The Official US Soccer thread

[Lorenzo]

I just looked at the run in of fixtures, and that's certainly unfavorable to the U.S. This could be a nightmare if we don't win tomorrow.

getting all 3 points vs Panama is a must. they have never beaten Costa Rica on the road. If they beat Panama and Costa Rica win their next match, the GD should work in the USA favor to qualify. but yes have to beat Panama at home. and it's not a given, Panama have been good and they too have to get all 3 points to vault themselves back so it makes for a very nervy situation. neither side can sit back.

 

[Lorenzo]

I agree, they need to win the Panama game or they are certainly in danger of missing another WC. I remember watching the Gold Cup when the team was made up mostly of reserves and I thought they looked better than what we saw last night. I thought Busio, Hoppe, Acosta, Lletget, Roldan, ZImmerman, Robinson, and Arriola played better as a team than what we saw last night. They had a higher work rate were more aggressive and seemed better conditioned. Last night the team appeared to be on its last legs knocking long balls down the field in the last 15 minutes with no effort whatsoever to counter or press the offense, like they were just trying to hang onto a tie. They looked completely spent. Yes I know Mexico City is a high altitude location but they could have trained near Denver or some other high altitude location in the US and gotten used to the thinner air. If this is the best we can put on the pitch then I expect an early departure (not getting out of group play) come WC.

it was interesting for me going into the Mexico game knowing that almost all the players on both teams don't really play at altitude. although Mexico did have a handful of players on their roster that play in L.MX, a lot of their players play abroad as well. it was just another thing that opened the door for the USA to get all 3 points and for me they should have when you look at the chance that Acosta, Reyna, and pefok had to score late.

The fitness regimen for these players is interesting. they play so many games as it is that you really rely on them to stay fit by playing minutes for their clubs. and then players like Reyna and Pulisic have had fitness problems so they can't play the full 90 every time out for the USA. Obviously some haven't played much and some were beat up and not available for this round and that's where you brought up a lot of guys that berhalter could be using to beef up this squad...I've been very impressed with Acosta's play, especially his delivery to the box. I've been impressed with Weah and many others, another guy that I expected to see more from is Darryl Dike, but for some reason Jordan pefok and Pepi have been the guys that G.B. has turned to almost exclusively. losing Brenden Aaronsen really hurts us because his work rate is unmatched.

I wonder how much time they have to train for altitude. I know prior USA camps used to do that, but 3 straight draws at that stadium (and 4 game unbeaten streak overall) for USA has to frustrate Mexico. It seems like not so long ago there was a sizable gap between these two.

 

[Lorenzo]

Well, from one window to the next, our coach refuses to field even close to the same team, and decides to give even more youngsters significant minutes. Doesn't help team cohesion.

he has made some interesting decisions. I understand why he did it because Mexico have some players who prefer to counter attack in space. But, I did not agree with his decision to sit back and defend in the last 15 minutes of the game. There were chances to win the game from the USA side if they kept pushing forward, Mexico looked very tired trying to defend the US midfield and attacking players. Jordan Morris trying to defend one on one almost cost us the game, luckily the Mexican player dove and took himself out of a scoring opportunity. I noticed Tyler Adams had words with Berhalter when he came off. I would love to know what he said...he's one of my favorite American players and usually is pretty straight forward with his comments.

 

[Stout]

he has made some interesting decisions. I understand why he did it because Mexico have some players who prefer to counter attack in space. But, I did not agree with his decision to sit back and defend in the last 15 minutes of the game. There were chances to win the game from the USA side if they kept pushing forward, Mexico looked very tired trying to defend the US midfield and attacking players. Jordan Morris trying to defend one on one almost cost us the game, luckily the Mexican player dove and took himself out of a scoring opportunity. I noticed Tyler Adams had words with Berhalter when he came off. I would love to know what he said...he's one of my favorite American players and usually is pretty straight forward with his comments.

The announcers thin he took Adams off to save him for the other two games, and they thought it was a shrewd move. I thought it was moronic, under that rationale. The game was up for grabs and you grab it if you can. Then again, I think the announcers kept calling one of the players Jedi, for some reason, so moronic isn't very far off the mark.

 

[Lorenzo]

The announcers thin he took Adams off to save him for the other two games, and they thought it was a shrewd move. I thought it was moronic, under that rationale. The game was up for grabs and you grab it if you can. Then again, I think the announcers kept calling one of the players Jedi, for some reason, so moronic isn't very far off the mark.

yeah I agree because when you look at the Pefok scoring chance and Gio Reyna's run through the entire Mexican team, Mexico looked ready to lose. Yet no adjustments were made to bolster the attack. GB parked the bus and still almost gave Mexico 3 points. it's like GB was always going to take off his top players at a certain point regardless of the circumstances. I thought he was a moron for openly saying he considered playing a B team. It just sends the message that you don't believe in your A guys or B guys and that you can't read the situation for what it is. USA are better than Mexico right now and should have won that game. If the USA don't qualify and Mexico do, he will have to answer for his overly conservative approach.

 

[cardpa]

he has made some interesting decisions. I understand why he did it because Mexico have some players who prefer to counter attack in space. But, I did not agree with his decision to sit back and defend in the last 15 minutes of the game. There were chances to win the game from the USA side if they kept pushing forward, Mexico looked very tired trying to defend the US midfield and attacking players. Jordan Morris trying to defend one on one almost cost us the game, luckily the Mexican player dove and took himself out of a scoring opportunity. I noticed Tyler Adams had words with Berhalter when he came off. I would love to know what he said...he's one of my favorite American players and usually is pretty straight forward with his comments.

yeah I agree because when you look at the Pefok scoring chance and Gio Reyna's run through the entire Mexican team, Mexico looked ready to lose. Yet no adjustments were made to bolster the attack. GB parked the bus and still almost gave Mexico 3 points. it's like GB was always going to take off his top players at a certain point regardless of the circumstances. I thought he was a moron for openly saying he considered playing a B team. It just sends the message that you don't believe in your A guys or B guys and that you can't read the situation for what it is. USA are better than Mexico right now and should have won that game. If the USA don't qualify and Mexico do, he will have to answer for his overly conservative approach.

The US was lucky the ref saw it for what it was, a dive and yellow carded the Mexican player. Another ref could have just as easily given a PK. It seems that Berhalter has a plan and executes it no matter the circumstances even to the point of giving a winnable game away.

The last 15 minutes of the game frustrated me to the point of some every choice words being yelled at the TV and Berhalter. I personally don't see how Morris even makes it on the roster. With Pulisic pretty much being a non factor and with Aaronsen out and Pepi disappearing on the field the forward position is pretty thin at this point.

 

[Lorenzo]

starting lineup predictions?

this seems to be the expected lineup 4-3-3

Pulisic/Pefok/Reyna
dela torre/Musah
Adams
Robinson/Robinson/Zimmerman/Moore
Stefen

I would consider not playing a #9 because they have been ineffective for such a long period as far as scoring goes. it would be nice to have some hold up play which I did not see anything from Pefok in that regard.. I did not see Pepi in the Mexico game because I joined the game at about the 60th min, but Pepi seems to hold the ball well and can pass to his teammates if he doesn't score. I would like to see Acosta on the pitch with an extra midfield player that can hold possession. and then maybe bring Pepi off the bench. With their club teams Pulisic and Reyna are both usually paired on the wing with a central player. Pulisic plays all of the forward positions for Chelsea and I think that he and Reyna can both move around in tomorrow's game.

 

[Lorenzo]

The US was lucky the ref saw it for what it was, a dive and yellow carded the Mexican player. Another ref could have just as easily given a PK. It seems that Berhalter has a plan and executes it no matter the circumstances even to the point of giving a winnable game away.

The last 15 minutes of the game frustrated me to the point of some every choice words being yelled at the TV and Berhalter. I personally don't see how Morris even makes it on the roster. With Pulisic pretty much being a non factor and with Aaronsen out and Pepi disappearing on the field the forward position is pretty thin at this point.

It does seem like there is a revolving door in the central forward position. It actually sickens me that Zardes and Morris are still on this team, no offense, but they are just not World Cup material. Pulisic I think will elevate his game if he is surrounded by other quality players, like he is at Chelsea. It would be nice to see Pulisic and Reyna on the field together for an extended period. Pulisic, like Donovan, can be exclusively a high forward attacking player if he has the quality behind him. often he has to drop back to get the ball and create the attack. I personally think we should consider the idea of changing the formation and stop playing these guys in the middle who are ineffective in scoring goals.

 

[cardpa]

It does seem like there is a revolving door in the central forward position. It actually sickens me that Zardes and Morris are still on this team, no offense, but they are just not World Cup material. Pulisic I think will elevate his game if he is surrounded by other quality players, like he is at Chelsea. It would be nice to see Pulisic and Reyna on the field together for an extended period. Pulisic, like Donovan, can be exclusively a high forward attacking player if he has the quality behind him. often he has to drop back to get the ball and create the attack. I personally think we should consider the idea of changing the formation and stop playing these guys in the middle who are ineffective in scoring goals.

You make some good points here. I agree Reyna and Pulisic need to be on the field at the same time if for no other reason than to create more problems for the opposing team. Part of the problem with this team is it has no quality central attacker and Acosta is about the only player who seems to fill the position of holding mid especially since McKennie is out. They need to find ways for both Pulisic and Reyna to have some one on one opportunities to penetrate in the attacking third and put pressure on the defense.

 

[gmabel830]

LET’S FREAKIN GOOOOOO!!!!! 4-0 at half.

Pretty much clinched a World Cup spot with that half.

 

[cardpa]

Finally a game with the effort I wanted to see for some time now. I cannot complain about pretty much anything on this game. Solid defense, good ball movement, created excellent scoring chances, a very solid game. Finally a good effort by Pulisic. Now onto Costa Rica and I don't want to see a flat effort and a game where Berhalter plays for a tie or a close loss. Go there with the idea of winning and not backing into a WC spot.

 

[Stout]

Finally a game with the effort I wanted to see for some time now. I cannot complain about pretty much anything on this game. Solid defense, good ball movement, created excellent scoring chances, a very solid game. Finally a good effort by Pulisic. Now onto Costa Rica and I don't want to see a flat effort and a game where Berhalter plays for a tie or a close loss. Go there with the idea of winning and not backing into a WC spot.

Well, we had some really stupid and crappy defense, but thankfully weren't playing a team good enough to take advantage of. I loved this game, though, because it was the ultimate "eff you, cheating minnows of CONCACAF!" game. They can no longer cheat their asses off without getting caught. Remember that time one of our players got viciously nipple twisted and nothing happened? VAR has ended that, minnows, so now you have to play fair. I mean, that ref was AWFUL, but VAR made him make the right call. Without that, we might've been in trouble. So let's go not lose big to Costa Rica and get back into the WC.

 

[Stout]

You know, I'd be down for a 3-goal loss this week, as long as we could guarantee Mexico a 4-goal loss

 

[Lorenzo]

Well, we had some really stupid and crappy defense, but thankfully weren't playing a team good enough to take advantage of. I loved this game, though, because it was the ultimate "eff you, cheating minnows of CONCACAF!" game. They can no longer cheat their asses off without getting caught. Remember that time one of our players got viciously nipple twisted and nothing happened? VAR has ended that, minnows, so now you have to play fair. I mean, that ref was AWFUL, but VAR made him make the right call. Without that, we might've been in trouble. So let's go not lose big to Costa Rica and get back into the WC.

that's actually a good point about VAR finally working in our favor for a CONCACAF game. now that doesn't excuse some of the ridiculous decisions by the referee for allowing Pulisic and Reyna both to be bullied and then I think went on to book them both because they stood their ground for themselves. it brings me back to the game vs. Mexico when Brenden Aaronssen got death clawed by a Mexican player yet USA ended up with two yellow cards from what looked to be a clear red by the Mexican player. the Jamaica game at home that should have seen the Jamaican player sent off in minute 1....ok enough of that. I do agree it was a tacky game and some of the goalkeeper/defender miscues could have hurt more than it did. 5-1 scoreline is better than I expected and just about got the job done for Costa Rica so long as we don't put Jordan Morris on the pitch. Kudos to Shaq Moore and Ferrera, they both had some forgettable moments, shah Moore had a go on one from a range that only Zatlan could score, and I think that one still hasn't come down yet...Ferrera missed a tap in goal, but I really thought their effort for 90+ mins stood out, they both hit the pitch at the final whistle from exhaustion and cramps. they weren't names that I thought of being so involved in a game of this magnitude.

 

[Lorenzo]

Finally a game with the effort I wanted to see for some time now. I cannot complain about pretty much anything on this game. Solid defense, good ball movement, created excellent scoring chances, a very solid game. Finally a good effort by Pulisic. Now onto Costa Rica and I don't want to see a flat effort and a game where Berhalter plays for a tie or a close loss. Go there with the idea of winning and not backing into a WC spot.

I agree with you about the approach to Costa Rica. USA should have gotten their first victory at Mexico and now there is no reason to think that they can't get all 3 points at Costa Rica. But I do think Berhalter will play it safe and will leave some of his top players on the bench as to not risk further injury, especially with Pulisic, Adams, and Reyna. there most likely will be a keeper change as well. I have been impressed with Stefen's delivery, but he has been very shaky with judging the ball in the air. I think Berhalter will sit back and play for a low scoring game. that just seems to be his style, but I hope I'm wrong.

 

[Lorenzo]

You make some good points here. I agree Reyna and Pulisic need to be on the field at the same time if for no other reason than to create more problems for the opposing team. Part of the problem with this team is it has no quality central attacker and Acosta is about the only player who seems to fill the position of holding mid especially since McKennie is out. They need to find ways for both Pulisic and Reyna to have some one on one opportunities to penetrate in the attacking third and put pressure on the defense.

today Ferrera got a goal, which is a win, but he also missed some basic opportunities. They have to figure out who their top #9 is. I really think Dike is a guy that strikes me as a strong guy with speed that can take chances, but he's very young and has not had many opportunities. I think he is at West Brom now on loan from Orlando. I think it may be between him, Pefok, and Pepi. Sargent has basically fallen off the map and his time at Norwich really hasn't worked out. Arriola is a guy that always finds a way to produce, I think he deserves a mention along with Acosta as MLS based players that should make the WC squad, but I see them both as role players with Acosta most likely to be in the lineup. Weah, Reyna, aaronssen, and Pulisic are their most favorable attacking options and all 4 have the quality to drop into the midfield if they can every figure out a striker option. Their best option might be not to go with a striker and just put those guys up top and move them side to side and give them the option to drop into the midfield.

of corse they have to get McKennie back and the need more out of Sergino Dest on the right side..most importantly they need to find the right pairing for Dest who will cover him when he goes forward. I don't see the same recovery from Dest as I do from Robinson on the left side, but of corse Dest gives you more quality in the attack. I think this USA team has a great chance to make it out of their group. they need to finish the job against CR, then get healthy and figure out their best 20 players.

 

[Zeno]

The announcers thin he took Adams off to save him for the other two games, and they thought it was a shrewd move. I thought it was moronic, under that rationale. The game was up for grabs and you grab it if you can. Then again, I think the announcers kept calling one of the players Jedi, for some reason, so moronic isn't very far off the mark.

Antonee Robinson's nickname is Jedi, has been since he was a child. No different than the Cardinals calling Bishard Baker "Budda"

 

[Zeno]

As long as we don't lose by 6 goals we qualify.

If we ever were to lose by 6 goals I would lose my freaking mind and travel back to Chicago to egg the US Soccer house personally.

 

[Stout]

Antonee Robinson's nickname is Jedi, has been since he was a child. No different than the Cardinals calling Bishard Baker "Budda"

It was really forced and sounded ungodly stupid. The way it was handled in last night's game was much better--nice little explanation without the atrocious commentary.

 

[cardpa]

I for one am not going to complain much about the effort last night. They played a pretty solid game on both ends. Yes there were miscues, however you have them in every game as they are unavoidable. I do agree that Stefen was scary at times in net and maybe it's a good idea to start the other goalie. That said the announcers did mention that there has been a flu bug going around the team and Stefen had it. Overall more solid efforts from many of the players than not. Still don't understand what Berhalter sees in Morris and Long looked shaky when he came in. Depth is certainly a concern with this team. Yes they could have scored more however five goals is pretty difficult for any team to overcome and yes two were on PKs however I thought both were legit as the ball came right into the area where the fouls occurred. I'd rather have Hoppe on the roster, his work rate is exceptional and he never seems to get gassed. Sargent for me is a waste of a roster spot and shouldn't even be considered.

I judge a game on how many unforced giveaways there are and how many poorly sent passes without pressure and how many times a team lets opponents run free unmarked. How good first touch is as well and decision making and play off of the ball, are runs being made to create space and or force defenders to make decisions that free up another player. If these are kept to a minimum, then a team generally will do well and give themselves a chance to win the match. A few times on the second half counters I thought the runs were pretty sad. The player with the ball wasn't being given good options or the options required a smartly executed pass and then a couple of times I was like just shoot the damn ball, it's there and instead it seemed like they were trying to give others chances to score instead of taking the shot themselves or they just got too cute with it.

The first 45 minutes was pretty clean for the US although the second half wasn't as good but at least they kept pushing the ball up field and kept attacking Panama until the last few minutes which to me is why Panama was able to score.

Lastly I m so happy about posters here talking about the game and the team giving opinions and generally having good conversation about soccer. Having recently retired from coaching it's nice to be able to share with others.

 

[MigratingOsprey]

It was really forced and sounded ungodly stupid. The way it was handled in last night's game was much better--nice little explanation without the atrocious commentary.

Agreed completely.

 

[Stout]

I'm curious how tonight's game goes and how we approach it. I think we'll see a full B side, which I think would be a terrible decision, but, well, Berhalter.

 

[cardpa]

I'm curious how tonight's game goes and how we approach it. I think we'll see a full B side, which I think would be a terrible decision, but, well, Berhalter.

Apparently Costa Rica has a yellow card problem. I read that they have 9 players sitting on one yellow card and with the probability that they will end up needing to play the Oceania team to qualify for the WC they can't afford to have key players out for that game because they drew a second yellow card in the US game. The odds of them winning tonight's game by 6 goals is almost non-existent since the worse loss the US experienced in CR was 3-1. They have some tough decisions to make on who to keep out and who they can afford to lose if any of those 9 draw that second yellow.

 

[Zeno]

Apparently Costa Rica has a yellow card problem. I read that they have 9 players sitting on one yellow card and with the probability that they will end up needing to play the Oceania team to qualify for the WC they can't afford to have key players out for that game because they drew a second yellow card in the US game. The odds of them winning tonight's game by 6 goals is almost non-existent since the worse loss the US experienced in CR was 3-1. They have some tough decisions to make on who to keep out and who they can afford to lose if any of those 9 draw that second yellow.

Good point about CR and the yellow cards. I think I read the US hasn't lost a game by 6 goals in 47 years, we may very well lose but CR has to know the chances of them getting 6 is pretty near impossible. I think we may see one of those boring matches where the entire game is played in the midfield and both teams biggest concern is staying healthy not scoring goals.

 

[Stout]

Apparently Costa Rica has a yellow card problem. I read that they have 9 players sitting on one yellow card and with the probability that they will end up needing to play the Oceania team to qualify for the WC they can't afford to have key players out for that game because they drew a second yellow card in the US game. The odds of them winning tonight's game by 6 goals is almost non-existent since the worse loss the US experienced in CR was 3-1. They have some tough decisions to make on who to keep out and who they can afford to lose if any of those 9 draw that second yellow.

That's interesting indeed. Even more reason for us to start the A team--we don't have to worry about our players getting the 2nd yellow.