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US Men's National Team (21 Viewers)

Man, I carved out two hours given 4 US players in a big game, but what a snoozefest. Pulisic looked pretty good when he came on, but Milan was just so bad the whole match. Morata is frustrating because he seems to spend more time falling down and exaggerating contact than trying to do something. Also don't understand why on several occasions Leao, who's got to be one of the fastest players in the world, would slow down the break. Musah and McKennie were both meh. Weah was hard to judge as he didn't really see the ball much once he came on.
 
Dr_Zaius said:
Man, I carved out two hours given 4 US players in a big game, but what a snoozefest. Pulisic looked pretty good when he came on, but Milan was just so bad the whole match. Morata is frustrating because he seems to spend more time falling down and exaggerating contact than trying to do something. Also don't understand why on several occasions Leao, who's got to be one of the fastest players in the world, would slow down the break. Musah and McKennie were both meh. Weah was hard to judge as he didn't really see the ball much once he came on.
Click to expand...
Both are hard to watch
 
De jong didn't dress for this, and the camera keeps showing him when Pepi does something good. I have sound off, so not sure what they're saying, but I can guess.
 
These are numbers, that when combined with his age, is going to make some team do something stupid this winter and I think PSV would be more than happy with a big offer

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

Ricardo Pepi for PSV in the Eredivisie:

966 minutes
16 goals
3 assists

The American striker averages one goal every 60 minutes and is involved in a goal every 51 minutes.
 
NewlyRetired said:
These are numbers, that when combined with his age, is going to make some team do something stupid this winter and I think PSV would be more than happy with a big offer

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

Ricardo Pepi for PSV in the Eredivisie:

966 minutes
16 goals
3 assists

The American striker averages one goal every 60 minutes and is involved in a goal every 51 minutes.
Click to expand...
He was frustrating me with the US playing against those big Jamaican defenders and just not doing the job of winning and holding the ball.

But he's doing everything else so well right now...especially loving the quality of the runs he's making- their shape, pace and the spots hes seeing before the pass is made. And he's finishing in different ways- something the US desperately needs.

And hopefully he can still get some bulk and learn how to bang to win the spot and ball- ground and headers, and then hold it. But it's all there right now... Very cool to see.
 
El Floppo said:
NewlyRetired said:
These are numbers, that when combined with his age, is going to make some team do something stupid this winter and I think PSV would be more than happy with a big offer

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

Ricardo Pepi for PSV in the Eredivisie:

966 minutes
16 goals
3 assists

The American striker averages one goal every 60 minutes and is involved in a goal every 51 minutes.
Click to expand...
He was frustrating me with the US playing against those big Jamaican defenders and just not doing the job of winning and holding the ball.

But he's doing everything else so well right now...especially loving the quality of the runs he's making- their shape, pace and the spots hes seeing before the pass is made. And he's finishing in different ways- something the US desperately needs.

And hopefully he can still get some bulk and learn how to bang to win the spot and ball- ground and headers, and then hold it. But it's all there right now... Very cool to see.
Click to expand...

I am not the biggest fan of his game but I do have to admit if it was not for Jozy, I would be a lot more excited right now.

We still have no idea if The Netherlands is his ceiling or not (which it was for Jozy). Pepi did not impress in his first season in the Bundesliga but he was still quite young.

He has certainly earned himself a second shot in a big league. I just hope he can find a team with a balance of being able to play decent minutes AND not always being on the back foot.

Lets face it, there are probably 200 strikers in the world right now who could do the business up top for a team like PSV. Lets keep our fingers crossed that this is just the start for him.
 
NewlyRetired said:
El Floppo said:
NewlyRetired said:
These are numbers, that when combined with his age, is going to make some team do something stupid this winter and I think PSV would be more than happy with a big offer

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

Ricardo Pepi for PSV in the Eredivisie:

966 minutes
16 goals
3 assists

The American striker averages one goal every 60 minutes and is involved in a goal every 51 minutes.
Click to expand...
He was frustrating me with the US playing against those big Jamaican defenders and just not doing the job of winning and holding the ball.

But he's doing everything else so well right now...especially loving the quality of the runs he's making- their shape, pace and the spots hes seeing before the pass is made. And he's finishing in different ways- something the US desperately needs.

And hopefully he can still get some bulk and learn how to bang to win the spot and ball- ground and headers, and then hold it. But it's all there right now... Very cool to see.
Click to expand...

I am not the biggest fan of his game but I do have to admit if it was not for Jozy, I would be a lot more excited right now.

We still have no idea if The Netherlands is his ceiling or not (which it was for Jozy). Pepi did not impress in his first season in the Bundesliga but he was still quite young.

He has certainly earned himself a second shot in a big league. I just hope he can find a team with a balance of being able to play decent minutes AND not always being on the back foot.

Lets face it, there are probably 200 strikers in the world right now who could do the business up top for a team like PSV. Lets keep our fingers crossed that this is just the start for him.
Click to expand...
Jozy never really found his way overseas after that. But damn if he wasn't solid for the US. I'll take US Jozy as a comp for Pepi any day
 
Utrecht with another win today as they stay with in shouting distance in 2nd behind PSV.

Aaronson went the full 90 and had an assist. Booth subbed in at the 58 minute mark.

Aaronson was the second highest rated player on Fotmob in this game.
 
NewlyRetired said:
Utrecht with another win today as they stay with in shouting distance in 2nd behind PSV.

Aaronson went the full 90 and had an assist. Booth subbed in at the 58 minute mark.

Aaronson was the second highest rated player on Fotmob in this game.
Click to expand...
I haven't seen Paxten play in quite a while but it's interesting how much midfield he's played. He and Quinn Sullivan both played a false 9/wing for the U20s and both are excelling after a move into the midfield.

I think I have more doubts about Paxten because of his brother, but both guys are on the edge and maybe deserve a call into camp at some point (I'm sure Quinn will come to Camp Cupcake). Philly has really cranked out prospects (with the best of them - Cavan and Pierre - likely to break through next year).
 
prefontaine said:
NewlyRetired said:
Utrecht with another win today as they stay with in shouting distance in 2nd behind PSV.

Aaronson went the full 90 and had an assist. Booth subbed in at the 58 minute mark.

Aaronson was the second highest rated player on Fotmob in this game.
Click to expand...
I haven't seen Paxten play in quite a while but it's interesting how much midfield he's played. He and Quinn Sullivan both played a false 9/wing for the U20s and both are excelling after a move into the midfield.

I think I have more doubts about Paxten because of his brother, but both guys are on the edge and maybe deserve a call into camp at some point (I'm sure Quinn will come to Camp Cupcake). Philly has really cranked out prospects (with the best of them - Cavan and Pierre - likely to break through next year).
Click to expand...
I did not watch the game so I don't know how accurate the Fotmob formation was, but they showed a 4-2-3-1 and Paxten was one of the 2, which seemed odd to me but from your comment I guess it is not.
 
prefontaine said:
NewlyRetired said:
Utrecht with another win today as they stay with in shouting distance in 2nd behind PSV.

Aaronson went the full 90 and had an assist. Booth subbed in at the 58 minute mark.

Aaronson was the second highest rated player on Fotmob in this game.
Click to expand...
I haven't seen Paxten play in quite a while but it's interesting how much midfield he's played. He and Quinn Sullivan both played a false 9/wing for the U20s and both are excelling after a move into the midfield.

I think I have more doubts about Paxten because of his brother, but both guys are on the edge and maybe deserve a call into camp at some point (I'm sure Quinn will come to Camp Cupcake). Philly has really cranked out prospects (with the best of them - Cavan and Pierre - likely to break through next year).
Click to expand...
Sure feels like Philly has overtaken Dallas as the USMNT prospect academy.
 
Pros and cons for all 3 teams.

If he has another strong season, a move next winter seems perfect for him as he will turn 18 in November and does not have a Euro passport to my knowledge.

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

https://x.com/USMNTReport
USMNT Report
@USMNTReport

According to sources: Dortmund, Bayern, and Ajax are keen to find the signature of USA U20 International, Peyton Miller.

The New England Revolution left back has been heavily scouted by all three teams during his breakout MLS campaign this season. The Revolution are likely to receive an array of bids for Miller when he turns 18 next season.
 
An MLS lifer but he got every ounce out of his skill set as his career comes to a close.

======================
Ben Wright‬ ‪@benwright.bsky.social‬

One hell of a career for Dax McCarty:
• 19 seasons
• 554 appearances
• 43,209 minutes
• 25 goals
• 79 assists
• 2x MLS All-Star (2015, 2017)
• 2015 MLS Best XI
• 2x Supporters' Shield winner (2013, 2015)
• 13 USMNT cap
• 2017 Gold Cup winner
 
NewlyRetired said:
prefontaine said:
NewlyRetired said:
Utrecht with another win today as they stay with in shouting distance in 2nd behind PSV.

Aaronson went the full 90 and had an assist. Booth subbed in at the 58 minute mark.

Aaronson was the second highest rated player on Fotmob in this game.
Click to expand...
I haven't seen Paxten play in quite a while but it's interesting how much midfield he's played. He and Quinn Sullivan both played a false 9/wing for the U20s and both are excelling after a move into the midfield.

I think I have more doubts about Paxten because of his brother, but both guys are on the edge and maybe deserve a call into camp at some point (I'm sure Quinn will come to Camp Cupcake). Philly has really cranked out prospects (with the best of them - Cavan and Pierre - likely to break through next year).
Click to expand...
I did not watch the game so I don't know how accurate the Fotmob formation was, but they showed a 4-2-3-1 and Paxten was one of the 2, which seemed odd to me but from your comment I guess it is not.
Click to expand...
I did not either. I've just looked at their lineups and he seems to always be in that role. According to FBRef he's started 6 games in a row as a "DM"
 
The Z Machine said:
prefontaine said:
NewlyRetired said:
Utrecht with another win today as they stay with in shouting distance in 2nd behind PSV.

Aaronson went the full 90 and had an assist. Booth subbed in at the 58 minute mark.

Aaronson was the second highest rated player on Fotmob in this game.
Click to expand...
I haven't seen Paxten play in quite a while but it's interesting how much midfield he's played. He and Quinn Sullivan both played a false 9/wing for the U20s and both are excelling after a move into the midfield.

I think I have more doubts about Paxten because of his brother, but both guys are on the edge and maybe deserve a call into camp at some point (I'm sure Quinn will come to Camp Cupcake). Philly has really cranked out prospects (with the best of them - Cavan and Pierre - likely to break through next year).
Click to expand...
Sure feels like Philly has overtaken Dallas as the USMNT prospect academy.
Click to expand...
Think it's pretty undeniable at this point
 
1997-ccv, jedi, miles, dejuan jones
1998-pulisic, weston, trusty, LDLT, Mihailovic, Connon, Zendejas, Vazquez, A Sonora, Haji
1999-Adams, McKenzie, Maloney
2000-Weah, Dest, Richards, B Aaronson, Ferreira, Dike, Sargent, Sands
2001-Cardoso, Tessman, Balogun, T Booth, Reynolds, A Morris, McGuire, Schulte
2002-Reyna, Musah, Scally, M Tillman, Busio, Lund, yow
2003- Pepi, Paredes, P Aaronson, Cowell, Neal, McGlynn
2004-Slonina, Z Booth, Pukstas, brady, wiley, q sullivan
2005-cremaschi
2006-kochen, campbell
2007-miller, mcfarlane
2008-hall
2009-c sullivan, albert

Edited to add Campbell
 
gianmarco said:
Nice video breaking down US tactics vs Jamaica
Click to expand...

I have so many comments and thoughts, I am having a hard time organizing them so I think I will just spew:

* First and foremost for me is the time frame. The US did not play like this in the first leg. So there is a strong possibility that Poch made these tactical changes between games. We have been constantly reminded how difficult it is for National Team coaches to make changes due to lack of practice time so this was extremely heartening that not only was Poch willing to make changes on the fly but that the players were receptive and showed the ability to alter their play with out a lot of practice.

* While we all seem to agree these specific tactics won't work against a true top 20ish side, that may be besides the point. With a 48 team World Cup, the US is almost certain to have a Jamaica level team they are going to face in the group stage. Also, we need to consider that since these changes were met positively by the team, that Poch is likely to feel empowered to more freely change tactics based on each opponent. We need to watch next March closely as those two games should indicate whether this change is something Poch wants for the long haul or if things will look slightly different game to game.

* While I likely won't be alive to see the US play like this against a top team, I think a more realistic goal is to hope they can do this against a decent Concacaf team, on the road. Unfortunately the semi finals are not two legs so the US will be playing at home against Panama in the semi final in March.

* The content creator of the video asked about where to play Richards, Reyna, Adams, Dest etc when they come back. Dest is the easiest of the 3 to deal with as he is just a pure upgrade over Scally and his versatility is something Poch is likely to exploit. Adams is going to have to fight for his place back in the lineup. His skill set is a little different than Tessman's in that spot. This may be one of those things where Poch will pick lineups based on opponent. Reyna is not worth even considering until he can put together a few months of play that comes even close to what he once was at the club level.
 
NewlyRetired said:
gianmarco said:
Nice video breaking down US tactics vs Jamaica
Click to expand...

I have so many comments and thoughts, I am having a hard time organizing them so I think I will just spew:

* First and foremost for me is the time frame. The US did not play like this in the first leg. So there is a strong possibility that Poch made these tactical changes between games. We have been constantly reminded how difficult it is for National Team coaches to make changes due to lack of practice time so this was extremely heartening that not only was Poch willing to make changes on the fly but that the players were receptive and showed the ability to alter their play with out a lot of practice.

* While we all seem to agree these specific tactics won't work against a true top 20ish side, that may be besides the point. With a 48 team World Cup, the US is almost certain to have a Jamaica level team they are going to face in the group stage. Also, we need to consider that since these changes were met positively by the team, that Poch is likely to feel empowered to more freely change tactics based on each opponent. We need to watch next March closely as those two games should indicate whether this change is something Poch wants for the long haul or if things will look slightly different game to game.

* While I likely won't be alive to see the US play like this against a top team, I think a more realistic goal is to hope they can do this against a decent Concacaf team, on the road. Unfortunately the semi finals are not two legs so the US will be playing at home against Panama in the semi final in March.

* The content creator of the video asked about where to play Richards, Reyna, Adams, Dest etc when they come back. Dest is the easiest of the 3 to deal with as he is just a pure upgrade over Scally and his versatility is something Poch is likely to exploit. Adams is going to have to fight for his place back in the lineup. His skill set is a little different than Tessman's in that spot. This may be one of those things where Poch will pick lineups based on opponent. Reyna is not worth even considering until he can put together a few months of play that comes even close to what he once was at the club level.
Click to expand...
My only concern with those tactics... It's a HUGE physical ask on those players to do that for more than a stretch. Even ironman Jedi looked gassed after 25 mins- and no wonder, given how much territory he was asked to cover!

I loved it, and hope it tenable, but I'm also hoping it works and plays out kinda like how some teams run a high press situationally and not for 90.

The video was great at showing the vertical interchanging too- and was cool seeing Pepi the really seem to get it; they need to be able to read the play, shape and runs of their teammates almost instantaneously to do this, and Pepi (and the rest) were on the same page that entire first 25 minutes and then some . I keep saying Pepi, because I've mentioned how impressed I've been with his off the ball work. Very cool to see it charted here.
 
NewlyRetired said:
gianmarco said:
Nice video breaking down US tactics vs Jamaica
Click to expand...

I have so many comments and thoughts, I am having a hard time organizing them so I think I will just spew:

* First and foremost for me is the time frame. The US did not play like this in the first leg. So there is a strong possibility that Poch made these tactical changes between games. We have been constantly reminded how difficult it is for National Team coaches to make changes due to lack of practice time so this was extremely heartening that not only was Poch willing to make changes on the fly but that the players were receptive and showed the ability to alter their play with out a lot of practice.

* While we all seem to agree these specific tactics won't work against a true top 20ish side, that may be besides the point. With a 48 team World Cup, the US is almost certain to have a Jamaica level team they are going to face in the group stage. Also, we need to consider that since these changes were met positively by the team, that Poch is likely to feel empowered to more freely change tactics based on each opponent. We need to watch next March closely as those two games should indicate whether this change is something Poch wants for the long haul or if things will look slightly different game to game.

* While I likely won't be alive to see the US play like this against a top team, I think a more realistic goal is to hope they can do this against a decent Concacaf team, on the road. Unfortunately the semi finals are not two legs so the US will be playing at home against Panama in the semi final in March.

* The content creator of the video asked about where to play Richards, Reyna, Adams, Dest etc when they come back. Dest is the easiest of the 3 to deal with as he is just a pure upgrade over Scally and his versatility is something Poch is likely to exploit. Adams is going to have to fight for his place back in the lineup. His skill set is a little different than Tessman's in that spot. This may be one of those things where Poch will pick lineups based on opponent. Reyna is not worth even considering until he can put together a few months of play that comes even close to what he once was at the club level.
Click to expand...

Yeah...agree on all this.

My biggest complaint with Greg was that he always seemed to set up the team to clear the lowest bar possible. Road game in Concacaf against a Panama or El Salvador type team....he's setting us up for a draw because "hey.....we draw all our away games and we'll qualify". Then ONE lucky bounce goes against us and all of a sudden we're losing and "hey...that's Concacaf for ya". That's crap.

When you have the superior talent and/or pieces that can be deployed in unique ways that the other team will have trouble countering....you take full advantage. And that's what Poch did with the way he deployed A-Rod last week. He recognized that Jamaica wasn't quite dangerous enough (due to some missing players and their general dysfunction as a group) to fully exploit the space we left in the back (with A-rob playing further up and in the middle rather than just staying out on the flank) and he knew that using him as a sort of immediate "win the ball back" guy in the middle would be a huge advantage. So he took it. And we (mostly) dominated as a result.

Certainly not expecting it to work against better/more organized teams, but I really appreciated the fact that he did something other than playing "the system" and hoping for a 1-0 win.
 
TLEF316 said:
NewlyRetired said:
gianmarco said:
Nice video breaking down US tactics vs Jamaica
Click to expand...

I have so many comments and thoughts, I am having a hard time organizing them so I think I will just spew:

* First and foremost for me is the time frame. The US did not play like this in the first leg. So there is a strong possibility that Poch made these tactical changes between games. We have been constantly reminded how difficult it is for National Team coaches to make changes due to lack of practice time so this was extremely heartening that not only was Poch willing to make changes on the fly but that the players were receptive and showed the ability to alter their play with out a lot of practice.

* While we all seem to agree these specific tactics won't work against a true top 20ish side, that may be besides the point. With a 48 team World Cup, the US is almost certain to have a Jamaica level team they are going to face in the group stage. Also, we need to consider that since these changes were met positively by the team, that Poch is likely to feel empowered to more freely change tactics based on each opponent. We need to watch next March closely as those two games should indicate whether this change is something Poch wants for the long haul or if things will look slightly different game to game.

* While I likely won't be alive to see the US play like this against a top team, I think a more realistic goal is to hope they can do this against a decent Concacaf team, on the road. Unfortunately the semi finals are not two legs so the US will be playing at home against Panama in the semi final in March.

* The content creator of the video asked about where to play Richards, Reyna, Adams, Dest etc when they come back. Dest is the easiest of the 3 to deal with as he is just a pure upgrade over Scally and his versatility is something Poch is likely to exploit. Adams is going to have to fight for his place back in the lineup. His skill set is a little different than Tessman's in that spot. This may be one of those things where Poch will pick lineups based on opponent. Reyna is not worth even considering until he can put together a few months of play that comes even close to what he once was at the club level.
Click to expand...

Yeah...agree on all this.

My biggest complaint with Greg was that he always seemed to set up the team to clear the lowest bar possible. Road game in Concacaf against a Panama or El Salvador type team....he's setting us up for a draw because "hey.....we draw all our away games and we'll qualify". Then ONE lucky bounce goes against us and all of a sudden we're losing and "hey...that's Concacaf for ya". That's crap.

When you have the superior talent and/or pieces that can be deployed in unique ways that the other team will have trouble countering....you take full advantage. And that's what Poch did with the way he deployed A-Rod last week. He recognized that Jamaica wasn't quite dangerous enough (due to some missing players and their general dysfunction as a group) to fully exploit the space we left in the back (with A-rob playing further up and in the middle rather than just staying out on the flank) and he knew that using him as a sort of immediate "win the ball back" guy in the middle would be a huge advantage. So he took it. And we (mostly) dominated as a result.

Certainly not expecting it to work against better/more organized teams, but I really appreciated the fact that he did something other than playing "the system" and hoping for a 1-0 win.
Click to expand...

This was my point about hoping to see this level on the road some day. The game in Jamaica was poor for the US and they were extremely lucky to get out with a win. Much of that may have been due to field conditions but we do not yet have any information on whether Poch can have the US on the front foot against a decent Concacaf team on the road.

Even under GGG, we saw games at home where the US dominated play but almost never on the road. If memory serves, it was only in the second half against Honduras did we step on the opponents throat on the road last cycle.
 
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