US Men's National Team (8 Viewers)

[McBokonon]

They sleepwalked until Nips got sent off and then immediately looked more engaged and up for it. The field was atrocious but we try and give people frostbite so all’s fair in CONCACAF - let’s not act like we’re totally above it.

Hate-watched most of that game but post-Nips it was clear where the talent was and was glad to see them get the point, I guess. That was the most unforgettable forgettable game in recent memory.

 

[El Floppo]

This. 

That was the difference in the teams IMO. US has better players technically, fitness, speed, etc.  But ELS knew how to get to those sloppy loose balls better. 

I just hope Betty White went out before this game started so she didn't have to watch that filth.

oursliquor:

It's my litmus test of which team has better shape...2nd ball winning is part desire but mostly having guys in the right places.

 

[AAABatteries]

suck what?  my reverse jinx got us a point. 

Yet guys in this forum will rail against a non continuous clock in other threads

My objection is to playing 60 minutes.  And honestly, other regions and several leagues get the added time mostly right.  This is a CONCACAF issue - just like the field and lack of concussion protocol.

 

[BassNBrew]

It's my litmus test of which team has better shape...2nd ball winning is part desire but mostly having guys in the right places.

I’m going to disagree and put work rate over shape. 

 

[BassNBrew]

My objection is to playing 60 minutes.  And honestly, other regions and several leagues get the added time mostly right.  This is a CONCACAF issue - just like the field and lack of concussion protocol.

They can play 40, 45, or 60. Just run the clock when play is happening 

 

[AAABatteries]

They can play 40, 45, or 60. Just run the clock when play is happening 

I’m just saying play 90. Don’t shorten it.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I’m just saying play 90. Don’t shorten it.

You can't play 90 with a clock that stops with out making all games significantly longer.  The sports best feature is the 2 hour window.

 The reason 60 is chosen is that is the average time soccer is actually played in a 90 minute game.  So the amount of soccer being played at 60 with clock stoppages will be roughly the same as what we have now with no clock stoppages.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I had to watch on tape and then it took me a while to get the mud out of my pajamas.

What a tribute to all things Concacaf in that game

Really happy to see Weston play so well.  That is what we all hoped we would see this summer and if he takes that into preseason, he should be good to go.

Does any one know if Nips would actually be suspended for the first WC game since that is the next real game the US would play?  And if so, does that lesson his chances of making the roster since he would be lost for one game automatically.

 

[NewlyRetired]

OptaJack

@OptaJack

90'+ - Jordan Morris' 91st minute equalizer is the first stoppage-time result-changing goal for the @USMNT since Graham Zusi and Aron Johansson both scored in stoppage time against Panama in October 2013

 

[NewlyRetired]

Does any one know if Nips would actually be suspended for the first WC game since that is the next real game the US would play?  And if so, does that lesson his chances of making the roster since he would be lost for one game automatically.

USMNT

@USMNT

Paul Arriola will serve a suspension in our next Concacaf Nations League match. The red card does NOT carry over to #Qatar2022.

 

[NewlyRetired]

ESPN is reporting that Pogba to Juventus is done.  That will obviously have some impact on Weston.

 

[Poke_4_Life]

I went to bed at halftime and aware of the game result.  

Should I watch the second half?  Does watching it have any redeeming qualities? 

 

[AAABatteries]

I went to bed at halftime and aware of the game result.  

Should I watch the second half?  Does watching it have any redeeming qualities? 

Definitely better performance and the intensity really ratcheted up the final 20-30 minutes.  If you endured the first half, you ought to reward yourself with the second half.

Weston and Musah both had really good halves and there's lots of pushing and shoving and guys getting after it.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I went to bed at halftime and aware of the game result.  

Should I watch the second half?  Does watching it have any redeeming qualities? 

From a soccer stand point it was pure garbage.

From a Concacaf entertainment standpoint, it may have been one of the more enjoyable friendlies you will see.

Maybe just find some extended highlights.  Weston played great, and Musah was fabulous.  That is the main take away for the players imo.

 

[NewlyRetired]

[Matteo Moretto] Slonina to Chelsea. It’s probable he will have his medicals and sign his contract after the game against DC United. He will stay on loan until the end of the season. The transfer to Madrid feel through due to the economic offer

 

[El Floppo]

Agree to disagree then. You see a great shot. I see a bender chip towards net. We agree whorebath not the answer?

Re.. shot vs bender chip towards net- he looked up, teammates were at top of the box, not near post. He either completely shanked getting the ball to them by striking the ball with slight outside of the boot and driven to near post instead of bending it with inside of boot to PK spot curling away from GK (who was cheating there)...or he saw the whore cheating and went for it. Everything about how he struck the ball after looking up first tells me the latter.

Horvath not the answer? Guh. I think his and Steffens refusal to take charge with dominant performances has pushed Turner into a solid starting spot. I've seen a lot from whore that I really like, like Steffen, and some that's troubling. 2nd & possible 3rd GK will be a tough call, especially with how well and consistently (and actually playing) Johnson has been playing.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Re.. shot vs bender chip towards net- he looked up, teammates were at top of the box, not near post. He either completely shanked getting the ball to them by striking the ball with slight outside of the boot and driven to near post instead of bending it with inside of boot to PK spot curling away from GK (who was cheating there)...or he saw the whore cheating and went for it. Everything about how he struck the ball after looking up first tells me the latter.

I agree that was 100% a shot.  His eyes before he struck it were directly on goal, not across the mouth of the goal.  He caught it perfectly and Horvath had to be leaning (mentally if nothing else) because he was glued.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Dang.

Kyle Bonn@the_bonnfire
Wow, harsh words from Berhalter on #USMNT forward Haji Wright. "It's always difficult when players get a chance and they don't capitalize on it. It's difficult for the coaches and it's difficult for teammates. We thought he could be a force, but it just wasn't his night tonight."

 

[El Floppo]

I agree that was 100% a shot.  His eyes before hi struck it were directly on goal, not across the mouth of the goal.  He caught it perfectly and Horvath had to be leaning (mentally if nothing else) because he was glued.

it's a dead horse... but I can't resist dead horses. it was the way he struck the ball- if he was trying to get the ball across to his teammates, hed put his foot around it and shape both his foot and body differently. it was foot, head and body down and stuck only to be driven at goal, with the slight bend to go inswing to near post. nothing about any of that tells me he was trying to put the ball back towards teammates in front of goal. of course... unless- despite getting that look first- he completely shanked every part of that. 

I wonder- and to opposing point- if Horvath wasn't cheating, would he still have had a go near post? 

 

[AAABatteries]

You can't play 90 with a clock that stops with out making all games significantly longer.  The sports best feature is the 2 hour window.

 The reason 60 is chosen is that is the average time soccer is actually played in a 90 minute game.  So the amount of soccer being played at 60 with clock stoppages will be roughly the same as what we have now with no clock stoppages.

Ok, that makes sense and I was just not understanding.  Although - if 30 minutes is the average currently for time of ball out of play then theoretically we could have some matches that will play "more" and some that will play "less" than 90 minutes.  Those seem like outliers to me but it would be workable. 

I'm still of the opinion that nothing needs to be done other than having the refs get better at added time.  As mentioned before, I think most of the top European leagues and refs get it right enough to where I don't see it as an issue.  I'm not exactly sure how the 4th official is used in determining that time but I would be fine if the average added time went up a minutes or two.  I'd rather play 90' and get that cleanup up than have a clock that stops. 

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

it's a dead horse... but I can't resist dead horses. it was the way he struck the ball- if he was trying to get the ball across to his teammates, hed put his foot around it and shape both his foot and body differently. it was foot, head and body down and stuck only to be driven at goal, with the slight bend to go inswing to near post. nothing about any of that tells me he was trying to put the ball back towards teammates in front of goal. of course... unless- despite getting that look first- he completely shanked every part of that. 

I wonder- and to opposing point- if Horvath wasn't cheating, would he still have had a go near post? 

I went back and watched it several times.  I'm on team shot, like 99%.  He sees Horvath way out of position and lasered it near post.

 

[AAABatteries]

it's a dead horse... but I can't resist dead horses. it was the way he struck the ball- if he was trying to get the ball across to his teammates, hed put his foot around it and shape both his foot and body differently. it was foot, head and body down and stuck only to be driven at goal, with the slight bend to go inswing to near post. nothing about any of that tells me he was trying to put the ball back towards teammates in front of goal. of course... unless- despite getting that look first- he completely shanked every part of that. 

I wonder- and to opposing point- if Horvath wasn't cheating, would he still have had a go near post? 

I've never played keeper so I may definitely don't know what I'm talking about.  For me, it wasn't so much that Horvath was cheating - if he was it didn't seem too egregious.  It's just he was so utterly flatfooted and then seem to be paralyzed.

As for the shot - I'm in the 100% it was a shot but I'm 99% certain the guy didn't really think he'd score from it.  Nobody did.  I can only hope that maybe the conditions somehow impacted Horvath because otherwise it just seems like he froze and then froze again. 

 

[El Floppo]

Dang.

rest of the quote says something like- does this mean he's done? of course not- we'll keep looking at him and hope he keeps scoring goals for his club.

I felt like Haji suffered a bit from them playing a 4-4-2 instead of 4-3-3 (which they switched to at the half with Jesus). player comments have said they intentionally were trying to go longer due to the field conditions and with a player like Haji up top (better suited as a target)- but so many of those longer balls were just dumped to ELS players or played to a very busy and useful CP running short/showing. I don't know if those longer balls were off because he wasn't making the right runs (and he's shown himself to be good at making the right runs) or because the back line were just mis-hitting them... which is what it seemed like at the time. Either way- we all definitely wanted more from him. and I think it was telling that he had the cleanest kit coming off at half time- just not involved enough... even if it meant throwing himself in there the way the ELS players were.

 

[AAABatteries]

rest of the quote says something like- does this mean he's done? of course not- we'll keep looking at him and hope he keeps scoring goals for his club.

I felt like Haji suffered a bit from them playing a 4-4-2 instead of 4-3-3 (which they switched to at the half with Jesus). player comments have said they intentionally were trying to go longer due to the field conditions and with a player like Haji up top (better suited as a target)- but so many of those longer balls were just dumped to ELS players or played to a very busy and useful CP running short/showing. I don't know if those longer balls were off because he wasn't making the right runs (and he's shown himself to be good at making the right runs) or because the back line were just mis-hitting them... which is what it seemed like at the time. Either way- we all definitely wanted more from him. and I think it was telling that he had the cleanest kit coming off at half time- just not involved enough... even if it meant throwing himself in there the way the ELS players were.

It also didn't help that almost immediately Jesus came in and had some nice link up play with Weston.  Granted after that he didn't do much but yeah, Haji had another Dike/Pepi performance last night.  I don't trust any of those 3 - I'm almost ready to agree with Bass that if we must take a 2nd pure striker that maybe it should be Zardes.

 

[El Floppo]

As for the shot - I'm in the 100% it was a shot but I'm 99% certain the guy didn't really think he'd score from it.  Nobody did.  I can only hope that maybe the conditions somehow impacted Horvath because otherwise it just seems like he froze and then froze again. 

Id have to see it again, but IIRC an angle behind the goal had Cannon screening Horvath a bit when the shot was taken. and yeah- everybody, including the cameraman, assumed that ball was going back to the PK spot for his teammates- so it seemed like maybe Horbath started leaning that way, realized too late it was going near post, and then started leaning back to move but maybe also realized he was too late to do anything and didn't want to get himself dirty uselessly diving and have to take yet another whore bath later. that might explain your double freezing.

others are also saying he didn't think he'd score with that shot. I don't know what you guys were thinking when you played, but I thought I was scoring every single time I took a shot... otherwise, I wouldn't take the shot. sometimes I'd score off of crosses or passes meant for teammates- those were lucky, and unplanned for. but shooting? of course I thought I was going to score. and I have no doubt that dude did too.

 

[El Floppo]

It also didn't help that almost immediately Jesus came in and had some nice link up play with Weston.  Granted after that he didn't do much but yeah, Haji had another Dike/Pepi performance last night.  I don't trust any of those 3 - I'm almost ready to agree with Bass that if we must take a 2nd pure striker that maybe it should be Zardes.

I still saw some movement from him- especially on that pass from CP he took well but should've hit on frame- that makes me feel ok about him. but I agree, he didn't do enough to sell himself to the team. and again- I honestly don't know how much of that was formational, guys mis-hitting their long balls to him, or him not making the right runs and/or getting to those balls. I have seen him be more of a 9 in terms of winning balls showing with his feet or in the air with his head than Pepi... so for me, he's still ahead of him. Dike at this point is a complete unknown- we'll see how his rehab went and if he' can hit the ground running in the fall. I hope he can. I'm not against Zardoz- but had heard his game has taken a little downward dog since shifting teams... which of course, could be an acclimation period. hopefully he picks it up too. 

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

sometimes I'd score off of crosses or passes meant for teammates

I played soccer maybe 10 times in my life.  I wasn't going to dribble anyone, but had played so many ball sports and watched enough soccer that I had a good idea what I was supposed to be doing.  Talking low level rec stuff here where you could be OK with just athleticism and knowing how to find space.

In my 10 games I scored 5 goals, all with my first touch (two of them headed corners -- of which I remain proud), including one that was a ridiculous right-footed laser top corner across the keeper.  My team went crazy and, until this minute, I never admitted to anyone that it was supposed to be a cross.

Thanks for listening.  Confession really is good for the soul, and I feel better.

 

[AAABatteries]

I still saw some movement from him- especially on that pass from CP he took well but should've hit on frame- that makes me feel ok about him. but I agree, he didn't do enough to sell himself to the team. and again- I honestly don't know how much of that was formational, guys mis-hitting their long balls to him, or him not making the right runs and/or getting to those balls. I have seen him be more of a 9 in terms of winning balls showing with his feet or in the air with his head than Pepi... so for me, he's still ahead of him. Dike at this point is a complete unknown- we'll see how his rehab went and if he' can hit the ground running in the fall. I hope he can. I'm not against Zardoz- but had heard his game has taken a little downward dog since shifting teams... which of course, could be an acclimation period. hopefully he picks it up too. 

I thought Pepi has some decent games and then fell off.  Haji is already 24, although that’s still young, he should be more established by now.  Dike (22), Jesus (21), and Pepi (19).  I think I like the two youngest from that group so far.  

 

[El Floppo]

I thought Pepi has some decent games and then fell off.  Haji is already 24, although that’s still young, he should be more established by now.  Dike (22), Jesus (21), and Pepi (19).  I think I like the two youngest from that group so far.  

While bringing Pepsi to Qatar might be good for 2026...I just want the most in form guy period. None of them have staked that claim- although Jesus has the upper ground for sure.

One thing about Haji, and I'm not sure how relevant it might be this many years later...but he was a key part of those youth teams with CP and Swag...so the familiarity mighty be worth something. 

 

[NewlyRetired]

Dang.

 oof.  GGG is not typically free with public criticism.  I guess the 9 remains wide open going into the fall.  Jesus seems pretty close to being a sure thing to be rostered but all others are a ? right now.

 

[BassNBrew]

It also didn't help that almost immediately Jesus came in and had some nice link up play with Weston.  Granted after that he didn't do much but yeah, Haji had another Dike/Pepi performance last night.  I don't trust any of those 3 - I'm almost ready to agree with Bass that if we must take a 2nd pure striker that maybe it should be Zardes.

As Floppo mentioned, I think Zardes has backslid to the point he's not an option.  That said, I wouldn't mind seeing Jesus start and Zardes come in to press and chase to preserve our two goal lead over England and save Jesus legs for the knockout rounds.

 

[NewlyRetired]

USMNT Only

@usmntonly

Valencia are reportedly looking to sign 22 year old Timothy Weah from Lille -- they're looking to bring him on loan with an obligation to buy, per L’Équipe. He could unite with fellow USMNT teammate Yunus Musah in La Liga

 

[Dr_Zaius]

The Adams wtf bodyslam has made me rethink the yellow he took during qualifying that cost the US a good counter chance.  During the qualifying game, I was chalking it up to him being a good teammate and trying to protect his guys, but maybe picking a bad/unfortunate time.  In light of last night it has me wondering if he doesn't have at least some issue with impulse control when he gets wound up by the other team.  It's an interesting contrast to McKennie, who mixes it up a lot more, but seems to have some innate ability to always stay on the side of the line where he doesn't get carded.  

 

[CletiusMaximus]

The Adams wtf bodyslam has made me rethink the yellow he took during qualifying that cost the US a good counter chance.  During the qualifying game, I was chalking it up to him being a good teammate and trying to protect his guys, but maybe picking a bad/unfortunate time.  In light of last night it has me wondering if he doesn't have at least some issue with impulse control when he gets wound up by the other team.  It's an interesting contrast to McKennie, who mixes it up a lot more, but seems to have some innate ability to always stay on the side of the line where he doesn't get carded.  

My thought last night was that he's one of many of our younger players who are not (yet) smart or mature enough for CONCACAF. The crowds love it when our guys give it back, but the player has to realize this is exactly the reaction the opposition players from minnow countries are trying to provoke.

 

[Poke_4_Life]

Definitely better performance and the intensity really ratcheted up the final 20-30 minutes.  If you endured the first half, you ought to reward yourself with the second half.

Weston and Musah both had really good halves and there's lots of pushing and shoving and guys getting after it.

From a soccer stand point it was pure garbage.

From a Concacaf entertainment standpoint, it may have been one of the more enjoyable friendlies you will see.

Maybe just find some extended highlights.  Weston played great, and Musah was fabulous.  That is the main take away for the players imo.

Just finished the second half.  Glad I watched.  Was good to see the subs make a positive impact and the team gut out a draw.  I think all my observations have been said already, so I won't rehash them.  

However, I've always been a JMo fan and I'm perfectly fine with him going to Qatar.  He's nowhere near a lock, but he has a knack for being in the right place and trying hard.  Also, as one of the last on the roster he probably won't play a minute.  

Oh, and Cannon looked bad as a RB but serviceable as a RCB (or whatever position it is when he's in a back 3 w/ Jedi pushed way forward).  Not sure what that means for him on the WC roster, but he should not play a minute at RB at the WC (assuming Dest/Yedlin/Bello/Scally are all healthy).

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

 oof.  GGG is not typically free with public criticism.  I guess the 9 remains wide open going into the fall.  Jesus seems pretty close to being a sure thing to be rostered but all others are a ? right now.

Would love to see a front line with CP or Weah in the middle in one of these last two friendlies.

Then between Aaronson, Weah, Reyna, CP and Ferreira you'd have five guys for three spots, with Arriola as wing depth.  I like that 10x better than bringing any of the target 9s we've auditioned just to have one.

Greg has been slow to come around to our ideas in the past (Lletget, LDLT, Ferreira) but he does seem to get there when it counts.  Still hoping on this one.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Oh, and Cannon looked bad as a RB but serviceable as a RCB (or whatever position it is when he's in a back 3 w/ Jedi pushed way forward).  Not sure what that means for him on the WC roster, but he should not play a minute at RB at the WC (assuming Dest/Yedlin/Bello/Scally are all healthy).

I would not count out Shaq Moore either.  The guy has performed every time GGG has asked him.   And if he gets his club situation improved (he has a chance to be in La Liga next year), he could hop ahead of Cannon who did himself no favors this summer to secure a spot on the 26 man roster.

 

[stlrams]

I've never played keeper so I may definitely don't know what I'm talking about.  For me, it wasn't so much that Horvath was cheating - if he was it didn't seem too egregious.  It's just he was so utterly flatfooted and then seem to be paralyzed.

As for the shot - I'm in the 100% it was a shot but I'm 99% certain the guy didn't really think he'd score from it.  Nobody did.  I can only hope that maybe the conditions somehow impacted Horvath because otherwise it just seems like he froze and then froze again. 

Not an expert but near post is your number 1 priority as goalie.  It’s obviously the shortest distance thus least reaction time.  In addition, Horvath was in no mans land standing flat foot in the mud.  Can’t defend near post and slow reaction time for cross with mud.  

 

[NewlyRetired]

*With his 4 goal out burst, Jesus jumped from 78th to 38th in the all time scoring list.  He is tied with Roy Wegerle, Frankie Hejduk, Tom Dooley, and Ricky Davis

*Morris knocked in his 11th last night which moves him into a tie for 21st all time with Vermes, Ching and Wondo

* Turner had 2 more shut outs which continues to see him lead all keepers in US history with at least 10 starts in goals against average.  He has a .33 goals against average. The player in second place has more than double this average.   Turner's sample size at 14 games is still very small though so it is not really fair to compare him to the big 4 of Meola, Friedel, Keller and Howard.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I don't think GGG is sold on any keeper yet but Turner continues to "suck less" 

That is a terrible way to put it but he does seem to make less mistakes than the rest.  Steffen is probably the most talented keeper but he simply makes too many mistakes for my comfort level. 

Having none of our keepers as regular players seem a perfect recipe for a howler come Qatar.

 

[NewlyRetired]

The US starts the dual U20/U23 qualifying this Saturday.  Does any one know if any channel is covering this tournament?

 

[SpurrierisisGod]

Not an expert but near post is your number 1 priority as goalie.  It’s obviously the shortest distance thus least reaction time.  In addition, Horvath was in no mans land standing flat foot in the mud.  Can’t defend near post and slow reaction time for cross with mud.  

Ok ok.  You guys have convinced me to go back and watch the shot.  I'll admit I could be wrong.  I was on my 4th glass of wine... 

Yes, near post is #1 priority and he wasn't close.  To another point, yes, everybody that's played is thinking goal as an attacker. But it was from an angle that has such a ridiculously low scoring percentage that I warn my kids to cross that not shoot. Maybe that was going through whorebath's mind - no immediate threat to near post so I'll just chill.  But the way he played it gets my keeper benched the next game if not at half (granted it's high school so no sub limits).

Mud could've played a factor as movement would be limited. But IF it was a shot: 1. Kudos to the guy for recognizing in a millisecond to shoot and not cross. I mean, they are trained to look for stuff like that. 2. Boo on a national level keeper to not be in proper position.  I played for 30+ years and have coached for 26...99 times out of 100, that would be a cross. Again, I'll go rewatch and post once I figure out I was wrong (which it sounds like I will be).  Still of the belief that either way, subpar keeper moment.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Doug McIntyre

@ByDougMcIntyre

The #USMNT is planning to play Saudi Arabia in September in Spain in its final World Cup tuneup, multiple sources tell @FOXSports.

 

[encaitar]

Behind the 8 ball on this game.  Was travelling, so had to watch a day late already knowing the score.... boo.

Anyway.  Most of me hated seeing the field pregame.  Knew with the rain it was gonna be just disgusting.  However, a part of me loved seeing the field.  Fields like that eliminate much of the technical advantage any one team might have over the other.  This game was all about heart.... and I thought the young US team showed they had a lot of it.

Not a whole lot more to take away from it... other than. Yunus Musah will be starting for the US in November bar any injury.  The heart, ability, and drive he showed in those conditions... amazing.

Also, even as a fatty Swag might still be our best player.  

Only real negative(other than Horvath's positioning on that Larin goal) was Haji Wright.  Didn't do anything for me in that game.  Exited with a mostly clean kit, which should've been embarrassing given what guys like Pulisic and Weah looked like at halftime.

 

[prefontaine]

The US starts the dual U20/U23 qualifying this Saturday.  Does any one know if any channel is covering this tournament?

TUDN

 

[BassNBrew]

Something I've been struggling with that I would like some input on...

Which of the G's in GGG stands for GOAT?

 

[AAABatteries]

While bringing Pepsi to Qatar might be good for 2026...I just want the most in form guy period. None of them have staked that claim- although Jesus has the upper ground for sure.

One thing about Haji, and I'm not sure how relevant it might be this many years later...but he was a key part of those youth teams with CP and Swag...so the familiarity mighty be worth something. 

 

[AAABatteries]

I don't think GGG is sold on any keeper yet but Turner continues to "suck less" 

That is a terrible way to put it but he does seem to make less mistakes than the rest.  Steffen is probably the most talented keeper but he simply makes too many mistakes for my comfort level. 

Having none of our keepers as regular players seem a perfect recipe for a howler come Qatar.

Has Turner really done anything wrong for the USMNT?  I can't remember anything - at this point I'm sold and just hope he's getting minutes somewhere.

 

[AAABatteries]

All this talk and build up and we are still 157 days away from the start of the WC.

 

[El Floppo]

lol... autocorrect- I can't claim direct credit for that one.