NewlyRetired
Footballguy
pretty good half of soccer so far by the US. Great to see Musah break out some advancing the ball on the dribble again.
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums
Welcome to Our Forums. Once you've registered and logged in, you're primed to talk football, among other topics, with the sharpest and most experienced fantasy players on the internet.
US Men's National Team (6 Viewers)
- Thread starter Premier
- Start date
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I wouldn't hate seeing Pulisic in for Aaronson at the ten.
El Floppo
Footballguy
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Thanks!!
Here are the donors for those interested
Pochettino's appointment was supported in significant part by a philanthropic leadership gift from Kenneth C. Griffin, founder and chief executive of Citadel and founder of Griffin Catalyst. Additional support has been provided by Scott Goodwin, co-founder and managing partner of Diameter, and several commercial partners.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I found it interesting that the one nice play Balogun made was when he got mad at himself and his energy level sped up significantly. He has to show that burst more often.
BlackCrowes
Footballguy
Great sequence and nice finish by CP!
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
Fossey reminds me a bit of Jedi when he was younger (I get that Fossey isn’t particularly young). But he still looks raw, but has a great motor.
BlackCrowes
Footballguy
lol
SpurrierisisGod
Footballguy
Missed the NZL goal and replay.... what happened?
TLEF316
Footballguy
Sweet chipped finish by everyone's favorite player, Owen
SpurrierisisGod
Footballguy
Sweet. So we just lost to fifa #40 and tied fifa #94. Awesome
Eta: excuses for top players not accepted...all countries deal with the some amount of attrition during club season.
Eta: excuses for top players not accepted...all countries deal with the some amount of attrition during club season.
SpurrierisisGod
Footballguy
Should we legitimately be rated closer to 50 than 10?
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I don't think it was an own goal.
I think it was one of those ridiculous plays where a clearance goes off the opposing team players face and into the goal.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
yes I think that is fair. I would put us around 35ish, with the acknowledgment that the grouping from 18ish to 40sih is really tight.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Poch writing notes tonight about his roster:
"Pulisic............and 22 more players I hope to find.............."
"Pulisic............and 22 more players I hope to find.............."
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
he would be one of those guys that would be very interesting if he was 21 or 22. But at 26, he is probably at his final form.
I give him a lot of credit though. His field coverage is SIGNIFICANTLY better than Scally's even if Scally is probably a better pure defender.
SpurrierisisGod
Footballguy
I think 35 would be fair. Ish.
Even if other teams send mostly 2nd squad players, our 2nd squad players should compete...given a ranking of 16.
Even if our tippy top players can hang with the best, 16 seems quite high given recent results. Which is more a commentary on our upcoming development players that anything else. Our 2nd teams can't handle top 90ish talent
BlackCrowes
Footballguy
pretty good 2nd half. the last goal was a bummer and a little flukey, but i thought they moved the ball really well in the 2nd half.
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
This article in The Athletic is a pretty good read
www.nytimes.com
I owe Crocker an apology.
Inside Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT deal: Hayes’ role, Chelsea delays and Argentine steak
From initial talks with Klopp, to meetings in Barcelona and a donation from a billionaire, Pochettino's hire was no ordinary process
www.nytimes.com
I owe Crocker an apology.
gianmarco
Footballguy
This article in The Athletic is a pretty good read
Inside Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT deal: Hayes’ role, Chelsea delays and Argentine steak
From initial talks with Klopp, to meetings in Barcelona and a donation from a billionaire, Pochettino's hire was no ordinary process
I owe Crocker an apology.
SpurrierisisGod
Footballguy
Pay wall....This article in The Athletic is a pretty good read
Inside Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT deal: Hayes’ role, Chelsea delays and Argentine steak
From initial talks with Klopp, to meetings in Barcelona and a donation from a billionaire, Pochettino's hire was no ordinary process
I owe Crocker an apology.
El Floppo
Footballguy
I kicked in some chump change... We got pochPay wall....This article in The Athletic is a pretty good read
Inside Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT deal: Hayes’ role, Chelsea delays and Argentine steak
From initial talks with Klopp, to meetings in Barcelona and a donation from a billionaire, Pochettino's hire was no ordinary process
I owe Crocker an apology.
El Floppo
Footballguy
The first 20 mins looked like a preseason D2 college team. But got marginally better from there.
I love Musah. But uh... Despite flashing what we know is there, He's been awful. I'd like to see Maloney and/or more Morris.
Balo..yeesh. has been playing small, slow, skilless and weak. Not a good look. Let's see somebody else.
Aaronson picked up his play as the game progressed after another abysmal start. Had some nice moments.
I love Musah. But uh... Despite flashing what we know is there, He's been awful. I'd like to see Maloney and/or more Morris.
Balo..yeesh. has been playing small, slow, skilless and weak. Not a good look. Let's see somebody else.
Aaronson picked up his play as the game progressed after another abysmal start. Had some nice moments.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Reggie Cannon has signed with the Rapids.
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
Pay wall....This article in The Athletic is a pretty good read
Inside Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT deal: Hayes’ role, Chelsea delays and Argentine steak
From initial talks with Klopp, to meetings in Barcelona and a donation from a billionaire, Pochettino's hire was no ordinary process
I owe Crocker an apology.
“Multiple meetings with Klopp” is the best part. But really it is exactly what you’d expect for a high-level CEO position search process, just good to know our guys were that competent. Candidates included Pochettino. Jurgen Klopp. Pep Guardiola. Gareth Southgate. Graham Potter. Thomas Frank. Multiple lengthy meetings with Poch and Perez in which they laid out their plan. Difficult timing with the Paris Olympics, Chelsea busy with its crazy transfer window and Poch focused on finding a team for his son. Crocker, Bateson, CPC and others involved on our side. Emma Hayes directly involved as she knows USSF, Poch and Chelsea. Crocker brought in high net worth funding sources such as Griffin and Floppo to close the deal. No risk he’ll be poached before the World Cup but there is an out for one or both sides after 2026.
McBokonon
Footballguy
I'm not believing it until
I’m going to Denver for the Steelers game and was thinking of checking out Rapids/Timber the night before. I suppose that will be too soon for him to make the squad.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
was there any mention of how Poch wanted US Soccer to manage the lack of quality games in the run up to 2026?Pay wall....This article in The Athletic is a pretty good read
Inside Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT deal: Hayes’ role, Chelsea delays and Argentine steak
From initial talks with Klopp, to meetings in Barcelona and a donation from a billionaire, Pochettino's hire was no ordinary process
I owe Crocker an apology.
“Multiple meetings with Klopp” is the best part. But really it is exactly what you’d expect for a high-level CEO position search process, just good to know our guys were that competent. Candidates included Pochettino. Jurgen Klopp. Pep Guardiola. Gareth Southgate. Graham Potter. Thomas Frank. Multiple lengthy meetings with Poch and Perez in which they laid out their plan. Difficult timing with the Paris Olympics, Chelsea busy with its crazy transfer window and Poch focused on finding a team for his son. Crocker, Bateson, CPC and others involved on our side. Emma Hayes directly involved as she knows USSF, Poch and Chelsea. Crocker brought in high net worth funding sources such as Griffin and Floppo to close the deal. No risk he’ll be poached before the World Cup but there is an out for one or both sides after 2026.
We mostly need to cover the time period between now and the end of 2025. Once the draw is complete, we will have our pick of what ever teams we want to play in the run up to the following summer, which is where Poch is likely to get the most work done but I don't want to waste these next 15 months either.
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
was there any mention of how Poch wanted US Soccer to manage the lack of quality games in the run up to 2026?Pay wall....This article in The Athletic is a pretty good read
Inside Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT deal: Hayes’ role, Chelsea delays and Argentine steak
From initial talks with Klopp, to meetings in Barcelona and a donation from a billionaire, Pochettino's hire was no ordinary process
I owe Crocker an apology.
“Multiple meetings with Klopp” is the best part. But really it is exactly what you’d expect for a high-level CEO position search process, just good to know our guys were that competent. Candidates included Pochettino. Jurgen Klopp. Pep Guardiola. Gareth Southgate. Graham Potter. Thomas Frank. Multiple lengthy meetings with Poch and Perez in which they laid out their plan. Difficult timing with the Paris Olympics, Chelsea busy with its crazy transfer window and Poch focused on finding a team for his son. Crocker, Bateson, CPC and others involved on our side. Emma Hayes directly involved as she knows USSF, Poch and Chelsea. Crocker brought in high net worth funding sources such as Griffin and Floppo to close the deal. No risk he’ll be poached before the World Cup but there is an out for one or both sides after 2026.
We mostly need to cover the time period between now and the end of 2025. Once the draw is complete, we will have our pick of what ever teams we want to play in the run up to the following summer, which is where Poch is likely to get the most work done but I don't want to waste these next 15 months either.
No details but there was this:
gianmarco
Footballguy
Just an FYI for anyone remotely interested in the Athletic (which has really good quality content)....was there any mention of how Poch wanted US Soccer to manage the lack of quality games in the run up to 2026?Pay wall....This article in The Athletic is a pretty good read
Inside Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT deal: Hayes’ role, Chelsea delays and Argentine steak
From initial talks with Klopp, to meetings in Barcelona and a donation from a billionaire, Pochettino's hire was no ordinary process
I owe Crocker an apology.
“Multiple meetings with Klopp” is the best part. But really it is exactly what you’d expect for a high-level CEO position search process, just good to know our guys were that competent. Candidates included Pochettino. Jurgen Klopp. Pep Guardiola. Gareth Southgate. Graham Potter. Thomas Frank. Multiple lengthy meetings with Poch and Perez in which they laid out their plan. Difficult timing with the Paris Olympics, Chelsea busy with its crazy transfer window and Poch focused on finding a team for his son. Crocker, Bateson, CPC and others involved on our side. Emma Hayes directly involved as she knows USSF, Poch and Chelsea. Crocker brought in high net worth funding sources such as Griffin and Floppo to close the deal. No risk he’ll be poached before the World Cup but there is an out for one or both sides after 2026.
We mostly need to cover the time period between now and the end of 2025. Once the draw is complete, we will have our pick of what ever teams we want to play in the run up to the following summer, which is where Poch is likely to get the most work done but I don't want to waste these next 15 months either.
You get the Athletic with a NY Times subscription. Right now, that subscription is $1/week for a year. And, if you happen to get that AMEX card I mentioned earlier for other subscriptions, you get this digital subscription covered. And if you just want the Athletic, it's currently $.50/week.
ETA -- I have a few 30 day guest passes if anyone is interested.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Sargent getting a knock in training was really bad timing for him. He was probably the most inform striker we had coming into camp and he played a grand total of 0 minutes over the two games.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
What ever remaining eggs I had left in the Gio basket, I am removing. The combination of injuries and the exact opposite mentality needed when getting injured is making me think he might be a lost cause (and sadly maybe the biggest lost cause in US Soccer history)
======================================
Brian Sciaretta
https://x.com/BrianSciaretta
@BrianSciaretta
Borussia Dortmund manager Nuri Şahin on Gio Reyna and his latest groin injury:"He came straight back [from the #USMNT] and I found him extremely sad. Unfortunately, it will take a few weeks. And then I hope that he can continue on this good path afterwards."
======================================
Brian Sciaretta
https://x.com/BrianSciaretta
@BrianSciaretta
Borussia Dortmund manager Nuri Şahin on Gio Reyna and his latest groin injury:"He came straight back [from the #USMNT] and I found him extremely sad. Unfortunately, it will take a few weeks. And then I hope that he can continue on this good path afterwards."
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I don't want to use any hindsite, so I don't care whether Poch face plants or does well in the future when I say this.
Crocker's biggest public responsibility is to sign coaches for the two senior teams. On his watch he landed Hayes, arguably the best coach available, and Poch, arguably one of a very small handful of best coaches available (especially considering Klopp is unlikely to sign with any one).
While the Poch deal certainly sounded very complicated and took significantly longer than I hoped for, getting it done was the most important item.
I am not sure we could have expected any more out of Crocker, especially when considering there was the possibility he could have backed a brinks truck up into Southgate's driveway.
Crocker's biggest public responsibility is to sign coaches for the two senior teams. On his watch he landed Hayes, arguably the best coach available, and Poch, arguably one of a very small handful of best coaches available (especially considering Klopp is unlikely to sign with any one).
While the Poch deal certainly sounded very complicated and took significantly longer than I hoped for, getting it done was the most important item.
I am not sure we could have expected any more out of Crocker, especially when considering there was the possibility he could have backed a brinks truck up into Southgate's driveway.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
So off the top of my head, what "firsts" does Poch bring to the USMNT? Which of these are correct and any others I am missing?
* First South American born head coach
* First native Spanish speaking head coach (?)
* First coach to have also coached in Champions League and EPL
* First South American born head coach
* First native Spanish speaking head coach (?)
* First coach to have also coached in Champions League and EPL
El Floppo
Footballguy
Women's team absolutely got the best coach available. And for a team with their winning history and current world status, can't imagine any complaints there
Men also got one of a small pool of best available. Best on paper for sure. The only question will be if he's the actual best option for this team with a history of being scrappy underdogs, but finally with guys on so called bigger teams and supposedly on the ascendancy.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Bradley has done the last two, no? I guess after being US coach.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I know, for certain, hosting the WC is best for the continued long term growth of the sport in the US.
But with blinders on, I really really would have loved to see what Poch would have been able to do in a qualifying setting. Sure we know the quality of the teams is usually not up to world standards but the games are so freaking hard, the level of competition is still fascinating to watch.
Last edited:
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Bradley coached in the EPL (many years after coaching the US). When did he coach in Champions League?
Note that I should have been more specific, as when I say Champions League, I am talking group stage as the basis.
El Floppo
Footballguy
And this is a team proving to be pretty soft. A cycle of those brutal games would help harden these guys up... although, the way they've been performing, Id feel terrified of them even qualifying.
El Floppo
Footballguy
I figured his Scandinavian team has been there.. just a guess, really
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
oh ok. I think if you are referring to Stabaek, I think the best they did was Europa League.
Note that JK coached in Champions League with Bayern but not in the EPL.
I think Poch is the first to coach both EPL and Champions League before coaching US....
Dr_Zaius
Footballguy
I've gotten pretty down on the team as well after a lot of "yeah, but..." excuse making for them. Thinking about it optimistically, though, maybe the USMNT fanbase turning skeptical to negative is ironically what this group needs. There's a reason that lots of sports teams try to play the "nobody believes in us" card. If these guys were believing all of the press clippings anointing them the golden generation, maybe repeatedly hearing that they're overrated will put a chip on their shoulders.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I am not calling any one a fraud by any means........but it is nearly impossible to avoid noticing that all the guys that were vocally backing GGG to stay are the exact same ones that are now saying things like Pulisic said above.
I guess it comes with the territory.
I guess it comes with the territory.
Rustoleum
Footballguy
I mean, aside from CP, you got to kiss up all the time or you risk getting iced out, right?
GGG coming BACK the first time probably had guys terrified to do any press.
El Floppo
Footballguy
I also read his take as where they've gotten to with Copa and now this window. That's not necessarily a dig at GGG.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Assuming 100% health in every player (I know I know )....I can only come up with 3 players who must be on the field no matter what Poch does
Pulisic, Jedi and Adams
Dest is really close, and Weah actually performs better at international level than club level but I am not sure he is a must start.
Other than these three, I feel like every other spot is up for grabs:
Keeper, both CB's, general midfield roles, striker and right wing all could be fiercely contended in the run up to 2026.
Richards seems like he should have locked down the CB role but he never fills me with confidence. Weston is too much of wild card, based on weight and where his head is at in any given moment. On his best day, he is a must start but those are getting few and far between.
Pulisic, Jedi and Adams
Dest is really close, and Weah actually performs better at international level than club level but I am not sure he is a must start.
Other than these three, I feel like every other spot is up for grabs:
Keeper, both CB's, general midfield roles, striker and right wing all could be fiercely contended in the run up to 2026.
Richards seems like he should have locked down the CB role but he never fills me with confidence. Weston is too much of wild card, based on weight and where his head is at in any given moment. On his best day, he is a must start but those are getting few and far between.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
The thing is, too many US fans put all their eggs in the holy grail basket of we just need all our best players to be in Europe and some magic fairy dust is going to do all the rest for their development.
Unfortunately we have as many players stop developing when they get to Europe as ones who continue to develop. We have always believed that this was a numbers game and that the more players we get into bigger leagues, the better our team should in theory get.
But there are so many weird factors at play when talking about the international game (and I am not talking concacaf stuff here) that the variables and state space are far bigger than we first realized.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
The million dollar question is how do we get more players to develop like Jedi who was incredibly raw when we first saw him at 21, to develop into something that was hard to envision.
And the interesting thing with Jedi, is that its not like he developed a De Bruyne like touch over the years, he still retains some of his lead feet but he made the absolute most of every thing he had. It is quite impressive.
And the interesting thing with Jedi, is that its not like he developed a De Bruyne like touch over the years, he still retains some of his lead feet but he made the absolute most of every thing he had. It is quite impressive.
Similar threads
