dest is a solid offensive player but not a solid defender. Yedlin is too old, Scally is too young, Cannon is ok, and I dont think i know who Vines is. Zimmerman and Long are the prefered CBs i think, Richards and Long will compete… its been too long and i cant remember my impression of Carter Vickers. Im afraid good teams are going to eat this defense alive.
Well said @approxinfinity !
I think our defense was at one point our strength. Still could be. Without Miles Robinson, it’s worse for sure. I liked that central pairing with Zim.
IMO you don’t need brilliant defenders on the outside backline. Most of those kind of players across the globe seem offense oriented now. If Dest and Yedlin or whoever can stay in front of their guy, hustle back, don’t do stupid stuff, they should be fine.
Agree on CCV. he’s been out of the loop until recently.
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@approxinfinity said in USMNT:
Wish Weah could play the 9. I think hes one of our best 11 but not our best top left or right. Pulisic and Reyna. And Aarsonsen has been playing centrally for club. We will see there.
Has Weah played wing back?
I betcha Weah could play wing back! hmmm…
Reyna i see started for Dortmund against Man City. Only watched first half. uneventful. I don’t see the brilliance of Reyna yet. I hope we do, but in all his starts for the national team, he’s not done too much to prove otherwise. I have seen him make a handful of plays, but with all the glory placed upon him, i’m still waiting for more.
He’s young though.
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Gio did ok for Dortmund today. Didnt play the whole game but had a positive inpact. Berhalter was there.
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@approxinfinity said in USMNT:
Gio did ok for Dortmund today. Didnt play the whole game but had a positive inpact. Berhalter was there.
What kind of player comparison would you have for Gio? Skills?
I haven’t seen him play enough to have an idea.
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@rockchalkjayhawk his handling is exceptional when at top form, speed is good, aerials good, passing good. Only knock is that he can be sticky, but thats a product of youth. The hype is warranted because we need a healthy Reyna to make any real noise this WC
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@approxinfinity said in USMNT:
@rockchalkjayhawk his handling is exceptional when at top form, speed is good, aerials good, passing good. Only knock is that he can be sticky, but thats a product of youth. The hype is warranted because we need a healthy Reyna to make any real noise this WC
i’m all for it! His pop was one of my all-time faves.
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CCV and Richards out for friendlies https://www.espn.com/soccer/united-states-usa/story/4749662/celtics-cameron-carter-vickers-could-miss-usmnt-september-friendlies
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It’s interesting how dismissive Berhalter is of Tim Ream. I know he hasn’t been awesome for the USMNT in the past, but he’s a captain and starter on a Premier League team and yet can’t even make the roster? Even with CCV and Richards out!
I like the idea of Weah at the 9. Sargent has played well recently so we’ll see if his form holds. The issue seems to be getting the best players on the field and with such great wingers and such a vacuum up front, it’ll be interesting to see what Berhalter does. Sadly I think it ends up with Ferreira at the 9. Hard pass.
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@focojayhawk said in USMNT:
It’s interesting how dismissive Berhalter is of Tim Ream. I know he hasn’t been awesome for the USMNT in the past, but he’s a captain and starter on a Premier League team and yet can’t even make the roster? Even with CCV and Richards out!
I like the idea of Weah at the 9. Sargent has played well recently so we’ll see if his form holds. The issue seems to be getting the best players on the field and with such great wingers and such a vacuum up front, it’ll be interesting to see what Berhalter does. Sadly I think it ends up with Ferreira at the 9. Hard pass.
I think Berhalter’s big plan for the back line is simple: have some recovery speed.
Guys like Brooks and Ream don’t fit that mold.
Smart plan or not, that appears to be the main prerequisite. speed (ish).
Berhalter likes to hold a high line with defenders. That means they need to be able to play catch up and get back quickly.
Ream seems decent enough. more plodding and strong than speedy though.
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Game starting soon! 937 EST
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Oops 825 EST!
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Not what we wanted to see. Where to start…
–The better team won and the score line should have been worse
–SO many giveaways in the defensive half. Can’t blame field conditions for that
–Very little to say about anything on the attacking half because they were so rarely there. Ferreira had one chance in the first half and wasn’t close. We got no answers about who will play the 9 from today
–Long was horrible. Zimmerman was pedestrian at best. Tell me again why there’s no Tim Ream on this team?
–Turner was the bright spot. Had no chance on the two goals and I thought he played well
Can’t say I’m super hopeful…even if Pulisic comes back. That was a total clinic by Japan
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We were awful. Mckinney Long and Zimmerman all played unforgivable lazy passes right to Japanese players in the central channel while they themselves were wide. Ferreira could have hammered that header home if he was taller. I only saw first half.
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Same here…first half was a hot mess. Way too many giveaways. Heard we looked a little better in the second half.
If it’s any consolation, England and Wales didn’t look so good in their losses either. Meanwhile, Iran beat Uruguay, who’s arguably the third best team in South America after Brazil and Argentina. It’s anyone’s guess who advances out of this group to the knockout round in December. But I’m not holding my breath for the USMNT if they play like they did today.
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Well, didn’t realize they were playing today, so just finished watching!
Entirely forgettable in every way. Uninspired. Lackluster.
The first half was really lazy and bad. Sooo many giveaways. Slight improvement in the second half.
Agree with @focojayhawk . How can you even critique individual offensive players when they hardly touched the ball?
Japan just outsmarted and outplayed the US in every way. Berhalter gets an F for tactics today.
If I recall, Dest didn’t get back in time and his man scored?
Anyway, not a good looking team at all today. No Pulisic and Weah. Pulisic likely would not have helped much given we couldn’t really get the ball forward, but Weah may have helped with some runs to open up some space.
The mystical Reyna touched the ball a few times. Got a cross in. Another time he dribbled from one side of the field to the other, refusing to pass to anybody. Lost that possession I believe. He looks slow and disinterested.
On Japan’s second goal, our defenders simply refused to defend. Three or four guys were to all sides of the oncoming goal scorer, none stepped up and ever got close to him. Just don’t understand that at all. Zero effort to stop him.
Anyway, that was disappointing, but not a big deal in the big picture I guess.
