Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
I'll give Poch this. This is the best, most cohesive pressing I can remember out of a USMNT.
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums
This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
US Men's National Team (6 Viewers)
- Thread starter Premier
- Start date
SpurrierisisGod
Footballguy
Not impressed with Tessman today. Giving the ball away too easily whether passes or trying to dribble
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
I really think he's just a player that doesn't really fit into a top side in 2025. Not a #9, doesn't have the speed to play wide, doesn't defend well enough to be in the midfield. He might be able to play off a striker in a two-man front line and could definitely be a true #10, but there just aren't very many of those these days.
B Maverick
Footballguy
The ref has been so poor with his cards today. HTF did the player grabbing the ball and throwing his arm around Freeman not get a card?
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
Uruguay will be a much tougher test, but this wasn't bad considering. Some guy in the Reddit thread was huffing about us still starting Ream and I swear I must just watch a different sport.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
Also gotta say. The Gio body language was immaculate. Nary a slump that I could detect.
B Maverick
Footballguy
You are correct, but in one game he showed why he should be in camp at least. Better than Aaronson, Luna, Roldon, Berhaulter, Tessman, etc. He is the most skill full, best passer and has the best vision of any USMNT player. And as impressive as Tillman has been, Gio is better but Tillman does deserve to be ahead for now.
With all that, it will be up to Gio to force his way into the lineup at Monchengladbach before he can force his way into the US team. I will be rooting for him.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Considering how many players were missing, I was not disappointed at all in this performance. The US was the better side though out and probably should have won by at least 2.
No matter who is on the field for the US, they continue to look so much better in this formation. I was disappointed it took Poch so long to realize it but kudos to him for sticking with it. I think that is now 4 and a half games the US has been in the new formation and they have looked the better team in every half. And all against teams going to the WC.
Ream was excellent tonight. His first touch as a CB continues to be superb, as is his passing. Miles was solid defensively and continues to make his push for a roster spot and maybe even a starter.
Scally did himself no favors tonight. Freeman was instantly more effective when he came in. Surprisingly I like Freeman much better as a CB than as a wide player.
Roldan was his normal solid self. Breaking up a ton of plays. Outside of injury, he has played himself on to the roster.
Gio is Gio. In 5 different touches in the first half, he showed why he probably has to be on the team. He has a touch and vision that no other US player has. Having him back up Tillman would be a nice luxury to have.
Dest had some good moments and some difficult moments. Similar to Arfsten on the other side.
No matter who is on the field for the US, they continue to look so much better in this formation. I was disappointed it took Poch so long to realize it but kudos to him for sticking with it. I think that is now 4 and a half games the US has been in the new formation and they have looked the better team in every half. And all against teams going to the WC.
Ream was excellent tonight. His first touch as a CB continues to be superb, as is his passing. Miles was solid defensively and continues to make his push for a roster spot and maybe even a starter.
Scally did himself no favors tonight. Freeman was instantly more effective when he came in. Surprisingly I like Freeman much better as a CB than as a wide player.
Roldan was his normal solid self. Breaking up a ton of plays. Outside of injury, he has played himself on to the roster.
Gio is Gio. In 5 different touches in the first half, he showed why he probably has to be on the team. He has a touch and vision that no other US player has. Having him back up Tillman would be a nice luxury to have.
Dest had some good moments and some difficult moments. Similar to Arfsten on the other side.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Gio is not competing for a holding midfielder spot, so his competition is specifically Pulisic, Tillman, Weston, Luna, Zendejas and Aaronson. I know Aaronson has had a good season at Leeds but he got bodied about 12 different times tonight. He just does not seem strong enough at times.
My guess is Poch may bring 4-5 at this spot. Pulisic and Tillman are guaranteed if healthy. Weston is almost assuredly on the team because he can play every position on the field.
So Reyna will be battling Zendejas, Luna and Aaronson. I like Luna and Zendejas and do not like Aaronson but to be fair, outside of a couple of blips from Luna and Zendejas, I don't see anything that assures them a spot over Reyna.
Last edited:
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
===
Mauricio Pochettino on Gio Reyna’s performance vs Paraguay:
"We can see today that he was great, he scored and assisted. And the way that always the capacity to read the game and find the free space in between the lines, I think it was a nightmare for Paraguay. I think he did a very good job."
Mauricio Pochettino on Gio Reyna’s performance vs Paraguay:
"We can see today that he was great, he scored and assisted. And the way that always the capacity to read the game and find the free space in between the lines, I think it was a nightmare for Paraguay. I think he did a very good job."
The Z Machine
Footballguy
If Gio can get any regular minutes at MgB he will take Aaronson's spot. Luna has likely earned Poch's trust and is different enough from the rest to get the 4th attacking MF spot.
I do not think Gio is better than M Tillman right now.
Do we know for certain it will be a 26 man roster or 23?
The Jedi vs. Arfsten convo is an interesting one. Arfsten is a liability in a back 4, but excels as a wing back. We haven't really seen Jedi play that spot yet and if he doesn't get healthy soon, he's not gonna start the WC.
I do not think Gio is better than M Tillman right now.
Do we know for certain it will be a 26 man roster or 23?
The Jedi vs. Arfsten convo is an interesting one. Arfsten is a liability in a back 4, but excels as a wing back. We haven't really seen Jedi play that spot yet and if he doesn't get healthy soon, he's not gonna start the WC.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
For me, Gio is better than Luna and as everyone has said, Gio just has skills others on this team don’t have. I hope he can start getting regular minutes and make the side. If it truly comes down to 2 from Luna, Aaronson and Gio then I’d take Luna and Gio.
And I find it unfathomable that Jedi would lose his spot. One of, if not the best LB in EPL but Arfsten looked really good.
Seems like you could build fantastic complete players if you could combine Gio + Luna and Arfsten + Jedi.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
26 is the current number but FIFA has said they are considering going to 30.
Some thoughts about the crowd after attending the game...
Good news: It was a sea of red, white and blue
Bad news: Guess what colors Paraguay uses?
I've literally never knowingly met someone from Paraguay living in this area for 55 years, and yet my section of the crowd seemed to be probably 2/3 rooting for Paraguay. On the one hand, that sucks for the USMNT. On the other hand, that diversity is part of what makes the US great, and also has likely played a big part in the soccer's growing popularity here.
More annoyingly, while the stadium was close to 90% full, there were two or three sections that were completely empty. Does that mean that tickets for those sections never went on sale? If that was a deliberate effort to prop up ticket prices, that's idiotic bordering on something that should be illegal. The lowest-priced tickets were generally around $80...I think it's fair to say that if they had dropped prices into the $40s or $50s for the unused sections, the place would have been 100% full.
Good news: It was a sea of red, white and blue
Bad news: Guess what colors Paraguay uses?
I've literally never knowingly met someone from Paraguay living in this area for 55 years, and yet my section of the crowd seemed to be probably 2/3 rooting for Paraguay. On the one hand, that sucks for the USMNT. On the other hand, that diversity is part of what makes the US great, and also has likely played a big part in the soccer's growing popularity here.
More annoyingly, while the stadium was close to 90% full, there were two or three sections that were completely empty. Does that mean that tickets for those sections never went on sale? If that was a deliberate effort to prop up ticket prices, that's idiotic bordering on something that should be illegal. The lowest-priced tickets were generally around $80...I think it's fair to say that if they had dropped prices into the $40s or $50s for the unused sections, the place would have been 100% full.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Any game that is with in driving distance of NY is going to attract fans of almost any nation. NY I believe has the largest population for international diversity in almost every city on the planet.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I need to reconsider my fandom. I don’t know if I am shell shocked from so many bad results or these non stop friendlies are just taking the edge off my enjoyment because I always make an excuse that the opponent is not trying hard enough.
Last night we were missing up to 7 starters, many of which our are best and core players. And we beat a Conmebol team that qualified for the WC, and we did not just beat them, we controlled the entire game except for one counter attack.
This type of result, similar to the last few results should be filling me with hope but the fact that they are friendlies continues to make me wonder if they really have any meaning at all for next summer.
Last night we were missing up to 7 starters, many of which our are best and core players. And we beat a Conmebol team that qualified for the WC, and we did not just beat them, we controlled the entire game except for one counter attack.
This type of result, similar to the last few results should be filling me with hope but the fact that they are friendlies continues to make me wonder if they really have any meaning at all for next summer.
Last edited:
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
I think part of it is the whiplash. The low points under Poch were shocking. The Switzerland game where the US didn't look like they belonged on the same pitch. The first half against South Korea where even guys like Adams looked like they had no idea what their shape was supposed to be.
To have that turn around in the middle of a window (heck, the middle of a game) is discombobulating. But we've had close to 500 minutes now to see a team that at least consistently knows how they're supposed to play and where everybody is playing hard for one another. And where some of Poch's experimenting in calling guys in has worked because he's kind of found the guys he needs to set the standard of culture and effort. Which makes it easier to bring a guy like Gio back because he has a model of how to train with the team.
I still don't think this is the team to make a particularly long World Cup run. But I think that's just a reflection on the team's talent shortages at some key positions. But I'm fairly certain they'll be credible. And I'm fairly certain I'll end up hating the US fanbase, who will criticize the inclusion of guys who have been absolutely essential contributors into making this into an actual team.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
I hadn't seen many minutes since the low point, and last night was a big and very noticeable difference IMO. The press was getting there, instead of being a step slow, behind every pass.
With all of Aaronson, Reyna and Dest on the field I was pleasantly surprised how tight we were defensively overall too. Really didn't give up much the other way.
I can't actually tell you what our best formation is, or who we'll roll out next summer, but things are starting to look better. Not quite back to the heights under Berhalter, but better at least.
With all of Aaronson, Reyna and Dest on the field I was pleasantly surprised how tight we were defensively overall too. Really didn't give up much the other way.
I can't actually tell you what our best formation is, or who we'll roll out next summer, but things are starting to look better. Not quite back to the heights under Berhalter, but better at least.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Just watched the game...
Really disappointed in the lack of quality service to Balogun. But he did really well with what little he actually got.
Gio..just so good on the ball- vision, anticipation, ball skills. Nice to see him get the goal scoring moments and loved seeing him win that diving tackle around the box late in the game to set up an attacking chance. So many positives. The negative- hes at one sauntering speed. Wasnt great at closing space or man down off the ball when bursts are needed. Also did a lot of pointing/directing teammates to cover his space and man instead of doing it himself. Tillman and Aaronson are really good at that.
Loved the press and team shape. Tessman and Roldan were fantastic in that regard- so good maintaining and controlling shape in the middle of the park on both sides of the ball.
Roldan...so smart and full of heart and guts. Love that. Felt like he lacked the pace and was having to dive in late or wrong too much.
Tessman.. a bit sloppy on too many passes, but i really liked his presence in the middle of the park as an old school 8, winning the space and ball, turning it upfield and/or finding the quick useful positive pass.
Aaronson...hes grown a lot, back to being quick and confident on the ball. His strength is being pesky, nipping at heels but i noticed he was really good at reading plays and closing space down off the ball. Thought he looked
Arf...was so frosty and confident on the ball until he faded later. Felt like he was going to beat his man when one on one every single time. Loved that he was trying to as well. PAR figured him out later, providing cover regularly and snuffing a lot of his attacking play. Until Jedi is back, playing regularly at his previous level, this spot is Arfs to lose.
Dest was figured out much earlier, after a scintillating start where we knew he was always getting by his man. But he kept going at the player, even when PAR had a second or even third player providing cover. Lost track of how many time Dest dribbled into traffic and lost the ball...frustrating. and he kept doing it over and over. but i thought he defended better than I've seen for PSV, a plus.
Scally got turned off the run a couple times, including the goal- reacted fairly quickly, but not quickly enough. And Miles was poor on the goal, not realizing the danger of the man and instead half covering a spot instead.
But once again, the formation is clearly the right one. We had a B/B+ team in there and they controlled most of this game against a quality opponent (no idea if this was the full PAR side).
Really disappointed in the lack of quality service to Balogun. But he did really well with what little he actually got.
Gio..just so good on the ball- vision, anticipation, ball skills. Nice to see him get the goal scoring moments and loved seeing him win that diving tackle around the box late in the game to set up an attacking chance. So many positives. The negative- hes at one sauntering speed. Wasnt great at closing space or man down off the ball when bursts are needed. Also did a lot of pointing/directing teammates to cover his space and man instead of doing it himself. Tillman and Aaronson are really good at that.
Loved the press and team shape. Tessman and Roldan were fantastic in that regard- so good maintaining and controlling shape in the middle of the park on both sides of the ball.
Roldan...so smart and full of heart and guts. Love that. Felt like he lacked the pace and was having to dive in late or wrong too much.
Tessman.. a bit sloppy on too many passes, but i really liked his presence in the middle of the park as an old school 8, winning the space and ball, turning it upfield and/or finding the quick useful positive pass.
Aaronson...hes grown a lot, back to being quick and confident on the ball. His strength is being pesky, nipping at heels but i noticed he was really good at reading plays and closing space down off the ball. Thought he looked
Arf...was so frosty and confident on the ball until he faded later. Felt like he was going to beat his man when one on one every single time. Loved that he was trying to as well. PAR figured him out later, providing cover regularly and snuffing a lot of his attacking play. Until Jedi is back, playing regularly at his previous level, this spot is Arfs to lose.
Dest was figured out much earlier, after a scintillating start where we knew he was always getting by his man. But he kept going at the player, even when PAR had a second or even third player providing cover. Lost track of how many time Dest dribbled into traffic and lost the ball...frustrating. and he kept doing it over and over. but i thought he defended better than I've seen for PSV, a plus.
Scally got turned off the run a couple times, including the goal- reacted fairly quickly, but not quickly enough. And Miles was poor on the goal, not realizing the danger of the man and instead half covering a spot instead.
But once again, the formation is clearly the right one. We had a B/B+ team in there and they controlled most of this game against a quality opponent (no idea if this was the full PAR side).
TLEF316
Footballguy
Didnt get a chance to watch yesterday due to family stuff, but awesome to see Gio ball out and for the guys to get the win.
Still very disappointing that a guy like Miles Robinson is still getting minutes while Trusty sits the bench and Banks sits back in Europe. I get it....Trusty isnt a world beater (apparently he's been getting more mins and playing better in Scotland but he's not a star) and Banks is young......but Miles is a total nothing burger. We have 6 years of evidence that's he's completely Meh....even more so post injury that probably cost him at least 1/2 a step in terms of athleticism. Not saying he's a total bum, but we know what we have and it just isn't very good. I will have zero confidence if they throw him out there in a world cup game.
Even more so with McKenzie. He's clearly better than Miles. Get him in there.
Really hope Jedi can somehow get healthy in the next few months and be ready for the tournament. Its really concerning. Arfsten is a pretty good attacking player, but just isnt good on D. Having both him and Dest out there for 90 mins against a team with good wingers is a recipe for disaster. I know the 3 man back line helps that, but you just can't do it. Arfsten is a late sub when you're chasing a goal and want to get crosses into the box. He's not a 90 min wing back at the world cup level.
Again...didnt see the game, but from what I read, Roldan came back to earth HARD after his great performance last game. REALLY hope they dont put him out there when it matters.
Still very disappointing that a guy like Miles Robinson is still getting minutes while Trusty sits the bench and Banks sits back in Europe. I get it....Trusty isnt a world beater (apparently he's been getting more mins and playing better in Scotland but he's not a star) and Banks is young......but Miles is a total nothing burger. We have 6 years of evidence that's he's completely Meh....even more so post injury that probably cost him at least 1/2 a step in terms of athleticism. Not saying he's a total bum, but we know what we have and it just isn't very good. I will have zero confidence if they throw him out there in a world cup game.
Even more so with McKenzie. He's clearly better than Miles. Get him in there.
Really hope Jedi can somehow get healthy in the next few months and be ready for the tournament. Its really concerning. Arfsten is a pretty good attacking player, but just isnt good on D. Having both him and Dest out there for 90 mins against a team with good wingers is a recipe for disaster. I know the 3 man back line helps that, but you just can't do it. Arfsten is a late sub when you're chasing a goal and want to get crosses into the box. He's not a 90 min wing back at the world cup level.
Again...didnt see the game, but from what I read, Roldan came back to earth HARD after his great performance last game. REALLY hope they dont put him out there when it matters.
prefontaine
Footballguy
Eh, I thought he was okay. He wasn't outstanding but he's a lot like Aaronson. He's probably not talented enough to have a lock on anything but he does a lot of stuff coaches like. He's going to follow the game plan, he's going to be disciplined, and he's going to be a good teammate. I'll be pretty shocked at this point if he doesn't make the roster for those reasons.
prefontaine
Footballguy
It's hard to see a spot for an attacking player that has no production. It's striking to see him next to Reyna, who constantly finds himself in dangerous positions between the lines.
Reyna had 65 touches in 75 minutes. Aaronson 46 in 80. I'm not exactly sure what it is, but despite being a really hard worker, Brenden just doesn't seem to find the game naturally. And it ultimately shows in his lack of production for club and country.
El Floppo
Footballguy
He cant touch what Gio can offensively. But regardless, im seeing more of his game that brought him out of Jrs into the senior game...and its good to see him playing with confidence.
Id love to get Gio to absorb some of Aaronsons nippiness and put in his off the ball work. He still looked lazy to me in comparison to guys like aaronson and tillman.
prefontaine
Footballguy
Yeah with everyone healthy, Pulisic and Tillman start with Gio as the luxury guy that can break down through creativity and Luna by trying ****.
With McKennie and Tessmann also able to play there, I just dont know where Aaronson fits in.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I have said it before but it is worth mentioning again.
Roldan is this generations Beckerman. He knows the game, he reads it well, he is disciplined and hard working and lacks athleticism is the form of pace and quickness.
But some coaches love these type of players. Even JK who effectively created the term Euro snob for the US fan base, still found ways to get Beckerman on the field in a World Cup as a starter in every game of the group stage. It is clear Poch really likes Roldan, who has not put in a bad shift yet for Poch.
Anyone online claiming Roldan had a bad game last night is just saying so out of extreme bias.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I agree. If the roster stays at 26, and every one is healthy, Aaronson could likely miss out.
But the likelihood of everyone being healthy seems incredibly low so if I had to guess, Aaronson will be on the roster.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
I think Aaronson competes with Luna as the "effort" guy in those attacking mid spots. Guys whose main contribution is in the press and making it hard for some teams to play it out of the back. Luna and Roldan combined to create the situation for the second goal out of the press last night. And I think Poch wants that in the team, but I doubt he'll bring two of them in the AM positions.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
It just amazes me. Roldan is a player who has managed to manifest every ounce of his potential. And it isn't even about his own performances (which have been good to excellent since being on Poch's radar). It's about how the team plays with him in it. There's not an easy stat for "is always where his teammates expect him to be," but it's absolutely key to having a functioning midfield.
I strongly disagree. Our offense has consistently looked much, much better than it ever looked under Berhalter. Defense looks bad and I don’t think Poch is making good decisions about which central defenders to use, but at least he seems much more open to making adjustments than Berhalter ever was.
I was on the ‘fire Poch’ bandwagon for a while, and I still have mixed feelings about how he’s coaching the team. But I think the improvements in our attack are striking, and might never have happened under Berhalter.
SwampDawg
Footballguy
I literally thought the same thing as our section was 70% Paraguay fans. I've met people of a lot of nationalities with my son playing soccer over the years. He's played with kids from or with parents from a lot of different countries, never once one that mentioned Paraguay.
SwampDawg
Footballguy
My "in the Stands" 2 cents worth.
- US was by easily the better team and should have had at least one, maybe two more goals. I honestly didn't see the end of the Paraguay goal because all their fans stood up just as it was happening.
- Reyna and Dest seemed to have a good feel for each other.
- Dest has his defensive short comings but he is dangerous going forward and not afraid to just try stuff. He's not lacking in confidence for sure.
- I felt like they didn't fear our left side of Arfsten and Aaronson at all, it seemed like they wanted the ball forced that way and away from Dest and Reyna.
- Tessman looked slow and plodding.
- Was disappointed that Pepi missed what should have been and easy goal by taking 3 touches but worse was the fact that he just stopped playing when the ball was clearly staying in and could have gotten to it first.
- Luna off the bench adds an energy and attitude. He's not a starter in the WC but he has a place.
- Amazed at the amount of $16 beers thrown when the US scored the second goal. I'm way too cheap to do that if it was the opposite way.
- I've only been to Subaru Park to see the US Women like 6 or 7 years ago and when my son has played at the fields next door. Is parking always that bad? Given the stadium was like 3/4 full it must be horrible for a Union game if it is a sell out.
bagger
Footballguy
Thought Gio looked awesome, and deserves more looks to be on the WC team. Team overall looked really crisp and regardless of outcome (which was great) I really liked how they were playing. Let’s see if they can replicate the effort and crispness on Tuesday. If so I am getting very encouraged by the process here.
El Floppo
Footballguy
At least for me, until Jedi gets back to playing regularly ar the same high level as before, the spot is Arfs. Once he's back, the spot is Jedis.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
We also need to acknowledge that Poch seems to be clearly the type of manager who needs to feel complete trust with his players. Jedi has not played a single minute for Poch yet. The only time Poch has even mentioned him is to say they are extremely worried that Jedi is not getting healthy.
There are only a few games left before the roster has to be officially chosen. This is not heading in a direction any of us want to see.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
So lets talk about depth. I think the 26 will come from this list of 38 players (assuming the miracle of full health)
Let me know if I missed any one obvious.
=====================================
These are not in any order.
Keepers: Freese, Turner, Schulte, Steffen, Horvath (this is such a crap shoot after Freese because there is no way to know what Poch is thinking)
CBs: Richards, Ream, Miles, McKenzie, Trusy, Banks, CCV, Scally, Freeman
WBs: Dest, Weah, Jedi, Arfsten, Tolkin
DMs: Adams, Tessman, Roldan, Morris, Sebb, Sands, Johnny
AMs: Pulisic, Tillman, Zendejas, Luna, Reyna, Aaronson, McGlynn
Strikers: Balogun, Pepi, Haji, Sargent, Agyemang
Swiss Army Knife: Weston
Let me know if I missed any one obvious.
=====================================
These are not in any order.
Keepers: Freese, Turner, Schulte, Steffen, Horvath (this is such a crap shoot after Freese because there is no way to know what Poch is thinking)
CBs: Richards, Ream, Miles, McKenzie, Trusy, Banks, CCV, Scally, Freeman
WBs: Dest, Weah, Jedi, Arfsten, Tolkin
DMs: Adams, Tessman, Roldan, Morris, Sebb, Sands, Johnny
AMs: Pulisic, Tillman, Zendejas, Luna, Reyna, Aaronson, McGlynn
Strikers: Balogun, Pepi, Haji, Sargent, Agyemang
Swiss Army Knife: Weston
Last edited:
El Floppo
Footballguy
You confused me with Freeman at CB...but i get it.
I think Celentano and Klinsmann have outside shots at being the #3 goalie
I think Agmeyang has a shot at being the #3 striker
That said, I'm guessing the full roster comes from your list...and can't think of anyone else you left out who has much of a chance
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
https://x.com/TheAthleticFC
The Athletic | Football
@TheAthleticFC
The United States Soccer Federation and the Portuguese Football Federation will soon confirm an exhibition match between their men’s teams to take place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in March 2026.The match could end an almost 12-year absence for Cristiano Ronaldo from playing football in the United States.He last played in the U.S. on August 2, 2014, when he came on as a substitute for Real Madrid against Manchester United in front of a crowd of 109,318 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.
The Athletic | Football
@TheAthleticFC
The United States Soccer Federation and the Portuguese Football Federation will soon confirm an exhibition match between their men’s teams to take place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in March 2026.The match could end an almost 12-year absence for Cristiano Ronaldo from playing football in the United States.He last played in the U.S. on August 2, 2014, when he came on as a substitute for Real Madrid against Manchester United in front of a crowd of 109,318 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I think Poch is leaning this way but I can’t be sure. He tried Freeman a lot at wing back but his two most recent appearances have been at CB and IMO Freeman looked better at the RCB spot than he ever did out wide. I don’t think he has enough offensive skills to be very effective as a pure wing back at this level.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
The gkers are really up in the air. He never plays anyone but Freese and keeps calling in different back ups. I have no idea what his thought process is. I agree those names could easily be on his list.
Yes, I think I will go back and add Agye. There is a chance Poch actually prefers Agye over Sargent.
El Floppo
Footballguy
At this point, I do. For me, he adds something different to the pot as an impact sub. Sarge is more like for like with Pepi and Balo, so is unnecessary unless one of those guys is out long term.
SwampDawg
Footballguy
I think that could be a good reason Freeman makes the team is he hasn't looked bad at RCB and if you ever get in a spot that you want or need to switch to a four man backline he is toe only traditional OB fit to pair with Jedi unless Scally makes the final roster.
bagger
Footballguy
I don’t think there was anything you could be disappointed with in that game. It was phenomenal.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Feels like Scally vs Freeman for 1 spot.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
I prefer Haji to either of them. But yes, the third striker should be a big guy that we put in to go two up top when chasing a goal. Flick-ons to Balogun and that type of thing.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Bogert is reporting that Orlando turned down multiple bids from Villareal for Freeman. There is hope the two teams will talk again this winter.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
============================
USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino went on a rant in today’s press conference
“We’re not playing official games because we are already qualified. So now, for everyone these are ‘friendly games’ but not for us,” he said.“The problem is we take one year or seven, eight months to convince the players, the federation, the fans, the media, and the staff that for us, these cannot be friendly games.”
“Playing in the Gold Cup, not important? No, it’s important. Playing in these games, not important? No, it’s important. But the problem is the mindset we’re trying to change here.”
“Until then, how are you going to perform if you come here and you want holidays? If you come here and say, ‘No. I don’t want to put the legs because if I get injured then I can’t play for my club.’”
“How are we going to win games then? How are we going to get people to support us? How are we going to improve our game? How are we going to put the standards high? That is the problem.”
“We need to analyze the reality, not the things that are bullsh*t. Come on, it’s about the trust. When we arrived here, we’re not amateurs.”
“And when coaches of Costa Rica or Mexico were suffering. They [the federations] say, ‘Oh these are professionals, why doesn’t it work? Because of the coach? Coach out.’ But sometimes it’s not the coach!”
“But the easy thing is to blame the coach. What’s going on behind the scenes?”
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Sounds like Poch is not happy about the effort in camp... I wonder who is not putting forth the right level? Dest? Scally? Balogun?
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
This alarmed me.
Poch has been consistent from day 1 saying the players, fans and media all needed to treat the friendlies/Gold Cup as very important games. It was clear in the beginning he was not getting that attitude from any one.
I wanted to hope we cleared that hurdle with the string of good games the team has been playing but his rant seems to indicate he is still very unhappy.
I can't speculate who is not putting in the work in training. From my some what educated eyes, the effort during the games looks to be there though.
Similar threads
