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US Men's National Team (13 Viewers)

Outside of the one terrible tackle, that was a good half. The US was finding spaces and the goal was coming. If they play that way in second half, it feels like a US win tonight.
 
Arfstan absolutely skinned again on defense.

His offense is good all things considered. But he can't stop anyone.

Should have made an earlier sub
 
Might as well accept that Ageymang is going to be on the roster next year (assuming the roster is 26 and you can afford to bring 3 true center forwards)
 
TripItUp said:
There was a moment there where I thought Berhalter was going to cost us another game
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His son played his *** off tonight,

His set piece delivery was the best we’ve seen in awhile. He doesn’t deserve any angst because you don’t like his dad.
 
ChiefD said:
TripItUp said:
There was a moment there where I thought Berhalter was going to cost us another game
Click to expand...
His son played his *** off tonight,

His set piece delivery was the best we’ve seen in awhile. He doesn’t deserve any angst because you don’t like his dad.
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I think Sebb tired a bit, but I do think this illustrates that Poch is going to expect his MFs (and even his wings) to be dawgs. Which is just so not what I expected to happen from hiring the global reputation manager. But it’s pretty much the first thing he said when hired. He wants players with edge.
 
gianmarco said:
prefontaine said:
Freese impressive
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Don't see how he hasn't earned #1 spot consideration at this point.
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He's been good other than the one mistake.

I just read that he considers PKs to be his thing and studied up on the flight to the game just in case it went there (said the GK coach told him to stay put for the one down the middle).

Good might be good enough for that position, where mistakes are so spotlighted. But nothing he's done has made me feel like- wow, that's a definite starter though. Saw some XG stats that show he's not exactly risen to the occasion of doing much more than decent against higher expected shots.

I hate to think good enough might be ok when better than that will be winning games for the US... But hopefully he has the opportunity and ability to step up when it matters (not discounting this PK win... But PKs are a different beast entirely- maybe hes our PK sub at the end of a game?)
 
Anybody else play well yesterday?

From reading about the game...
Arf clearly up and down. Not sure how that much of a defensive liability can be justified to play FB, despite being involved in both goals.
LDLT got called out on the goal as well..has not impressed me throughout- how's it go for him?
Nice that Luna got a goal... How'd he do otherwise? Was he able to create on and off the ball? Defense ok?
Richards and Ream hold up ok? Can't believe we're still locked in with Ream at this point in his career... But tbh, he's been one of the only players who is finding the aggressive passes forward on this roster.
Ag... Sound like more of the same from him? Don't know that he'll be able to develop higher level consistency of skills in time. Hopefully. What he has can provide a difference against a team that matters.
 
El Floppo said:
Anybody else play well yesterday?

From reading about the game...
Arf clearly up and down. Not sure how that much of a defensive liability can be justified to play FB, despite being involved in both goals.
LDLT got called out on the goal as well..has not impressed me throughout- how's it go for him?
Nice that Luna got a goal... How'd he do otherwise? Was he able to create on and off the ball? Defense ok?
Richards and Ream hold up ok? Can't believe we're still locked in with Ream at this point in his career... But tbh, he's been one of the only players who is finding the aggressive passes forward on this roster.
Ag... Sound like more of the same from him? Don't know that he'll be able to develop higher level consistency of skills in time. Hopefully. What he has can provide a difference against a team that matters.
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Tillman and Richards were the two stand outs for me.

Luna worked his butt off and was involved offensively but not to the point where we could consider him a possible starter on the full team, unlike Tillman who is going to look even better once the better offensive players are available. Given Tillman's unexpected work rate and defensive skills, I think he could even be considered ahead of Weston (given Weston's incredible inconsistency).

The FB's both struggled defensively. Arfsten was involved in all 4 goals, 2 for the US and 2 for CR. I can't say that either to this point make me think they are ready to be back ups behind Dest and Jedi, especially when defensive ability is going to be needed in the WC where we won't be on the front foot 75% of the game.

The CB's were rock solid. Richards again won almost every defensive header down the middle and Ream was active defensively all game. Both made good line breaking passes and Rcihards increasingly looks hungry on set pieces.

Agy was exactly what we have seen in previous games. He is an absolute handful for the oppostion CB's, had some nice hold up and layoffs but he looked again very clumsy at times with the ball.

We effectively are playing the entire tournament with out offensive wingers. In terms of the FB's getting forward Arfsten is active and gets in good positions on the left a lot but Freeman does not. We basically have zero wide right play unless Sullivan plays and he has been very average at best. Eventually an opposition coach is going to plan accordingly.
 
NewlyRetired said:
El Floppo said:
Anybody else play well yesterday?

From reading about the game...
Arf clearly up and down. Not sure how that much of a defensive liability can be justified to play FB, despite being involved in both goals.
LDLT got called out on the goal as well..has not impressed me throughout- how's it go for him?
Nice that Luna got a goal... How'd he do otherwise? Was he able to create on and off the ball? Defense ok?
Richards and Ream hold up ok? Can't believe we're still locked in with Ream at this point in his career... But tbh, he's been one of the only players who is finding the aggressive passes forward on this roster.
Ag... Sound like more of the same from him? Don't know that he'll be able to develop higher level consistency of skills in time. Hopefully. What he has can provide a difference against a team that matters.
Click to expand...
Tillman and Richards were the two stand outs for me.

Luna worked his butt off and was involved offensively but not to the point where we could consider him a possible starter on the full team, unlike Tillman who is going to look even better once the better offensive players are available. Given Tillman's unexpected work rate and defensive skills, I think he could even be considered ahead of Weston (given Weston's incredible inconsistency).

The FB's both struggled defensively. Arfsten was involved in all 4 goals, 2 for the US and 2 for CR. I can't say that either to this point make me think they are ready to be back ups behind Dest and Jedi, especially when defensive ability is going to be needed in the WC where we won't be on the front foot 75% of the game.

The CB's were rock solid. Richards again won almost every defensive header down the middle and Ream was active defensively all game. Both made good line breaking passes and Rcihards increasingly looks hungry on set pieces.

Agy was exactly what we have seen in previous games. He is an absolute handful for the oppostion CB's, had some nice hold up and layoffs but he looked again very clumsy at times with the ball.

We effectively are playing the entire tournament with out offensive wingers. In terms of the FB's getting forward Arfsten is active and gets in good positions on the left a lot but Freeman does not. We basically have zero wide right play unless Sullivan plays and he has been very average at best. Eventually an opposition coach is going to plan accordingly.
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Thanks.

Good to hear Tillman and Richards were still there yesterday. Both have been guys who clearly shine at a different brightness than the others and seem to be the ones showing they already are at A team level... which is what Id hoped.

Luna.. I love his ability/creativity/moxy on the ball. Also love his desire off the ball. But I've been slightly disappointed in seeing him not be able to get on the ball enough against higher level players and to see his on the ball abilities shrink when there's less time and space at this faster international level. He's world beating when he's receiving the ball with just a bit more time and space... But I've watched him either get beat to the ball or not do much with it if he wins it in tighter conditions. While I love what's there, I hoped for more. And defensively, he hasn't seemed like much more than a speed bump, despite his willingness.
 
Glad they advanced and Canada didn't.

Seems we are learning a few things about these players: 1) Malik Tillman is ready to fight for a starting spot in WC26. Figure he's got an inside track at MF3 with Adams and Wes. 2) LDLT is not there and may not make the WC roster. 3) Luna may only get a spot if he can play on the wing. Not sure there's a roster spot for another central midfielder. 4) None of the strikers have shown they can be a difference maker. Pepi and Balogun seem like they'll be #1a / #1b and it might even be Ben White for #3. Who knows. 5) Arfsten has a spot on the roster IMO, but he will be a liability against good teams on defense. Freeman won't make this team and needs more seasoning. 6) Sebb might get a look simply due to his dead ball delivery and **** you attitude. 7) Ream is declining precipitously and if we have to start him, he will be a weak point. I certainly dont mind him onnthe roster though. 8) Richards is a lock to start WC26.

Don't look now but Poch has 4 wins on the trot and the team looks considerably better as a whole now than it did in the friendlies before the GC. It's almost like the players need time to gel with each other to get more out of them.
 
Arf... Headscrstcher what we do with him. Liability at LB, but has been one of the few guys who looks capable and willing getting forward and taking guys on. Is he good enough to make the roster as a wing MF? I don't think so.

Freeman... Sad to hear he didn't at least hold his own vs CR. Outside of what I've already mentioned about his occasional positioning flaws, I like what I've seen of his defensive abilities. But yeah.. just hasn't read the game well enough to get forward the way we need. And even though I've appreciated his decision making passing the ball (keeping it simple and smart), it's not exactly elevated. and I've seen next to nothing from him on the ball taking guys on and can't remember if he's even hit a single cross.

Jack... Man. Obviously so good striking and passing the ball. But not good enough at anything else. Have to think a move to Europe would push that.

Seb.. all I'm remembering is one game where every time I saw him involved it was something not great (both sides of the ball)... But iirc, he also had a great set piece that led to a goal?. Dunno. I guess I need to see more.

Johnny. I get the sense from having watched him for club and country that hes a cog for the players around him and depends on their quality for his to shine. But he's been awful for the US.. worse than those around him, so dunno.

It was a rough season and now an off-season of intrigue, but I can't help but think this was a gold cup that called out for Musahs abilities. Plus it would have given him a chance to showcase them for interested teams (last I heard was Westham).get his mojo back and have some fun while helping the team and himself. Of course, flipside, end of season bad-Musah wouldn't have done himself any favors...
 
Tillman is going to Leverkeusen for like 40 million Euros. That’s real money for a BL team that isn’t Bayern. I don’t think McKennie or Musah would get more than half that. Much less Gio in 2025. It’s more than Milan paid for Pulisic (but less than Chelsea paid for him).

Tillman isn’t just a starter. He’s a guy expected to be a real difference maker now.
 
Obviously we still need to see it against top level competition, but kudos to Tilman for starting to turn around the "he doesn't perform for the national team" narrative. He's clearly a step above any attacking player on the roster and he's taken the responsibility to be aggressive and work to create goal scoring ops. I know they're two different players with different skillsets, but its the kinda thing I wish Adams would do more when he's surrounded by mostly B teamers (I know Adams isn't gonna get a bunch of goals and assists....but I just wish he'd change his mindset a LITTLE and be more proactive rather than play his normal conservative passing game)

Luna's combination of grit and "tries ####" is really fun to watch. The goal obviously had a bit of luck, but his passion is great and the skills to be part of the roster are clearly there.

Richards continues to be solid. Ream did some good things (and even shows short glimpses of defensive recovery that I didnt think he had anymore) but I do think this tournament was a bit of a wasted opportunity to see what Richards and McKenzie look like together. Ream will be another step slower a year from now against much better competition and I worry that he's just gonna collapse at the wrong time.

Both fullbacks were absolutely atrocious on D. Obviously Arfsten was involved on both of our goals and Freeman made a nice PK, but I dont see any way you can trust them on the WC roster. Scally should have been on this team. Beyond that, I respect that Poch made the decision to give Arf and Freeman their first opportunities (rather than giving 2nd, 3rd or 4th opportunites to the Reynolds, Harriel, Lund, DeJaun Jones, Fossey contingent....let alone Shaq Moore). But both have failed the test (IMO) and we still have no idea who the best backups are (other than Scally)

Luca aint it. IMO, one of the Aaronson's should have gotten an opportunity at this point. Berhalter's FK's and corners are above average and he certainly brings the grit that you want to see. But I just think his overall skill level in live ball play is just a step below what we need.

Big Pat........I get why people want to like him. He's big and pretty fast and if you hit a ball down the channel into empty space he's gonna run it down and block off a smaller defender for a little while. But once he does that, his success rate for actually creating a scoring opportunity is just WAY too low. In baseball terms, He's getting a million AB's against AA level pitching and every once in a while someone grooves him a hanging curveball that he can smack into the gap for a double. But the other 95% of the time he's falling down, donking it off his foot, giving the ball away.

I dont think better teams will care if we play that ball to him over and over and over again because better defenders will just get back and wait for him to make a mistake. Its "working" now (in the sense that its allowing us to bypass the defensive MF and get the ball somewhere near the box) but IMO its total fools gold.
 
I watched almost the entire game yesterday and have no idea who our wings were. I assume it was theoretically Luna and Tillman, but can't remember either of them being out wide at any point in the game. Kind of weird formation, although it seemed to work ok.

Overall takeaways so far...
  • Tillman and Richards have been stand-outs and in my mind have solidified their status in our starting lineup
  • Ream has played well and has increased his chances of making the roster and even starting
  • Freese has left no real impression one way or the other until the penalty shootout yesterday. I think our GK situation is yet to be settled
  • None of the LBs or RBs should be on our roster...except that even with Scally as a clear second best option at both positions, I'm not sure who our 4th outside back would be (unless Poch wants to use Weah there, which I'd be ok with)
  • Luna helped his chances of making the roster as a backup
  • Adams is what he is (which is pretty good)
  • Agmeyang might still be in the running to be a third striker, but probably shouldn't make the roster unless Pepi or Balogun get hurt
  • Berhalter and de la Torre are probably both still in the running for a backup MF spot, especially if anyone gets hurt
  • McGlynn is still an interesting option as a specialist, but maybe more useful in games where we're attacking against a very conservative team
 
Tillman looked good and like the only one out there deserving a shot with the top team. Would love to see him with Pulisic, McKinnie, Weah and Balo/Pepi. I think he deserves the spot.
Ream and Adams are still solid. No complaints with either.

I am not seeing what you guys love about Luna. He was not impressive from what I have seen in this tournament. Probably need to see more of him.

And Berhalter's service on set pieces was poor overall. Maybe 2 or 3 good serves out of like 10 and a terrible PK.

Maybe Freese can be the next Tim Krul, PK specialist? He Onana'd the second goal plus the howler he had previously. He has not impressed but he does take up a lot of space in goal on PKs.
And as said above, with no other keeper staking a claim who is the #1??
 
Ramsay Hunt Experience said:
Tillman is going to Leverkeusen for like 40 million Euros. That’s real money for a BL team that isn’t Bayern. I don’t think McKennie or Musah would get more than half that. Much less Gio in 2025. It’s more than Milan paid for Pulisic (but less than Chelsea paid for him).

Tillman isn’t just a starter. He’s a guy expected to be a real difference maker now.
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Hopefully playing for Erik ten Hag doesn't hurt him.
 
Ramsay Hunt Experience said:
Tillman is going to Leverkeusen for like 40 million Euros. That’s real money for a BL team that isn’t Bayern. I don’t think McKennie or Musah would get more than half that. Much less Gio in 2025. It’s more than Milan paid for Pulisic (but less than Chelsea paid for him).

Tillman isn’t just a starter. He’s a guy expected to be a real difference maker now.
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it got a "Here We Go" from Fabrizio which usually means it is a done deal but Fabrizio also mentioned Bayern has the buy back option which may still come into play before the BL signing.

Either way, Tillman is going to a much stronger league than where he is now and is a nice progression in his career development.

I think the 35/40m price point will be the second highest for a US player ever behind only Pulisic to Chelsea.

Amazingly I think currently, Aaronson is the second highest US transfer fee ever.
 
Last edited:
zoobird said:
I watched almost the entire game yesterday and have no idea who our wings were.
  • None of the LBs or RBs should be on our roster...except that even with Scally as a clear second best option at both positions, I'm not sure who our 4th outside back would be (unless Poch wants to use Weah there, which I'd be ok with)
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I mentioned in an earlier post, we are effectively playing with out any natural offensive wingers and with Freeman not getting forward. Arfsten is the entire teams wing play. I assume this will change dramatically when Pulisic, Dest and Jedi are available but I give some props to Poch for figuring out something that is serviceable in a modern environment that usually demands strong wide play.

I don't know what the roster size will be for next summer. If it is only 23, then I think Poch may go with only 3 traditional FB's in Scally, Dest and Jedi. Scally and Dest can play both sides and Musah/Weston/Weah can all fill in at RB as needed in an emergency.

A bigger question will be, if god forbid, either Jedi or Dest are hurt before the tournament even starts.
 
Other reports are saying Bayern have already chosen not to use the buy back for Tillman. I guess we just need to wait this out. It feels like Tillman should have more chances to play at BL vs BM.
 
NewlyRetired said:
zoobird said:
I watched almost the entire game yesterday and have no idea who our wings were.
  • None of the LBs or RBs should be on our roster...except that even with Scally as a clear second best option at both positions, I'm not sure who our 4th outside back would be (unless Poch wants to use Weah there, which I'd be ok with)
Click to expand...
I mentioned in an earlier post, we are effectively playing with out any natural offensive wingers and with Freeman not getting forward. Arfsten is the entire teams wing play. I assume this will change dramatically when Pulisic, Dest and Jedi are available but I give some props to Poch for figuring out something that is serviceable in a modern environment that usually demands strong wide play.

I don't know what the roster size will be for next summer. If it is only 23, then I think Poch may go with only 3 traditional FB's in Scally, Dest and Jedi. Scally and Dest can play both sides and Musah/Weston/Weah can all fill in at RB as needed in an emergency.

A bigger question will be, if god forbid, either Jedi or Dest are hurt before the tournament even starts.
Click to expand...
All makes sense, but I would say that while Arfsten did great going forward yesterday, I didn't notice much of that from him in earlier games
 
My opinion what we have found out so far for WC2026.

Tillman will be a starter or early sub,
Richards has cemented himself as one of the starting CB's.
We probably still don't have anyone to replace what Ream does.
GK is wide open but Freese will be in contention.
Adams needs to be healthy and playing for this system to work.
Berhalter was much better on set pieces in group play. I thought last night was "meh" at best, He needs to show more.
Arf is not ready for prime time. He is Dest light with less defensive chops and less ability on the ball.
Diego has that grit. He's like a depth sub for WC and will be perfect for when we go bac to WC qualifying.

Everyone else better step it up these next couple of games..
 
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