US Men's National Team (20 Viewers)

[NewlyRetired]

Who is Sean Zawadzki and why are we bringing him over Paxton Aaronson?

I can't make heads or tails out of this roster and I am really trying to find the codex.

There is no consistency in terms of players needing a rest or not.

Jedi, Pulisic, Sargent, Paxton and Scally all played a good amount of minutes and were left off the roster.

But then so did Adams, Johnny, McKenzie, and Richards and they were included.

How many mins have these guys played under Poch?
I know there have been limited games, but maybe he's seen what he wants out of the first group, but not the second?

That was my initial thought too...but I feel like some of the second group have played plenty of minutes for him...although I guess if he's planning something new like a 3-5-2 maybe their roles change enough that he needs to see more? Feels like a stretch though.

Reading between the lines here, Poch may be making a general statement or he may be talking about some specific players in this quote....hard to say

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:56ojnkucm6ylfmz3h3otztfh/bafkreihh3i2srmy5eqjv5zqxlgtzz2w366twvwh4gg6bca2d4d2cgigwmy@jpeg

 

[B Maverick]

Who is Sean Zawadzki and why are we bringing him over Paxton Aaronson?

I can't make heads or tails out of this roster and I am really trying to find the codex.

There is no consistency in terms of players needing a rest or not.

Jedi, Pulisic, Sargent, Paxton and Scally all played a good amount of minutes and were left off the roster.

But then so did Adams, Johnny, McKenzie, and Richards and they were included.

How many mins have these guys played under Poch?
I know there have been limited games, but maybe he's seen what he wants out of the first group, but not the second?

That was my initial thought too...but I feel like some of the second group have played plenty of minutes for him...although I guess if he's planning something new like a 3-5-2 maybe their roles change enough that he needs to see more? Feels like a stretch though.

Reading between the lines here, Poch may be making a general statement or he may be talking about some specific players in this quote....hard to say

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:56ojnkucm6ylfmz3h3otztfh/bafkreihh3i2srmy5eqjv5zqxlgtzz2w366twvwh4gg6bca2d4d2cgigwmy@jpeg

I feel confident that while it probably has some undertones directed at a select few (and I would bet its not just one, but a few players), its meant to be a reminder for any and all would be USMNT players that they need to understand the standards and demands. Camps are not a vacation, you come to play and be ready. Time together is in short supply so you have to maximize the work.

 

[SpurrierisisGod]

So, is Reyna hurt or are we just moving on?

 

[ChiefD]

Who is Sean Zawadzki and why are we bringing him over Paxton Aaronson?

I can't make heads or tails out of this roster and I am really trying to find the codex.

There is no consistency in terms of players needing a rest or not.

Jedi, Pulisic, Sargent, Paxton and Scally all played a good amount of minutes and were left off the roster.

But then so did Adams, Johnny, McKenzie, and Richards and they were included.

How many mins have these guys played under Poch?
I know there have been limited games, but maybe he's seen what he wants out of the first group, but not the second?

That was my initial thought too...but I feel like some of the second group have played plenty of minutes for him...although I guess if he's planning something new like a 3-5-2 maybe their roles change enough that he needs to see more? Feels like a stretch though.

Reading between the lines here, Poch may be making a general statement or he may be talking about some specific players in this quote....hard to say

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:56ojnkucm6ylfmz3h3otztfh/bafkreihh3i2srmy5eqjv5zqxlgtzz2w366twvwh4gg6bca2d4d2cgigwmy@jpeg

I decipher that to mean:

“We have a lot of fat dumb and happy “golden generation” players who haven’t earned crap since I’ve been here. So all cards are on the table.”

 

[NewlyRetired]

So, is Reyna hurt or are we just moving on?

Officially he was unavailable due to the Club World Cup, same as Weston and Weah.

Unofficially I believe he was not going to be called even if he was available.

He is healthy.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I don’t think we have talked about left back.

Seems odd that Tolkin, after having a good first season in the Bundesliga, while on a terrible team, was passed over for Arfsten and Jones.

 

[El Floppo]

So, is Reyna hurt or are we just moving on?

Not hurt.

Still on BWB roster, and they're playing CWC, so he's not released.

 

[TripItUp]

For the first time in a long time I have no feel for where this club is at...no qualifying is a really weird dynamic.

 

[zoobird]

I don’t think we have talked about left back.

Seems odd that Tolkin, after having a good first season in the Bundesliga, while on a terrible team, was passed over for Arfsten and Jones.

Yeah, especially with Scally not on the roster. Normally you'd assume that w/out Antonee, we might move Dest over there and start Scally on the right side, but...

This whole roster feels very random. If we do something like a 3-5-2 in order to get (more or less) our best 11 players (among those on the roster) on the field, I'm ok with it. If we don't, it seems like we're going to have a pretty terrible starting 11 or going to put players in positions where they've proven to be ineffective in the past.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I don’t think we have talked about left back.

Seems odd that Tolkin, after having a good first season in the Bundesliga, while on a terrible team, was passed over for Arfsten and Jones.

Yeah, especially with Scally not on the roster. Normally you'd assume that w/out Antonee, we might move Dest over there and start Scally on the right side, but...

This whole roster feels very random. If we do something like a 3-5-2 in order to get (more or less) our best 11 players (among those on the roster) on the field, I'm ok with it. If we don't, it seems like we're going to have a pretty terrible starting 11 or going to put players in positions where they've proven to be ineffective in the past.

The whole thing is a mess.

I mean how do we not even try to contact Nathaniel Brown as part of the 60 man roster at the very least? The guy is 21 and a solid starter in the Bundesliga for a team that finished 3rd in the league

I am really disillusioned right now.

 

[NewlyRetired]

The Jedi situation may be even worse than the Pulisic one. Jedi played a ton of minutes for Fulham this year. But he has now missed two straight USMNT camps because the Federation keeps caving to the requests from the teams.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Rumor out of Dortmund is that Mathis Albert will travel with the Dortmund first team during the Club WC this summer.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I always enjoy seeing the US grinders stick with it

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

https://x.com/BrianSciaretta
Brian Sciaretta
@BrianSciaretta

In 2017, Mael Corboz was struggling and nearly quit the sport
In 2025, he is Arminia Bielefeld's captain & the 3.Liga Player of the Year
This month they were promoted
On Saturday, Corboz will lead his team in the German Cup final

 

[NewlyRetired]

Johnny is one step closer to missing the Gold Cup as well

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

USMNT Otaku

@USMNTOtaku


Diego Simeone has given the green light for the possible transfer of Johnny Cardoso. Atletico Madrid are in pole position to sign him. Real Betis have been preparing for some time about the possibility of Johnny leaving this summer.

[: via @marqoss & @samuelsonsilva, @relevo]

 

[NewlyRetired]

this is just ****ing great.

Pulisic begs out of the Gold Cup for rest and Milan starts him today in an utterly meaningless last game of season.

Musah is also starting.

 

[NewlyRetired]

There have only been 10 players across the top 5 leagues who have played at least 50 games in each of the last two seasons and Pulisic is one of them.

Pulisic's 50th game this season is today

 

[El Floppo]

this is just ****ing great.

Pulisic begs out of the Gold Cup for rest and Milan starts him today in an utterly meaningless last game of season.

Musah is also starting.

This was Milan's way of getting CP a crowd response for the work he's out in. Not a bad thing, imo

 

[NewlyRetired]

this is just ****ing great.

Pulisic begs out of the Gold Cup for rest and Milan starts him today in an utterly meaningless last game of season.

Musah is also starting.

This was Milan's way of getting CP a crowd response for the work he's out in. Not a bad thing, imo

Here is what the Milan fans think

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GrvrjwmWkAATI7u?format=jpg&name=large

 

[NewlyRetired]

Quinn Sullivan continuing his season of making the leap. Beautiful goal here

https://www.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/1kupftm/philadelphia_union_1_0_inter_miami_quinn_sullivan/

 

[El Floppo]

this is just ****ing great.

Pulisic begs out of the Gold Cup for rest and Milan starts him today in an utterly meaningless last game of season.

Musah is also starting.

This was Milan's way of getting CP a crowd response for the work he's out in. Not a bad thing, imo

Here is what the Milan fans think

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GrvrjwmWkAATI7u?format=jpg&name=large

There were protests against management... That's not directed at CP.

 

[El Floppo]

Quinn Sullivan continuing his season of making the leap. Beautiful goal here

https://www.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/1kupftm/philadelphia_union_1_0_inter_miami_quinn_sullivan/

I love how everybody's hitting bangers against Miami

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Quinn Sullivan continuing his season of making the leap. Beautiful goal here

https://www.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/1kupftm/philadelphia_union_1_0_inter_miami_quinn_sullivan/

Also busted out a rabona cross for the fun of it

 

[NewlyRetired]

this is just ****ing great.

Pulisic begs out of the Gold Cup for rest and Milan starts him today in an utterly meaningless last game of season.

Musah is also starting.

This was Milan's way of getting CP a crowd response for the work he's out in. Not a bad thing, imo

Here is what the Milan fans think

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GrvrjwmWkAATI7u?format=jpg&name=large

There were protests against management... That's not directed at CP.

I know that. I was making a joke

 

[NewlyRetired]

Big Agyemang finally coming to life.

Brace tonight giving him 4 goals in his last 3 games.

 

[El Floppo]

this is just ****ing great.

Pulisic begs out of the Gold Cup for rest and Milan starts him today in an utterly meaningless last game of season.

Musah is also starting.

This was Milan's way of getting CP a crowd response for the work he's out in. Not a bad thing, imo

Here is what the Milan fans think

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GrvrjwmWkAATI7u?format=jpg&name=large

There were protests against management... That's not directed at CP.

I know that. I was making a joke

Sorry ol buddy. I obviously missed it.

 

[NewlyRetired]

LDLT, Luna, Sullivan and Agyemang all celebrating their callups with goals today.

 

[Desert_Power]

Big Agyemang finally coming to life.

Brace tonight giving him 4 goals in his last 3 games.

He could've had more tonight.

 

[NewlyRetired]

LDLT, Luna, Sullivan and Agyemang all celebrating their callups with goals today.

Brian White with a brace as well in the late game.

 

[NewlyRetired]

LDLT, Luna, Sullivan and Agyemang all celebrating their callups with goals today.

Brian White with a brace as well in the late game.

And add Miles Robinson to the list with a goal tonight

 

[NewlyRetired]

Juventus got the win today to finish 4th and qualify for Champions League next year.

Weah and Weston were both second half subs today.

 

[El Floppo]

Juventus got the win today to finish 4th and qualify for Champions League next year.

Weah and Weston were both second half subs today.

I watched some of the first half... Announcers said both were carrying knocks, so not 90 min available. juve was playing a skeleton crew, especially at the back due to injuries and suspensions.

 

[prefontaine]

Recent Gold Cup call up and 2004 RB Alex Freeman picking up steam on a move to Europe this summer. I expect the Gold Cup to be the launching point for he, Quinn Sullivan, and Luna, maybe a few others. All three of those are among the top 10 highest rated Americans in MLS so far this year.

I know there is a lot of hope for Cavan Sullivan and Mathis Albert (and other young players) and I think the 2006 trio of Banks, Kochen, and Campbell may make some noise, but it's guys like Freeman that are the most likely to break into the US roster for next years World Cup - not kids, but guys that are actually already producing at a high level in MLS and could make the leap to a bigger league for next season.

 

[El Floppo]

Recent Gold Cup call up and 2004 RB Alex Freeman picking up steam on a move to Europe this summer. I expect the Gold Cup to be the launching point for he, Quinn Sullivan, and Luna, maybe a few others. All three of those are among the top 10 highest rated Americans in MLS so far this year.

I know there is a lot of hope for Cavan Sullivan and Mathis Albert (and other young players) and I think the 2006 trio of Banks, Kochen, and Campbell may make some noise, but it's guys like Freeman that are the most likely to break into the US roster for next years World Cup - not kids, but guys that are actually already producing at a high level in MLS and could make the leap to a bigger league for next season.

what league do you guys see Luna playing in where, A: he can break a lineup, B: learn a ton while also maximizing his already developed skills?

Holland seems obvious for PT- but I wonder if his defensive work would get developed enough. Germany or Italy could be interesting too with the right team- he'd have to earn his way to PT, but would definitely learn a ton once there, even on a bottom tier squad. I don't really know enough about France, tbh.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Recent Gold Cup call up and 2004 RB Alex Freeman picking up steam on a move to Europe this summer. I expect the Gold Cup to be the launching point for he, Quinn Sullivan, and Luna, maybe a few others. All three of those are among the top 10 highest rated Americans in MLS so far this year.

I know there is a lot of hope for Cavan Sullivan and Mathis Albert (and other young players) and I think the 2006 trio of Banks, Kochen, and Campbell may make some noise, but it's guys like Freeman that are the most likely to break into the US roster for next years World Cup - not kids, but guys that are actually already producing at a high level in MLS and could make the leap to a bigger league for next season.

what league do you guys see Luna playing in where, A: he can break a lineup, B: learn a ton while also maximizing his already developed skills?

Holland seems obvious for PT- but I wonder if his defensive work would get developed enough. Germany or Italy could be interesting too with the right team- he'd have to earn his way to PT, but would definitely learn a ton once there, even on a bottom tier squad. I don't really know enough about France, tbh.

This is a great question that is tough to answer.

We don’t have any similar players to Luna succeeding in Europe right now. His prototype is closer to a Mexican style.

His work rate and defense tells us he could probably fit in a mid tier Serie A type team I think.

 

[El Floppo]

Recent Gold Cup call up and 2004 RB Alex Freeman picking up steam on a move to Europe this summer. I expect the Gold Cup to be the launching point for he, Quinn Sullivan, and Luna, maybe a few others. All three of those are among the top 10 highest rated Americans in MLS so far this year.

I know there is a lot of hope for Cavan Sullivan and Mathis Albert (and other young players) and I think the 2006 trio of Banks, Kochen, and Campbell may make some noise, but it's guys like Freeman that are the most likely to break into the US roster for next years World Cup - not kids, but guys that are actually already producing at a high level in MLS and could make the leap to a bigger league for next season.

what league do you guys see Luna playing in where, A: he can break a lineup, B: learn a ton while also maximizing his already developed skills?

Holland seems obvious for PT- but I wonder if his defensive work would get developed enough. Germany or Italy could be interesting too with the right team- he'd have to earn his way to PT, but would definitely learn a ton once there, even on a bottom tier squad. I don't really know enough about France, tbh.

This is a great question that is tough to answer.

We don’t have any similar players to Luna succeeding in Europe right now. His prototype is closer to a Mexican style.

His work rate and defense tells us he could probably fit in a mid tier Serie A type team I think.

He strikes me as similar to Paxton, tbh... But sturdier.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Recent Gold Cup call up and 2004 RB Alex Freeman picking up steam on a move to Europe this summer. I expect the Gold Cup to be the launching point for he, Quinn Sullivan, and Luna, maybe a few others. All three of those are among the top 10 highest rated Americans in MLS so far this year.

I know there is a lot of hope for Cavan Sullivan and Mathis Albert (and other young players) and I think the 2006 trio of Banks, Kochen, and Campbell may make some noise, but it's guys like Freeman that are the most likely to break into the US roster for next years World Cup - not kids, but guys that are actually already producing at a high level in MLS and could make the leap to a bigger league for next season.

what league do you guys see Luna playing in where, A: he can break a lineup, B: learn a ton while also maximizing his already developed skills?

Holland seems obvious for PT- but I wonder if his defensive work would get developed enough. Germany or Italy could be interesting too with the right team- he'd have to earn his way to PT, but would definitely learn a ton once there, even on a bottom tier squad. I don't really know enough about France, tbh.

This is a great question that is tough to answer.

We don’t have any similar players to Luna succeeding in Europe right now. His prototype is closer to a Mexican style.

His work rate and defense tells us he could probably fit in a mid tier Serie A type team I think.

He strikes me as similar to Paxton, tbh... But sturdier.

Aaronson or Pomykal?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Recent Gold Cup call up and 2004 RB Alex Freeman picking up steam on a move to Europe this summer. I expect the Gold Cup to be the launching point for he, Quinn Sullivan, and Luna, maybe a few others. All three of those are among the top 10 highest rated Americans in MLS so far this year.

I was just reading that Parma is interested. That would be a nice landing spot for Freeman.

With Jedi missing there are a lot of people predicting that Dest may start on the left and Freeman on the right in the Gold Cup. I hope he gets some decent minutes no matter whether he starts or subs in.

 

[El Floppo]

Recent Gold Cup call up and 2004 RB Alex Freeman picking up steam on a move to Europe this summer. I expect the Gold Cup to be the launching point for he, Quinn Sullivan, and Luna, maybe a few others. All three of those are among the top 10 highest rated Americans in MLS so far this year.

I know there is a lot of hope for Cavan Sullivan and Mathis Albert (and other young players) and I think the 2006 trio of Banks, Kochen, and Campbell may make some noise, but it's guys like Freeman that are the most likely to break into the US roster for next years World Cup - not kids, but guys that are actually already producing at a high level in MLS and could make the leap to a bigger league for next season.

what league do you guys see Luna playing in where, A: he can break a lineup, B: learn a ton while also maximizing his already developed skills?

Holland seems obvious for PT- but I wonder if his defensive work would get developed enough. Germany or Italy could be interesting too with the right team- he'd have to earn his way to PT, but would definitely learn a ton once there, even on a bottom tier squad. I don't really know enough about France, tbh.

This is a great question that is tough to answer.

We don’t have any similar players to Luna succeeding in Europe right now. His prototype is closer to a Mexican style.

His work rate and defense tells us he could probably fit in a mid tier Serie A type team I think.

He strikes me as similar to Paxton, tbh... But sturdier.

Aaronson or Pomykal?

Aaronson as a 10. I think of Pomy as an 8... But it's been so long, I could be misremembering

 

[prefontaine]

Recent Gold Cup call up and 2004 RB Alex Freeman picking up steam on a move to Europe this summer. I expect the Gold Cup to be the launching point for he, Quinn Sullivan, and Luna, maybe a few others. All three of those are among the top 10 highest rated Americans in MLS so far this year.

I was just reading that Parma is interested. That would be a nice landing spot for Freeman.

With Jedi missing there are a lot of people predicting that Dest may start on the left and Freeman on the right in the Gold Cup. I hope he gets some decent minutes no matter whether he starts or subs in.

I don't know the rules exactly but getting some NT caps may open up England as a possibility. I don't think he's played enough yet in MLS to qualify for a move (he had only logged 11 minutes prior to this season).

 

[prefontaine]

Recent Gold Cup call up and 2004 RB Alex Freeman picking up steam on a move to Europe this summer. I expect the Gold Cup to be the launching point for he, Quinn Sullivan, and Luna, maybe a few others. All three of those are among the top 10 highest rated Americans in MLS so far this year.

I know there is a lot of hope for Cavan Sullivan and Mathis Albert (and other young players) and I think the 2006 trio of Banks, Kochen, and Campbell may make some noise, but it's guys like Freeman that are the most likely to break into the US roster for next years World Cup - not kids, but guys that are actually already producing at a high level in MLS and could make the leap to a bigger league for next season.

what league do you guys see Luna playing in where, A: he can break a lineup, B: learn a ton while also maximizing his already developed skills?

Holland seems obvious for PT- but I wonder if his defensive work would get developed enough. Germany or Italy could be interesting too with the right team- he'd have to earn his way to PT, but would definitely learn a ton once there, even on a bottom tier squad. I don't really know enough about France, tbh.

My guess is Holland/Belgium. I haven't watched him a ton this year but I do think his athletic profile is going to continue to get him stereotyped. If I were advising him, I'd get a move to a mid-tier league to facilitate a bigger move.

 

[The Z Machine]

Recent Gold Cup call up and 2004 RB Alex Freeman picking up steam on a move to Europe this summer. I expect the Gold Cup to be the launching point for he, Quinn Sullivan, and Luna, maybe a few others. All three of those are among the top 10 highest rated Americans in MLS so far this year.

I know there is a lot of hope for Cavan Sullivan and Mathis Albert (and other young players) and I think the 2006 trio of Banks, Kochen, and Campbell may make some noise, but it's guys like Freeman that are the most likely to break into the US roster for next years World Cup - not kids, but guys that are actually already producing at a high level in MLS and could make the leap to a bigger league for next season.

what league do you guys see Luna playing in where, A: he can break a lineup, B: learn a ton while also maximizing his already developed skills?

Holland seems obvious for PT- but I wonder if his defensive work would get developed enough. Germany or Italy could be interesting too with the right team- he'd have to earn his way to PT, but would definitely learn a ton once there, even on a bottom tier squad. I don't really know enough about France, tbh.

My guess is Holland/Belgium. I haven't watched him a ton this year but I do think his athletic profile is going to continue to get him stereotyped. If I were advising him, I'd get a move to a mid-tier league to facilitate a bigger move.

He could do well in Holland or France. I don't think he'd fit in as well in Spain or Italy as I don't think his passing is up to stuff for those places.

 

[El Floppo]

Recent Gold Cup call up and 2004 RB Alex Freeman picking up steam on a move to Europe this summer. I expect the Gold Cup to be the launching point for he, Quinn Sullivan, and Luna, maybe a few others. All three of those are among the top 10 highest rated Americans in MLS so far this year.

I know there is a lot of hope for Cavan Sullivan and Mathis Albert (and other young players) and I think the 2006 trio of Banks, Kochen, and Campbell may make some noise, but it's guys like Freeman that are the most likely to break into the US roster for next years World Cup - not kids, but guys that are actually already producing at a high level in MLS and could make the leap to a bigger league for next season.

what league do you guys see Luna playing in where, A: he can break a lineup, B: learn a ton while also maximizing his already developed skills?

Holland seems obvious for PT- but I wonder if his defensive work would get developed enough. Germany or Italy could be interesting too with the right team- he'd have to earn his way to PT, but would definitely learn a ton once there, even on a bottom tier squad. I don't really know enough about France, tbh.

My guess is Holland/Belgium. I haven't watched him a ton this year but I do think his athletic profile is going to continue to get him stereotyped. If I were advising him, I'd get a move to a mid-tier league to facilitate a bigger move.

He could do well in Holland or France. I don't think he'd fit in as well in Spain or Italy as I don't think his passing is up to stuff for those places.

My viewing of him is limited.. but I've seen him pass pretty well- both with weight and pace as well as vision. I suppose I've seen him err on the short pass more often than not- if that's a weakness (not to me, unless that's all there is), but I also remember that fantastic through ball for the US, so it's in his arsenal at least. But again- limited viewing, so I'll defer to people who watch him more regularly.

 

[The Z Machine]

Recent Gold Cup call up and 2004 RB Alex Freeman picking up steam on a move to Europe this summer. I expect the Gold Cup to be the launching point for he, Quinn Sullivan, and Luna, maybe a few others. All three of those are among the top 10 highest rated Americans in MLS so far this year.

I know there is a lot of hope for Cavan Sullivan and Mathis Albert (and other young players) and I think the 2006 trio of Banks, Kochen, and Campbell may make some noise, but it's guys like Freeman that are the most likely to break into the US roster for next years World Cup - not kids, but guys that are actually already producing at a high level in MLS and could make the leap to a bigger league for next season.

what league do you guys see Luna playing in where, A: he can break a lineup, B: learn a ton while also maximizing his already developed skills?

Holland seems obvious for PT- but I wonder if his defensive work would get developed enough. Germany or Italy could be interesting too with the right team- he'd have to earn his way to PT, but would definitely learn a ton once there, even on a bottom tier squad. I don't really know enough about France, tbh.

My guess is Holland/Belgium. I haven't watched him a ton this year but I do think his athletic profile is going to continue to get him stereotyped. If I were advising him, I'd get a move to a mid-tier league to facilitate a bigger move.

He could do well in Holland or France. I don't think he'd fit in as well in Spain or Italy as I don't think his passing is up to stuff for those places.

My viewing of him is limited.. but I've seen him pass pretty well- both with weight and pace as well as vision. I suppose I've seen him err on the short pass more often than not- if that's a weakness (not to me, unless that's all there is), but I also remember that fantastic through ball for the US, so it's in his arsenal at least. But again- limited viewing, so I'll defer to people who watch him more regularly.

It's more the dynamic passing that's needed in Spain and Italy. Got to move the ball quickly to the wings or wing backs with perfectly weighted passes. And then, be able to transition very quickly to a defensive stance to jam up the middle. Luna won't be playing for Real or Barça. He'll be midtable at best, so he will be on his heels a lot more than where he lives in the MLS.

 

[El Floppo]

Recent Gold Cup call up and 2004 RB Alex Freeman picking up steam on a move to Europe this summer. I expect the Gold Cup to be the launching point for he, Quinn Sullivan, and Luna, maybe a few others. All three of those are among the top 10 highest rated Americans in MLS so far this year.

I know there is a lot of hope for Cavan Sullivan and Mathis Albert (and other young players) and I think the 2006 trio of Banks, Kochen, and Campbell may make some noise, but it's guys like Freeman that are the most likely to break into the US roster for next years World Cup - not kids, but guys that are actually already producing at a high level in MLS and could make the leap to a bigger league for next season.

what league do you guys see Luna playing in where, A: he can break a lineup, B: learn a ton while also maximizing his already developed skills?

Holland seems obvious for PT- but I wonder if his defensive work would get developed enough. Germany or Italy could be interesting too with the right team- he'd have to earn his way to PT, but would definitely learn a ton once there, even on a bottom tier squad. I don't really know enough about France, tbh.

My guess is Holland/Belgium. I haven't watched him a ton this year but I do think his athletic profile is going to continue to get him stereotyped. If I were advising him, I'd get a move to a mid-tier league to facilitate a bigger move.

He could do well in Holland or France. I don't think he'd fit in as well in Spain or Italy as I don't think his passing is up to stuff for those places.

My viewing of him is limited.. but I've seen him pass pretty well- both with weight and pace as well as vision. I suppose I've seen him err on the short pass more often than not- if that's a weakness (not to me, unless that's all there is), but I also remember that fantastic through ball for the US, so it's in his arsenal at least. But again- limited viewing, so I'll defer to people who watch him more regularly.

It's more the dynamic passing that's needed in Spain and Italy. Got to move the ball quickly to the wings or wing backs with perfectly weighted passes. And then, be able to transition very quickly to a defensive stance to jam up the middle. Luna won't be playing for Real or Barça. He'll be midtable at best, so he will be on his heels a lot more than where he lives in the MLS.

Yeah... What I've seen he's capable of that kind of passing, or at least it's not a liability. If course it will have to get quicker and sharper outside of MLS...but I think he can.

The ability to transition quickly.. no idea if that's in his repertoire or not. But that's exactly the type of area of his game that I thought would grow in Italy, Germany, Spain. And that seems to get glossed over a bit in Holland. Belgium and France.. I'm running blind.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

If Johnny is good enough to stand out for Betis enough to become a top target for Atletico, I have no doubts about Luna's ability to play in La Liga. That doesn't mean he'll succeed. You can't predict coaches' whims or a team's depth chart. But I know he has the skill set to succeed on a mid table team. He has enough bite to play even if they want him as an 8 instead of a 10.

 

[El Floppo]

If Johnny is good enough to stand out for Betis enough to become a top target for Atletico, I have no doubts about Luna's ability to play in La Liga. That doesn't mean he'll succeed. You can't predict coaches' whims or a team's depth chart. But I know he has the skill set to succeed on a mid table team. He has enough bite to play even if they want him as an 8 instead of a 10.

I went through the same line of thinking... If Johnny can do it, Luna should be able to as well.

Granted, 6/4 vs the 8/10 where the bar is going to be a lot higher. But none of what I've seen so far tells me he CANT do it- so a move upwards would be good litmus. It not like asking Zardoz to be primarily a hold up guy and not a run and gun hope it hits some part of my body and goes in guy.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Maybe an opening for Kochen now

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

USMNT Otaku

@USMNTOtaku

Columbus Crew head coach, Wilfried Nancy, has confirmed in a press conference that Patrick Schulte will be sidelined between 2-6 weeks due to an oblique injury. Schulte was called up to the USMNT for training camp ahead of the June friendlies and the Gold Cup.

 

[The Z Machine]

Recent Gold Cup call up and 2004 RB Alex Freeman picking up steam on a move to Europe this summer. I expect the Gold Cup to be the launching point for he, Quinn Sullivan, and Luna, maybe a few others. All three of those are among the top 10 highest rated Americans in MLS so far this year.

I know there is a lot of hope for Cavan Sullivan and Mathis Albert (and other young players) and I think the 2006 trio of Banks, Kochen, and Campbell may make some noise, but it's guys like Freeman that are the most likely to break into the US roster for next years World Cup - not kids, but guys that are actually already producing at a high level in MLS and could make the leap to a bigger league for next season.

what league do you guys see Luna playing in where, A: he can break a lineup, B: learn a ton while also maximizing his already developed skills?

Holland seems obvious for PT- but I wonder if his defensive work would get developed enough. Germany or Italy could be interesting too with the right team- he'd have to earn his way to PT, but would definitely learn a ton once there, even on a bottom tier squad. I don't really know enough about France, tbh.

My guess is Holland/Belgium. I haven't watched him a ton this year but I do think his athletic profile is going to continue to get him stereotyped. If I were advising him, I'd get a move to a mid-tier league to facilitate a bigger move.

He could do well in Holland or France. I don't think he'd fit in as well in Spain or Italy as I don't think his passing is up to stuff for those places.

My viewing of him is limited.. but I've seen him pass pretty well- both with weight and pace as well as vision. I suppose I've seen him err on the short pass more often than not- if that's a weakness (not to me, unless that's all there is), but I also remember that fantastic through ball for the US, so it's in his arsenal at least. But again- limited viewing, so I'll defer to people who watch him more regularly.

It's more the dynamic passing that's needed in Spain and Italy. Got to move the ball quickly to the wings or wing backs with perfectly weighted passes. And then, be able to transition very quickly to a defensive stance to jam up the middle. Luna won't be playing for Real or Barça. He'll be midtable at best, so he will be on his heels a lot more than where he lives in the MLS.

Yeah... What I've seen he's capable of that kind of passing, or at least it's not a liability. If course it will have to get quicker and sharper outside of MLS...but I think he can.

The ability to transition quickly.. no idea if that's in his repertoire or not. But that's exactly the type of area of his game that I thought would grow in Italy, Germany, Spain. And that seems to get glossed over a bit in Holland. Belgium and France.. I'm running blind.

I guess that's the difference in "I hope he can grow his game in these areas" vs. "he hasn't shown that yet and I'm not sure he has it in him".

FWIW, I'm not sure what Johnny will play well for Atleti. I just don't think he's quick enough and will be a liability against world class midfielders. But Atleti does need reinforcements in this area. Koke is washed :tips out liquor: and Simeone lost confidence in Riquelme. Barrios seemed to play well and then get a red card when it really matters.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Looks like Steffens is still hurt. No word on if one or both keepers will be replaced. Looks like another run for Turner.

 

[El Floppo]

Recent Gold Cup call up and 2004 RB Alex Freeman picking up steam on a move to Europe this summer. I expect the Gold Cup to be the launching point for he, Quinn Sullivan, and Luna, maybe a few others. All three of those are among the top 10 highest rated Americans in MLS so far this year.

I know there is a lot of hope for Cavan Sullivan and Mathis Albert (and other young players) and I think the 2006 trio of Banks, Kochen, and Campbell may make some noise, but it's guys like Freeman that are the most likely to break into the US roster for next years World Cup - not kids, but guys that are actually already producing at a high level in MLS and could make the leap to a bigger league for next season.

what league do you guys see Luna playing in where, A: he can break a lineup, B: learn a ton while also maximizing his already developed skills?

Holland seems obvious for PT- but I wonder if his defensive work would get developed enough. Germany or Italy could be interesting too with the right team- he'd have to earn his way to PT, but would definitely learn a ton once there, even on a bottom tier squad. I don't really know enough about France, tbh.

My guess is Holland/Belgium. I haven't watched him a ton this year but I do think his athletic profile is going to continue to get him stereotyped. If I were advising him, I'd get a move to a mid-tier league to facilitate a bigger move.

He could do well in Holland or France. I don't think he'd fit in as well in Spain or Italy as I don't think his passing is up to stuff for those places.

My viewing of him is limited.. but I've seen him pass pretty well- both with weight and pace as well as vision. I suppose I've seen him err on the short pass more often than not- if that's a weakness (not to me, unless that's all there is), but I also remember that fantastic through ball for the US, so it's in his arsenal at least. But again- limited viewing, so I'll defer to people who watch him more regularly.

It's more the dynamic passing that's needed in Spain and Italy. Got to move the ball quickly to the wings or wing backs with perfectly weighted passes. And then, be able to transition very quickly to a defensive stance to jam up the middle. Luna won't be playing for Real or Barça. He'll be midtable at best, so he will be on his heels a lot more than where he lives in the MLS.

Yeah... What I've seen he's capable of that kind of passing, or at least it's not a liability. If course it will have to get quicker and sharper outside of MLS...but I think he can.

The ability to transition quickly.. no idea if that's in his repertoire or not. But that's exactly the type of area of his game that I thought would grow in Italy, Germany, Spain. And that seems to get glossed over a bit in Holland. Belgium and France.. I'm running blind.

I guess that's the difference in "I hope he can grow his game in these areas" vs. "he hasn't shown that yet and I'm not sure he has it in him".

FWIW, I'm not sure what Johnny will play well for Atleti. I just don't think he's quick enough and will be a liability against world class midfielders. But Atleti does need reinforcements in this area. Koke is washed :tips out liquor: and Simeone lost confidence in Riquelme. Barrios seemed to play well and then get a red card when it really matters.

Hope and hasn't... I'm saying I have no idea about that part of Lunas game. He might be solid there already or a liability, dunno. I do know that a move to one of those leagues will improve it, wherever it is. If he plays.

Johnny. Hell. Ive made a point of watching Betis games... He's got some nice skills on the ball and off on both sides of the ball. Reads the game well. But I keep mentioning the double pivot where it doesn't seem like he's asked to do too much. Obviously he's excelling at that role prompting talk of moves to bigger better clubs... But if he has to play a single pivot? It hasn't looked decisive for the US to me (limited viewing) and I continuously scratch my head at how well he's being perceived there.

But Considering he plays a position that's off the ball and off the screen a lot, I'm ok giving his club bosses the benefit of the doubt.