prefontaine
Footballguy
Roldan won more duels in 28 minutes played than Adams and Berhalter combined in 160 or so minutes.
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US Men's National Team (5 Viewers)
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El Floppo
Footballguy
I've mentioned his predilection for the 'ol college try guy. Sebbb is the poster child for this. And Luna.
And both of those guys are quality pros who will make any MLS team better. Sebbbs main positive contribution yesterday was recovering really well to close guys down in transition after hed lost them or the space in the first place.
Luna, itll be a broken record for me- hes fantastic if there's time and space for him to get on the ball. And credit to him after seeing him live- nobody on the field was covering more ground to try to make that happen; he was everywhere. But once SK and every other team started closing down that space and time, he became mostly invisible. I don't see the explosive strength or pace to make that happen. Plus he was making good runs, but runs where CP wanted to go which left CP having to drop way too deep to get on the ball. But Poch likes him having freedom to roam, so **** CP. I do think Luna is almost there for the US- hes got obvious high level skills on the ball and quality vision and ability to make things happen off the pass. I dont know that the deficiencies I've seen are things he can correct or not (like Sarge's issues), but i still hope he can. I also dont want to see him near the starting lineup when we have guys who can do all if these things.
El Floppo
Footballguy
And thats not even taking into account the plays he shut down before they happened.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Id love to not talk about him...but Poch keeps starting him
They were so bad everywhere across the board, i forgot about how bad set pieces were. Even Seb had a couple freekicks that diidnt hit.
An aside...as Poch seems to be a "personality" guy, by all account Musah is a very chill, low key happy guy. Swag a jokester. Maybe their lack of off the field edge/bite is off putting to Poch.
bagger
Footballguy
This is exactly who Sargent is. I am baffled how everyone keeps thinking he will change. It is so obvious he will NEVER have the quality good enough for the USMNT.
But let’s keep running him out there.
This is exactly what I said in June when people were shocked Poch left Sargent off. That was one of the few smart things I have seen so not sure why he was brought back.
bagger
Footballguy
It’s not just guys though. I don’t think they are running out the right formation.
Aldo my first thought when I saw SK was playing 5 in the back was our team historically has no idea how to break that down.
El Floppo
Footballguy
I don't know if you caught the gist of ehat i was trykg to say. There is no approach, so whatever formation used is relying on individual players to make something happen on their own. The formation yesterday in theory should work. Get rhe FBs wide to make something happen. But none of the rest of what they were doing on the field helped that or made it happen.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Oh! The only positive out of yesterday...i ket a guy on the path train back who developed a USMNT website, similar but mire robust rhan the usmnt tracker site many if us use.
elevens.football
elevens - Premier League - Latest USA player results
elevens.football
bagger
Footballguy
Well yes. I mean a lot of this comes down to the players. Arfsten is terrible. Sargent is terrible. Blackmon is terrible.
Then Seb is not imaginative. I am not sure what would have worked with the team out there yesterday.
I agree with you that this feels like the most lost I have seen this team in years.
TLEF316
Footballguy
At the end of the day, a post on the last page was pretty accurate....
Sargent is not a goal maker at this level. He's not gonna run by anyone or do some incredible job holding up a ball or making a great pass. Balo and Pepi are both MUCH better with much higher UPSIDE
But.....nobody (at least not in a long time) has ever made the argument otherwise. The argument has always been that if you put Josh with the A-Team (or with the B team against scrub Gold Cup or Jan Camp competition) that he's better than the Jesus Ferrieras and Agyemang's of the world. Guys like that have gotten opportunities they haven't earned because they scored a few goals (and missed more than their fair share) against lousy teams. Josh hasn't had that opportunity in a long time (some of that self-inflicted with injuries)
You want to leave him off the roster for Haji (if you're playing him as a forward) or someone like Downs (who may have some upside).....I'm 100% cool with that. But I still feel that if you had him in with the A-team with a coach that knew what he was doing, Sargent is still our 3rd best pure center forward.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
My reading has been that Poch liked Musah, all the way up to this summer where Musah turned down the call up for the Gold Cup.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Mexico vs Japan (the next US opponent) ended up 0-0
El Floppo
Footballguy
From ESPN...
"I think our roles got a little bit twisted," Adams said. "They found solutions pretty easily in the first half. We talked about it at halftime. ... And I think we just missed our [defensive] triggers on a lot of them and we were a little bit too late to jump, and when you're too late to jump, you end up chasing shadows, and that's what it felt like at times."
In many ways, Pochettino is taking an immense gamble. He's betting that he'll find the necessary on-field chemistry before the clock on his World Cup preparations runs out. That runs the risk of encountering scenarios at the tournament that he didn't prepare for with his first-choice players, all because he's giving reps to performers that are long shots to make the squad.
El Floppo
Footballguy
If you look at Sarges goals for the Canaries, they're almost all within 12 yards. His team is good at getting the ball down the flank and he's very (elite) good at timing his run to get to the ball that comes in. The US doesnt do this, so Josh and his deficiencies i mentioned suffer. i do think hes quite good at combination play...but then runs into his physical deficiencies trying to find/make that space to link up. Hes also a good defensive forward, helping organize defensive shape from the top.
But imo, Pepi and Balo are above him doing similar things- and a guy like Ag can do different things, so if theres 3 taken, I might leave Sarge off sadly and use Ag instead as a "need to try something different up top" sub.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
Does Adams ever play in a double-pivot for Bournemouth?
The second goal was so weird. You see Luna track back and just decide to stop and get back high after he got like 2 feet from the ball. Then you see Adams take a step to close out the ball and then fall back again. Then the ball is squared and Seb never tries to close it down. There was just no ball pressure and they get an easy ball right to Sonny's feet with runners around him.
prefontaine
Footballguy
From memory I'd say it's mostly a base two.
However they officially play both a 4141 (where Adams is the lone 6) and a 4231. I don't watch them closely so it's hard to tell how much these two morph into one another in practice as it seems the same personnel.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Tillman’s new coach. From Fabrizio
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All documents are ready for Kasper Hjulmand to become new Bayer Leverkusen head coach.
Danish 53 year old manager wins the race to be the new manager and will sign in time for first training session in 48h.
Hjulmand has accepted all conditions of the contract
=======
All documents are ready for Kasper Hjulmand to become new Bayer Leverkusen head coach.
Danish 53 year old manager wins the race to be the new manager and will sign in time for first training session in 48h.
Hjulmand has accepted all conditions of the contract
El Floppo
Footballguy
fingers crossed. not an ideal way to jump leagues and teams.
El Floppo
Footballguy
I'm still fuming at the US performance.
I've seen media coverage of Poch's assement that the US was the better team.. and handwringing over losing.
I don't care about them losing. And tbh, it's not like SK were demonstrably "better"- they made some big mistakes trying to play it out of the back and ceded a lot of possession. but what they were- they were a team. they were organized. they had a plan. they kept their shape. they had key guys who were put in the right positions to succeed and who made the most of their chances.
the US was none of those things. I haven't read anything that described what the US was trying to do on either side of the ball. I certainly haven't seen it with my own eyes. if there was an intent, the players on the field haven't been able to articulate it. Those first games, we saw Jedi inverting- that was at least SOMETHING. since then, it's been a bunch of random guys running around directionless. and we have guys who can change games- CP and Dest specifically. isolated. rarely on the ball and usually too deep. the team has no direction, let alone one that will allow the best players to succeed and do what they can do.
and IMO, Dest paired well with Weah in a previous game- because Weah can cover the ground back for when Dest pushes forward. I sure as hell don't want CP doing that- he was already playing too deep because Luna was running into all the attacking spaces. Jedi does better getting himself back, so while the though of CP and Dest combining offensively is exciting- and tbh I'm ok trying it again with all the real players on the field (if that exists)- IMO CP should be on the left with Weah on the right. Or it's a 3CB lineup with Jedi and Dest as true wing backs. but I've only seen a few minutes of it over the weekend- and no Dest or Jedi.
ugh.. this was going to be a one sentence groaning post... and I'm having to stop myself from writing more so I can get some work done.
I've seen media coverage of Poch's assement that the US was the better team.. and handwringing over losing.
I don't care about them losing. And tbh, it's not like SK were demonstrably "better"- they made some big mistakes trying to play it out of the back and ceded a lot of possession. but what they were- they were a team. they were organized. they had a plan. they kept their shape. they had key guys who were put in the right positions to succeed and who made the most of their chances.
the US was none of those things. I haven't read anything that described what the US was trying to do on either side of the ball. I certainly haven't seen it with my own eyes. if there was an intent, the players on the field haven't been able to articulate it. Those first games, we saw Jedi inverting- that was at least SOMETHING. since then, it's been a bunch of random guys running around directionless. and we have guys who can change games- CP and Dest specifically. isolated. rarely on the ball and usually too deep. the team has no direction, let alone one that will allow the best players to succeed and do what they can do.
and IMO, Dest paired well with Weah in a previous game- because Weah can cover the ground back for when Dest pushes forward. I sure as hell don't want CP doing that- he was already playing too deep because Luna was running into all the attacking spaces. Jedi does better getting himself back, so while the though of CP and Dest combining offensively is exciting- and tbh I'm ok trying it again with all the real players on the field (if that exists)- IMO CP should be on the left with Weah on the right. Or it's a 3CB lineup with Jedi and Dest as true wing backs. but I've only seen a few minutes of it over the weekend- and no Dest or Jedi.
ugh.. this was going to be a one sentence groaning post... and I'm having to stop myself from writing more so I can get some work done.
Dr_Zaius
Footballguy
I do think the gamble can be defended from the standpoint that the team clearly needed a shakeup, and I think the message that nobody's safe was needed. In that sense, sticking with "inferior" players for a few games might even be defensible in that it reinforces that even if you're absolutely one of the best XI, Poch is enough of a madman to keep you off the field if you're not all-in.
But yeah, the lack of cohesion or a discernable gameplan being displayed on the field is making optimism for them to right the ship hard to come by.
B Maverick
Footballguy
I haven't watched a lot of Tillman at the club level, can he play deeper too? If Mckinnie is out of favor, would consider dropping Tillman in for Weston, put CP in the 10 and Pepi up front?
If this back 3 isn't working (not seeing much from Scally) we could see Ream's leadership as the center of the 3?
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Tillman seems to have a better work rate than many of us first realized. I think he could function in the Weston role but he, along with Dest and Pulisic, are our best players on the ball technically. We probably want him closer to goal if possible.
I am very interested to watch his progress at Leverkusen where they gave him the #10 jersey immediately. He plays an attacking midfield role for them but the sample size is still very small. He dominated in the Netherlands but as we all know that does not always translate when you move up a level.
encaitar
Footballguy
We clearly aren't in the right spot as a team that's 9 months away from hosting the biggest tourney in the world. It doesn't feel like we're moving in the right direction either. So..... what is the solution? Does getting rid of Poch and bringing in another big name coach move us in the right direction? Do we even have the money for that? Is it the players? Are we really just this much worse than we were 3 years ago?
I'm in the same boat as many here. My interest in this team is at a near all time low and it's because I just don't see us having a chance at being competitive next summer and 3 years ago after the last WC there was hope that we were getting close to turning a corner talent wise and just needed the right push to get over that hump. It feels like we've taken 4 steps back since then and have no idea how to get back on track, nor does it feel like we have the time to do so.
I'm in the same boat as many here. My interest in this team is at a near all time low and it's because I just don't see us having a chance at being competitive next summer and 3 years ago after the last WC there was hope that we were getting close to turning a corner talent wise and just needed the right push to get over that hump. It feels like we've taken 4 steps back since then and have no idea how to get back on track, nor does it feel like we have the time to do so.
Sammy3469
Footballguy
I rewatched the first half and frankly thought we were doing OK. Up until Son's goal, CP and Dest were doing really well breaking the press and putting pressure on the SK. The last pass/movement to Sargent was obviously lacking, but they were dangerous. Our high press was causing SK all types of problems and it felt like a goal was coming. Once the goal happened, CP began to drift and while we still dangerous, you could tell everyone was getting in each other's way.
However, I will acknowledge there was a bunch of bad. Blackmon was bad (I get wanting to see what he has, but I think we know at this point). We didn't want to even try to break the press on the left. We gave them entirely too much time getting our shape after they broke the initial press (I'm not sure who that is on).
All in all though, I didn't think we were that bad and I guess more importantly, there are like for like improvements (Jedi, Richards) at the two positions that were noticeably black holes.
However, I will acknowledge there was a bunch of bad. Blackmon was bad (I get wanting to see what he has, but I think we know at this point). We didn't want to even try to break the press on the left. We gave them entirely too much time getting our shape after they broke the initial press (I'm not sure who that is on).
All in all though, I didn't think we were that bad and I guess more importantly, there are like for like improvements (Jedi, Richards) at the two positions that were noticeably black holes.
B Maverick
Footballguy
I am just thinking out loud here but I do not think we can get rid of Poch at this point. Are there 9 matches left to play before the WC? While not a lot, all we can really do is hope there is an actual plan in place.
I am guessing the match vs Japan will be similar to SK so we are looking for the team and tactics to form over the following 8. With the next window, fewer random call ins and starting lineups, more work with what is expected to be the first team and WC lineup. Guess we will see in the next window.....
B Maverick
Footballguy
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I would be shocked if they get rid of Poch. Don't forget that they had to seek outside investment and funds to pay Poch. I have a feeling it would be really complicated to fire him and still find the funds to hire another coach of even a medium pedigree.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Some positives....
RB stadium is still a fantastic place to watch games- not a bad seat in the house.
It was humid and stormy af right before kickoff. Massive rains- i got soaked. But game time was dry and not as humid.
I saw this handsome cartoon character
youtu.be
RB stadium is still a fantastic place to watch games- not a bad seat in the house.
It was humid and stormy af right before kickoff. Massive rains- i got soaked. But game time was dry and not as humid.
I saw this handsome cartoon character
- YouTube
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
youtu.be
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Fascinating
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https://x.com/shawn_mcintosh
Shawn McIntosh
@shawn_mcintosh
I’ll say one thing about where Pochetino has the USMNT and its fans.
Where Gregg had everyone divided, I feel like Poch has brought everyone together. I don’t know anyone that feels good about him. That says a lot.
================
https://x.com/shawn_mcintosh
Shawn McIntosh
@shawn_mcintosh
I’ll say one thing about where Pochetino has the USMNT and its fans.
Where Gregg had everyone divided, I feel like Poch has brought everyone together. I don’t know anyone that feels good about him. That says a lot.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I have only seen one game there and I got there very early and walked around to many different sections and it really is a place that there is no bad seat. Very well designed lay out. I have been in other similar sized stadiums that are not able to create the feeling of no bad seat.Some positives....
RB stadium is still a fantastic place to watch games- not a bad seat in the house.
It was humid and stormy af right before kickoff. Massive rains- i got soaked. But game time was dry and not as humid.
I saw this handsome cartoon character
- YouTube
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
Morocco sacked their coach three months before the World Cup in 2022 and went to the semis.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
I don't think they'll sack him. But if they do, they'll stick Schmetzer in and pay way less.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
Add media management to the list of things that I thought a veteran Premiere League manager would be better at. Dude is losing it in the pre-Japan press conference. Going off on tangents about pundits focusing on "********" when he was just asked why he didn't start Richards. You wanted to look at Blackman. Fine. But don't act like it's crazy for anyone to question that. You have to do this like 5 or 6 weeks a year. Keep your head.
B Maverick
Footballguy
I don't really care about this. You can't win with the media. You tell the truth and they criticize for throwing people under the bus. You give them cliche's and they are upset you didn't tell them the truth. Realistically if the press likes you they don't care what you say its all just sound bites. If they don't like everything is magnified and its all just soundbites.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
I'm starting to get a Lothar Matthaus vibe from Poch.
Like he doesn't GAF -- just showed up for some time in the States and a paycheck, and none of this really matters.
Like he doesn't GAF -- just showed up for some time in the States and a paycheck, and none of this really matters.
bagger
Footballguy
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
oh wow, could this be any more on brand........... even if it is likely untrue, dear god it is on brand
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Our golden boys on the U17 team lost a friendly today 8-2 (not a typo) to the Netherlands, and that is not even the worst part. A unsubstantiated rumor from the game is that Cavan and Mathis got into a fight (punches thrown) with each other.
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Our golden boys on the U17 team lost a friendly today 8-2 (not a typo) to the Netherlands, and that is not even the worst part. A unsubstantiated rumor from the game is that Cavan and Mathis got into a fight (punches thrown) with each other.
encaitar
Footballguy
Sigh... Why do I ever invest myself into this team? That's all we need is the 2 potentially most talented US players ever to hate each other.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
What I am hoping for is
starting with 3 in the back
Banks gets minutes
Balogun starts
Richards starts
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Well at least the opponents they are choosing are excellent.
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BREAKING: The USMNT are reportedly looking to play games against both Portugal and Belgium in March, and the matches are likely to take place in an NFL-sized venue on the east coast.
It would be Cristiano Ronaldo’s first match on U.S. since 2014
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BREAKING: The USMNT are reportedly looking to play games against both Portugal and Belgium in March, and the matches are likely to take place in an NFL-sized venue on the east coast.
It would be Cristiano Ronaldo’s first match on U.S. since 2014
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Reminder that Team USA got demolished by the Russians 10-3 thirteen days before the Olympics started in 1980, but went on to win the gold medal in hockey.
No idea why that came to mind just now.
(It was Portugal and Belgium)
No idea why that came to mind just now.
(It was Portugal and Belgium)
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I just read that Kasper Hjulmand played college soccer in the US in Florida
B Maverick
Footballguy
I want to believe the true top team will be there in March, but who are we kidding, this is US Soccer.....
El Floppo
Footballguy
he just mentioned 2 guys on the true top team
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
oh ****................lol........hopefully it was a normal argument amongst teammates in a bad loss and the reports were inaccurate
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