US Men's National Team (6 Viewers)

[The Z Machine]

This is really good. If MLS can break through this last mental barrier they have and not look at the USL as a competitor but as just another cog in the development wheel, our whole system will be better for it.

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Battery sign rising star, USYNT forward Zeke Soto to multi-year deal - Charleston Battery

The Charleston Battery are pleased to confirm the signing of United States youth international Ezekiel “Zeke” Soto to a multi-year professional contract on Thursday, pending league and federation approval. Soto […]

www.charlestonbattery.com

Do you think that Is what is happening here? I would assumg he's leaving Houston to go to USL so he can move on a free to Europe next January. If anything, this is just a reminder to me that the Dynamo is a disaster of an organization. They should be pumping out players.

He signed a multi year deal. He can't move next January on a free as he will be under contract.

Fair. I'm sure he has an out for a set fee. That seems to be the play these days. The club is guaranteed some money and the players gets a pro contract and has an out.

Exactly and that is why I love this.

Most times MLS don't want to transfer players to USL teams but if they don't see a path for a player to the first team, I would love if they transfer the kids down to a USL team where they may have a better chance to play and get themselves noticed by either another MLS team or a team in Europe looking for a bargain.

It would develop an alternative pipeline to Europe and maybe pick up a few late bloomers for the USMNT. Could add depth in positions where we lack depth like CB and fullbacks.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Oh this is great! It is a must watch for all here. Some one found a short interview from 1994, before the WC, done the on the tv show Nightline with Lalas, Balboa, Ramos, Wynalda and Harkes.

As the person who found the clip mentioned, so much has changed and sadly, so much is still the same 30 years later

x.com

x.com

 

[prefontaine]

This is really good. If MLS can break through this last mental barrier they have and not look at the USL as a competitor but as just another cog in the development wheel, our whole system will be better for it.

=======

Battery sign rising star, USYNT forward Zeke Soto to multi-year deal - Charleston Battery

The Charleston Battery are pleased to confirm the signing of United States youth international Ezekiel “Zeke” Soto to a multi-year professional contract on Thursday, pending league and federation approval. Soto […]

www.charlestonbattery.com

Do you think that Is what is happening here? I would assumg he's leaving Houston to go to USL so he can move on a free to Europe next January. If anything, this is just a reminder to me that the Dynamo is a disaster of an organization. They should be pumping out players.

He signed a multi year deal. He can't move next January on a free as he will be under contract.

Fair. I'm sure he has an out for a set fee. That seems to be the play these days. The club is guaranteed some money and the players gets a pro contract and has an out.

Exactly and that is why I love this.

Most times MLS don't want to transfer players to USL teams but if they don't see a path for a player to the first team, I would love if they transfer the kids down to a USL team where they may have a better chance to play and get themselves noticed by either another MLS team or a team in Europe looking for a bargain.

Maybe I'm not following. I don't think he was transferred. I thought he left Houston on a free (choosing not to sign a HG contract) and signed with Charleston.

 

[encaitar]

Oh this is great! It is a must watch for all here. Some one found a short interview from 1994, before the WC, done the on the tv show Nightline with Lalas, Balboa, Ramos, Wynalda and Harkes.

As the person who found the clip mentioned, so much has changed and sadly, so much is still the same 30 years later

x.com

x.com

Wow... Alexi Lalas engaging, charming, and mellow? What world was this?

 

[BeTheMatch]

A....I still dont believe the Federation will fire Greg

I was 50-50 it was going to happen, but I have changed to I think it is a 90% chance now of happening.

I don't know. If they made the decision yesterday it would already be announced. Instead it's radio silent .The longer it goes, the more likely he stays imo.

One guy with seemingly inside knowledge said not to expect anything for one week, either way.

They are such a disaster

 

[Sammy3469]

I won’t be shocked if the academies are actually holding us back. The incentives and politics for these clubs and coaches, even for 11,12, and 13 year olds, are such that a whole bunch of great kids get left behind and those that get chosen (mostly the more mature kids at that age) get chosen by coaches where development isn’t necessarily the number 1 goal

I'm not seeing this. I'm seeing more and more 14-16yos playing at levels I've rarely seen. Are you talking about MLS academies, or all their affiliates? In the current climate of the actual academies developing players and selling them for big profits, I don't buy that development isn't a primary focus. What you're describing reminds me of the typical pay to play programs where wins rule and the smaller kid with better potential can get left behind... Is that really happening at MLS academies. I didn't think so, but I'm looking in from waaay outside, and just drawing opinion from the players I see.

It absolutely is not happening, by choice, in the MLS specific academies.

Now there are always going to be some level of favoritism shown, but that happens all over the world at every club team. There is no way around that human condition. You read stories ALL THE TIME about international quality players who were over looked in their younger days, for many different reasons.

With the US being significantly bigger than almost all of the soccer playing world, this is going to happen even more often with players getting overlooked. It is inevitable and likely unfix-able since no one has a crystal ball.

But the MLS mandate is 1000000% clear and has been since less than 24 hours after every single MLS owner woke up, drank their coffee and saw what Davies sold for.

I will just say hockey has both models (hockey through high school in MN is effectively “free” and MN has the most kids playing by far) and there isn’t a whole lot of difference in per capita results. Whether it’s academies or pay to play the incentives for the adults (both coaches and more importantly parents) are so out of whack these days that no matter the model the vast majority of kids aren’t getting the training (they’re getting the opportunities, but not the training) they need.

I also say that coming from an area of the country that is exclusively pay for play and ends up producing more NHLers than it rightfully should (two of the top 21 NHL draft picks this year played through 15s here).

I don’t know what the systemic answer is, but I do know there isn’t some silver bullet.

 

[El Floppo]

I won’t be shocked if the academies are actually holding us back. The incentives and politics for these clubs and coaches, even for 11,12, and 13 year olds, are such that a whole bunch of great kids get left behind and those that get chosen (mostly the more mature kids at that age) get chosen by coaches where development isn’t necessarily the number 1 goal

I'm not seeing this. I'm seeing more and more 14-16yos playing at levels I've rarely seen. Are you talking about MLS academies, or all their affiliates? In the current climate of the actual academies developing players and selling them for big profits, I don't buy that development isn't a primary focus. What you're describing reminds me of the typical pay to play programs where wins rule and the smaller kid with better potential can get left behind... Is that really happening at MLS academies. I didn't think so, but I'm looking in from waaay outside, and just drawing opinion from the players I see.

It absolutely is not happening, by choice, in the MLS specific academies.

Now there are always going to be some level of favoritism shown, but that happens all over the world at every club team. There is no way around that human condition. You read stories ALL THE TIME about international quality players who were over looked in their younger days, for many different reasons.

With the US being significantly bigger than almost all of the soccer playing world, this is going to happen even more often with players getting overlooked. It is inevitable and likely unfix-able since no one has a crystal ball.

But the MLS mandate is 1000000% clear and has been since less than 24 hours after every single MLS owner woke up, drank their coffee and saw what Davies sold for.

I will just say hockey has both models (hockey through high school in MN is effectively “free” and MN has the most kids playing by far) and there isn’t a whole lot of difference in per capita results. Whether it’s academies or pay to play the incentives for the adults (both coaches and more importantly parents) are so out of whack these days that no matter the model the vast majority of kids aren’t getting the training (they’re getting the opportunities, but not the training) they need.

I also say that coming from an area of the country that is exclusively pay for play and ends up producing more NHLers than it rightfully should (two of the top 21 NHL draft picks this year played through 15s here).

I don’t know what the systemic answer is, but I do know there isn’t some silver bullet.

Wait... Are we talking hockey?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Booth extended his contract for one year

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

Attacker Taylor Booth is staying longer with FC Utrecht. The 23-year-old American International has signed a contract that will keep him with the Cathedral City’s football club until summer 2026. The previous contract ran to summer 2025.

 

[Moe.]

Really deep review

 

[NewlyRetired]

A....I still dont believe the Federation will fire Greg

I was 50-50 it was going to happen, but I have changed to I think it is a 90% chance now of happening.

I don't know. If they made the decision yesterday it would already be announced. Instead it's radio silent .The longer it goes, the more likely he stays imo.

One guy with seemingly inside knowledge said not to expect anything for one week, either way.

Fox just stated the same thing. A decision is expected to be announced next week.

US Soccer may want to turn off all social media for about 6 months if they keep GGG. Dis going to be ugly if they do....

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Matt Crocker seems to be the scapegoat of the day, taking hits left and right on my social media feeds. Apparently he is in Germany for the Euro - was not even in attendance at US v Uruguay. Can that possibly be true? A twitter rumor I saw today says he is the main support for Berhalter inside USSF and that he views Berhalter as a key cog in the long term project at US Soccer.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

This is Matt Croker describing himself on his Linkedin page:

About​

I class myself as a transformational leader who is fascinated with empowering people to realise their potential. I can call on experience in areas such as player and coach identification and development, pathway implementation and I specifically enjoy the challenge of enhancing or implementing strategy and culture change. I keep things simple and apply this to my decision making, particularly when under pressure. I'm totally committed to my personal development and closely align this to my leadership values.

I have 25 years experience in elite football with key achievements of:
- Strategic & Cultural Lead in England Football DNA (National Teams & Coach Education).
- 2 World Cup Winners Medals (FIFA U17's India and South Korea - 2017).
- 1 European Championship Winners Medal (UEFA U19'S Georigia - 2017).
- Maurice Burlaz Trophy (UEFA) Highest ranked National Youth Programme, First time in English Football History.
- Talent Development Success - Led x2 Youth Development Programmes generating over £120,000,000 in talent.

This alone seems like good grounds to fire him immediately, withdraw his visa and ban him from ever returning to the country.

 

[zoobird]

Booth extended his contract for one year

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

Attacker Taylor Booth is staying longer with FC Utrecht. The 23-year-old American International has signed a contract that will keep him with the Cathedral City’s football club until summer 2026. The previous contract ran to summer 2025.

I'm good with that. He needs a season without major amounts of missed time to really establish what he's capable of.

 

[Moe.]

How incompetent are these people? What in the world

 

[Moe.]

Like what could possibly take this long? If you’re worried about lining up the replacement you still fire him first. They are seriously gonna keep this dude

 

[Charlie Steiner]

Like what could possibly take this long? If you’re worried about lining up the replacement you still fire him first. They are seriously gonna keep this dude

FWIW, I think he can still be an asset to the program, based on the dual nats he landed, so I'm hoping they're figuring out a way to transition him to another position more suited to what he does well...oh, who am I kidding? Putting people in positions that play to their strengths is not something U.S. Soccer does.

 

[prefontaine]

Apparently he is in Germany for the Euro - was not even in attendance at US v Uruguay. Can that possibly be true?

I want to say no because it sounds so absurd but this is the USSF.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Like what could possibly take this long? If you’re worried about lining up the replacement you still fire him first. They are seriously gonna keep this dude

It is also a lot more humane to do it quickly.

MLS teams are firing coaches like nothing and there are a bunch of openings. GGG might get himself employed very quickly if they let him go soon.

Fox says we will know by "mid week". Just need to wait it out

 

[NewlyRetired]

Apparently he is in Germany for the Euro - was not even in attendance at US v Uruguay. Can that possibly be true?

I want to say no because it sounds so absurd but this is the USSF.

It is probably best to not read too much into social media right now. Everyone wants clicks and I think rumors are being made up on the fly.

I am not saying this Crocker issue is real or fake, I have no idea but there is likely a lot of BS going on right now. The Crocker rumor originated from Wynalda, FWIW.

I also just read that Adams and Pulisic are "begging" Crocker to keep GGG.

 

[The Z Machine]

I also just read that Adams and Pulisic are "begging" Crocker to keep GGG

Even more reason to sack him. Those guys failed in the Copa.

 

[Desert_Power]

This is Matt Croker describing himself on his Linkedin page:

About​

I class myself as a transformational leader who is fascinated with empowering people to realise their potential. I can call on experience in areas such as player and coach identification and development, pathway implementation and I specifically enjoy the challenge of enhancing or implementing strategy and culture change. I keep things simple and apply this to my decision making, particularly when under pressure. I'm totally committed to my personal development and closely align this to my leadership values.

I have 25 years experience in elite football with key achievements of:
- Strategic & Cultural Lead in England Football DNA (National Teams & Coach Education).
- 2 World Cup Winners Medals (FIFA U17's India and South Korea - 2017).
- 1 European Championship Winners Medal (UEFA U19'S Georigia - 2017).
- Maurice Burlaz Trophy (UEFA) Highest ranked National Youth Programme, First time in English Football History.
- Talent Development Success - Led x2 Youth Development Programmes generating over £120,000,000 in talent.

This alone seems like good grounds to fire him immediately, withdraw his visa and ban him from ever returning to the country.

The first bullet point alone is worth this treatment.

 

[TennesseeJed]

Apparently he is in Germany for the Euro - was not even in attendance at US v Uruguay. Can that possibly be true?

I want to say no because it sounds so absurd but this is the USSF.

It is probably best to not read too much into social media right now. Everyone wants clicks and I think rumors are being made up on the fly.

I am not saying this Crocker issue is real or fake, I have no idea but there is likely a lot of BS going on right now. The Crocker rumor originated from Wynalda, FWIW.

I also just read that Adams and Pulisic are "begging" Crocker to keep GGG.

Just clean house.

 

[TennesseeJed]

Matt Crocker seems to be the scapegoat of the day, taking hits left and right on my social media feeds. Apparently he is in Germany for the Euro - was not even in attendance at US v Uruguay. Can that possibly be true? A twitter rumor I saw today says he is the main support for Berhalter inside USSF and that he views Berhalter as a key cog in the long term project at US Soccer.

I mean - what better way to keep expectations low, than to keep Berhalter in his current position?


Based on his skill-set, maybe it would be better to give Berhalter a ballboy position - where he can work on his bounce passes.

 

[TLEF316]

This is Matt Croker describing himself on his Linkedin page:

About​

I class myself as a transformational leader who is fascinated with empowering people to realise their potential. I can call on experience in areas such as player and coach identification and development, pathway implementation and I specifically enjoy the challenge of enhancing or implementing strategy and culture change. I keep things simple and apply this to my decision making, particularly when under pressure. I'm totally committed to my personal development and closely align this to my leadership values.

I have 25 years experience in elite football with key achievements of:
- Strategic & Cultural Lead in England Football DNA (National Teams & Coach Education).
- 2 World Cup Winners Medals (FIFA U17's India and South Korea - 2017).
- 1 European Championship Winners Medal (UEFA U19'S Georigia - 2017).
- Maurice Burlaz Trophy (UEFA) Highest ranked National Youth Programme, First time in English Football History.
- Talent Development Success - Led x2 Youth Development Programmes generating over £120,000,000 in talent.

This alone seems like good grounds to fire him immediately, withdraw his visa and ban him from ever returning to the country.

That is the most ridiculous overstocked word salad way for saying "I'm a talent-less bureaucrat with no actual skills" I've ever seen.

 

[BlackCrowes]

This is Matt Croker describing himself on his Linkedin page:

About​

I class myself as a transformational leader who is fascinated with empowering people to realise their potential. I can call on experience in areas such as player and coach identification and development, pathway implementation and I specifically enjoy the challenge of enhancing or implementing strategy and culture change. I keep things simple and apply this to my decision making, particularly when under pressure. I'm totally committed to my personal development and closely align this to my leadership values.

I have 25 years experience in elite football with key achievements of:
- Strategic & Cultural Lead in England Football DNA (National Teams & Coach Education).
- 2 World Cup Winners Medals (FIFA U17's India and South Korea - 2017).
- 1 European Championship Winners Medal (UEFA U19'S Georigia - 2017).
- Maurice Burlaz Trophy (UEFA) Highest ranked National Youth Programme, First time in English Football History.
- Talent Development Success - Led x2 Youth Development Programmes generating over £120,000,000 in talent.

This alone seems like good grounds to fire him immediately, withdraw his visa and ban him from ever returning to the country.

That is the most ridiculous overstocked word salad way for saying "I'm a talent-less bureaucrat with no actual skills" I've ever seen.

He forgot “detail-oriented”

 

[TennesseeJed]

This is Matt Croker describing himself on his Linkedin page:

About​

I class myself as a transformational leader who is fascinated with empowering people to realise their potential. I can call on experience in areas such as player and coach identification and development, pathway implementation and I specifically enjoy the challenge of enhancing or implementing strategy and culture change. I keep things simple and apply this to my decision making, particularly when under pressure. I'm totally committed to my personal development and closely align this to my leadership values.

I have 25 years experience in elite football with key achievements of:
- Strategic & Cultural Lead in England Football DNA (National Teams & Coach Education).
- 2 World Cup Winners Medals (FIFA U17's India and South Korea - 2017).
- 1 European Championship Winners Medal (UEFA U19'S Georigia - 2017).
- Maurice Burlaz Trophy (UEFA) Highest ranked National Youth Programme, First time in English Football History.
- Talent Development Success - Led x2 Youth Development Programmes generating over £120,000,000 in talent.

This alone seems like good grounds to fire him immediately, withdraw his visa and ban him from ever returning to the country.

That is the most ridiculous overstocked word salad way for saying "I'm a talent-less bureaucrat with no actual skills" I've ever seen.

He forgot “detail-oriented”

If he "forgot" it - did it really belong?

 

[prefontaine]

Olympic roster trickling out. My guess is they haven't got all 18 releases lined up yet so they haven't announced a full roster.

Notable:
* Overage: Zimmerman, Miles Robinson, Mahailovic
* Bryan Reynolds was not released but Yow was (they play on the same club side)
* Luna was told he didn't make the squad - and he declined to be listed as an alternate

 

[TLEF316]

Olympic roster trickling out. My guess is they haven't got all 18 releases lined up yet so they haven't announced a full roster.

Notable:
* Overage: Zimmerman, Miles Robinson, Mahailovic
* Bryan Reynolds was not released but Yow was (they play on the same club side)
* Luna was told he didn't make the squad - and he declined to be listed as an alternate

Really dislike this for multiple reasons.

Jalen Neal is one of the few guys who has a chance to play a legitimate role in '26 (it appears that Ream aint gonna make it and Neal has legit ball playing ability that the other guys in the pool dont have) but he'll be buried behind 2 over-age guys.

Mihalovic has shown he has no future with the program. Taking him over Luna as a potential #10 is asinine. They're basically chasing Luna off to Mexico.

If those are the 3 over-age....who is playing up front? Striker was an obvious choice for an over-age selection with this group (otherwise they're basically relying on Maguire) and they didn't do it. Just seems dumb. Unless they're somehow getting Pepi, which seems unlikely.

Obviously we dont know who they asked for that wasn't released, but this all seems dumb/short-sighted on the surface.

 

[TennesseeJed]

but this all seems dumb/short-sighted on the surface.

So unlike US Soccer.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Like @TLEF316 mentioned, the first thing I thought of when Luna turned down being an alternate was that he is going to look elsewhere now for international play.

 

[TLEF316]

Like @TLEF316 mentioned, the first thing I thought of when Luna turned down being an alternate was that he is going to look elsewhere now for international play.

Yup, its Obed Vargas all over again. Vargas had kinda stalled out and the emergence of Johhny basically cut off his path to the first team but Luna has a somewhat unique skill set that could have developed into something.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Cavan's scores his first for Philly 2

x.com

x.com

 

[prefontaine]

Like @TLEF316 mentioned, the first thing I thought of when Luna turned down being an alternate was that he is going to look elsewhere now for international play.

Yup, its Obed Vargas all over again. Vargas had kinda stalled out and the emergence of Johhny basically cut off his path to the first team but Luna has a somewhat unique skill set that could have developed into something.

I might have agreed with you last year but Vargas appears to have made a big leap this year.

He's been consistently an average MLS mid per Sofascore over the last few seasons (6.7 is avg and he's been 6.70, 6.71 and last year 6.73. But this year he's at 7.09. For comparison, he often plays next to Joao Paulo who is one of the top defensive mids in the league. In his 5 seasons, Paulo has a low of 7.12 and a high of 7.44.

Vargas is still only 18. I agree we have other good options, but losing such a prospect does suck.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Luna had a big FU game to US Soccer tonight. A goal and 3 assists.

Bretos with a great call

x.com

x.com

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

He looks like he's trimmed down a ton the last couple time I've seen highlights. Is that legit?

 

[El Floppo]

He looks like he's trimmed down a ton the last couple time I've seen highlights. Is that legit?

As opposed to... Illegit? If it's ozempic, does that count?

Like @TLEF316 mentioned, the first thing I thought of when Luna turned down being an alternate was that he is going to look elsewhere now for international play.

Dammit... First thing I thought of too. Big fan of this kid. Losing alphabet hurts too... 2 really creative guys I a less than creative landscape.

 

[NewlyRetired]

He looks like he's trimmed down a ton the last couple time I've seen highlights. Is that legit?

As opposed to... Illegit? If it's ozempic, does that count?

Like @TLEF316 mentioned, the first thing I thought of when Luna turned down being an alternate was that he is going to look elsewhere now for international play.

Dammit... First thing I thought of too. Big fan of this kid. Losing alphabet hurts too... 2 really creative guys I a less than creative landscape.

I don't think we have officially lost Bajraktarevic yet but it is trending that he will represent Bosnia.

 

[TennesseeJed]

As opposed to... Illegit? If it's ozempic, does that count?

WRONG THREAD!!

 

[FreeBaGeL]

I live just outside of Salt Lake City so see a lot of Luna. What the hell are they doing chasing this kid off?

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I finally watched Sunderland Till I Die Season 3 and mention it here because Gooch is pretty much featured, after being more or less invisible in the first two seasons. Season 3 has fantastic content but is somewhat disappointing in how short and rushed it feels, despite being released nearly two years after the events. Just 3 episodes. I remember people giving Brad Friedel a hard time for developing a slight English accent during his time in England (unfairly imo). Well, Gooch moved there from California at 16 and has become totally immersed in the culture. His accent is a strange hybrid but I think his parents are both British/Irish so he's probably always had it. Heading into the final in the documentary, it seems he knows he's moving on from Sunderland regardless of the outcome. At Stoke now and seems to be doing pretty well despite some injury issues.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

As opposed to... Illegit? If it's ozempic, does that count?

I meant my opinion... I see the kid for like 5 seconds at a time every couple months. He looked slimmer, but... not sure?

 

[NewlyRetired]

As opposed to... Illegit? If it's ozempic, does that count?

I meant my opinion... I see the kid for like 5 seconds at a time every couple months. He looked slimmer, but... not sure?

He is not Shaqiri odd in his body shape but he does have a unique body type (and running style) which I think can make him look pudgy at times.

 

[NewlyRetired]

https://x.com/tombogert
Tom Bogert

@tombogert

Real Salt Lake head coach Pablo Mastroeni on Diego Luna being left off United States Olympic roster:"It’s just poking the bear.""He's a player that plays with a chip on his shoulder. ... Selfishly for me, we've got a top player that's going to be available the next 4 games."

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

So, Doug McIntyre has deep connections with US Soccer. His report with @JimmyConrad confirms 1) US Soccer hasn't made a final decision on Gregg. That happens Monday. 2) They probably will reach out to Klopp. 3) More likely, be ready to embrace Steve Cherundolo as the new coach.

 

[NewlyRetired]

So, Doug McIntyre has deep connections with US Soccer. His report with @JimmyConrad confirms 1) US Soccer hasn't made a final decision on Gregg. That happens Monday. 2) They probably will reach out to Klopp. 3) More likely, be ready to embrace Steve Cherundolo as the new coach.

I was just listening to the interview right now

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Does Cherundolo have the pop to bench Reyna? Or McKennie? Or Dest? That seems like a litmus test to me. Not saying he should do that, but we need a coach who has the power to do that if that's what he thinks should happen. We need to put the best team on the field instead of playing fantasy soccer.

I'm skeptical Cherundolo is that guy/has that kind of respect (from the US soccer media, the fans, the powers that be, etc). Though I wouldn't be surprised to find out he's a hell of a coach.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I should note that McIntyre did not say Monday was the decision day. His exact words were "in the next few days"

He also said that there are those in US Soccer that want GGG back and those that think it would be impossible to roll him out again in front of the fans and sponsors.

 

[TennesseeJed]

Does Cherundolo have the pop to bench Reyna? Or McKennie? Or Dest? That seems like a litmus test to me. Not saying he should do that, but we need a coach who has the power to do that if that's what he thinks should happen. We need to put the best team on the field instead of playing fantasy soccer.

I'm skeptical Cherundolo is that guy/has that kind of respect (from the US soccer media, the fans, the powers that be, etc). Though I wouldn't be surprised to find out he's a hell of a coach.

Agreed.

I don't think the players need to "hate" the coach - but they should have a healthy fear/respect that the coach will make changes if play on the field warrants it.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Does Cherundolo have the pop to bench Reyna? Or McKennie? Or Dest? That seems like a litmus test to me. Not saying he should do that, but we need a coach who has the power to do that if that's what he thinks should happen. We need to put the best team on the field instead of playing fantasy soccer.

I'm skeptical Cherundolo is that guy/has that kind of respect (from the US soccer media, the fans, the powers that be, etc). Though I wouldn't be surprised to find out he's a hell of a coach.

Any "power" the players may have had is gone now. Any new coach will be able to do what ever he wants I think.

But I am not expecting many changes to the line up to be honest. I think for the most part GGG was playing the correct players 1-15ish. I do hope to see a real difference in tactics and formations no matter who the new coach is.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

lol... just read the top comments and Reddit is already ****ting on Cherundolo:

I'm an LAFC guy. Cherundolo is really really really not it.

He has made so many serious coaching errors in major games. His success, which is limited to LAFC, is entirely based on the fact that they have a stacked roster.

He needs to prove he can be successful on another team before he is even considered for a USMNT position.

Cherundolo would be a massive disappointment

Cherundolo?? Another MLS manager?? Tired of the same USSF club boys. Get out of here!!!