USMNT Thread

Erial_Lion

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So far, the Mexican side just looks like it wants it more while our guys are retreating. Luna disappoints.
Thought that Luna was forced to defend so much of the half that he had few opportunities in the attacking half.

If we’re not gonna get better than 1v3 in our transition, then we need to keep some possession and relieve the pressure. Too many times, we looked to go long play an optimistic ball, but can’t keep spending the whole game defending.

Ream was a half step late on the goal, but that was an amazing finish from Jimenez.
 

Tgar

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Thought that Luna was forced to defend so much of the half that he had few opportunities in the attacking half.

If we’re not gonna get better than 1v3 in our transition, then we need to keep some possession and relieve the pressure. Too many times, we looked to go long play an optimistic ball, but can’t keep spending the whole game defending.

Ream was a half step late on the goal, but that was an amazing finish from Jimenez.
Regarding Luna, The Tgar mention was for the shot he sailed high and wide. Very few opportunities, that was maybe the best one that was wasted. He certainly has contributed on defense.
 

Tom McAndrew

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from the replays shown on TV, this is really close. VAR should have had more replays than what was shown on TV. FWIW, I think it was really close, but they got the call correct.



 
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Tgar

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Total goal, he kept his feet planted perfectly.

OTOH, has anyone noticed when we have possession in their half, the line ( or distance ) from the goal the Mexican Goalie plays? Our guys need to be shooting from 30 plus.
 

Erial_Lion

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Looking back on the summer…

Luna, Tillman, and Richards took steps forward.

I guess you’d have to say that Freese took a step forward, but I hope someone else steps up. But he goes give us another option and depth.

Ream showed that he might make it one more year…I’ll be surprised if he’s not on the squad, and still has a realistic chance to start.

Adams still pretty darn good when he’s healthy.

Afrsten and Freeman showed flashes, but a big drop off from Antonee/Dest if one of them sees the field.

I know he scored a few goals, but I have no confidence in Agyemang at the international level at this point. Really need Balogun/Pepi, or even Sarge for that matter, to stay healthy.

Would have been great to see our A (or even A- or B+) team get a crack at Mexico tonight…but could have lost the PKs to Costa Rica and never saw these last two games, so it is what it is.
 
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Tom McAndrew

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LaJollaCreek

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Looking back on the summer…

Luna, Tillman, and Richards took steps forward.

I guess you’d have to say that Freese took a step forward, but I hope someone else steps up. But he goes give us another option and depth.

Ream showed that he might make it one more year…I’ll be surprised if he’s not on the squad, and still has a realistic chance to start.

Adams still pretty darn good when he’s healthy.

Afrsten and Freeman showed flashes, but a big drop off from Antonee/Dest if one of them sees the field.

I know he scored a few goals, but I have no confidence in Agyemang at the international level at this point. Really need Balogun/Pepi, or even Sarge for that matter, to stay healthy.

Would have been great to see our A (or even A- or B+) team get a crack at Mexico tonight…but could have lost the PKs to Costa Rica and never saw these last two games, so it is what it is.

Agree about the 3 you highlighted. All took steps forward.

This team will struggle to get out of it's group next year and if they do it's one and done. The hype train about the golden generation is nice and all, but it was a bit exaggerated IMO. I'll continue to watch and pull for them, but the reality is they are major steps behind the best Euro and S. American clubs even if they had Dest, Puli, McKennie, Robinson, Weah....etc. I don't have an issue with those claiming it's the most talented US team as on paper it is, but they still lack the real world class players. That is kind of why I never once understood people flailing about the manager. I wasn't really for or against change, but I know this team has a ceiling and would be lucky to get to a quarterfinal match next year....extremely lucky.
 

Erial_Lion

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Agree about the 3 you highlighted. All took steps forward.

This team will struggle to get out of it's group next year and if they do it's one and done. The hype train about the golden generation is nice and all, but it was a bit exaggerated IMO. I'll continue to watch and pull for them, but the reality is they are major steps behind the best Euro and S. American clubs even if they had Dest, Puli, McKennie, Robinson, Weah....etc. I don't have an issue with those claiming it's the most talented US team as on paper it is, but they still lack the real world class players. That is kind of why I never once understood people flailing about the manager. I wasn't really for or against change, but I know this team has a ceiling and would be lucky to get to a quarterfinal match next year....extremely lucky.
You have to remember that the World Cup has expanded. The groups are more watered down, and getting out means being one of the top 32, not top 16. Since we’ll be in pot 1 and avoid any of the top 13ish teams in our group, getting out of it should be very manageable.
 
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CyphaPSU

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In some positive news, I think Malik Tillman‘s move to Leverkusen is a really smart one and a continuation of what I think is a natural progression for him—which is not always the case for all our Euro-based player transfers. He has big shoes to fill, and the club spent more money on him than any transfer in their history (which is saying something for a club that historically good), so there will be some pressure on him. But, I think he can succeed given the steady trajectory he’s been on.
 

Erial_Lion

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In some positive news, I think Malik Tillman‘s move to Leverkusen is a really smart one and a continuation of what I think is a natural progression for him—which is not always the case for all our Euro-based player transfers. He has big shoes to fill, and the club spent more money on him than any transfer in their history (which is saying something for a club that historically good), so there will be some pressure on him. But, I think he can succeed given the steady trajectory he’s been on.
Couldn't agree more...seems like the perfect level to challenge himself while still a pretty good bet to see lots of minutes.
 

LaJollaCreek

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Hope that Sarge is able to take advantage of an opportunity this window. He's in such good form for his club, and time to bring that to the National team.
No doubt and he clearly should get the start. He's always either injured or gets limited time in most windows, but his form leads me to think he is the guy to at least start the first match. His second goal in the last match was pure class.
 
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Kijana BarkLee

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Sarge better find a way to hit net or set up some opportunities for others during this window or I’m afraid Poch will leave him at home this summer. This is definitely his chance.
 
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CyphaPSU

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The other part of the equation for Sargent is that he needs service. That has been and continues to be one of the main problems with this generation of USMNT players. No matter who the manager is, they cannot find ways to consistently make the final pass and create chances regardless of who the #9 of the day is.
 

LaJollaCreek

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The other part of the equation for Sargent is that he needs service. That has been and continues to be one of the main problems with this generation of USMNT players. No matter who the manager is, they cannot find ways to consistently make the final pass and create chances regardless of who the #9 of the day is.
Pretty fair point against any team with a pulse. I just hope they find that service and anyone of Pepi, Balogan, Sarge, or Wright to get into a little bit of a grove. None are world class 9's and we all know that, but just someone that can put away some chances consistently if they do come heading into next summer.
 

Kijana BarkLee

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Pretty fair point against any team with a pulse. I just hope they find that service and anyone of Pepi, Balogan, Sarge, or Wright to get into a little bit of a grove. None are world class 9's and we all know that, but just someone that can put away some chances consistently if they do come heading into next summer.
Absolutely agree with this. Just need someone who can be a somewhat dangerous 9. It feels like ages since we’ve had a 9 that threatens the backline.
 
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Kijana BarkLee

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Sarge gets the start at the 9. This is his chance. I’m happy that Weah, Dest, and Pulisic are back but a couple of the other roster omissions are head scratchers.
 

Erial_Lion

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Have it taped, guess I won’t be watching that entire match.
It was a harsh score for the way both teams played…however, much of that was due to our inability to link together anything in the final third. We got the ball there again and again, but way too many backwards passes for my liking.

Blackmon really struggled too…big dropoff from Richards to him (and unfortunately, most other options at CB at this point).
 
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Tom McAndrew

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Tom McAndrew

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