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US Men's National Team (12 Viewers)

Happy he's finished a few, but his runs and feel for space are really nice.  I'd have still been banging that drum if he fluffed them all.  

 
SpurrierisisGod said:
Ldlt playing lights out.
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I know the MMA midfield was the only thing this team had going for it at times last year, but I'm having a very hard time finding a reason that Musah should start over Luca.

Seems like Luca can do like 90% of what Musah can do with the marauding runs through the middle. But he's also much cleaner with the ball, seems to do a LITTLE better digging back on D and, at this point, seems to have much better ideas and execution in terms of a final ball.

I've also seen enough of Jordan Morris. Assuming the roster is 23 guys, I dont see how you can possibly take him over Nips. Nips is just so much dynamic than Morris post-injury. Morris just looks like a guy who lost his burst and has nothing else to give at this level.  He doesn't scare anyone at this point.

 
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Acosta (he's been very good for the US for a year now)

LDLT (welcome aboard the bandwagon everyone!)

Ferreira (making the xG nerds look good [h/t John Mueller]) 

Morris (say hi to Lletget for me)

 
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So one of possible 2 striker spots seems secure now save injury.  I know it may seem like an overreaction and it’s Grenada but four goals is four goals. He’s looked the part save some finishing so it’s not like he’s only played well tonight.

 
TLEF316 said:
I know the MMA midfield was the only thing this team had going for it at times last year, but I'm having a very hard time finding a reason that Musah should start over Luca.

Seems like Luca can do like 90% of what Musah can do with the marauding runs through the middle. But he's also much cleaner with the ball, seems to do a LITTLE better digging back on D and, at this point, seems to have much better ideas and execution in terms of a final ball.

I've also seen enough of Jordan Morris. Assuming the roster is 23 guys, I dont see how you can possibly take him over Nips. Nips is just so much dynamic than Morris post-injury. Morris just looks like a guy who lost his burst and has nothing else to give at this level.  He doesn't scare anyone at this point.
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Agree with 99% of this.  Luca seems a tad vulnerable defensively but I'm not sure musah is much better.  Ideas is a good word...he seems to poke and prod better than most others.  

Morris should be an injury addition only at this point. Man, I loved the guy early on but he adds nothing at this point.  He's a one trick pony so only if 2 others are injured at this point.  I hate to be harsh because he seems like a working man's Landon but... he just doesn't do it.

Playing with 3 in back seemed ok...granted grenada offered nothing at all to test it.  But odd that zimm came in at LCB not the center.  Felt awkward.  Worked tonight though.

Ferreira- still not sure.  He got gifted some chances but also blew some that my high school boys could bury.  Maybe this game opens him up.

 
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AAABatteries said:
So one of possible 2 striker spots seems secure now save injury.  I know it may seem like an overreaction and it’s Grenada but four goals is four goals. He’s looked the part save some finishing so it’s not like he’s only played well tonight.
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Send the guy some headers...

"It's like an orange on a toooothpick"...

 
1. Lots of sloppy touches, fortunately Grenada was worse.

2. Even though Ferreria scored 4 times, Arriola would be my MOTM for doing the little things, including the steal that set up the first goal.

3. De La Torre looks like a 30 year old father of 3 playing rec ball but has great skills. I think he's locked in to the 23/26 and like others have said should push Musah for a starting spot.

4. This lineup definitely would have been punished against a stronger side, but this wouldn't have been the lineup against a stronger side.

5. Didn't realize what a man-child Tillman is. Don't care how rough around the edges he may be, he should be on the WC roster.

6. Re: Ferreria, while it was a lesser opponent, his ability to exploit half-spaces seemed to be on display and at least worth bringing to Qatar. Personally I prefer just putting the best eleven guys out there and letting them do what they do best, but that's not my call. If GGG feels the need to have a striker, Jesus is at least in the current mix.

 
Yeah, Luca has really shown well.  I’m not totally sold on him being above Musah in the pecking order but I also wouldn’t be stressing if he had to play ahead of him for whatever reason.

On Tillman - definitely looks like he could has potential but who would you leave out of take him?  Unless he shows a lot more AND we get 26 would I even consider it.

Morris - don’t want him anywhere near the WC roster.

Twellman made a comment last night that he still expects Pepi to be on the roster.  I’m not so sure, especially at 23 spots.

 
SpurrierisisGod said:
Send the guy some headers...

"It's like an orange on a toooothpick"...
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I’m not positive what you mean here but a point I was going to make is that Jesus is probably our best 9 that doesn’t need service.  Dike, Pepi, Haji and Sargent all seem like they will have to get great service to score.  Jesus and Zardes play more of a frantic, pressing style and do just enough link up.  I’d need to see the projected roster but a few things I believe at the moment:

- None of those 6 guys above is close to be in our best XI

- Jesus has performed the best of those 6 given their chances

- Even though it’s looking unlikely, I’m still in favor of trying Weah up top.

 
Acosta's passing and ability to strike a ball would make me think hard about him next to Adams if we really do use two 6s.  He has great progressive vision and GPV >>>>> dribbling skills (it's science).

And IMO he's been our 2nd best midfielder since last summer.

 
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  • Pulisic, Weah, Reyna, Aaronson, Ferreira, Arriola
  • McKennie, Adams, Acosta, Musah, LDLT
  • Antonee, Dest, Yedlin, Cannon
  • Zimmerman, Long, Richards
  • Steffan, Turner
Plus a 3rd GK and that's 20 on the plane.

So 3-6 spots open, depending on the roster size.  That will include one midfielder and one CB that could be relevant in Qatar, and then 1-4 guys who probably won't see much meaningful game time.

 
TLEF316 said:
I've also seen enough of Jordan Morris. Assuming the roster is 23 guys, I dont see how you can possibly take him over Nips. Nips is just so much dynamic than Morris post-injury. Morris just looks like a guy who lost his burst and has nothing else to give at this level.  He doesn't scare anyone at this point
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1000%, but I'll add that Morris has shown very little in the USMNT shirt.

 
Dinsy Ejotuz said:
  • Pulisic, Weah, Reyna, Aaronson, Ferreira, Arriola
  • McKennie, Adams, Acosta, Musah, LDLT
  • Antonee, Dest, Yedlin, Cannon
  • Zimmerman, Long, Richards
  • Steffan, Turner
Plus a 3rd GK and that's 20 on the plane.

So 3-6 spots open, depending on the roster size.  That will include one midfielder and one CB that could be relevant in Qatar, and then 1-4 guys who probably won't see much meaningful game time.
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I think that is 21.  So either 2 or 5 spots available.

I’m not sold on Cannon, but Scally isn’t a lock.

If those 20 are set then I would probably add 2 defenders to it - Brooks and Scally.  If we get 3 more then I’d take one of Pepi/Zardes/Haji.  Probably take a flyer on a young kid and then add one more vet like a Roldan.

Our depth is better but really drops once you get outside the top 20.

 
I don't have much to say that you guys have not already mentioned.

* This team has consistently beat up on the weak teams at home.  I would love to see this on the road in ELS especially where we only scored once against them over 2 games in qualifying

* Acosta completes passes Adams won't even attempt (or does not see).  I am not saying Acosta is better but Adams has lost something for me this past year that I no longer consider him an untouchable.  He just has not evolved his game at all.

* I was thinking during the game Nips had passed Morris as the last winger who might make the team.  Good to see all you guys agree.  He is also playing better at club level and his understanding with Jesus is going to be a plus over Morris

* I hope Weston rounds into shape soon else he is going to struggle for playing time this fall.

* LDLT certainly won't hurt his transfer prospects with that game last night

* I thought Cannon, along with Morris, was a guy who really hurt his chances.  He was below average almost all night long.  If you can't get involved offensively against a team that bad.......

 
McBokonon said:
Posted this in the match day thread by accident, so before @El Floppo beats me about the head and face: Tenerife is playing leg 2 of their promotion playoff semifinal against Las Palmas. Tenerife have a 1-0 lead going in. Shaq Moore is starting and it’s on ESPN+.
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Tenerife play leg 1 of the promotion final on ESPN+ in 3 hours against Girona.

 
NewlyRetired said:
* I thought Cannon, along with Morris, was a guy who really hurt his chances.  He was below average almost all night long.  If you can't get involved offensively against a team that bad.......
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Agree with this. I didn't watch closely but every time I was paying attention he looked awful. I'm not sure why anyone would think he's a lock in the side. 

Another I thought was just bad was Tillman. He's obviously a freak of nature but he's in no way ready. 

 
prefontaine said:
Another I thought was just bad was Tillman. He's obviously a freak of nature but he's in no way ready. 
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Nowhere near ready IMO, if last night is typical.  

CCV, EPB, Brooks -- take your pick for a last defender.  I don't have a strong opinion.

But who's even in the running for a 6th midfielder?  You could just drop B Aa in there if you're short a #8 but I'm pretty sure we bring another guy -- who's even on the short list?

 
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Dinsy Ejotuz said:
Nowhere near ready IMO, if last night is typical.  

CCV, EPB, Brooks -- take your pick for a last defender.  I don't have a strong opinion.

But who's even in the running for a 6th midfielder?  You could just drop B Aa in there if you're short a #8 but I'm pretty sure we bring another guy -- who's even on the short list?
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Lleget

:scared:

 
Dinsy Ejotuz said:
But who's even in the running for a 6th midfielder?  You could just drop B Aa in there if you're short a #8 but I'm pretty sure we bring another guy -- who's even on the short list?
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I'm assuming your "ins" are McKennie, Musah, Adams, LDT, Acosta

Then the 6th would be amongst Roldan, Mihailovic, Busio, and of course Yuell  :oldunsure:

I assume it's Roldan though I guess I wouldn't be surprised if Berhalter brought an extra winger and uses Aaronson or Gio as a backup mid if it stays at 23. 

 
prefontaine said:
I assume it's Roldan though I guess I wouldn't be surprised if Berhalter brought an extra winger and uses Aaronson or Gio as a backup mid if it stays at 23. 
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This is what I think will happen as well.  Our depth at wing is much stronger than our depth in midfield.  Gio and or Aaronson both being able to play the 8 makes it a lot easier to take Nips over some one unproven like Milhailovic (worst time ever to get injured for the guy).

 
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I thought it was interesting and a bit confusing last night that we have been spending this window looking at a replacement at LCB to go with Zimm but when Zimm played the second half last night, it was he who played LCB, not CCV.

 
Just watched the game. It's hard to criticize Jesus and his 4 goals and getting into great spots...still frustrating seeing him miss a lot of other chances.

LDLT and Nips were clearly another level than the rest. Luca so smooth on the ball, good pesky defense and defensive awareness, and nice vision to find dangerous and non-obvious options in the attacking third. 

Morris, Cannon...kinda played themselves out of contention.

Swag looks like he's 30lbs overweight and a step slow. Hope he gets good PT with the US this summer to work his way back into fitness for wherever he ends up.

 
Also a bit of a bummer watching the US play down to Granada's level for the first 30-40 mins..until they took a fitness advantage. Felt like WCQ all over again. Hoping away to El Sal lights a fire under them to play quicker/better.

 
McBokonon said:
Tenerife play leg 1 of the promotion final on ESPN+ in 3 hours against Girona.
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Ended 0-0, btw. Shaq played very well, I thought. Tenerife pretty much parked the bus and they’ll go home all knotted up for leg 2.

 
Dinsy Ejotuz said:
I thought Berhalter was suggesting Weah would play there, but maybe I misunderstood now that you say that.

Can't go wrong either way really.  Weah's been great.
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Ive really liked his aggression in the final third and going at goal and his explosiveness. Decision making- what I think limited his minutes at Lille (other than injury)- is still an issue for him and I keep seeing him zig instead of zag especially with the final ball, leaving frustrated teammates. I mean, the US could do a lot worse than Weah up there...I just think Gio brings even more. 

 
El Floppo said:
Ive really liked his aggression in the final third and going at goal and his explosiveness. Decision making- what I think limited his minutes at Lille (other than injury)- is still an issue for him and I keep seeing him zig instead of zag especially with the final ball, leaving frustrated teammates. I mean, the US could do a lot worse than Weah up there...I just think Gio brings even more. 
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I know he's been hurt a lot, but a healthy Gio is a must start. He's our most talented player and has a ton of versatility so we've got to get him on the field somewhere

 
prefontaine said:
I know he's been hurt a lot, but a healthy Gio is a must start. He's our most talented player and has a ton of versatility so we've got to get him on the field somewhere
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Yes. I think people forget just how good he is because he's been out so long and frequently the last year. He's a guy that dribbled through the entire El TRI team with ease, and was feeding Haaland goals like candy. Dude is bodacious.

 
England drew 0-0 at home, against an experimental (I am being kind with that description) Italian lineup.

England has scored once in its last three games and that was a PK.

 
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NewlyRetired said:
Wales had a good result (1-1) at home against Belgium yesterday.
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FWIW... (from ESPN- note the bolded, which is a concern for anybody playing Wales. they lack depth of quality, but the quality they have is world class... those guys can carve out and score chances against anybody. so the US looks like a better team top to bottom, but the CPs, Swags and Gios have to be scoring because Wales is likely to steal a goal or more)

Wales held Belgium to a 1-1 draw to claim their first point in their UEFA Nations League group campaign after Brennan Johnson scored a late equaliser to cancel out a Youri Tielemans goal in Cardiff on Saturday.

The equaliser was Johnson's first senior goal for Wales and was followed by a heart-in-mouth moment for the 21-year-old when the linesman's flag went up for offside.

VAR overturned the decision, however, and the referee awarded the goal, giving Johnson and the team an excuse to celebrate twice.

"It was horrible. Waiting for that celebration, it's so tense," Johnson said. "But when I saw the referee point to the centre, it was unbelievable."

Wales nearly had the perfect start when Ethan Ampadu fired a half-volley into the top corner in the fifth minute but his joy at scoring a first international goal was short-lived after VAR chalked off the effort for an offside in the build-up.

Belgium dominated possession in the first half but it was Wales who created better chances, with Gareth Bale and Connor Roberts both going close to opening the scoring but shooting over.

Belgium's best chance of the half fell to Leandro Trossard, who fired wide when he had an open net to aim at, while Kevin De Bruyne also tested Wayne Hennessey in goal with a low shot that stung the keeper's gloves.

However, Belgium pounced five minutes into the second half when a slick passing move down the right finished with Michy Batshuayi patiently holding up the ball in the box before Tielemans arrived and drove his shot into the bottom corner.

But Wales equalised in the 86th minute when Aaron Ramsey's fine footwork allowed him to find his fellow substitute Johnson who scored with aplomb, with VAR overruling the linesman's flag after a nervous wait for the home side.
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Tom Bogert

@tombogert

Latest on Chicago Fire and US GK Gaga Slonina, per source: Chelsea are much closer than Real Madrid in reaching Fire’s valuation, putting Chelsea in pole position for now. Nothing agreed yet, so a fluid situation. Would include loan back for the 18 y/o.

 
NewlyRetired said:
Looks like every one is reporting that Gaga to Chelsea (with an instant loan) is almost complete
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I forget- is Kepa still on the books there? 

I mean- that's not just one, but TWO world class GKs (and Kepa's young... dunno about Mendy) that he gets to sit behind.

I assume he'll be part of Chels loan-army immediately, and probably be loaned back to the Fire... or to another team in europe hopefully a step up from MLS, because otherwise what's the point.

 
El Floppo said:
I forget- is Kepa still on the books there? 

I mean- that's not just one, but TWO world class GKs (and Kepa's young... dunno about Mendy) that he gets to sit behind.

I assume he'll be part of Chels loan-army immediately, and probably be loaned back to the Fire... or to another team in europe hopefully a step up from MLS, because otherwise what's the point.
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I would be more than happy with 2 years at Chicago (on loan) playing full time and then when he is 20 (which is still very young for a keeper) hopefully get a loan to a top 5 league as long as he is going to play.

I don't think any one foresees him ever really playing for Chelsea (similar to Miazga many years ago).

 
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Remember when the send off game (last home game before the WC) was a fairly big event? 

The weird winter WC and last home game being 6 months before WC against Granada made it seem meaningless.

 
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