2022 is a long way away USA Soccer Thread

[tennbengal]

That tightened up late then - at one point it was 6-3 on corners US and we had several more after that. Again, I think some of the failure to link up gets better if the fucknut coaching this team stops playing the Tim Reams of the world and plays the better players at his disposal.

[Rex]

Few things more enjoyable than when the B team is rolling

[tennbengal]

Even better when the B team is kinda loaded with talent. That's new for us.

Holy shit part II (part I is in the summer soccer thread):

[The Sybian]

Nice of the USMNT to start Dike on Pride night. Of course the USWNT always outperforms the men and start 6 or 7 every game.

[A_B]

Nice of the USMNT to start Dike on Pride night. Of course the USWNT always outperforms the men and start 6 or 7 every game.

Thumbs down.

[govmentchedda]

Pretty stoked that they have the rainbow number jerseys for sale again. Copped a Rapinoe.

[A_B]

Pretty stoked that they have the rainbow number jerseys for sale again. Copped a Rapinoe.

Thumbs up.

[Nonlinear FC]

That reminded me of like 15-20 years ago when Mexico was technically superior but we'd grind out results with grit and luck. We shouldn't have to do that with the horses we have now. They were so much better organized and dangerous than us. It was entertaining and glad we won, but this match didn't exactly instill me with confidence.

I again feel like I watched a different game. We crushed them in corner opps - and that was because of good consistent pressure like we have seldom had against quality sides. Dangerous chances in run of play and then really dangerous on corners. Could have had at least one more from a corner that Ochoa made a world class save on.

I think we would look more consistently dangerous in the attack if Berhalter would play our better players. Weah was really helpful, for instance, when he came on. Musah never played. Pulisic should be more central, not out wide, IMO. When he was on the ball and attacking in the middle we had real chances second half. A lot of that is on Berhalter. But even with those flaws, I thought that was pretty evenly matched.

I felt like Mexico looked more like a club team, more organized playing in a system, but the US looked more like individuals who more skilled, except for when Lainez came on. That dude scares the hell out of me. In the old days, the US was always the less skilled team, but made up for it with fitness and heart. It'll be really interesting if they can learn how to play together in a system. I just have no concept of how to find the right group of guys and right formation/strategy.

I love the idea of 3 CBs with Dest and Yedlin (or preferably Cannon) as wing backs, but McKenzie doesn't seem good enough and Ream sucks. Dest can be a huge threat going forward, but right now, he is a major liability defensively. I'm optimistic he'll improve there, but until then, I like the extra cover to allow him to go forward. I agree that Pulisic was incredibly dangerous when he got the ball centrally, and tends to disappear out wide, I just don't know what formation you can play with him central that'd be an improvement. Maybe a false 9 with a Jordan Morris or Arriola on the wings? I don't think the wings on the current roster are striker enough to play that role. I also don't know if Pulisic is good in that role. I think he is more of a dribble in space kind of guy than a shooter or playing in tight spaces.

Just got a chance to watch (most of) the match and I'd say there's truth in both of what you guys are saying. Additional/supporting points:

* - To your point, Syb, Mexico isn't nearly as young as the US's current roster and they look much more like a coherent squad that is playing a well-worn system. No doubt. The silver (and obvious) lining here is that this summer could not have been more fortuitous for the US and its young squad. This group is going to get battle tested and (IMO) is going to have built up quite an understanding by the fall. Not to mention by the time we get to the WC next year.

* - While I think too much of this is made at times, the fact that the (young) US team wasn't putting up with any shit against Mexico was FANTASTIC to see. It reminded me of La Guerra Fria in terms of our guys just looking them in the eye and saying "fuck you" when El Tri started in with their typical bullshit. That is a big deal and it was great to see the grit and togetherness.

* - To tennb's point, I thought the US had their moments and while they should've had more possession*, they really have never had this many guys on the field at one time that can absolutely pants the opponent. It's a true culture shift and it's going to take time for the collective to "get it," and part of that is exactly what tb is saying about Berhalter. Just fucking trust that we have the talent, play them, and complete the shift to a Belgium-esque squad. Trust it. He (and Soccer House) still don't trust it, and it's obvious when they play some of these guys whose first instinct is to hoof it up field (looking at you Ream.)

* - I don't really have an issue with Pulisic and Reyna floating out wide and coming in, but to be a truly dangerous possession squad, we've got to get better play out of the central midfield and our center backs. Brooks played a brilliant ball to set up the game winner against Hondo last week, but whoever is turning up as his partner has struggled with starting/maintaining possessions. I also agree that Musah needs to see the field, but don't hav a huge issue in a Final with trying to balance out talent/youth with some experience. THAT SAID, this bullshit, made up competition is a perfect chance to put a guy like Musah in the frying pan and get him valuable experience. I don't think Acosta is the answer on the big stage.

Finally, just want to say that Mexican soccer fans have been, and apparently always will be, pieces of shit. Had to stop the game because of their homophobic bullshit, and then the obvious point of them pelting our players (and, as noted, hilariously, one of their own players) with full cups and bottles of liquid for most of the second ET session.

I'm glad they showed up like that, because I think the younger generation of US soccer fans don't really understand why us Old Heads hate that fan base and many of the players from the past. I brought up La Guerra Fria because that El Tri team was full of bullies/assholes and they were SHOCKED when our guys stood up to their bullshit and beat them soundly in Columbus.

Feels good to have that balance restored. The audacity and pomposity of their manager to put his hands on the ref when he's at the VAR screen??! Fucking assholes, man. They can suck it, hard.

[Rex]

I thought Tata should have at least done the fake yawn and stretch before he put his arm around the ref

[testuser2]

Tactics aren't my thing, but the body language and leadership that McKennie shows is awesome. He may not have the armband, but he's leading that team. He reminds me of Dempsey. Pulisic does some of it, but he comes off as whiny and a bit concerned with himself. For Mexico you need someone like McKennie(and Brooks) to fight back on everything that comes at them. Even Reyna has some of that street fight in him.

[HaulCitgo]

He is a load. Plays it both ways. And hes from here. Shows on his face and in his game. Looks like the heartbeat. What Reyna will be is scary.

[The Sybian]

Tactics aren't my thing, but the body language and leadership that McKennie shows is awesome. He may not have the armband, but he's leading that team. He reminds me of Dempsey. Pulisic does some of it, but he comes off as whiny and a bit concerned with himself. For Mexico you need someone like McKennie(and Brooks) to fight back on everything that comes at them. Even Reyna has some of that street fight in him.

100%. I had some concerns about a group of flashy kids playing on some of the biggest clubs in the world, wondering how they would cope with the CONCACAF conditions, but they show lots of grit, and hopefully that brings along guys like Weah, Musah and others. Not saying those guys lack grit, but they have spent their time on perfectly manicured pitches and first class treatment. What's the saying, "everybody has a plan until they get hit in the face with a bag of piss at the Azteca?"

[HaulCitgo]

Not many dirt floors in US soccer but that's ok. Just need some pride and game. Reyna McKennie Pulisic have that. Talent all over. Is enough.

[Nonlinear FC]

I have absolutely zero issue with McKennie getting the armband. Zero.

With that said, we also don't see what goes on behind closed doors and on the training grounds. I'd also say that we're very close to a situation where Pulisic is kind of like a rising senior and the other guys mentioned (Musah, Dest, Weah... kind of Reyna) are more like Frosh.

There's also an interesting dynamic with Brooks, who is like... ancient at the age of 28 not being captain. Again, we have no idea how this stuff plays out behind the scenes, so I assume there's nothing percolating on this front.

That said, we are moving into uncharted waters with so many guys playing key roles on top flight Euro teams. If not this cycle, then certainly 2026 the tussle for leadership and playing time is really going to get spicy.

[Nonlinear FC]

Not many dirt floors in US soccer but that's ok. Just need some pride and game. Reyna McKennie Pulisic have that. Talent all over. Is enough.

I think he's more referring to away games in CONCACAF.

One of the reasons many are convinced we shit the bed in TnT was the "woe is me" bullshit about the waterlogged pitch running up to the game. STFU and play. The other team certainly isn't going to be bitching about it. I hate that shit... used to make my teams run HARD next training if heard that kind of crap during warmups.

[The Sybian]

Not many dirt floors in US soccer but that's ok. Just need some pride and game. Reyna McKennie Pulisic have that. Talent all over. Is enough.

I think he's more referring to away games in CONCACAF.

One of the reasons many are convinced we shit the bed in TnT was the "woe is me" bullshit about the waterlogged pitch running up to the game. STFU and play. The other team certainly isn't going to be bitching about it. I hate that shit... used to make my teams run HARD next training if heard that kind of crap during warmups.

100% what I was talking about, with the waterlogged pitch at T&T first on the list, followed by horrendous bumpy pitches in places like Guatemala, after getting no sleep as fans blast loud music and firecrackers outside your hotel all night, attack your team bus, then throw batteries, beer and bags of urine at you all game on a 95 degree game with 85% humidity and horrendous pollution or elevation. The best years of US soccer came from guys with little ego, huge hearts and a willingness to throw everything into the game. They didn't have a fraction of the skill of the current group, but they went toe to toe with the best teams in the world by having more heart, better conditioning and working harder. I'm thrilled about watching this new wave with so much talent, I just hope they bring some of the same heart and willingness to get dirty. That Mexico game showed me they do, at least some of them, and I hope it carries through the squad.

[tennbengal]

[Rex]

Looking like Canada

[tennbengal]

Just brutal.

[govmentchedda]

The 3rd reason Nonlinear will scream at his players.

[degenerasian]

Here is Canada's schedule. Those two November games, they should play them in Yellowknife!

And also some statistical analysis. Predicting 21 points gets you 3rd place.

[Rex]

This schedule puts a premium on early points. Better put Adams and Pulisic in bubble wrap until August

[degenerasian]

Dates

[tennbengal]

I don't know if I agree, but these are definitely different for the US in terms of kit...

[govmentchedda]

Those and the new Barca kits are both pretty bad, and also somewhat similar to each other.

ETA - I do dig the halfsies shorts that Barca will be wearing. Reminiscent of their 100 yr anniversary tops.

[The Sybian]

It's been so long since the USMNT have had a jersey I'd consider buying. While the old crest started to seem cartoonish and amateur, the new one doesn't even look like it's a soccer logo.

[sancarlos]

Funny they refer to the new USMNT kits as "camo", when they are super-noticeable. Anything BUT camouflage.

[A_B]

Funny they refer to the new USMNT kits as "camo", when they are super-noticeable. Anything BUT camouflage.

I think they are anticipating flooding on the CONCACAF pitches a la the boat shown in the tweet thread.

[Rex]

Funny they refer to the new USMNT kits as "camo", when they are super-noticeable. Anything BUT camouflage.

Not if they're playing the games at Legoland

[HaulCitgo]

Kinda ugly. The irregular intersecting breaks bother me a lot.

[Nonlinear FC]

Those are fucking horrible.

I own (have been gifted) about 5 different jerseys through the years and I really like 2 or 3 of them. No way I'm buying that piece of shit.

[mister d]

Those would suck even if they didn't have the design break in the middle. Just terrible.

[tennbengal]

Glad to see my initial negative reaction is not totally off-base.

[The Sybian]

Glad to see my initial negative reaction is not totally off-base.

When it comes to anything US Soccer, they rarely are.

[govmentchedda]

Those and the new Barca kits are both pretty bad, and also somewhat similar to each other.

ETA - I do dig the halfsies shorts that Barca will be wearing. Reminiscent of their 100 yr anniversary tops.

Forgot we had rules around here.

[HaulCitgo]

Barca look way better

[BSF21]

Well the new kits for the US did one thing, made me look at them, decide I hate them, then go exploring and buy a Rose Lavelle home white jersey that doesn't look like a 4 year old's drawing of a red and blue tiger.

[mister d]

Wait now I like the jerseys:

[The Sybian]

Wait now I like the jerseys:

The Press Effect?

[A_B]

I…kinda like them? We aren’t Argentina or Brazil or the azurri. No tradition to fall back on.