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US Men's National Team (14 Viewers)

El Floppo said:
prefontaine said:
Dinsy Ejotuz said:
Musah's ball progression might still be a decent fit for the spot next to Adams now that I think about it. He's pretty good defensively, covers a lot of ground and can carry the ball. I'd kill for a Mac Allister type -- a true two-way mid with toughness -- in that spot though.
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Completely disagree. You need someone that can carry water and connect to allow the guys further up the pitch to stay involved. This is what Roldan did yesterday that really made a difference.

As long as we play Adams, we need to pair him with a progressive passer and receiver of the ball. I actually think Gio should play here but he's got to show form. Musah progresses the ball on the dribble. It can unlock defenses in the right circumstances but isn't a fit for this system.

We need to move the ball quickly through the midfield and provide easy options for the defense so they don't have to pass across multiple lines. This is not Musah's strength.
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If were looking at the formation yesterday as preferred, the double pivot needs 2 guys who can defend like a 6 and at least one who can also progress like an 8.

This aint Gio. Like, at all. The progressing part, sure...in spades. But the 6? Nada. If hes on the field it should be as a partner to CP higher up the field.

Musah has done this role for Milan, albeit not tippy top from the games I've watched. Ive seen it from him in Spain and last WC, so i know its there for him...somewhere. imo, good Swag best fits that 6/8 Adams partner until i see one of Johnny, Morris, Tessman or Musah elevate their game this season. Of course, Swag may not be playing much this year...so ymmv with him too. This is part of why seeing feeaking Sebbb over and over when we should have been finding the right pairing has killed me.
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I don't think it's often been asked of Gio. But I'll say that in that Gladbach scrimmage we all loved, he was playing as a deep lying playmaker. Not a destroyer, but kind of in a Xabi Alonso type of role. And it's just something I think Gio is going to have to work on. Gio has to kind of let go of any preconceptions of what his position is. Gio does see the field and can read the game. If Roldan can operate in a double-pivot, so can Gio, IMO.
 
Ramsay Hunt Experience said:
El Floppo said:
prefontaine said:
Dinsy Ejotuz said:
Musah's ball progression might still be a decent fit for the spot next to Adams now that I think about it. He's pretty good defensively, covers a lot of ground and can carry the ball. I'd kill for a Mac Allister type -- a true two-way mid with toughness -- in that spot though.
Click to expand...
Completely disagree. You need someone that can carry water and connect to allow the guys further up the pitch to stay involved. This is what Roldan did yesterday that really made a difference.

As long as we play Adams, we need to pair him with a progressive passer and receiver of the ball. I actually think Gio should play here but he's got to show form. Musah progresses the ball on the dribble. It can unlock defenses in the right circumstances but isn't a fit for this system.

We need to move the ball quickly through the midfield and provide easy options for the defense so they don't have to pass across multiple lines. This is not Musah's strength.
Click to expand...

If were looking at the formation yesterday as preferred, the double pivot needs 2 guys who can defend like a 6 and at least one who can also progress like an 8.

This aint Gio. Like, at all. The progressing part, sure...in spades. But the 6? Nada. If hes on the field it should be as a partner to CP higher up the field.

Musah has done this role for Milan, albeit not tippy top from the games I've watched. Ive seen it from him in Spain and last WC, so i know its there for him...somewhere. imo, good Swag best fits that 6/8 Adams partner until i see one of Johnny, Morris, Tessman or Musah elevate their game this season. Of course, Swag may not be playing much this year...so ymmv with him too. This is part of why seeing feeaking Sebbb over and over when we should have been finding the right pairing has killed me.
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I don't think it's often been asked of Gio. But I'll say that in that Gladbach scrimmage we all loved, he was playing as a deep lying playmaker. Not a destroyer, but kind of in a Xabi Alonso type of role. And it's just something I think Gio is going to have to work on. Gio has to kind of let go of any preconceptions of what his position is. Gio does see the field and can read the game. If Roldan can operate in a double-pivot, so can Gio, IMO.
Click to expand...
Continue to disagree.

The role needs a true 6 and/or 6/8 hybrid.

With 3 CBs, one of the pivots often ended up as a last man quasi CB/Sweeper to act as an outlet. The other would roam just in front of that. On the front foot, the 6/8 will end up supporting the attack...but the shape of the formation imo dictates that they both need to hold back from getting too far forward, and let the wing backs and theee attackers handle the offensive duties . Not even taking into account the destroyer role...which is the baseline and needs to be there from both of the guys...i want Gio free to use his strengths as an attacker and not needing to hold shape in the middle third.

Nothing I've seen from Gio has ever shown me thats a role he can or will be successful at. The team, imo, gets worse in this formation if its relying on him in that role. Is he a great player and might he somehow learn to play differently? Im not banking on it. Why not just let him be one of the attacking 3 using his proven strengths.
 
I think even Weston in that role (in that formation) is asking for trouble -- let alone Gio. Dest is such a lightweight defensively that you'd be left with only 5 legit defenders: Jedi, Adams and the three CBs.

I admit to not knowing the ins and outs of other teams lineups, but my impression when I watch teams that set up with only five good defensive players (instead of six) is that it ends up unbalancing the team. Maybe it's worth it if you're so good on the ball the other team can't play, you have a well-drilled 10-man press, or can score four goals a game, but IMO the US isn't anywhere near that quality.

Just hit me that this is probably why true two-way mids with defensive bite (MacAllister, etc) are often my favorite players.
 
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at this point, I don't know what roles Tessman and Morris are playing, but afaik Johnny is a guy currently playing in a double pivot (and he definitely was last year). I think Roldan is as well, although I think he's playing more of an 8. I don't know what Bournemouth roll out with Adams.

@The Z Machine ... what formation does AM use?

eta... Espn shows a 4-4-2 from the last game, but those formation graphics are often wrong.
 
Thanks for the link. Signed up for the "raffle". Selected throught the quarters in Miami, Atlanta, Dallas and Houston. I guess we will see.

In hindsight I should've selected up to at least semis - could always sell those. Maybe I missed it but I didn't see an explanation of how many you can buy if selected.
 
I was reading a report out of Gladbach today. They said they expect Gio will be used as a sub in the next game with the goal that his fitness is good enough to start by the following game. There was some fitness concern because he has played almost 0 minutes all summer but Gio says he feels pretty close to 100%. Now he just needs to prove it to the coach.
 
El Floppo said:
Oh! The only positive out of yesterday...i ket a guy on the path train back who developed a USMNT website, similar but mire robust rhan the usmnt tracker site many if us use.

elevens - Premier League - Latest USA player results

elevens.football elevens.football
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I have been meaning to say this site is really nice and clean. I am going to be using it every weekend. Like you said, it looks like it functions much nicer than the previous tracking site.

You can expand it easy enough to cover almost any Yank playing any where. I have it too expanded at this point so I am going to try and cut it back a bit.

There does seem to be some sort of bug for the Japan game. For some reason it is not listing any of the subs as having played.
 
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One quote from Poch that has not been talked about much interested me:

He said something to the effect (In Poch speak), that they intend to build the relationships and even if the all the best players were not available now, they will be soon.

That gives me some hope that he won't have a crazy roster in Oct or Nov.

2-3 roster surprises is fine. We should never be in the 7-8 roster surprises range at this point in time though.
 
NewlyRetired said:
El Floppo said:
Oh! The only positive out of yesterday...i ket a guy on the path train back who developed a USMNT website, similar but mire robust rhan the usmnt tracker site many if us use.

elevens - Premier League - Latest USA player results

elevens.football elevens.football
Click to expand...
I have been meaning to say this site is really nice and clean. I am going to be using it every weekend. Like you said, it looks like it functions much nicer than the previous tracking site.

You can expand it easy enough to cover almost any Yank playing any where. I have it too expanded at this point so I am going to try and cut it back a bit.

There does seem to be some sort of bug for the Japan game. For some reason it is not listing any of the subs as having played.
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he was saying it was still a bit buggy as they roll it out.

he was going through things pretty quickly on my phone.. .but IIRC, you can look at previous permformances for each player as well. all kinds of stats and data. it almost looked TOO robust for my brain/needs.
 
iirc, almost everything on that site is clickable to open more info.

tbh, I haven't even explored it for a second since that train ride. still auto-pilot checking the USMNT-Tracker site.
 
ChiefD said:
encaitar said:
SpurrierisisGod said:
Not to derail the discussion but did anyone try getting WC tickets?
Wife an i were discussing it would be cool to try and make one or 2 in Atlanta but we would have to hope for someone dumping them last minute for a decent price.
Click to expand...
You can still sign up for the Visa card lottery if you have a Visa card. You will then be entered into a lottery that will be drawn on Sept. 29th and if you win a spot you will have a chance to purchase tickets at face value.

Here's the process and it has a link to the FIFA website.
Click to expand...
This is how I’m gonna try.
Click to expand...

I went for it, all venues and rounds. I’m sure I can make it happen whichever I get, if any. #DINKS
 
El Floppo said:
at this point, I don't know what roles Tessman and Morris are playing, but afaik Johnny is a guy currently playing in a double pivot (and he definitely was last year). I think Roldan is as well, although I think he's playing more of an 8. I don't know what Bournemouth roll out with Adams.

@The Z Machine ... what formation does AM use?

eta... Espn shows a 4-4-2 from the last game, but those formation graphics are often wrong.
Click to expand...
Atleti have used 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2 this season with Johnny. As far as I know, he's always been playing as a deep #6, while his central midfield partner is allowed to play higher and take more risks.

it makes me wonder if Adams and Johnny are too similar to play next to each other. Adams is by far the better defender IMO, but Johnny seems to make some good, smart passes for Atleti thus far, but nothing much longer than 15 yards really. Also, Atleti is 0W, 2D, 1L thus far against mediocre at best competition, so they aren't lighting the world on fire.
 
Interesting comment from Ream

When asked why the 3-4-2-1 worked so much better he said everyone had a clear and well defined role they fully understood

-=============

While the comment makes sense, it is the reverse side I don't get. Its not like they were playing some exotic formation before the switch. Every player on the team had to be well familiar with the 4-2-3-1 as it may be the most used formation in the world the last few years.

Seems strange they looked so confused in such a basic formation.

Ream also went on to say that while most people think 3 central defenders is more defensive, it can lead to better offense (which is what we witnessed over the two games).

=========

as a related aside, every one rightly so was questioning the roster, but aside from those obvious issues, Poch does appear to at least put the players in positions and roles they play at club level. This is something GGG used to tinker with time from time (Adams at an inverted RB for one example) which was always strange.



 
BL draw a 2nd yellow/red and Tillman is sacrificed and subbed out 60 mins in.

I've been listening, not watching... barely heard his name during play by play. Announcers said something along the lines of a quiet game for him.
 
El Floppo said:
BL draw a 2nd yellow/red and Tillman is sacrificed and subbed out 60 mins in.

I've been listening, not watching... barely heard his name during play by play. Announcers said something along the lines of a quiet game for him.
Click to expand...
I tuned in 2 minutes before the red.

BL won 3-1 and even went down to 9 men on a late second red.

Hopefully that gets them going after a slow start to the season
 
USMNT 2026 World Cup roster projection: Mauricio Pochettino's vision starts taking form after friendlies

This just popped up on my CBS feed.

USMNT roster locks​

A section that has been dwindling as regression has hit the USMNT pool, this is a group of players who, if healthy, are still expected to be in the squad and likely start matches.
  • Sergino Dest (Defender)
  • Weston McKennie (Midfielder)
  • Christian Pulisic (Forward)
  • Tyler Adams (Midfielder)
  • Antonee Robinson (Defender)
  • Folarin Balogun (Forward)
  • Chris Richards (Defender)
  • Tim Ream (Defender)
  • Matt Freese (Goalkeeper)

Players on the bubble​

  • Luca De La Torre (Midfielder): Shining in midfield for San Diego FC as they compete at the top of MLS in their first season of existence, De La Torre is firmly in the middle of everything, and it's also seeing him rise up the ranks with the USMNT. De La Torre may not end up as a starter, considering that there is depth between the defensive midfielders, but he will be a solid squad member.
  • Matt Turner (Goalkeeper): Back in New England, Matt Turner has secured regular playing time, but with it coming at the MLS level, it may not be enough for him to surpass Freese to gain his starting role back. Goalkeeper will be a battle to watch for the USMNT.
  • Miles Robinson (Defender): Missing out on the 2022 World Cup to Walker Zimmerman, Robinson has been getting back into the fold under Pochettino. This is a spot where he may not play much during a World Cup, but experienced defenders will be needed to close out matches.
  • Malik Tillman (Midfielder): There's already turmoil at Bayer Leverkusen with the club moving on from Erik ten Hag after only two league matches. Tillman has already scored a goal, which is a positive, but anything could happen with his club situation, which keeps him from moving directly into the locks territory.
  • Patrick Agyemang (Forward): Breaking out under Pochettino, Agyemang wasn't anywhere near the World Cup squad before getting called into the January camp, and while he'll get a chance to make the World Cup squad, injuries have stopped Agyemang from being able to show what he can do since moving to Derby County this summer.
  • Gio Reyna (Forward): Yet to debut for his new squad, Borussia Monchengladbach, Reyna is in a situation that feels like it could turn around sooner rather than later. The USMNT still need a creative midfielder, and when it comes to ability on the ball, there isn't a player who can match Reyna in the pool. If he's playing well, Reyna will be in the squad.
  • Ricardo Pepi (Forward): It has been a bit of a slow start to the season for Pepi, with him failing to find the net for PSV so far, but these adjustments are expected as he gets used to starting more matches instead of coming off the bench. Pepi should be in the World Cup squad even if he struggles with that adjustment, but if he scores goals in Champions League play, it will make sure he's at minimum the number two striker in the squad.
  • Alex Freeman (Defender): Growing by the match under Pochettino, Freeman came from out of the blue, but he's knocking on the door of the World Cup. Showing his two-way skill as a wing back, Freeman is helping push Pochettino to take four fullbacks to the World Cup.
  • Haji Wright (Forward): Wright has taken a step back under Pochettino, but being able to feature on the wing or as a nine, he'll have a shot at the World Cup squad as this is where things begin to get thin going around the squad.
  • Max Arfsten (Defender): Able to play as a defender or essentially push up the pitch as a wide midfielder, Arfsten is another player who brings important versatility to the squad. Robinson may be the starter at left back, but it doesn't get much better as far as a change of pace option go.
  • Johnny Cardoso (Midfielder): With another move under his belt, this time to Atletico Madrid, Cardoso is in a great spot to grow as a player. That still needs to translate to the USMNT, but in a thin midfield, you can't leave Cardoso home.
  • Patrick Schulte (Goalkeeper): Probably the best current keeper in the pool with the ball at his feet. If Schulte doesn't get injured ahead of the Gold Cup, Freese may never get his shot to start for the USMNT. With a strong season, Schulte could be the starter in net but he's falling behind in the rankings.
  • Tristan Blackmon (Defender): A surprise inclusion in the squad, it's hard to know where Pochettino is with center backs, but if he's using a back three, then it makes sense for an extra addition in the middle. It's anyone's guess on who he would pick, however.
  • Diego Luna (Midfielder): Becoming Pochettino's right-hand man, Luna now has to prove that he can perform against top opposition. Luna struggled in the Gold Cup final and also struggled against South Korea; these adjustments are expected, but if he wants to stick in the World Cup squad, it's important to make his way through them.
  • Tim Weah (Forward): Back in France with Marseille, Weah can also go back to playing as an actual winger, which is a boon for the USMNT. Pochettino seems to prefer Weah on the left instead of the right, and while it has worked at times, there have been situations where the balance of the side has been thrown off.
  • Sebastian Berhalter (Midfielder): The Vancouver Whitecaps man has quickly become one of the best players in the squad at delivering set plays. His play on the pitch needs improvement to truly be at a USMNT level at the World Cup, but if someone needs to deliver a free kick or a corner to change the outcome of a game, there are worse options.

On the outside looking in​

Here's a look at those who have missed the cut in this projection:
  • Jack McGlynn (Midfielder): In direct competition with Berhalter for a spot, it may come down to preference for Pochettino. Berhalter is better in defense, while McGlynn brings more going forward.
  • Yunus Musah (Midfielder): Now at Atalanta, the race is on for Musah to get into the starting XI and show why he should be in the World Cup squad.
  • Josh Sargent (Forward): Failing to do much with his chances, time is running out for Sargent to make a second consecutive World Cup.
  • Zack Steffen (Goalkeeper): Another player where if he wasn't injured ahead of the Gold Cup, things may be different, but Steffen finds himself in a situation where it may be tough to get back in the top three keepers.

2026 roster projection​

Goalkeepers (3): Matt Freese (New York City FC), Matt Turner (New England Revolution, Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew).

Defenders (8): Sergino Dest (PSV), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Tim Ream (Fulham), Alex Freeman (Orlando City SC), Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Tristan Blackmon (Vancouver Whitecaps).

Midfielders (7): Weston McKennie (Juventus), Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Luca De La Torre (San Diego FC), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen), Johnny Cardoso (Atletico Madrid).

Forwards (6): Christian Pulisic (Milan), Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV), Tim Weah (Marseille), Patrick Agyemang (Derby County), Haji Wright (Coventry City), Gio Reyna (Borussia Monchengladbach).
 
For the above:
Interesting to see them have Gio on the roster.
Odd that Zendejas is not listed.
Would think Tillman would be a lock. Luna probably too.

Not excited about LDLT, Berhalter, Blackmon, or Freeman but not sure who would take their place. With 26 noted, some of these may not make it?
 
B Maverick said:
For the above:
Interesting to see them have Gio on the roster.
Odd that Zendejas is not listed.
Would think Tillman would be a lock. Luna probably too.

Not excited about LDLT, Berhalter, Blackmon, or Freeman but not sure who would take their place. With 26 noted, some of these may not make it?
Click to expand...

*IMO, Musah is simply a better version of LDLT.

*If we are going to bring one ball striker specialist, I would prefer McGlynn. We are never going to be in a spot where we are protecting a lead and think "oh Sebb can see this game out". But McGlynn could hit one magical ball when we are down and desperate.

*Zendejas not on the list any where is really odd. It is almost like the author forgot him. He may not make the final roster but he should be in the conversation I think

*How much money would we in this thread have combined to lose if some one bet us a month ago that Triston Blackmon would make the final roster............
 
NewlyRetired said:
B Maverick said:
For the above:
Interesting to see them have Gio on the roster.
Odd that Zendejas is not listed.
Would think Tillman would be a lock. Luna probably too.

Not excited about LDLT, Berhalter, Blackmon, or Freeman but not sure who would take their place. With 26 noted, some of these may not make it?
Click to expand...

*IMO, Musah is simply a better version of LDLT.

*If we are going to bring one ball striker specialist, I would prefer McGlynn. We are never going to be in a spot where we are protecting a lead and think "oh Sebb can see this game out". But McGlynn could hit one magical ball when we are down and desperate.

*Zendejas not on the list any where is really odd. It is almost like the author forgot him. He may not make the final roster but he should be in the conversation I think

*How much money would we in this thread have combined to lose if some one bet us a month ago that Triston Blackmon would make the final roster............
Click to expand...
From what I saw, Musah, in a pivot with Adams was good at carrying the ball forward and had the makings of a nice 8 and competition for McKinnie. If he improved defensively he was cover for Adams as a 6. To me, his main struggles were precision and creativity in the attacking third. That final ball just wasn't there. Then he kind of disappeared and I have no idea if he's improved either side.

Since I didn't even know who Blackmon was until the SK match..... haha

I am not yet a fan of Luna, I know most of you are. He has potential. But I would much rather see Luna and Zendejas come off the bench then any aaronson, LDLT, Sebb, Roldan, and maybe even Agyemang.
 
NewlyRetired said:
B Maverick said:
For the above:
Interesting to see them have Gio on the roster.
Odd that Zendejas is not listed.
Would think Tillman would be a lock. Luna probably too.

Not excited about LDLT, Berhalter, Blackmon, or Freeman but not sure who would take their place. With 26 noted, some of these may not make it?
Click to expand...

*IMO, Musah is simply a better version of LDLT.

*If we are going to bring one ball striker specialist, I would prefer McGlynn. We are never going to be in a spot where we are protecting a lead and think "oh Sebb can see this game out". But McGlynn could hit one magical ball when we are down and desperate.

*Zendejas not on the list any where is really odd. It is almost like the author forgot him. He may not make the final roster but he should be in the conversation I think

*How much money would we in this thread have combined to lose if some one bet us a month ago that Triston Blackmon would make the final roster............
Click to expand...
Musah MUST play and produce this season in Atalanta, or he's out. We just can't depend on how good he WAS after a really tumultuous run in Milan. and I'm a big Musah fan.

LDLT... meh. he's a quality player, but just not enough upside for the WC for me. I genuinely want to see more Tessman and Morris as possible upside guys with decent floors, and never see Sebbb again. I'm on the fence about Roldan. quality player who's been fantastic for his club... but damn he looked off the pace vs Japan (despite putting in a really nice shift). it worries me.

I hear ya on Jack and his magic left foot. he's the guy who keeps subbing in and the opposing team clearly has no idea what his one major strength is... allowing him to hammer those left foot shots. that would look really nice in the WC.

Zen played himself into another camp for sure.... and IMO, leapfrogged Luna.

Blackmon? man... no idea. played much better the 2nd match, but not exactly giving me the jumpy and quo either. CCV, Makenzie, Trusty, Banks... none of them, but trotting out a capable Miles again?
 
B Maverick said:
NewlyRetired said:
B Maverick said:
For the above:
Interesting to see them have Gio on the roster.
Odd that Zendejas is not listed.
Would think Tillman would be a lock. Luna probably too.

Not excited about LDLT, Berhalter, Blackmon, or Freeman but not sure who would take their place. With 26 noted, some of these may not make it?
Click to expand...

*IMO, Musah is simply a better version of LDLT.

*If we are going to bring one ball striker specialist, I would prefer McGlynn. We are never going to be in a spot where we are protecting a lead and think "oh Sebb can see this game out". But McGlynn could hit one magical ball when we are down and desperate.

*Zendejas not on the list any where is really odd. It is almost like the author forgot him. He may not make the final roster but he should be in the conversation I think

*How much money would we in this thread have combined to lose if some one bet us a month ago that Triston Blackmon would make the final roster............
Click to expand...
From what I saw, Musah, in a pivot with Adams was good at carrying the ball forward and had the makings of a nice 8 and competition for McKinnie. If he improved defensively he was cover for Adams as a 6. To me, his main struggles were precision and creativity in the attacking third. That final ball just wasn't there. Then he kind of disappeared and I have no idea if he's improved either side.

Since I didn't even know who Blackmon was until the SK match..... haha

I am not yet a fan of Luna, I know most of you are. He has potential. But I would much rather see Luna and Zendejas come off the bench then any aaronson, LDLT, Sebb, Roldan, and maybe even Agyemang.
Click to expand...
Musah's been rocky at best the least season for Milan. some decent moments as a RWB or even RMF. but also some shaky ones. had one standout Musah of old game in the middle... and then a bunch where he was pretty poor.

his versatility is important though- and again, if he can play regularly this season, it will help his chances. I'm hoping he plays up to the level we know he can play- which would make him undeniable and borderline starter.
 
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