USMNT Thread

[Erial_Lion]

Poch adamant over U.S. progress: 'We have a plan'

U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino doubled down on his assessment that his team was the better side in Saturday's 2-0 defeat to South Korea, and that he's pleased with the progress the Americans have made.

www.espn.com

 

[Erial_Lion]

We're solid underdogs against a decent, but not great, Japan team tomorrow night on home soil. Certainly not where I was hoping things would be 9 months out (and less than 10 games away) from next summer's World Cup.

 

[Erial_Lion]

Sorry to be so negative, but here goes...

It amazes me the amount of apathy that has set in for so many at this point...me included. I'm still watching every game, but my expectations for next summer have never been lower (ok, maybe in 1990, but I was 13 years old and just getting into it, and we still had the excitement of being a part of the World Cup). The USMNT is playing in Chester in November, tickets thru the AO are only $44 (with taxes/fees), and yet I'd rather sit home in case the Michigan St game is at the same time. I never would have missed the chance to see a US game 35 minutes from home.

Game after game, I'd read all of the bitching on here about Gregg's roster choices, lineup, number of subs he made at halftime, not making subs quickly enough, etc...and that included the wins. Now, Poch throws out a lineup featuring Blackmon, Arfsten, Berhalter, McGlynn, and Roldan as we lose yet again, and its crickets. He does his Baghdad Bob routine telling us everything is great and its crickets. I swear, he could take a dump at midfield at halftime and all these people that wanted Gregg gone so badly would look the other way.

I long for the day when we sucked so bad that all we could do was dominate Mexico, win every Federation competition (that we sent an "A" team), and get knocked out in the round of 16 on the biggest stage.

 

[Srg111]

Sorry to be so negative, but here goes...

It amazes me the amount of apathy that has set in for so many at this point...me included. I'm still watching every game, but my expectations for next summer have never been lower (ok, maybe in 1990, but I was 13 years old and just getting into it, and we still had the excitement of being a part of the World Cup). The USMNT is playing in Chester in November, tickets thru the AO are only $44 (with taxes/fees), and yet I'd rather sit home in case the Michigan St game is at the same time. I never would have missed the chance to see a US game 35 minutes from home.

Game after game, I'd read all of the bitching on here about Gregg's roster choices, lineup, number of subs he made at halftime, not making subs quickly enough, etc...and that included the wins. Now, Poch throws out a lineup featuring Blackmon, Arfsten, Berhalter, McGlynn, and Roldan as we lose yet again, and its crickets. He does his Baghdad Bob routine telling us everything is great and its crickets. I swear, he could take a dump at midfield at halftime and all these people that wanted Gregg gone so badly would look the other way.

I long for the day when we sucked so bad that all we could do was dominate Mexico, win every Federation competition (that we sent an "A" team), and get knocked out in the round of 16 on the biggest stage.

My understanding is that we went big for Poch and it has been a dismal failure. He is too expensive to fire. He is not recruiting dual nationals, does not know the player pool and does not seem to care. As there seems to be no hope until after an expected poor showing at the World Cup, I think people are just sitting on the sidelines waiting for what is next. Cavan Sullivan? Albert? Who knows.

 

[LaJollaCreek]

Sorry to be so negative, but here goes...

It amazes me the amount of apathy that has set in for so many at this point...me included. I'm still watching every game, but my expectations for next summer have never been lower (ok, maybe in 1990, but I was 13 years old and just getting into it, and we still had the excitement of being a part of the World Cup). The USMNT is playing in Chester in November, tickets thru the AO are only $44 (with taxes/fees), and yet I'd rather sit home in case the Michigan St game is at the same time. I never would have missed the chance to see a US game 35 minutes from home.

Game after game, I'd read all of the bitching on here about Gregg's roster choices, lineup, number of subs he made at halftime, not making subs quickly enough, etc...and that included the wins. Now, Poch throws out a lineup featuring Blackmon, Arfsten, Berhalter, McGlynn, and Roldan as we lose yet again, and its crickets. He does his Baghdad Bob routine telling us everything is great and its crickets. I swear, he could take a dump at midfield at halftime and all these people that wanted Gregg gone so badly would look the other way.

I long for the day when we sucked so bad that all we could do was dominate Mexico, win every Federation competition (that we sent an "A" team), and get knocked out in the round of 16 on the biggest stage.

People were so anxious to run GB out the door, but his record, qualification for WC, and getting out of the group wasn’t enough because we have so many fans that think the best generation in America means world class. That wasn’t the case and isn’t the case. We are a nation that is lucky to get out of any group in the World Cup but people listen to the ex player morons led by the dope Lalas and light their torches. GB was tossed under the bus by the Reyna’s and never recovered.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

The opening paragraphs in an article in today's Philadelphia Inquirer. Jonathan Tannenwald, who has a good reputation in the soccer journalist world, penned the article:

"COLUMBUS, Ohio — For all of U.S. men’s soccer team manager Mauricio Pochettino’s happy talk after Saturday’s limp loss to South Korea, the players know the problems at hand.

They know the results are bad, the vibes are worse, and the combination has led a lot of soccer fans in America to simply ignore the program less than a year before the World Cup.

Nothing would fix that faster than winning games against good teams, and the U.S. has lost its last five against the top 25 in FIFA’s rankings — by a combined score of 11-1. In fact, since the 2022 World Cup, the U.S. has beaten only one such team, next-door rival Mexico, whether under Pochettino or his predecessor Gregg Berhalter.

That shows the problem isn’t just based on Pochettino dropping many Europe-based stars to see if players from MLS can outhustle them. It’s a bigger issue, one that dates back to the complacency at last year’s Copa América.

“We are here because something needed to change,” Pochettino said in a lengthy and combative news conference on the eve of Tuesday’s game against No. 17-ranked Japan (7:30 p.m., TNT, Telemundo 62). “That is why less than one year ago, [U.S. Soccer] came and offered being in charge of the national team here.”

Indeed, he spoke two days short of the one-year anniversary of his taking the job. In that time, his main tool for shaking up the status quo has been dropping some of the team’s stars — especially those who flopped in the Nations League final four in March.

..."

 

[Bwifan]

The opening paragraphs in an article in today's Philadelphia Inquirer. Jonathan Tannenwald, who has a good reputation in the soccer journalist world, penned the article:

"COLUMBUS, Ohio — For all of U.S. men’s soccer team manager Mauricio Pochettino’s happy talk after Saturday’s limp loss to South Korea, the players know the problems at hand.

They know the results are bad, the vibes are worse, and the combination has led a lot of soccer fans in America to simply ignore the program less than a year before the World Cup.

Nothing would fix that faster than winning games against good teams, and the U.S. has lost its last five against the top 25 in FIFA’s rankings — by a combined score of 11-1. In fact, since the 2022 World Cup, the U.S. has beaten only one such team, next-door rival Mexico, whether under Pochettino or his predecessor Gregg Berhalter.

That shows the problem isn’t just based on Pochettino dropping many Europe-based stars to see if players from MLS can outhustle them. It’s a bigger issue, one that dates back to the complacency at last year’s Copa América.

“We are here because something needed to change,” Pochettino said in a lengthy and combative news conference on the eve of Tuesday’s game against No. 17-ranked Japan (7:30 p.m., TNT, Telemundo 62). “That is why less than one year ago, [U.S. Soccer] came and offered being in charge of the national team here.”

Indeed, he spoke two days short of the one-year anniversary of his taking the job. In that time, his main tool for shaking up the status quo has been dropping some of the team’s stars — especially those who flopped in the Nations League final four in March.

..."

I have to admit I have never been less interested in the USMNT. Between the players, decisions and turmoil forget seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, I would settle for being hopeful about the future but even there currently I don't see much hope. GB was railroaded out, which if you have a solid replacement ok I get it. The players seem almost disinterested now. I don't know who they can bring in and make talent decisions and coaching as its too late for the World Cup. It stinks we are on our home soil and not playing well. I hope for positive change but man it's hard right now.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

 

[Tom McAndrew]

The USA strikes first:

 

[Tom McAndrew]

 

[Tom McAndrew]

 

[Tom McAndrew]

New-look USMNT show comfort and confidence in 2-0 win over Japan

Mauricio Pochettino made big changes to the US setup, and the moves paid off with the team’s most complete performance in a long while

www.theguardian.com

 

[Tgar]

Turned it off after 20 minutes of uninspiring play. There was no urgency early, back passes, sure, urgency, no. Glad to see they stepped up and found a second gear. Glad Pochettino is unafraid to scrap his original plans and continue to experiment.

What did you guys think? Looks like the 3/4/3 is the new formation. Is this the starting 11?

 

[Erial_Lion]

Turned it off after 20 minutes of uninspiring play. There was no urgency early, back passes, sure, urgency, no. Glad to see they stepped up and found a second gear. Glad Pochettino is unafraid to scrap his original plans and continue to experiment.

What did you guys think? Looks like the 3/4/3 is the new formation. Is this the starting 11?

This can't be the starting 11. No way would Afsten be playing over Antonee, can't see Blackmon starting a World Cup game (let alone making the team), Roldan getting a starting role, etc.

While it was successful last night, I'm not a fan of the 3-4-3 due to our player pool...I'd say that CB is the thinnest spot, so why force ourselves to play 3 of them...granted the roles change a bit, but who is the 3rd other than Richards/Ream? Scally? I don't really want him starting, and feel like he's depth that we need outside. But maybe the 3-4-3 gives us options if we're chasing a game and need to try and add more into the attack.

9 months out, and I have less of an idea than ever what our starting 11 would be (let alone who falls into the 23). Some things start to come into focus...I'd think Antonee, Richards, Dest, Adams, and Pulisic have locked down starting roles (I know some think that Johnny could push Adams, but while everyone raves about his club form, I've never seen it for the USMNT). Balogun has probably separated himself enough that I'd be surprised if he's not starting. Beyond that, it's a guess. Did Tillman and/or Luna do enough to work their way into the starting 11? Is Weah a starter? Do Weston/Musah fit into the starting plans (heck, does Musah even make the team)? So many questions.

 

[Tgar]

This can't be the starting 11. No way would Afsten be playing over Antonee, can't see Blackmon starting a World Cup game (let alone making the team), Roldan getting a starting role, etc.

While it was successful last night, I'm not a fan of the 3-4-3 due to our player pool...I'd say that CB is the thinnest spot, so why force ourselves to play 3 of them...granted the roles change a bit, but who is the 3rd other than Richards/Ream? Scally? I don't really want him starting, and feel like he's depth that we need outside. But maybe the 3-4-3 gives us options if we're chasing a game and need to try and add more into the attack.

9 months out, and I have less of an idea than ever what our starting 11 would be (let alone who falls into the 23). Some things start to come into focus...I'd think Antonee, Richards, Dest, Adams, and Pulisic have locked down starting roles (I know some think that Johnny could push Adams, but while everyone raves about his club form, I've never seen it for the USMNT). Balogun has probably separated himself enough that I'd be surprised if he's not starting. Beyond that, it's a guess. Did Tillman and/or Luna do enough to work their way into the starting 11? Is Weah a starter? Do Weston/Musah fit into the starting plans (heck, does Musah even make the team)? So many questions.

I would love to see how Luna works/ fits into a 3/4/3 formation. I could see additional opportunities for scoring with rebounds, follow ups, crashes, etc in the center On offense.

He has the horses to get back and support n the back 1/3rd as well.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

USMNT 2026 World Cup Big Board 2.0: Balogun, Zendejas on the rise

With nine months until the World Cup begins, which U.S. players are best positioned to make the squad after a turbulent September window?

www.espn.com

 

[Tom McAndrew]

USMNT countdown to the World Cup: The race for the No. 9 shirt is wide open

Striker has long been a problem area for the U.S. men's national team. Now, though, the Americans boast four forwards at the top of their game.

www.espn.com

 

[Erial_Lion]

u20 World Cup kicks off for us in an hour. We've got New Caledonia today at 7pm on FS1.

The squad took a hit with Kochen (expected to be the starting goalie) getting recalled by Barcelona last week. I'm pretty optimistic about this group...think we have a good chance of getting out of the group. Today is a must win (and should be a relatively easy win...if it's not, I'll be concerned)...thinking something like 6-0 tonight.

https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2025/09/us-under-20-mens-national-team-marko-mitrovic-roster-fifa-u-20-world-cup-chile

 

[SleepyLion]

u20 World Cup kicks off for us in an hour. We've got New Caledonia today at 7pm on FS1.

The squad took a hit with Kochen (expected to be the starting goalie) getting recalled by Barcelona last week. I'm pretty optimistic about this group...think we have a good chance of getting out of the group. Today is a must win (and should be a relatively easy win...if it's not, I'll be concerned)...thinking something like 6-0 tonight.

https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2025/09/us-under-20-mens-national-team-marko-mitrovic-roster-fifa-u-20-world-cup-chile

3-0
7 mins in...

 

[Erial_Lion]

3-0
7 mins in...

New Caledonia wasn’t nearly as good as they looked in those first 7 minutes!

US won 9-1, but not a whole lot to take from tonight…we’ll learn a lot more in the next 2 games. Cremaschi was awesome, Beaudry gifted them the only goal on a horrific play, and we really could have pretty much named the score.

 

[kgilbert78]

I was happy to see Taha get a goal (Crew player). He's from Columbus and came up thru the Crew system. Kudos for the Crew letting him go, as we are in a major injury bind right now with playoff upcoming.

 

[CyphaPSU]

Pulisic is in the form of his life, currently leading Serie A in goals and assists.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

USMNT October roster: Three thoughts as Pochettino makes big changes

Mauricio Pochettino has named a 26-player roster for the USMNT's October friendlies against Australia and Ecuador.

prosoccerwire.usatoday.com

Pulisic, McKennie top U.S. roster for Oct. games

AC Milan attacker Christian Pulisic, Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie and Fulham defender Antonee Robinson highlight the 26-player roster named by United States manager Mauricio Pochettino for two friendlies in the October international window.

www.espn.com

USMNT roster: Mauricio Pochettino names USA squad with big names missing ahead of key friendlies

Names like Tyler Adams and Sergino Dest aren't on the squad to face Ecuador and Australia

www.cbssports.com

 

[Erial_Lion]

Thoughts on the USMNT squad...

• Surprised that we don't see Scally. There doesn't seem to be anything injury related here, so is it just a matter of Freeman passing him on the depth chart, and Poch not thinking he's good enough at the moment? (don't love it)
• Musah again left off...really looking like he'll be sitting home next summer
• Unfortunately and Johnny and Reyna aren't healthy. Was hoping they'd both show us something and work their way into the squad.
• Seems like Sarge got his chance in September and didn't capitalize on it...don't know if/when we'll see him again.
• Congrats to Adams and his wife

 

[Erial_Lion]

Big game for the u20s today...vs France at 4pm (coverage at like 3:50pm) on FS2. France is a slight favorite, but we've got a nice squad and certainly have a chance. They are coming off a 2-1 win over South Africa. We've likely done enough already to make it out of the group, but another point would lock it up.

 

[Erial_Lion]

The U20s played extremely well yesterday. 3-0 against France that was a deserving result (outshot them 13-2, corners were 8-1). We've got South Africa on Sunday to finish off the group, and then likely looking at Italy in the round of 16 next week.

United States 3-0 France (Oct 2, 2025) Game Analysis - ESPN

Expert recap and game analysis of the United States U20 vs. France U20 Fifa Under-20 World Cup game from October 2, 2025 on ESPN.

www.espn.com

 

[LaJollaCreek]

The U20s played extremely well yesterday. 3-0 against France that was a deserving result (outshot them 13-2, corners were 8-1). We've got South Africa on Sunday to finish off the group, and then likely looking at Italy in the round of 16 next week.

United States 3-0 France (Oct 2, 2025) Game Analysis - ESPN

Expert recap and game analysis of the United States U20 vs. France U20 Fifa Under-20 World Cup game from October 2, 2025 on ESPN.

www.espn.com

Really solid performance, good to see.

 

[PSUForever]

The U20s played extremely well yesterday. 3-0 against France that was a deserving result (outshot them 13-2, corners were 8-1). We've got South Africa on Sunday to finish off the group, and then likely looking at Italy in the round of 16 next week.

United States 3-0 France (Oct 2, 2025) Game Analysis - ESPN

Expert recap and game analysis of the United States U20 vs. France U20 Fifa Under-20 World Cup game from October 2, 2025 on ESPN.

www.espn.com

If our U20 team is really good as they seem to be then can this translate into a much stronger USMNT in a few years?

 

[Erial_Lion]

If our U20 team is really good as they seem to be then can this translate into a much stronger USMNT in a few years?

We've actually had decent success already at the U20 level (ie, we're the only country that's made the quarterfinals of the last 3 tournaments)...but this team has been the most impressive that I've seen in the last 20 years since I've been following closely.

It doesn't guarantee anything since the best players at 18-20 won't necessarily turn out to be the best players when everyone hits their prime. Like with college football, you're better off having a bunch of 5 star kids than a bunch of 3 star kids. However, the reality is that only a handful of guys from this group will likely ever make an impact at the full national team level.

Note that this is the age group that will be representing us at the LA Olympics in 2028 (when they are the u-23 team). But someone like Cremaschi will likely be too good, and will be part of the full national team by then (and/or won't be released by his club). There are a few guys that I've really liked on this team...Cremaschi (he just moved to Parma), Campbell (he's at Dortmund), Wynder (Benfica), Gozo (Real Salt Lake), Westfield (Philly Union). And as I mentioned before, the starting goalie (Kochen) got recalled right before the tourney and isn't with the team...but can't be a bad thing when Barcelona calls in your 19 year old goalie because they need him (granted it's just for cover and he's unlikely to play, however he was on the bench for their Champions League game against PSG mid-week).