US Men's National Team (9 Viewers)

[AAABatteries]

1. Didn't watch the game last night and based on the comments in this thread, I would have been more upset about the bad than happy about the good

When you say the bad do you mean Snacks and Dest getting sent off? If so, then Weston doesn't deserve much ire from the fans but Dest's was really dumb and it was obvious the Mexican player was trying to rile him up. You say missing Snacks is worse than Dest but Dest was possibly the best player on the pitch last night for stretches. He had a great all around game offensively and defensively. I'm not sure which is a bigger step down - Scally or LDLT but need to hope both step up their games.

 

[AAABatteries]

Two thoughts on Balogun:

Felt like he made some nice runs and opened some space and drew defenders away from CP - the good. The not so great is ultimately his influence on the game wasn’t so much different than we’ve gotten from other 9’s at times. He’s a difference maker and easily our best option so I’m not down on him at all - just trying to keep it in perspective. I will say he seemed right at home in the side and I can’t wait to see how we use him.

Considering this was his first game and there was very little apparent chemistry yet with the team... He still showed as much or more than any 9 we've had in the last stretch with his on and off balk work.. even defensively. And he was able to show/ win the ball or fouls as a more target style forward- something we haven't seen for years. And his ability in the ball looked a clear step up from our other guys.

So I'm keeping that in perspective and getting seriously jumpy&quo.

Two thoughts on Balogun:

Felt like he made some nice runs and opened some space and drew defenders away from CP - the good. The not so great is ultimately his influence on the game wasn’t so much different than we’ve gotten from other 9’s at times. He’s a difference maker and easily our best option so I’m not down on him at all - just trying to keep it in perspective. I will say he seemed right at home in the side and I can’t wait to see how we use him.

Considering this was his first game and there was very little apparent chemistry yet with the team... He still showed as much or more than any 9 we've had in the last stretch with his on and off balk work.. even defensively. And he was able to show/ win the ball or fouls as a more target style forward- something we haven't seen for years. And his ability in the ball looked a clear step up from our other guys.

So I'm keeping that in perspective and getting seriously jumpy&quo.

There was a moment in the middle of the first half, IIRC, where he was on the edge of the box and the ball landed at his feet with his back to goal. He immediately turned to take a shot. It was blocked as the defender was all over him, but that quick decision to put on goal is what we've been missing. I LOVED that. And he has the ability to put that in.

Yeah, I'm definitely not down on him - this comment from MLS Soccer ratings sums it up well I think:

"The most-anticipated USMNT debut in recent memory didn’t net Balogun a goal, but it’s probably no coincidence that the three-goal outburst coincided with his arrival to the lineup given the attention he’s bound to draw from opposing defenses."

He can be a game changer for us just by being on the pitch and freeing up CP, Weah and Gio.

I'm still amazed at how easily we beat Mexico - It wouldn't have been totally unfair if the scoreline was 5-0.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

LDLT looked crazy confident on and off the ball last night. His ability to pass and receive in small spaces while also on the move is impressive.

 

[Jaysus]

was the game broadcast in english last night? I have two recordings, but both are spanished.

 

[AAABatteries]

was the game broadcast in english last night? I have two recordings, but both are spanished.

Paramount+ had the match in English. Assume they have or will have the replay up today.

ETA - just checked and they do have the replay in English available.

 

[zoobird]

1. Didn't watch the game last night and based on the comments in this thread, I would have been more upset about the bad than happy about the good

When you say the bad do you mean Snacks and Dest getting sent off? If so, then Weston doesn't deserve much ire from the fans but Dest's was really dumb and it was obvious the Mexican player was trying to rile him up. You say missing Snacks is worse than Dest but Dest was possibly the best player on the pitch last night for stretches. He had a great all around game offensively and defensively. I'm not sure which is a bigger step down - Scally or LDLT but need to hope both step up their games.

Based on club performance over the past year, Dest->Scally could be considered a step up.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

The # of people saying "figures they'd announce Berhalter just as the team was playing its best ball ever" cracks me up.

I mean, Barry Switzer won a Super Bowl.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Someone mentioned above playing Pepi and Flo together. Would love for us to trot out a traditional 4-4-2 just to see what it would look like.

A 3-5-2 might be interesting as well with Ream in the middle of Miles and Richards. The 5 man midfield would have a ton of options of how to populate it.

 

[NewlyRetired]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FyvW4dJXoAArdbs?format=jpg&name=large

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Also, this team is going to be a crazy tough out playing at home in 2026. I'll be disappointed if they don't make the semifinals.

 

[TLEF316]

Re: Balogun.....I'm not gonna pretend that I'm some sort of expert in CF holdup play (which is mostly what he provided last night from a tangible standpoint). But his presence (IMO) will change the entire strategy teams will need to use against the US.

When you have Jesus Fereira or Gyasi Zardes or Haji Wright (who does some good stuff but is not a difference maker at this level) at that spot.....teams are more than happy to load up on CP whenever he gets the ball (or even before) and just live with the results. They know CP feels the pressure to be the guy and get us over the line. So they just double and triple team him (and hack him to the ground) knowing that if he DOES give it up....there's a decent change the garbage we had playing at CF will scuff it.

Can't do that with Balogun (or Pepi if he turns into what I think he'll turn into). You'll be punished for it. He's gonna pull defenses towards him in the middle of the field, which should a create a lot more open space out wide for CP and Weah.

In basketball terms, teams have basically been playing a "box and 1" defense on CP (the kind of thing you do in a rec league when the other team only has 1 player that can hurt you). That stops now. He's gonna have SO much for freedom and it started last night. Just have to hope he stays healthy.

 

[Charlie Steiner]

1. Didn't watch the game last night and based on the comments in this thread, I would have been more upset about the bad than happy about the good

When you say the bad do you mean Snacks and Dest getting sent off? If so, then Weston doesn't deserve much ire from the fans but Dest's was really dumb and it was obvious the Mexican player was trying to rile him up. You say missing Snacks is worse than Dest but Dest was possibly the best player on the pitch last night for stretches. He had a great all around game offensively and defensively. I'm not sure which is a bigger step down - Scally or LDLT but need to hope both step up their games.

I just think that with the attacking players Canada has, we're going to be in our own third more than we expect and will need all hands on deck for defense. I don't think that's a strength for Dest, and without Adams, we are already shorthanded, so losing Swag hurts more than losing a smallish back like Dest.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Also, this team is going to be a crazy tough out playing at home in 2026. I'll be disappointed if they don't make the semifinals.

Imo, that is a big ask of a country that has time and again shown extreme difficulty in winning knockout round games.

In fact we have won only one knock out round game ever, and that was against Mexico.

To reach the semi's in 2026 means the US has to win three straight knock out round games

We should get an excellent indication of the teams true strength next summer in the Super Copa. That will help set and manage expectations for me as that is likely to be a strong field of teams.

 

[NewlyRetired]

1. Didn't watch the game last night and based on the comments in this thread, I would have been more upset about the bad than happy about the good

When you say the bad do you mean Snacks and Dest getting sent off? If so, then Weston doesn't deserve much ire from the fans but Dest's was really dumb and it was obvious the Mexican player was trying to rile him up. You say missing Snacks is worse than Dest but Dest was possibly the best player on the pitch last night for stretches. He had a great all around game offensively and defensively. I'm not sure which is a bigger step down - Scally or LDLT but need to hope both step up their games.

I just think that with the attacking players Canada has, we're going to be in our own third more than we expect and will need all hands on deck for defense. I don't think that's a strength for Dest, and without Adams, we are already shorthanded, so losing Swag hurts more than losing a smallish back like Dest.

That theory assumes Canada will completely change what has worked for them against the US.

Canada does have a strong group of attackers but they have never been on the front foot against the US. Canada plays against the US almost identically to how the US used to play against Mexico, which is cede possession, keep strong lines of tight defense to frustrate the US and then counter when it shows.

 

[NewlyRetired]

since 2000, the US record against Mexico is a really strong and healthy 18-8-9 (W-D-L)

 

[Charlie Steiner]

1. Didn't watch the game last night and based on the comments in this thread, I would have been more upset about the bad than happy about the good

When you say the bad do you mean Snacks and Dest getting sent off? If so, then Weston doesn't deserve much ire from the fans but Dest's was really dumb and it was obvious the Mexican player was trying to rile him up. You say missing Snacks is worse than Dest but Dest was possibly the best player on the pitch last night for stretches. He had a great all around game offensively and defensively. I'm not sure which is a bigger step down - Scally or LDLT but need to hope both step up their games.

I just think that with the attacking players Canada has, we're going to be in our own third more than we expect and will need all hands on deck for defense. I don't think that's a strength for Dest, and without Adams, we are already shorthanded, so losing Swag hurts more than losing a smallish back like Dest.

That theory assumes Canada will completely changed what has worked for them against the US.

Canada does have a strong group of attackers but they have never been on the front foot against the US. Canada plays against the US almost identically to how the US used to play against Mexico, which is cede possession, keep strong lines of tight defense to frustrate the US and then counter when it shows.

This is probably what's going to happen, but I get paid to think outside the box around here, so I also see them changing tactics for a couple of reasons:

-The vaunted MMA midfield is down to one of the M's and he's known more for his offense than defense
-This game sort of means something, so they may change up and go for broke

I did forget, though, that Weah has seen time as a RB(?), so he could slot in for Dest, which may work as a step up for this particular matchup.

Maybe someday my glass will be half full instead of half empty.

 

[AAABatteries]

I can never seem to find the xG Twitter - has anyone seen the xG from last night?

 

[NewlyRetired]

I saw this during the game and I figured it was to troll to crowd but I did not get why it was a troll....some one explain please

https://twitter.com/BarstoolReags/status/1669548463321694208?s=20

 

[NewlyRetired]

1. Didn't watch the game last night and based on the comments in this thread, I would have been more upset about the bad than happy about the good

When you say the bad do you mean Snacks and Dest getting sent off? If so, then Weston doesn't deserve much ire from the fans but Dest's was really dumb and it was obvious the Mexican player was trying to rile him up. You say missing Snacks is worse than Dest but Dest was possibly the best player on the pitch last night for stretches. He had a great all around game offensively and defensively. I'm not sure which is a bigger step down - Scally or LDLT but need to hope both step up their games.

I just think that with the attacking players Canada has, we're going to be in our own third more than we expect and will need all hands on deck for defense. I don't think that's a strength for Dest, and without Adams, we are already shorthanded, so losing Swag hurts more than losing a smallish back like Dest.

That theory assumes Canada will completely changed what has worked for them against the US.

Canada does have a strong group of attackers but they have never been on the front foot against the US. Canada plays against the US almost identically to how the US used to play against Mexico, which is cede possession, keep strong lines of tight defense to frustrate the US and then counter when it shows.

This is probably what's going to happen, but I get paid to think outside the box around here, so I also see them changing tactics for a couple of reasons:

-The vaunted MMA midfield is down to one of the M's and he's known more for his offense than defense
-This game sort of means something, so they may change up and go for broke

I did forget, though, that Weah has seen time as a RB(?), so he could slot in for Dest, which may work as a step up for this particular matchup.

Maybe someday my glass will be half full instead of half empty.

you are correct about Weah. He got a ton of time at full back this season.

The coach has two choices.

Scally for Dest straight up, or move Weah back to RB and start Zendejas at right wing.

 

[Jaysus]

I saw this during the game and I figured it was to troll to crowd but I did not get why it was a troll....some one explain please

https://twitter.com/BarstoolReags/status/1669548463321694208?s=20

Scissors look like a dos and a rock looks like a cero

 

[NewlyRetired]

I can never seem to find the xG Twitter - has anyone seen the xG from last night?

It was closer than I thought

1.26 to .64 according to this site

Mexico vs USMNT Stats, H2H, xG | FootyStats

Head to Head, live stats, live scores, and prediction stats for Mexico vs USMNT in the International Friendlies. Goals Scored, Goals Conceded, Clean Sheets, BTTS and more.

footystats.org

 

[NewlyRetired]

I saw this during the game and I figured it was to troll to crowd but I did not get why it was a troll....some one explain please

https://twitter.com/BarstoolReags/status/1669548463321694208?s=20

Scissors look like a dos and a rock looks like a cero

Yup that had to be it as it was 2-0 at that celebration.

not only are our players not intimidated by Mexico, they are so confident, they preplan goal celebrations.

 

[AAABatteries]

I can never seem to find the xG Twitter - has anyone seen the xG from last night?

It was closer than I thought

1.26 to .64 according to this site

Mexico vs USMNT Stats, H2H, xG | FootyStats

Head to Head, live stats, live scores, and prediction stats for Mexico vs USMNT in the International Friendlies. Goals Scored, Goals Conceded, Clean Sheets, BTTS and more.

footystats.org

I would have thought it would be something like 1.8 to .4.

I don’t get the 1.2 - the early chance for CP and then the 3 goals plus a couple other half chances. 1.2 seems a little low to me.

 

[NewlyRetired]

The US has now gone 6 games with out a loss to Mexico. 4 wins, 2 draws

This ties the longest unbeaten streak in US Soccer history against Mexico

 

[NewlyRetired]

I can never seem to find the xG Twitter - has anyone seen the xG from last nightj

I can never seem to find the xG Twitter - has anyone seen the xG from last night?

It was closer than I thought

1.26 to .64 according to this site

Mexico vs USMNT Stats, H2H, xG | FootyStats

Head to Head, live stats, live scores, and prediction stats for Mexico vs USMNT in the International Friendlies. Goals Scored, Goals Conceded, Clean Sheets, BTTS and more.

footystats.org

I would have thought it would be something like 1.8 to .4.

I don’t get the 1.2 - the early chance for CP and then the 3 goals plus a couple other half chances. 1.2 seems a little low to me.

I saw this listed at halftime. The 1.2 sounds low to me as well

xG: US 0.96 (0.14/shot), MEX 0.07 (0.04)

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

1:46 mark... before their bench got involved.

OMG, that's ridiculous. It would have finished 2v2 if that were called fairly.

 

[NewlyRetired]

1:46 mark... before their bench got involved.

OMG, that's ridiculous. It would have finished 2v2 if that were called fairly.

There is a FIFA rule that as soon as one team receives more than 4 red cards, the game is instantly abandoned. I don't know what happens to results with abandoned games (especially in a knock out round game)

 

[NewlyRetired]

Mexico better get its **** together or they are going to be in danger of not qualifying for the Copa next summer which would be a financial issue for the organizers to say the least

 

[NewlyRetired]

I am more and more convinced that Pulisic (and others) put GGG over the top to be rehired. This of course creates some serious conundrums for the Euro snobs since Pulisic has always been the golden child....

====================

USMNT Only
@usmntonly

"Today is a testament of the work that Gregg Berhalter put into this team. If that's not enough evidence, then that's all right. People are gonna hate no matter what."— Christian Pulisic after USMNT 3-0 win against Mexico

 

[NewlyRetired]

Don't worry guys, CONCACAF has their "top men" on the problem

========================

"Chants heard during the game led to the activation of the anti-discrimination protocol by the match officials. Additionally, security staff ejected several fans for engaging in unacceptable behavior in the stadium," the CONCACAF organization said.

"These incidents were extremely disappointing and tarnished what should have been a positive occasion to showcase high-quality football in our region.

"The Confederation is in the process of urgently establishing further details and reports from security and match officials and will make a further statement in short order."

 

[NewlyRetired]

“I’m definitely still shocked by the events”

What a game to debut in for Flo

 

[B Maverick]

I am more and more convinced that Pulisic (and others) put GGG over the top to be rehired. This of course creates some serious conundrums for the Euro snobs since Pulisic has always been the golden child....

====================

USMNT Only
@usmntonly

"Today is a testament of the work that Gregg Berhalter put into this team. If that's not enough evidence, then that's all right. People are gonna hate no matter what."— Christian Pulisic after USMNT 3-0 win against Mexico

Team support for a manager should carry some weight. You want a coach that the players will give all they can for. The top players and leaders should be vocalizing their opinions and support.
And GGG has done some good things in his time there for sure. He has also shown several shortcomings as well.

I also have to wonder, based on the games under the interim and interim to the interim managers, if they are playing at this level despite who the managers are? Or maybe their skill and manager match and this is all they are (meaning we overrate them as mentioned several pages prior). Or would a top manager improve them?

Regardless of our thoughts on GGG ,I think we can all agree this process has been a debacle and made worse by rehiring GGG and waiting 6+ months to do so.
They paid a search firm money just to rehire him?!?!

 

[NewlyRetired]

I am more and more convinced that Pulisic (and others) put GGG over the top to be rehired. This of course creates some serious conundrums for the Euro snobs since Pulisic has always been the golden child....

====================

USMNT Only
@usmntonly

"Today is a testament of the work that Gregg Berhalter put into this team. If that's not enough evidence, then that's all right. People are gonna hate no matter what."— Christian Pulisic after USMNT 3-0 win against Mexico

Team support for a manager should carry some weight. You want a coach that the players will give all they can for. The top players and leaders should be vocalizing their opinions and support.
And GGG has done some good things in his time there for sure. He has also shown several shortcomings as well.

I also have to wonder, based on the games under the interim and interim to the interim managers, if they are playing at this level despite who the managers are? Or maybe their skill and manager match and this is all they are (meaning we overrate them as mentioned several pages prior). Or would a top manager improve them?

Regardless of our thoughts on GGG ,I think we can all agree this process has been a debacle and made worse by rehiring GGG and waiting 6+ months to do so.
They paid a search firm money just to rehire him?!?!

I am more and more convinced that Pulisic (and others) put GGG over the top to be rehired. This of course creates some serious conundrums for the Euro snobs since Pulisic has always been the golden child....

====================

USMNT Only
@usmntonly

"Today is a testament of the work that Gregg Berhalter put into this team. If that's not enough evidence, then that's all right. People are gonna hate no matter what."— Christian Pulisic after USMNT 3-0 win against Mexico

Team support for a manager should carry some weight. You want a coach that the players will give all they can for. The top players and leaders should be vocalizing their opinions and support.
And GGG has done some good things in his time there for sure. He has also shown several shortcomings as well.

I also have to wonder, based on the games under the interim and interim to the interim managers, if they are playing at this level despite who the managers are? Or maybe their skill and manager match and this is all they are (meaning we overrate them as mentioned several pages prior). Or would a top manager improve them?

Regardless of our thoughts on GGG ,I think we can all agree this process has been a debacle and made worse by rehiring GGG and waiting 6+ months to do so.
They paid a search firm money just to rehire him?!?!

Great comments.

I think the firm was hired to find Crocker but they may have also been used for the coach.

Debacle is the best word for the whole thing.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Managers generally don't matter all that much, and NT managers probably less than that.

All they can really do is put the right guys on the field and build a good team culture. He definitely does the second part and, sometimes with a 2-3 game lag, generally gets the first part right too. Couple head scratchers where he's too loyal or galaxy brains something, but on balance... more good than bad.

Obviously I've been fine with bringing him back all along, but also said all along it should really be up to the core players on the team. So if CP and Weah are generally speaking for the other guys on the team, I think it's a good call.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I wonder if a small part of the rehire was to emphasize outside forces like the Reynas can’t have any power in decisions

 

[B Maverick]

As for the game, trying to formulate my thoughts on it.

Ref lost control despite his constant whistle. Should have shown at least a 2nd yellow on the shoulder to Gio, VAR should have tossed 19, esp if they toss McKinnie.

Dest had a good game at both ends, right up until his red.
CP is still often too selfish playing like he has to carry everything. Great goals (and good game overall) but still needs to get on board with the "team". Needs a little Jamie Tartt character arc.
Gio looked good in the free role. He would be one to serve the striker and needs to play that role more. Take some pressure off CP and let CP run at people.
McKennie did a good job of balancing Gio's movement with his own.
Musah showed promise as a 6. I felt to often he wasn't sure what to do with the ball and luckily he was good enough to dribble out of trouble.
The MF 3 looked good as a group overall and if Musah can grow as a 6, will help with lineup flexibility and rotation.
Defense looked solid overall. Some moments they need to move faster on the ball esp under pressure in the box. But didn't appear to panic and kept Mexico at bay.
I like the combo on the left of Jedi and CP.
Flo did some good things with his back to goal and tracking back. He made the wrong run on CP's first cross though.
A lot of potential at the 9 still, but until the team learns to serve better and more consistently, it won't matter who's there and Flo will be just another in a long line.... Perhaps if he can create a presence, the confidence to serve rises and we see more of it?

All in all, outside the obvious few minutes, good game by the US. I agree Mex is a team in transition and turmoil. Now is the time for the US to put their stamp on the conference and show why they are the top.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

guys - this is old news:

Michele Giannone
https://twitter.com/MicheleG3
@MicheleG3

One of the more fun things of being around the #USMNT these past couple of weeks is that with everyone you talk to, the sentiment has been unanimous: “Balo is the real thing”, “Balo is legit”, “The hype is real”. Side note: He prefers ‘Balo’ over ‘Flo’.

3:20 PM · Jun 13, 2023

 

[B Maverick]

Managers generally don't matter all that much, and NT managers probably less than that.

All they can really do is put the right guys on the field and build a good team culture. He definitely does the second part and, sometimes with a 2-3 game lag, generally gets the first part right too. Couple head scratchers where he's too loyal or galaxy brains something, but on balance... more good than bad.

Obviously I've been fine with bringing him back all along, but also said all along it should really be up to the core players on the team. So if CP and Weah are generally speaking for the other guys on the team, I think it's a good call.

I disagree with some of this. GGG does create a good culture overall but managers do matter. Getting the right players and fitting a system to them is important. A manager like GGG who tries to fit players to a system does his team a disservice. Esp at the NT level when you have limited time. Plus his in game adjustments are poor. That's the biggest need for a NT coach to me. How do you overcome a plan that isn't working? GGG doesn't do that and it usually takes a hero moment from a player to do so.

I wonder if a small part of the rehire was to emphasize outside forces like the Reynas can’t have any power in decisions

Good question

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

if Musah can grow as a 6, will help with lineup flexibility and rotation

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

IMO one thing last night did is solidify that the only spot for Reyna is in the midfield. No way do you take Weah or CP off unless it's forced. Both guys were fantastic wide and stretching, and Weah does a lot of really nice link up play inside the offensive ~30 as well.

 

[NewlyRetired]

guys - this is old news:

Michele Giannone
https://twitter.com/MicheleG3
@MicheleG3

One of the more fun things of being around the #USMNT these past couple of weeks is that with everyone you talk to, the sentiment has been unanimous: “Balo is the real thing”, “Balo is legit”, “The hype is real”. Side note: He prefers ‘Balo’ over ‘Flo’.

3:20 PM · Jun 13, 2023

Ok Balo it is!

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I am more and more convinced that Pulisic (and others) put GGG over the top to be rehired. This of course creates some serious conundrums for the Euro snobs since Pulisic has always been the golden child....

====================

USMNT Only
@usmntonly

"Today is a testament of the work that Gregg Berhalter put into this team. If that's not enough evidence, then that's all right. People are gonna hate no matter what."— Christian Pulisic after USMNT 3-0 win against Mexico

Team support for a manager should carry some weight. You want a coach that the players will give all they can for. The top players and leaders should be vocalizing their opinions and support.
And GGG has done some good things in his time there for sure. He has also shown several shortcomings as well.

I also have to wonder, based on the games under the interim and interim to the interim managers, if they are playing at this level despite who the managers are? Or maybe their skill and manager match and this is all they are (meaning we overrate them as mentioned several pages prior). Or would a top manager improve them?

Regardless of our thoughts on GGG ,I think we can all agree this process has been a debacle and made worse by rehiring GGG and waiting 6+ months to do so.
They paid a search firm money just to rehire him?!?!

Is the process a debacle because of who they hired or some other reason? The domestic violence accusation made it impossible to bring him back in the early part of the year. When Stewart left, they had to replace him first, and that took some time. The exact same process would look brilliant right now if they were announcing Pep or Jose as the new coach. But we know none of the big names were going to take this job. So the question for me is whether you are judging the process in retrospect because of the result or is there something about the process itself that was flawed? According to Tenario last night, they interviewed about a dozen candidates. I agree its depressing to think Berhalter is the best they can find, but anyone making that criticism has to name names, and Jorgi Low ain't walking through that door.

 

[NewlyRetired]

IMO one thing last night did is solidify that the only spot for Reyna is in the midfield. No way do you take Weah or CP off unless it's forced. Both guys were fantastic wide and stretching, and Weah does a lot of really nice link up play inside the offensive ~30 as well.

You watch Weah and Dest last night and it seems so unlikely that Weah was so poor offensively that he was switched to fullback and that Dest was so poor he was basically removed from the team.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I am more and more convinced that Pulisic (and others) put GGG over the top to be rehired. This of course creates some serious conundrums for the Euro snobs since Pulisic has always been the golden child....

====================

USMNT Only
@usmntonly

"Today is a testament of the work that Gregg Berhalter put into this team. If that's not enough evidence, then that's all right. People are gonna hate no matter what."— Christian Pulisic after USMNT 3-0 win against Mexico

Team support for a manager should carry some weight. You want a coach that the players will give all they can for. The top players and leaders should be vocalizing their opinions and support.
And GGG has done some good things in his time there for sure. He has also shown several shortcomings as well.

I also have to wonder, based on the games under the interim and interim to the interim managers, if they are playing at this level despite who the managers are? Or maybe their skill and manager match and this is all they are (meaning we overrate them as mentioned several pages prior). Or would a top manager improve them?

Regardless of our thoughts on GGG ,I think we can all agree this process has been a debacle and made worse by rehiring GGG and waiting 6+ months to do so.
They paid a search firm money just to rehire him?!?!

Is the process a debacle because of who they hired or some other reason? The domestic violence accusation made it impossible to bring him back in the early part of the year. When Stewart left, they had to replace him first, and that took some time. The exact same process would look brilliant right now if they were announcing Pep or Jose as the new coach. But we know none of the big names were going to take this job. So the question for me is whether you are judging the process in retrospect because of the result or is there something about the process itself that was flawed? According to Tenario last night, they interviewed about a dozen candidates. I agree its depressing to think Berhalter is the best they can find, but anyone making that criticism has to name names, and Jorgi Low ain't walking through that door.

When I say debacle it includes the Reyna mess and the exodus of McBride and Stewart. Everything is bundled for me.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

ETA: another thing I liked last night was the freedom they gave Reyna. And he used it well. He found the ball a lot, all over the field, and kept it moving. He and McKennie might actually be playing for one spot when everyone is healthy (if we want to play with Adams and Musah in a dual-6 role).

 

[NewlyRetired]

ETA: another thing I liked last night was the freedom they gave Reyna. And he used it well. He found the ball a lot, all over the field, and kept it moving. He and McKennie might actually be playing for one spot when everyone is healthy (if we want to play with Adams and Musah in a dual-6 role).

A lot will depend on what system GGG uses.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Steven Goff

@SoccerInsider

The USSF board of directors did back Matt Crocker’s decision to re-hire Berhalter, but the vote was not unanimous, I’m told

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Managers generally don't matter all that much, and NT managers probably less than that.

All they can really do is put the right guys on the field and build a good team culture. He definitely does the second part and, sometimes with a 2-3 game lag, generally gets the first part right too. Couple head scratchers where he's too loyal or galaxy brains something, but on balance... more good than bad.

Obviously I've been fine with bringing him back all along, but also said all along it should really be up to the core players on the team. So if CP and Weah are generally speaking for the other guys on the team, I think it's a good call.

If your goal is to make a real, strong run in the WC and you're not a squad like Argentina/Brazil/France/etc then you really need to steal a few goals with tactics along the way. And you REALLY can't afford to give up a few goals with poor tactics. We definitely did the latter in the last world cup, and seem miles away from stealing goals with surprise tactics.

It's also easy to forget all the mind bending lineup decisions along the way, which can cost us games. Hopefully our best players are obvious enough that it's impossible to screw that up at this point, but you never know.

Regardless, the biggest thing GGG had going for him (other than player support) was his results. The question was always how above or below par that was relative to the talent of the players, with his supporters basically saying these guys aren't as good as we think they are and didn't just do it on their own. In the time GGG has been gone, and last night with an interim coach for our interim coach, I think we can say pretty safely that the players are good enough to win as much as they did in spite of the coach as much because of him.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Team support for a manager should carry some weight. You want a coach that the players will give all they can for. The top players and leaders should be vocalizing their opinions and support.

As a Gators fan I remember the players being overwhelmingly supportive of Ron Zook and helping keep him around way longer than he ever should have been kept around. All the players just loved him, but he was a terrible coach. Meanwhile I never really heard any of the players say a nice word about their relationship with Spurrier or Meyer, but they sure liked the results.

 

[Moe.]

Assuming the front 3 from last night is locked in, I don’t think MMA really works long-term. One of those three has to make way for a more creative player if we are going to beat good teams. I agree with whoever said McKennie has to sit last night. Adams might just always be hurt though.