US Men's National Team (25 Viewers)

[encaitar]

Also, as a point to the talk about our "golden generation." We were saying this 2/3/4 years ago, but let's reexamine.

Pulisic and Jedi have made steps forward. They are clearly better players than they were 3 years ago.

Who else though? Dest and Adams have had too many injuries to really make a solid improvement. McKennie is still just as inconsistent as before. Sometimes he's the best player on the field, sometimes he's one of the worst. Gio has regressed. Weah has been pretty much the same player, probably slight improvement. Defense has regressed. We're still starting Ream despite him being half the player he was at the last WC. Zimmerman has disappeared and no one has stepped up to play at the level he was in 2022. Our GKs are a mess. Turner is not anywhere near the level he was at in 2022 and while Steffen looks great at club level, we've never seen his talent show itself at the national level(hope he gets a look Sunday though). None of our strikers have ever stepped up at the national level, no matter their form at the club level. So far, none of the "younger" generation has forced themselves into playing time. Although it's probably time to gives some kids a look with the main team.

Overall, as a team, I'd say we are no better, and possibly worse than we were in 2022, despite our players now reaching their primes. I'm hoping we can turn it around, but uninspired performances like yesterday don't give me much hope.

 

[El Floppo]

Any keepers here?

Did Turner show way too much of the goal here from this angle?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GmhyZqtaEAMcZfo.jpg

fwiw...

"That ball can't end up in the back of the net," Meola said on CBS. "I look at the angle Matt Turner took and... yes, the pace of the shot, not going to take anything away from the goalscorer, but in this moment, at this time, Turner is a bit tucked in there [at goal] and... his feet are planted and he doesn't have that explosion. I'm not blaming Turner, but those are moments where you have to find a way."

Meola also raised the question about Turner's game fitness as the goalkeeper has rarely played for his club team Crystal Palace.

"I'm going to say this until the World Cup, it's sharpness," Meola said. "It's sharpness, the toughest thing for a goalkeeper is when you have nothing to do and then all of the sudden, you have something to do. That's the sharpness at the end. When you're training every day [as a starter], it's a rhythm, you're getting five, six shots your way. You're finding timing. Now [in Turner's situation], it's one shot you're way."

 

[B Maverick]

I didn't see the game, but talked to some that had, plus reading through here and social media....

I don't get the "if GGG did this he'd be crucified so why isn't Poch"?
GGG did this for how many years and got called out a lot. Most deserved, a little maybe not.
Poch has been here months, is trying to figure out his team and fix everything GGG did wrong. Poch's goal is the WC, not Nations League. He probably learned more last night about his team than GGG did in his whole time as coach. At least I hope so.

As for the game, from what I've read/seen on social media, it sounds like the US had no energy and Panama just passed around them. The US had no creativity in the final third and didn't produce anything going forward. Not surprising when Panama plays a low block (5-4-1?), our most creative player is on the bench and our leader is having a bad game. Sounded like Adams and Weah were the only two having a decent game?

 

[El Floppo]

Just getting caught up as I was out last night..... What an awful game. I put at least 80% of the blame on Poch. If GGG had that coaching blunder, pundits would be absolutely destroying him today and rightfully so. The initial setup was wrong AND he did nothing to fix the problem during the game.

The other 20% is definitely on the players. McKennie and Pulisic give an interview the day before the game talking about how important it is to play with fire and grit, then the team comes out flat and seemingly uninterested. Gotta be better than that.

Hope this game will at least be a lesson for the team and coach to not take things for granted.

he definitely got it wrong.

but I'd give more blame to the players than 20%... they were so slow and sloppy- and the players that needed to show class didn't (looking at CP, Swag and forwards).

 

[NewlyRetired]

and Panama just passed around them.

This does not sound right.

The US had the vast majority of the possession and a ton of possession in Panama's half, especially in the second half. Panama played almost the entire game in a low block with a rare counter.

Their best moments were disrupting the US from doing anything useful in the first half. The first half was just an ugly mess with neither team doing anything of note outside of a 10 minute burst the US had where they hit a post and then had a goal called back (correctly) for offside on the initial pass.

Panama did not just pass around them from my eyes. Panama had zero shots on goal until they won the game in added time.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

and Panama just passed around them.

This does not sound right.

The US had the vast majority of the possession and a ton of possession in Panama's half, especially in the second half. Panama played almost the entire game in a low block with a rare counter.

Their best moments were disrupting the US from doing anything useful in the first half. The first half was just an ugly mess with neither team doing anything of note outside of a 10 minute burst the US had where they hit a post and then had a goal called back (correctly) for offside on the initial pass.

Panama did not just pass around them from my eyes. Panama had zero shots on goal until they won the game in added time.

I think Panama did pretty well passing out of their own end despite the fact that the US clearly wanted to press high. Panama then didn't really care if they lost the ball in the middle third that much. And obviously, Panama were content to hoof it if they needed to.

But it did look to me that Poch wanted the US to win the ball high up the field. And the US really didn't hunt in packs very well there. There was one moment where Adams looked to get an interception in a great position, but the loose ball fell to Panama a bit luckily. Unfortunately, it was another game where it looked to me like Sargent maybe didn't understand his pressing triggers. Which is something I remember frustrating Berhalter when Sargent was younger. But it's also true that one consequence of Panama playing such a low block was that they had a lot of options back when the ball turned over in their end. They kept the ball where they had numbers and lost the ball where the US had numbers. Panama had four or five back plus the goalkeeper and the US were pressing with 3 or maybe 4.

Although they had much less of the ball, I thought Panama's pressing triggers were pretty effective at setting traps along the touchline and in having two people converge on Pulisic almost immediately. The US didn't have as much rhythm as their possession stats would indicate. Particularly in the first half.

 

[BassNBrew]

and Panama just passed around them.

This does not sound right.

The US had the vast majority of the possession and a ton of possession in Panama's half, especially in the second half. Panama played almost the entire game in a low block with a rare counter.

Their best moments were disrupting the US from doing anything useful in the first half. The first half was just an ugly mess with neither team doing anything of note outside of a 10 minute burst the US had where they hit a post and then had a goal called back (correctly) for offside on the initial pass.

Panama did not just pass around them from my eyes. Panama had zero shots on goal until they won the game in added time.

I think Panama did pretty well passing out of their own end despite the fact that the US clearly wanted to press high. Panama then didn't really care if they lost the ball in the middle third that much. And obviously, Panama were content to hoof it if they needed to.

But it did look to me that Poch wanted the US to win the ball high up the field. And the US really didn't hunt in packs very well there. There was one moment where Adams looked to get an interception in a great position, but the loose ball fell to Panama a bit luckily. Unfortunately, it was another game where it looked to me like Sargent maybe didn't understand his pressing triggers. Which is something I remember frustrating Berhalter when Sargent was younger. But it's also true that one consequence of Panama playing such a low block was that they had a lot of options back when the ball turned over in their end. They kept the ball where they had numbers and lost the ball where the US had numbers. Panama had four or five back plus the goalkeeper and the US were pressing with 3 or maybe 4.

Although they had much less of the ball, I thought Panama's pressing triggers were pretty effective at setting traps along the touchline and in having two people converge on Pulisic almost immediately. The US didn't have as much rhythm as their possession stats would indicate. Particularly in the first half.

Sarge plays more like Messi...jogs around conserving energy a majority of the time.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Panama did not just pass around them from my eyes.

They did in their half. The US press was non-existent for the most part. Panama looked pretty damn sexy getting out of their end. It bogged down in their offensive third for sure (good U.S. D IMO), but they carved through the US front six. At least they did in the first half -- I thought it was a different story in the 2nd.

 

[NewlyRetired]

A few people on this thread mentioned that this may have been the time to give Steffen another chance. They may have been correct

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

Landon Donovan on Matt Turner starting vs Panama:

"One surprise when I first saw the lineup was Matt Turner in goal. Not playing. Not playing consistently obviously, and he’s not gonna be sharp. My first thought when Waterman scored was Zack Steffen saves that. And so I think that was a mistake. It’s a bad night for U.S. Soccer fans."

 

[NewlyRetired]

I have been using Fotmob mostly but I saw some one recommend this site and wow is there a lot of information to digest.

https://www.sofascore.com/football/match/panama-usa/zUbsodc#id:13152431

 

[NewlyRetired]

I have been using Fotmob mostly but I saw some one recommend this site and wow is there a lot of information to digest.

https://www.sofascore.com/football/match/panama-usa/zUbsodc#id:13152431

I did not realize it so acutely until I looked at the heat maps. Look at Weston's heat map (click on the players name) and compare his heat map to Weah's.

Poch set up a system where we effectively went right wingless and let Weston just roam, which left Musah as the only wide player on the side.

I agree with every one in thread that mentioned that Poch made the system way too complicated against a team that was inferior. The complications he added may have made it easier to defend against.

 

[El Floppo]

and Panama just passed around them.

This does not sound right.

The US had the vast majority of the possession and a ton of possession in Panama's half, especially in the second half. Panama played almost the entire game in a low block with a rare counter.

Their best moments were disrupting the US from doing anything useful in the first half. The first half was just an ugly mess with neither team doing anything of note outside of a 10 minute burst the US had where they hit a post and then had a goal called back (correctly) for offside on the initial pass.

Panama did not just pass around them from my eyes. Panama had zero shots on goal until they won the game in added time.

I think Panama did pretty well passing out of their own end despite the fact that the US clearly wanted to press high. Panama then didn't really care if they lost the ball in the middle third that much. And obviously, Panama were content to hoof it if they needed to.

But it did look to me that Poch wanted the US to win the ball high up the field. And the US really didn't hunt in packs very well there. There was one moment where Adams looked to get an interception in a great position, but the loose ball fell to Panama a bit luckily. Unfortunately, it was another game where it looked to me like Sargent maybe didn't understand his pressing triggers. Which is something I remember frustrating Berhalter when Sargent was younger. But it's also true that one consequence of Panama playing such a low block was that they had a lot of options back when the ball turned over in their end. They kept the ball where they had numbers and lost the ball where the US had numbers. Panama had four or five back plus the goalkeeper and the US were pressing with 3 or maybe 4.

Although they had much less of the ball, I thought Panama's pressing triggers were pretty effective at setting traps along the touchline and in having two people converge on Pulisic almost immediately. The US didn't have as much rhythm as their possession stats would indicate. Particularly in the first half.

Panama did not just pass around them from my eyes.

They did in their half. The US press was non-existent for the most part. Panama looked pretty damn sexy getting out of their end. It bogged down in their offensive third for sure (good U.S. D IMO), but they carved through the US front six. At least they did in the first half -- I thought it was a different story in the 2nd.

Agree with both of you.

At some point during the game I wrote something along the lines of "it's all so easy for PAN right now". Defending as well as breaking the press.

The US shape and timing on their press didn't look right until the 2nd half.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Panama did not just pass around them from my eyes.

They did in their half. The US press was non-existent for the most part. Panama looked pretty damn sexy getting out of their end. It bogged down in their offensive third for sure (good U.S. D IMO), but they carved through the US front six. At least they did in the first half -- I thought it was a different story in the 2nd.

Oh that is very fair.

I think mentally I was more focused on the Panama attack in our half when thinking about them passing around the US.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Overall, as a team, I'd say we are no better, and possibly worse than we were in 2022, despite our players now reaching their primes. I'm hoping we can turn it around, but uninspired performances like yesterday don't give me much hope.

I really thought back in 2022 that setting a goal of reaching the quarter finals in 2026 was reasonable and achievable.

I can no longer think this. And even given the 48 team WC should theoretically make the group stage easier, I think I am resigned to now setting the goal of getting out of the group and then hoping we get a good matchup in the round of 32.

Given the proximity of the WC, it is no longer reasonable to believe that Gio will pull out of his funk, or that the team will achieve a standard level of injuries, or that a keeper is going to emerge in time.

Seeing that Poch appears to not want to risk blooding very young players in the hopes that they might be ready next summer also reduced the chances that a Brown or a Downs type player can be a nice addition to the team.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Starting lineup for the USA U20s today against Mexico:

GK: Julian Eyestone
RB: Ethan Kohler
CB: Matai Akinmboni
CB: Noah Cobb
LB: Frankie Westfield
CDM: Matthew Corcoran
CM: Taha Habroune
CM: Benjamin Cremaschi
RW: Luke Brennan
ST: Keyrol Figueroa
LW: Ruben Ramos Jr


Lineup is missing Banks, Wynder, and Kochen. If healthy I assume they will play in the second game against Japan.

US is up 1-0 in the first half. US has had a couple of other chances to add to the lead. Mexico has produced one good chance so far.

 

[The Z Machine]

Anyone jumping off the screen? I'm high on Cremaschi and Keyrol.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Anyone jumping off the screen? I'm high on Cremaschi and Keyrol.

The team as a whole looked decent and ended up a deserved 3-0 winner over Mexico today.

Eyestone looked pretty confident in net including saving a pk.

The weakness of the team appears to be on the wings. Fletcher came off the bench and scored a brace from his wing spot so that was hopeful. If and when Campbell is ever released by Dortmund, he will improve the wing play.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Here is a great thread summarizing the US Mexico game with some highlights

https://x.com/regalojnr/status/1903525061556097057?s=61

 

[NewlyRetired]

Looks like Weston is likely to get a new coach that will instantly hate him again

From Fabrizio

=======

Juventus keep working on plan to sack Thiago Motta with Igor Tudor as main candidate to replace him, as reported two days ago.

Tudor has already agreed to become new head coach on a contract until June plus option to extend until 2026.

Motta’s project, closer to the end

 

[NewlyRetired]

Poch said to expect multiple line up changes against Canada and that some of the were going to happen no matter what the result was against Panama.

 

[El Floppo]

I watched Mex v Canada.

Tbh, not a lot separated the 2 teams other than a lucky break early, setting up Mex's 1st minute goal (Raul) and a brilliant freekick late by Raul.

Raul was fantastic all game, while Davies had a CP one to forget (was shut down on the wing- usualoy doubled, but also couldn't beat his defender when isolated). Santi worked really hard and did some good, but unsexy stuff winning the ball and drawing fouls.

They were both very organized- not a lot of chances either way, with each team carving out stretches of dominance. Both brought a consistent intensity from the opening whistle that was greater than anything the US brought vs PAN.

I was impressed with how consistent and organized Mex was, but outside of Raul stepping up they weren't scary. CAN had a lot of moments getting forward and easily into the MeX box, but the ball ended up on guys feet there who didn't seem to have the ability or nerve to make something happen and would just pass it off.

CAN looked more than capable of opening up the US and doing damage if they can get the ball to their better players in those dangerous spots. I don't see Sarge troubling the CAN defense and wouldn't mind seeing Ag from the giddyup.

US needs to bring some desire, speed of thought and touch (first and final) if they want to get a result here.

 

[The Z Machine]

CAN looked more than capable of opening up the US and doing damage if they can get the ball to their better players in those dangerous spots

That's been the story for Canada since Davies came into his own.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Here is a possible line up that is floating around social media.

………………………..Steffen

Scally………Richards……..McKenzie………Arfsten

…………………….Adams………Weston

Weah………………..Luna……………………….Pulisic

……………………………..Agy

 

[The Z Machine]

Here is a possible line up that is floating around social media.

………………………..Steffen

Scally………Richards……..McKenzie………Arfsten

…………………….Adams………Weston

Weah………………..Luna……………………….Pulisic

……………………………..Agy

I think it's worth a shot. I'd like to see Agy take the game physically to their center backs.

 

[NewlyRetired]

The new Philly coach use of subs is the least I have ever seen a coach use in the modern 5 sub game. Last night his 5 sub slots used up a combined total of 27 minutes (he only used 2 subs).

And he may not change because it seems to be working as they are in first in the east right now.

Normally I would not care but I was really hoping Cavan was going to get a steady stream of cameo type minutes in the first half of the season, but with so few subs being used, he is seeing very little of the field while dressing for every game.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Looks like Weston is likely to get a new coach that will instantly hate him again

From Fabrizio

=======

Juventus keep working on plan to sack Thiago Motta with Igor Tudor as main candidate to replace him, as reported two days ago.

Tudor has already agreed to become new head coach on a contract until June plus option to extend until 2026.

Motta’s project, closer to the end

It is official. Motta has been sacked, Tudor is the new coach.

 

[El Floppo]

Here is a possible line up that is floating around social media.

………………………..Steffen

Scally………Richards……..McKenzie………Arfsten

…………………….Adams………Weston

Weah………………..Luna……………………….Pulisic

……………………………..Agy

It's odd .. Musah has played his way into consistent minutes in Milan... but never looks convincing to my eyes.

He regressed vs PAN.

I really like his A game- turning and driving at people, chewing up space and unlocking defensive shape by beating that first guy.

But it's all been kind of tepid and uncertain from him, despite the increased minutes for club. Should be the other way around- more minutes should be more confidence

 

[El Floppo]

Looks like Weston is likely to get a new coach that will instantly hate him again

From Fabrizio

=======

Juventus keep working on plan to sack Thiago Motta with Igor Tudor as main candidate to replace him, as reported two days ago.

Tudor has already agreed to become new head coach on a contract until June plus option to extend until 2026.

Motta’s project, closer to the end

It is official. Motta has been sacked, Tudor is the new coach.

They've looked aimless, so not surprised

But disappointed a bit - yeah and swag have been regular starters under Motta lately.

 

[El Floppo]

Poch said today that's he's hoping for Gio to get minutes vs CAN, but that he's showing his lack of playing time and not at his best. Good for him to be in camp so the coaches get to know him and see how he works.

That implies he won't start, so maybe that Luna thing might happen.

Paraphrasing... My phone isnt cooperating with copy/clipping

 

[NewlyRetired]

Poch said today that's he's hoping for Gio to get minutes vs CAN, but that he's showing his lack of playing time and not at his best. Good for him to be in camp so the coaches get to know him and see how he works.

That implies he won't start, so maybe that Luna thing might happen.

Paraphrasing... My phone isnt cooperating with copy/clipping

Reading between the lines I interpreted it the same way you did.

I also think he was indirectly telling Gio he has to find real playing time if he wants to make the WC roster, even if it means a transfer.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I am not seeing the US game listed on Univision at 6:00pm ET. Anyone else having this problem?

edit: I did find it on Unimas, so I am recording there.

 

[NewlyRetired]

here is the line up

.........................Turner

Scally.........CCV........McKenzie.........Arfsten

.....................Adams.........McKennie

Weah.....................Luna.......................Pulisic

..............................Agy

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

Pretty close to the original guess except for Turner and CCV.

Turner is a surprise to me. IMO, Poch needs to stay consistent. Either players are required to be playing at club level or not.

edit: Steffan is sick and is not dressed. This may have effected the keeper choice. Guti is hurt and not dressed as well so tonight Luna will be the only one cap tied.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Here is a possible line up that is floating around social media.

………………………..Steffen

Scally………Richards……..McKenzie………Arfsten

…………………….Adams………Weston

Weah………………..Luna……………………….Pulisic

……………………………..Agy

Pretty close. CCV for Richards. Turner still starting.

 

[NewlyRetired]

At the very least, each player (at least on paper) looks like they are in a comfortable position.

I am interested to see if Poch puts Arfsten in the Jedi role he used against Jamaica...

 

[The Z Machine]

At the very least, each player (at least on paper) looks like they are in a comfortable position.

I am interested to see if Poch puts Arfsten in the Jedi role he used against Jamaica...

Does he have the wheels to get up and back for 90 mins?

 

[NewlyRetired]

At the very least, each player (at least on paper) looks like they are in a comfortable position.

I am interested to see if Poch puts Arfsten in the Jedi role he used against Jamaica...

Does he have the wheels to get up and back for 90 mins?

He has some good offensive skills and has a nose for goal even as a wing back but whether he can do that at this level is a complete unknown.

He does not have Jedi’s engine, but then again who does, but I believe he is far more mobile than Scally.

This is a big game for Arfsten and Luna if they have hopes of making the Gold Cup squad. They both need very strong games to stay in Poch’s thoughts.

 

[The Z Machine]

I hope Luna can bring some heavy "**** you" attitude to the #10, make some mazy runs, and be a general pest to Canada's defensive midfield.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I hope Luna can bring some heavy "**** you" attitude to the #10, make some mazy runs, and be a general pest to Canada's defensive midfield.

I hoping with Pulisic on the wing, Canada will have to shade defensively to his side hopefully opening up the middle more. It was so clogged against Panama.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I did not realize Agy was a dual nat (Ghana). He is now cap tied as well.

 

[SpurrierisisGod]

So nice of the 37 people to show up to watch the game in person

 

[TennesseeJed]

Oh Canada

 

[TennesseeJed]

Unrelated to anything, but I think the officiating crew has done a good job so far.

 

[togo]

What has happened to this team!?
Now Canada outplaying them in every area.
US turns it over once they go past half field so many times.
No consistency or passion.

 

[TennesseeJed]

Nice run and pass from Luna for the goal.

 

[El Floppo]

I just started the game.

I assume the local HS was already booked for the 20 people who decided to show up.

Also... I'm all for women refs. But 10mins in, the one in the center seems off the plot. Hoping nobody gets hurt as a result.

 

[TennesseeJed]

What has happened to this team!?
Now Canada outplaying them in every area.
US turns it over once they go past half field so many times.
No consistency or passion.

I don’t think Canada are outplaying them. Game is a little disjointed and both teams are looking to use pace in behind. Both sides have looked good and poor and different times.

 

[TennesseeJed]

Also... I'm all for women refs. But 10mins in, the one in the center seems off the plot. Hoping nobody gets hurt as a result.

Really? I think she has done a pretty good job and is definitely in control - so far…

 

[gianmarco]

Both new guys responsible for our first goal... Love to see it.

 

[El Floppo]

Other thoughts 15 in..

Luna and the LB have looked good. Ag, not.

 

[TennesseeJed]

Great look from Luna on that cross