gianmarco
Footballguy
TripItUp did since it was just a meaningless game.
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US Men's National Team (5 Viewers)
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JB Breakfast Club
Footballguy
We just embarrassed Mexico 3-0 and handled Canada 2-0 in a full national team final 4...and people are unhappy? Whew, I'll take smashing our neighbors twice in a week any time I can get it.
Love this team.
Love this team.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Concacaf.
US Soccer has no say in either venues or broadcasters for Nations League or Gold Cup.
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I think it is a great position to be in to both win and still have plenty of room to grow.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I am not sure it was an ankle injury. I think it was a lower leg injury of some sort. Look at how he is wrapped, ankle injuries are typically not wrapped this way
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Speaking of Reyna, I completely missed this story
Gio Reyna transfer listed by Borussia Dortmund - with BVB set to accept just €20 million for injury-plagued USMNT star | Goal.com US
Borussia Dortmund have reportedly transfer listed Gio Reyna after the USMNT star's injury-plagued 2022-23 campaign.
www.goal.com
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
so if Reyna story is true, that now gives us:
Pulisic, Adams, Balo, Weston, Dest, Reyna, Pepi, and Gaga as all likely needing new teams this summer.
damn....
Pulisic, Adams, Balo, Weston, Dest, Reyna, Pepi, and Gaga as all likely needing new teams this summer.
damn....
Orange&Blue
Footballguy
“The only thing I know currently at [this] time, is that it’s a calf injury,” said Callaghan. “I don’t know the severity of it. We haven’t had an opportunity to do a full [evaluation].”
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
Thought this quote from Herdman was interesting.
"You look at the set pieces the US [played], every set piece, we were there by fingernails - the organization, the timing, the variety was so difficult to deal with ... You could see the preparation the US have had. Those pieces made a big difference."
And it's true. Even after Pulisic started taking them in the second half, the US were getting looks out of balls that were going to places Canada didn't expect them to. Pretty impressive from an interim staff.
"You look at the set pieces the US [played], every set piece, we were there by fingernails - the organization, the timing, the variety was so difficult to deal with ... You could see the preparation the US have had. Those pieces made a big difference."
And it's true. Even after Pulisic started taking them in the second half, the US were getting looks out of balls that were going to places Canada didn't expect them to. Pretty impressive from an interim staff.
BassNBrew
Footballguy
Bad miss by them. Guess they don't like money.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Who's unhappy?
US weren't at their best, got outplayed, but found plenty of moments of quality to still win the game. It's great to see them do that after some years of playing well and not seeing games out.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
I'm definitely not unhappy... the individual quality of our players shone last night and we won with, arguably, four or five starters missing.
But relative to long-term success as an elite team? Last night was a step back.
The Mexico game was closer. And USA 0-0 England was waaay closer IMO. Maybe with a better #9 we win that England game, but either way that's what elite teams look like. I want to see us build on that.
And if we're going to sit back and counter against teams that want to attack, which made sense last night, we need to be much tighter defensively.
But relative to long-term success as an elite team? Last night was a step back.
The Mexico game was closer. And USA 0-0 England was waaay closer IMO. Maybe with a better #9 we win that England game, but either way that's what elite teams look like. I want to see us build on that.
And if we're going to sit back and counter against teams that want to attack, which made sense last night, we need to be much tighter defensively.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
You could see the creativity over the two games and it was nice to see. Not to be snarky but am I correct to assume the set piece specialist that was hired for the WC was let go after the WC?
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
It is fascinating how quickly things can change.
We spent an entire cycle trying to find anything that could work at the 9 and now it feels like we have two solid options and both are 21 or under.
We spent an entire cycle trying to find anything that could work at the 9 and now it feels like we have two solid options and both are 21 or under.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
btw... that Dest run and pass for the assist vs Mexico... Saw the quick touch inside and then the off-rhythm pass again from a better angle last night and it's a thing of beauty. If Dest holds it for even a millisecond longer, Pepi's off.
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
Speaking of Reyna, I completely missed this story
Gio Reyna transfer listed by Borussia Dortmund - with BVB set to accept just €20 million for injury-plagued USMNT star | Goal.com US
Borussia Dortmund have reportedly transfer listed Gio Reyna after the USMNT star's injury-plagued 2022-23 campaign.www.goal.com
Its good to see US soccer media now feels safe acknowledging what we all saw - that Reyna's past year was "injury plagued." Two fantastic games from this player but he needs a long rest. On Friday night, there were several runs where (per the Scuffed guys) he looked like an older player desperately trying to avoid pulling a hamstring. Last night I was surprised he made it to halftime. He's in a very similar position as Pulisic - hugely influential for the national team when he's on his game, but needs to get healthy and find a better club situation this summer.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Both the Pepi goal and the Balogun goal give me lots of hope for the future. How many millions of times have we seen those exact type play offside for the US?
The patience of the 9 to hold their runs and the timing of the passes were perfect in both cases.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Balogon is the real deal. Maybe not at the tippy top elite level, but clearly very good and better than anyone we've had since Dempsey IMO. The goal was all him making a good run and Reyna's pass, but there were several other times over the two games where he caused problems for the defense and/or got his shot off wicked quick with no room.
Pepi I still want to see more of, but he looks promising.
This team is going to be a handful in three years when the core is almost all 23-27.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I don't ever recall a summer like this before. So many important US players have to find new teams.....it is a bit unsettling but at least we are still three years from the WC. This summer could very well dictate how things will play out at the club level for much of our core this cycle.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Did we talk about Balogon giving Reyna a nice long point to where he wanted the ball as he's setting up his run? Just slo-moed that play and he calls for exactly the pass that he got.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Speaking of Reyna's fragility, we don't have anything close to a like for like when he is hurt. I think Pulisic could do it but whether GGG will move him inside is another question. Pulisic won't be able to play a dual 8 role but I think he could be effective in the ten spot if we play dual 6's.
TLEF316
Footballguy
I wasn't able to focus on all 90 minutes last night (watched the first half on an ipad at my dad's and missed the start of the 2nd half driving home) so not fair to fully judge all the performances.
Gio going out obviously hurt the offensive flow. And that makes perfect sense, as he's easily our most talented creative force in the middle of the park. He can do things that basically nobody else in the pool can do. The last 30 minutes that I saw was not great, but how much of that was just a change in strategy once we went up 2-0? We were already down Dest (one of our better attacking players) and Weston and with the lead.....I'm fine with bunkering up a LITTLE bit to just make sure that Canada doesn't snag a quick one and make it a game again.
Against Mexico, it was obvious that we had the better roster across the board. Their team is weak and our guys smelled blood and we knew they had no answer (other than to just get dirty and hurt us any way they could). Canada has several absolutely game breaking players that can change a game in a flash. We saw it in qualifying when Davies scored that goal. I'm all for playing free-flowing attractive soccer when we have the talent and situational advantage across the board (which is why I and many others were so aggravated that Greg constantly seemed to setup and play for 1-0 wins or draws against the weaker teams in qualifying). But sometimes the situation just calls to let the clock tick and get the hell out of there. Maybe last night was one of those nights. In an ideal world, we'd kill off that last 30 minutes by controlling the ball and "ole'ing" the other team for the rest of the game (rather than some of the last ditch defending we saw last night). Hopefully we get there.
Bottom line, we beat Canada's A team down 5 of our top 15 players (at least 3 starters, arguably 4) at kickoff while losing the lynch pin our our build up play at half time. And CP had a mediocre game. I'm cool with that.
Gio going out obviously hurt the offensive flow. And that makes perfect sense, as he's easily our most talented creative force in the middle of the park. He can do things that basically nobody else in the pool can do. The last 30 minutes that I saw was not great, but how much of that was just a change in strategy once we went up 2-0? We were already down Dest (one of our better attacking players) and Weston and with the lead.....I'm fine with bunkering up a LITTLE bit to just make sure that Canada doesn't snag a quick one and make it a game again.
Against Mexico, it was obvious that we had the better roster across the board. Their team is weak and our guys smelled blood and we knew they had no answer (other than to just get dirty and hurt us any way they could). Canada has several absolutely game breaking players that can change a game in a flash. We saw it in qualifying when Davies scored that goal. I'm all for playing free-flowing attractive soccer when we have the talent and situational advantage across the board (which is why I and many others were so aggravated that Greg constantly seemed to setup and play for 1-0 wins or draws against the weaker teams in qualifying). But sometimes the situation just calls to let the clock tick and get the hell out of there. Maybe last night was one of those nights. In an ideal world, we'd kill off that last 30 minutes by controlling the ball and "ole'ing" the other team for the rest of the game (rather than some of the last ditch defending we saw last night). Hopefully we get there.
Bottom line, we beat Canada's A team down 5 of our top 15 players (at least 3 starters, arguably 4) at kickoff while losing the lynch pin our our build up play at half time. And CP had a mediocre game. I'm cool with that.
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((Morpheus))
Footballguy
Man, I am so excited for 2026. Random thoughts from last night:
- The crowd was pathetic. There's no excuse for a half-empty stadium in a final being played on home soil.
- I'm willing to die on the "build around Reyna at #10" hill. He was the best player on the field by a mile.
- Richards was awesome, but we really need a second athletic center back in our system. Jedi and Dest both love to bomb forward, and better opposition (e.g., Holland) will be able to exploit the empty spaces in behind when we turn the ball over. Fortunately, Canada's midfield can barely string together 3 passes under pressure.
- Balogun is a game-changer. His intelligent runs and ability in the build-up phase are unlike anything I've ever seen from an American forward. His presence opens up so much space for our attack (and really underscores the importance of having Reyna on the field...)
- Where the hell were those scripted set pieces at the World Cup? Even Pulisic's deliveries looked dangerous (although Reyna's were much better...)
Finally, just a friendly reminder that Berhalter played Shaq Moore over Scally at the World Cup.
- The crowd was pathetic. There's no excuse for a half-empty stadium in a final being played on home soil.
- I'm willing to die on the "build around Reyna at #10" hill. He was the best player on the field by a mile.
- Richards was awesome, but we really need a second athletic center back in our system. Jedi and Dest both love to bomb forward, and better opposition (e.g., Holland) will be able to exploit the empty spaces in behind when we turn the ball over. Fortunately, Canada's midfield can barely string together 3 passes under pressure.
- Balogun is a game-changer. His intelligent runs and ability in the build-up phase are unlike anything I've ever seen from an American forward. His presence opens up so much space for our attack (and really underscores the importance of having Reyna on the field...)
- Where the hell were those scripted set pieces at the World Cup? Even Pulisic's deliveries looked dangerous (although Reyna's were much better...)
Finally, just a friendly reminder that Berhalter played Shaq Moore over Scally at the World Cup.
((Morpheus))
Footballguy
Outplayed? As in, last night?
Game state matters, and I thought we showed surprising maturity in absorbing pressure and limiting dangerous chances with a 2 goal cushion.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I was worried about the Miles injury but I have to say Zimm was rock solid last night.
As a related aside, that would have been the most unlikely golazzo ever last night that he just missed on.
As a related aside, that would have been the most unlikely golazzo ever last night that he just missed on.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I think what people are refrring to is that we are extremely lucky that Fonzies end game was the worst I have seen it. He got deep into the box time and again in the second half. A normal quality Fonzie scores or creates from that spot.
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Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Reyna, McKennie and Musah can't be a long term answer in the midfield IMO. Maybe it works against lesser teams when we need to break down a bunker in WCQ, but if we're going to start Reyna against top teams I think we have to have a true 6 (Adams) and an absolutely ball hawk of an 8 (Musah) on the field. McKennie is neither. Aaronson is even less so.
We got away with it last night because Canada is overrated and we created a ton of chances, but even there... they were terrible in the box. Not just the shots, but so many awful touches before they could get to a pass or shot.
ETA: DOH! No WCQ.
We got away with it last night because Canada is overrated and we created a ton of chances, but even there... they were terrible in the box. Not just the shots, but so many awful touches before they could get to a pass or shot.
ETA: DOH! No WCQ.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Miles is arguably the best athlete on the entire roster.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Not quite as spectacular as Balboa's bike, but every bit as unexpected (and close). He nuked that with his off foot.
((Morpheus))
Footballguy
A lot of the problems in the 2nd half can be attributed to our depleted midfield. Adams is simply irreplaceable.
Oh, and I never want to see Aaronson in the midfield ever again.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I don't want to be too harsh, but Aaronson is not up to it right now. IMO he should not be called back until he finds his footing at club level. His work rate remains excellent but similar to at Leeds he looks lost and not confident on the ball.
If a miracle were to occur and we actually had every one healthy, I think Weston may be the odd man out going forward. But since that is a miracle we will never experience, Weston will still see a ton of minutes.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Agreed. It's inevitable that as we produce more good/great prospects a fair number of them are going to fizzle when they step up in competition. And I think Aaronson may be one of those.
((Morpheus))
Footballguy
Agreed - he's clearly our best athlete... at full health. I thought we really missed him last night.
Achilles injuries are notoriously tricky, but I was really encouraged by his performance vs. Mexico. Fingers crossed
((Morpheus))
Footballguy
Cavan Sullivan will make everybody forget about Aaronson by 2026.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I think it may be one cycle too early. He will only be 16 in 2026 I believe. He will hopefully emerge internationally during the 2030 cycle.
TLEF316
Footballguy
Agree on Aaronson. He's just not "it" right now. He's clearly not a MF. Right now he's just a hard working hard running wing that isn't a threat with the ball. At the moment, he's a rich man's Arriola.
Assuming everyone at full health, he MIGHT be the last guy in my 23 if we had a world cup game tomorrow.
Turner, Horvath
Dest, Jedi, Scally
Ream, Richards, Miles, CCV
Adams, Musah, Gio, Weston, Luca
CP, Weah, Zendejas, Booth (although I wish he was at least playing Gold Cup. We obviously haven't seen him at all with the team)
Balogun, Pepi
That's 20. We obviously need a backup LB (I know Trusty can do it and that might be the best option if we dont have a more attacking minded player at that spot we can trust) a 3rd goalie and then I guess a 6th MF. Maybe Aaronson gets that last spot because of his flexibility to play both MF (albeit poorly) and the wing. It will be interesting to see if his own little brother passes him in the pecking order in the next 12-18 months. They dont really play the same position but it SEEMS like Paxton is the more skilled attacker. (of course, he might show similar regression if thrown into an EPL relegation battle)
Assuming everyone at full health, he MIGHT be the last guy in my 23 if we had a world cup game tomorrow.
Turner, Horvath
Dest, Jedi, Scally
Ream, Richards, Miles, CCV
Adams, Musah, Gio, Weston, Luca
CP, Weah, Zendejas, Booth (although I wish he was at least playing Gold Cup. We obviously haven't seen him at all with the team)
Balogun, Pepi
That's 20. We obviously need a backup LB (I know Trusty can do it and that might be the best option if we dont have a more attacking minded player at that spot we can trust) a 3rd goalie and then I guess a 6th MF. Maybe Aaronson gets that last spot because of his flexibility to play both MF (albeit poorly) and the wing. It will be interesting to see if his own little brother passes him in the pecking order in the next 12-18 months. They dont really play the same position but it SEEMS like Paxton is the more skilled attacker. (of course, he might show similar regression if thrown into an EPL relegation battle)
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((Morpheus))
Footballguy
Haha yeah, I was half-kidding. But I'm 100% serious when I say that I wouldn't be surprised if Aaronson wasn't involved in 2026.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
I'm not even sure who our 4th winger would be at this point (assuming Aaronson is 3rd and Reyna's in the midfield).
((Morpheus))
Footballguy
Hot take: Slonina will impress on loan and claim the undisputed #1 spot by 2026. I'd also keep an eye on the trio of U20 center backs (Che, Craig, and especially Wynder) as I think one of them could force their way into the conversation sooner rather than later.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Zendejas is my 3rd winger right now. Hopefully we get a good look at him in the Gold Cup.
I want to see more of Booth as he may press Aaronson for the 4th spot but he may function better in the midfield.
I like Cade but I don't know if he can break in this cycle. He would need both a move and to excel in the move. Like Zendejas, I hope he gets minutes in the Gold Cup.
((Morpheus))
Footballguy
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
That would be really exciting considering how solid Turner has been.
TLEF316
Footballguy
Slonina is certainly possible. He would still be very young for a GK but the talent is obvious. If Turner finds a place to actually play the next couple of years, I dont THINK Slonina can pass him. But you never know.
Craig is a unique player with his size and passing ability combo. But from what I gather, he isn't even first choice at Philly yet. I do like him though.
Che impressed early but has clearly backslid. Coming all the way back to MLS isnt' a great look (although he's obviously still very young). He needs to reset.
Way too early to judge Wynder. Clearly there's some athletic talent there. Its a total "check back with me in 2 years" situation.
((Morpheus))
Footballguy
Turner's starting spot will be vulnerable as long as he's riding pine with Arsenal.
((Morpheus))
Footballguy
I think Craig has the highest ceiling of the 3, but with our adventurous outside backs I'd really love to see Wynder make the leap.
B Maverick
Footballguy
Balo definitely looks the part. His movement, strength and that finish all looked good and give this team something that's been missing. He and Gio combining through there will be fun to watch until GGG messes it up.
Aaronson was lost. Spent to much time wide getting in the way. He didn't provide movement and balance to free up Gio like Westin did vs Mexico. Would have considered swapping Aaronson and CP. Let's Aaronson run and gets CP on the ball more.
Defense was solid until the subs and 5 at the back. Then it became a bit disorganized and old school sit and clear and hold on for dear life. It happens sometimes but not something you like to see.
The starting 4 were good. Not having a true CDM opened up some things for Canada but the back four held it together.
Musah not quite a 6 yet. Adams was missed more this game than vs Mexico. Hopefully Musah can grow or we need to find another 6. And Acosta ain't it.
The subs in this game didn't work. None of them impressed and the drop off was evident.
Aaronson was lost. Spent to much time wide getting in the way. He didn't provide movement and balance to free up Gio like Westin did vs Mexico. Would have considered swapping Aaronson and CP. Let's Aaronson run and gets CP on the ball more.
Defense was solid until the subs and 5 at the back. Then it became a bit disorganized and old school sit and clear and hold on for dear life. It happens sometimes but not something you like to see.
The starting 4 were good. Not having a true CDM opened up some things for Canada but the back four held it together.
Musah not quite a 6 yet. Adams was missed more this game than vs Mexico. Hopefully Musah can grow or we need to find another 6. And Acosta ain't it.
The subs in this game didn't work. None of them impressed and the drop off was evident.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Not wrong. Also in certain situations, Weah can play right back if needed. Hell, Pulisic can play wing back if we go to a back 3 formation.Dest
There were definitely players that didn't look up for it on the US last night. Johnny, Trusty, Aaronson. I wouldn't take any of them on a 23 man roster at this point. Booth has not impressed me thus far, but if he's on the GC roster maybe he'll show out some.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
he is not on Gold Cup roster
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Agreed that Musah is no Adams, but i thought he did low-key OK in shutting down passing lanes and running down attacking threats. I'm not sure he'll ever be as good as Adams in that role but he might be a good stand in if he can further develop his game.
B Maverick
Footballguy
He did fine and looks like he can grow into the role too. His positioning wasn't as sound but some of that was probably due to Aaronson being to wide and Gio having a free role. Perhaps also the eye everyone kept on Davies.... His passing needs to be better, he can't try and dribble out of everything when playing deeper.
Right now he is the best option with Adams out and the more time he gets there the better he can be.
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