NewlyRetired
Footballguy
At least he was active, if a bit snake bitten. He probably did enough to earn a start against Japan given how little Sargent showed.
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US Men's National Team (22 Viewers)
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
https://x.com/PaulCarr
Paul Carr
@PaulCarr
USMNT has now lost five straight games vs FIFA top 25 teams by a combined 11-1.
U.S. is winless in seven straight such games, getting outscored 17-3.
xcluding Mexico, the last U.S. win vs a FIFA top 25 team was over Iran at the 2022 World Cup.
Paul Carr
@PaulCarr
USMNT has now lost five straight games vs FIFA top 25 teams by a combined 11-1.
U.S. is winless in seven straight such games, getting outscored 17-3.
xcluding Mexico, the last U.S. win vs a FIFA top 25 team was over Iran at the 2022 World Cup.
B Maverick
Footballguy
I have no idea what formation they were playing and who was playing where for most of the game. I thought it started with a normal 4-2-3-1 I think with CP right and Weah left, Luna in the 10. Then at some point CP rolled inside, dest moved up the wing and Luna pushed higher than Sargent. It was a mess.
Both goals we had no pressure from the CMs and the D gets cut open.
CP wasn't on the ball enough.
Dest provided most of the attack.
Sargent made runs, tried to receive and set up others but no one was the other end and had very little service.
Once Balogun got in, CP got more on the ball and tried to slip balls in to him at the top of the box. Started to improve. Unlucky to not score.
Luna was useless outside a couple decent moments. I think only 3 of his first 20 passes were forward. He spent the first part of the first half getting into space, slowly moving the ball backward and side to side. And doing it slowly. His only burst was down the left wing where his lack of pace made him turn and go backward. The second part of the first half he walked around the center circle waiting on Sarge to drop into the 10. Probably his worst game. Esp after the announcers commented that Poch wanted enemy more than skill.
Berhalter should not be there any longer. Would much rather have had McKinnie and Tillman over Berhalter and Luna. Yes I know McKinnie wasn't there, just in general.
Both goals we had no pressure from the CMs and the D gets cut open.
CP wasn't on the ball enough.
Dest provided most of the attack.
Sargent made runs, tried to receive and set up others but no one was the other end and had very little service.
Once Balogun got in, CP got more on the ball and tried to slip balls in to him at the top of the box. Started to improve. Unlucky to not score.
Luna was useless outside a couple decent moments. I think only 3 of his first 20 passes were forward. He spent the first part of the first half getting into space, slowly moving the ball backward and side to side. And doing it slowly. His only burst was down the left wing where his lack of pace made him turn and go backward. The second part of the first half he walked around the center circle waiting on Sarge to drop into the 10. Probably his worst game. Esp after the announcers commented that Poch wanted enemy more than skill.
Berhalter should not be there any longer. Would much rather have had McKinnie and Tillman over Berhalter and Luna. Yes I know McKinnie wasn't there, just in general.
gianmarco
Footballguy
80/20
El Floppo
Footballguy
About right. Id go 85...but it could just be that they were louder.
El Floppo
Footballguy
I wanted to see shape, spacing, off the ball runs. I guess i saw them. From SK.
I honestly dont know what the US was trying to do on either side of the ball. It was sooo incredibly static ahead of the ball on attack, and then disorganized behind it on defense. Only thing i figured is that they were hoping to get the ball on somebodys foot and keep fingers crossed that they made something happen.
Some things i noticed that maybe? were intentional:
Adams would drop deep...like as a sweeper...when the US was on the ball. I thought this might be to open up Dest or farf out wide...but that didnt happen. And man...another game where Adams was inconsequential and not successful shutting down the space a 6 is supposed to own.
Luna was all over the place- fantastic work rate, and i think? he was given license to roam. When he had time and space to get on the ball it was quite good, and early on SK wasnt tight to him. But same problem ive mentioned...he had a harder time getting on the ball when things got tighter, but not as bad as i thought watching him on tv. Also not too useful defensively, but maybe not meant to be. The other issue to me was that with his roaming, CP struggled to find space as theyd both be looking for the same spot. CP ended up only getting on the ball dropping below Luna near MF
I honestly dont know what the US was trying to do on either side of the ball. It was sooo incredibly static ahead of the ball on attack, and then disorganized behind it on defense. Only thing i figured is that they were hoping to get the ball on somebodys foot and keep fingers crossed that they made something happen.
Some things i noticed that maybe? were intentional:
Adams would drop deep...like as a sweeper...when the US was on the ball. I thought this might be to open up Dest or farf out wide...but that didnt happen. And man...another game where Adams was inconsequential and not successful shutting down the space a 6 is supposed to own.
Luna was all over the place- fantastic work rate, and i think? he was given license to roam. When he had time and space to get on the ball it was quite good, and early on SK wasnt tight to him. But same problem ive mentioned...he had a harder time getting on the ball when things got tighter, but not as bad as i thought watching him on tv. Also not too useful defensively, but maybe not meant to be. The other issue to me was that with his roaming, CP struggled to find space as theyd both be looking for the same spot. CP ended up only getting on the ball dropping below Luna near MF
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
It is getting ultra annoying when an MLS player is the dominant player in the game and the US loses.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
one thing has become ultra clear these past 6 months.
Richards is damn close to having to be the first name in the line up now. Not only is he playing his best, every other CB Poch has tried has not worked out. Ream hangs in there by a thread, barely, but we can't have him as a starter next summer.
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Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
OMG, some of Poch's presser quotes.
Feels the US were the better team but just weren't clinical. Uh, no.
Laments that US fans don't come to the game. You charge an arm and a leg to watch dog ****.
Finally, this doozy. "We need to start winning when the World Cup starts." STRATEGERY!
Feels the US were the better team but just weren't clinical. Uh, no.
Laments that US fans don't come to the game. You charge an arm and a leg to watch dog ****.
Finally, this doozy. "We need to start winning when the World Cup starts." STRATEGERY!
El Floppo
Footballguy
Sebb. Good work recovery when he was out of position, so i guess...good (other than not being in great position too much)?. But offered nothing on the ball, even the dead balls where hes shown quality before.
Weah. Was disappointed how little he got involved. Not all on him, there was no...nothing...to get people on the ball other than Luna who was running around so much.
Sarge...woof. he got some service early, but was just getting gobbled up by the CB who he couldn't beat to ball or space. He did better during the hero ball moments from CPz Luna or especially Dest in combinations with short balls. But any diagonal, through or showing ball...2nd best.
Weah. Was disappointed how little he got involved. Not all on him, there was no...nothing...to get people on the ball other than Luna who was running around so much.
Sarge...woof. he got some service early, but was just getting gobbled up by the CB who he couldn't beat to ball or space. He did better during the hero ball moments from CPz Luna or especially Dest in combinations with short balls. But any diagonal, through or showing ball...2nd best.
El Floppo
Footballguy
The US fans i talked to on Path train home...i asked everybody- how would you feel if they canned Poch tonight. To a person- just fine- buh-bye
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I never expected him to be some thing close to a fraud. I thought he would put our best players in position to win, and then it would be up to the players to whether we succeed or not.
But we have been so far away from our best lineup for so long (due to a mix of injuries, and extremely strange call ups), I don't know what to think.
But if I don't see our absolute top side in November, I am going to run amuck with a meat cleaver.
This isn't rocket science:
*Play a 3-5-2
*Emphasize Dest and Jedi
*Do some man management with Weston to get him to be the "good" version
*Continue to lean on Tillman who may be making the leap this year
*Let Pulisic and Balogun form an old fashioned striker partnership
and see where the chips fall.
B Maverick
Footballguy
I understand going this route, just not sure we have three CBs to handle the back. Who did you have in mind?
El Floppo
Footballguy
Balo was making the start of some great runs...repeatedly finding little seams between the SK defense when the US pushed forward. Nobody fed him, so hed have to pull out of them. Even CP missed them. I sat there looking thinking, THIS is why you meed to put the guys who are actually going to play together. Especially if the only tactic apparent is to hope that one player creates something/anything out of thin air or their butt.
El Floppo
Footballguy
I also saw him make a couple of diagonals and actually beat the CB to the ball, win and hold it. Something Sarge didnt do.
QuizGuy66
Footballguy
If the USMNT had any pull the would have schedule the raid for New Jersey instead of Atlanta.
El Floppo
Footballguy
So youre saying rhe NYC metropolitan area has a big population of a certain immigrant group? Interesting.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
This is where Poch is screwing up IMO. McKenzie and CCV are both performing very well at the club level. He has to figure out why that can't translate and not just give up after one mediocre game. McKenzie is already a captain on his new team. And while not a traditional CB, Scally actually has a lot of Bundesliga experience in a 3 man back line.
Between Richards (a lock), Poch should be able to find 2 other CB's with out having to dig a mile deep for Blackmon.
Of course we also have the wild card possibility. Every WC there seems to be a handful a players across the competition that have their first meaningful minutes at the WC itself. Banks is that wild card for us. If he does not get some playing time against Japan, I am going to be really bummed.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Adams is starting to concern me. A player of his pedigree should be having more effect on US games than he does. I realize his position is not a glamorous one but he felt late on so many defensive plays.
I am not saying Johnny, or Tessman or Morris would do better mind you, but I really expected Adams to be like Richards, Pulisic and Jedi as absolute locks to be starters. I no longer feel that Adams is separating himself from the rest as an obvious first choice.
Maybe MMA had better chemistry and was a good trio.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I have to say this team is stretching my limits of being a "die hard fan"
Some of it is self inflicted. I duped myself into thinking that a young batch of seemingly really good players was going to naturally develop into better players and a better team as they aged. And we even got a coach most of us were thrilled with to help with that.
Some of it is self inflicted. I duped myself into thinking that a young batch of seemingly really good players was going to naturally develop into better players and a better team as they aged. And we even got a coach most of us were thrilled with to help with that.
Honestly right now I would pass on hosting the World Cup for 2 years of qualification matches. USMNT used to be must see TV for me. probably didn't miss a match for 3-4 years. Now I just don't care.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Some of this is due to the formation change and some is due to SK just playing the game out but it still shows something
=========
Josh Sargent
• 62 minutes
• 17 touches
• 1 touch in penalty area
• 0 shots
• 0 chances created
Folarin Balogun
• 28 minutes
• 19 touches
• 9 touches in penalty area
• 4 shots
• 1 chance created
=========
Josh Sargent
• 62 minutes
• 17 touches
• 1 touch in penalty area
• 0 shots
• 0 chances created
Folarin Balogun
• 28 minutes
• 19 touches
• 9 touches in penalty area
• 4 shots
• 1 chance created
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
There is some truth to this.
========
Not exaggerating, Poch might be the worst coach I’ve witnessed lead the USMNT in every category.
- Roster selections
- Tactics
- Identity
- Dual nat recruitment
- Player Relationships
- Things he says in press conferences
There is not a single area that has given me hope.
========
Not exaggerating, Poch might be the worst coach I’ve witnessed lead the USMNT in every category.
- Roster selections
- Tactics
- Identity
- Dual nat recruitment
- Player Relationships
- Things he says in press conferences
There is not a single area that has given me hope.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
ok lets try this on for size: Comments welcomed
========================================
........................................GK
.................Scally......Richards......McKenzie
.........................Adams.........Weston
Dest..................................................................Jedi
.....................................Tillman
....................Balogun.....................Pulisic
Depth:
Pick 2 from Ream/CCV/Banks/Zimm/Miles (Ream is a safe choice if not having to start, Banks would be a wild card)
Weah for Dest
Arfsten for Jedi
Pick 3 from Morris/Johnny/Luna/Tessman for the CM
Pepi and Sargent as strikers (with the knowledge that Weah could also be used here)
That is 20 players, leaving 3 for GKers.
If the roster goes to 26, take 3 extra CB's instead of 2, take all 4 CM's I listed in the depth, and find some one else who might be able to play in the Jedi spot
========================================
........................................GK
.................Scally......Richards......McKenzie
.........................Adams.........Weston
Dest..................................................................Jedi
.....................................Tillman
....................Balogun.....................Pulisic
Depth:
Pick 2 from Ream/CCV/Banks/Zimm/Miles (Ream is a safe choice if not having to start, Banks would be a wild card)
Weah for Dest
Arfsten for Jedi
Pick 3 from Morris/Johnny/Luna/Tessman for the CM
Pepi and Sargent as strikers (with the knowledge that Weah could also be used here)
That is 20 players, leaving 3 for GKers.
If the roster goes to 26, take 3 extra CB's instead of 2, take all 4 CM's I listed in the depth, and find some one else who might be able to play in the Jedi spot
El Floppo
Footballguy
Watching this live yesterday, i was ready to give him the boot at the 60 min mark.
Theres zero direction and zero consistency, so It honestly cant get any worse if they pull in somebody new. And a year out, there might be enough time to get them rounded into a team.
I suppose we should give him the next window, which in theory should be the "real" team and "real" approach to what the WC style if play should look like. But hell start Sebbb and Luna again, probably Freeman and theyll be just as directionless...so whats the point.
I really think hes just teying to find guys that turn his crank and assumes once he does, theyll magically gel as a team and make stuff happen- devoid of any tactical approach. Just out guys out there and hope one or two of them figure something out.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Ive seen the US play a number of times over the years.
I saw our B team get shellacked in the GC final by mex at the meadowlands.
I saw the CR wcq debacle at the meadowlands. (Eta ..at RB, not meadowlands)
And many others.
CR was my absolute low point. That loss was gutting for obvious reasons. But that team and style was far better than what i saw yesterday. Defensively unsure at a collective level and easily exploited by the type of players theyll face in the WC, and offensively completely and absolutely bereft of collective ideas beyond one player magically trying to make something happen in their own and hoping another player tunes into it to help.
We're still a year out, so i have to hold on to some hope. But Poch's (lack of) direction has left me feeling as hopeless as i can ever remember
I saw our B team get shellacked in the GC final by mex at the meadowlands.
I saw the CR wcq debacle at the meadowlands. (Eta ..at RB, not meadowlands)
And many others.
CR was my absolute low point. That loss was gutting for obvious reasons. But that team and style was far better than what i saw yesterday. Defensively unsure at a collective level and easily exploited by the type of players theyll face in the WC, and offensively completely and absolutely bereft of collective ideas beyond one player magically trying to make something happen in their own and hoping another player tunes into it to help.
We're still a year out, so i have to hold on to some hope. But Poch's (lack of) direction has left me feeling as hopeless as i can ever remember
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TripItUp
Footballguy
With no qualifying I became more apathetic...I'll be more into it once we have our team together in meaningful games.
El Floppo
Footballguy
So youre waiting for the WC?
TripItUp
Footballguy
and the warmup games when we have our full roster
El Floppo
Footballguy
Next window, in theory.
prefontaine
Footballguy
Adams was bad yesterday. He's been bad ever since Poch started while he's been excellent for Bournemouth. There is something in what he's being asked to do that is leaving him underperforming.
I thought Berhalter was pretty bad yesterday but Adams was worse. If that was one of the first games I'd seen Adams, I'd question whether he should be part of the roster.
I can't blame you there. As stated earlier, I'd rather have the Hex qualifying games rather than the opportunity to purchase 4 digit priced tickets.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Im a Sarge guy, with awareness of his limitations.
Watching him live, his limitations won out. Regardless of the goals hes scoring with a team that has a clear direction, im ok dropping him from this team without one. Hes not a guy who can muscle or speed his way into winning space or ball off the run from WC level defenders. And we'll need somebody who can do better plus create their own opportnities.
Watching him live, his limitations won out. Regardless of the goals hes scoring with a team that has a clear direction, im ok dropping him from this team without one. Hes not a guy who can muscle or speed his way into winning space or ball off the run from WC level defenders. And we'll need somebody who can do better plus create their own opportnities.
prefontaine
Footballguy
I'm cutting some slack here. I think Poch is really looking for someone beyond Richards and Ream. We have a lot of CBs but none that make him happy. I get that. They don't make me happy either. So he's digging deep to see if there is anyone he is missing on.
I'd have preferred him take a look at Jackson Ragen this window vs Blackmon - I just think he's better and he's also a few years younger - but I don't fault looking. In the end, I think we'll end up on two of CCV, McKenzie, and Trusty with an outside shot at Banks, but it's not inspiring.
QuizGuy66
Footballguy
That doesn't have to cross any of the dreaded tunnels or bridges lol.
Korean noticeable above the noise of everyone being here though.
Have we ever done well at the Arena in NJ? I just remember the qualifier disaster vs Costa Rica that I was at. Tim Ream disaster class that one was.
-QG
El Floppo
Footballguy
Sebb has done Adams no favors with his spacing.
And i mentioned, one of the only seemingly intentional tactical moves was having Adams drop into a sweeper/deepest central defender role when the US was on the ball- guessing because they were trying to get numbers wide ir to give another playmaker out of the back. Adams distribution disnt exactly make a difference, and then he was too deep in transition.
I said it, but i watched Roldan do all if the on and off the ball things i hoped for from Adams. Was fantastic closing down 2nd ball space and players to force SK into playing it where they didnt want to. Also very tidy and positive on the ball - even with short balls.
prefontaine
Footballguy
I speculate it may be more than this. Here's my theory
Poch saw a squad that lacked seriousness. They were there to mess around, not work to become a team. So he's dropped guys that are that way and stuck with the ultra professional crew to build a culture. When he brings the McKennie's and Scally's back in, they are almost outsiders. And so they have to adapt into the group he's building.
Notice he's never dropped guys like Ream, Adams, Richards. This is the core of personalities he wants to build around.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Fairly certain those are the only two games played there- or else id have gone to more
prefontaine
Footballguy
Berhalter has so many limitations it's not worth talking about him tbh.
The only thing on him I'll mention is that we still let Pulisic take half the corners even with Berhalter playing. And they were abysmal. If you are going to play Berhalter, you absolutely can't let Pulisic take the ball off him on set pieces.
