posted by iclfan2Better not lose to Trinidad and Tobago...
Think we are safe this time around.
Nice little bicycle kick by Altidore in an otherwise boring game where the US had basically a new 11 man roster.
Too bad we don’t have to beat Costa Rica and Mexico. US should have a fairly routine path to the final with the way their top 13-14 guys are playing right now. Wish we could’ve gotten a better Semifinal opponent to challenge them (/jinx), but oh well.
USMNT did not look great against Mexico, Michael Bradley especially
posted by iclfan2USMNT did not look great against Mexico, Michael Bradley especially
Bradley was bad. Hopefully he is done. Adams getting hurt really killed them.
God only know what Jordan Morris was trying to do. Weah needs to develop a little quicker and solidify that spot. Lastly, McKennie is so good he can basically play any midfield position, but I’d really like to see him up more next to Pulisic. Felt he was back defending way too much last night.
I am so sick of Michael Bradley being on the starting roster. I feel like he should have been out of the starting lineup 3-4 years ago. The dude clearly is 3-4 steps behind everyone else at this level.
Michael Bradley still fucking plays for the team??
posted by friendfromlowryMichael Bradley still fucking plays for the team??
lol--I thought exactly the same thing!
Everyone’s thoughts on CONCACAFs new qualifying format? I think it’s a no brained win for the organization, but I seem to be in the minority (but to be fair, 95% of Twitter probably had no clue what it ACTUALLY was beforehand).
Hurts the USMNT, as they get likely get the Auto-Hex bid almost every time. So they lose out on meaningful matches they always advanced from anyway. But aside from that, it’s a solid format compared to the old way.
posted by Laley23Everyone’s thoughts on CONCACAFs new qualifying format? I think it’s a no brained win for the organization, but I seem to be in the minority (but to be fair, 95% of Twitter probably had no clue what it ACTUALLY was beforehand).
Hurts the USMNT, as they get likely get the Auto-Hex bid almost every time. So they lose out on meaningful matches they always advanced from anyway. But aside from that, it’s a solid format compared to the old way.
I am not a fan of FIFA rankings determining shit like this, so I think it's a dumb change. The beauty of WCQ is every team normally starts off as square one and has a shot to qualify (yes I realize there are some cases this does not apply). As you already said, they are losing out on meaningful matches. I guess I just don't see the point of the change. Why now? I can't recall a time when one of the top teams have ever fucked over and didn't qualify for the hex. CONCACAF qualifying was already pretty forgiving and now it's even more forgiving.
Has the CONCACAF announced the format for 2026 WCQ with the expansion? I assume the hex will no longer be needed lol.
They changed because typically you have over 2/3s of the federations teams already out. Now, every one in the federation will be playing meaningful games until 2 years prior, and it will be a much slower burn to eliminate the rest. They didn’t do this for the top teams, it really doesn’t change a thing for USMNT, Mexico or Costa Rica. They did it for the bottom teams, and in that sense it’s a win.
I admit it hurts teams like Canada, Panama, etc. Those within striking distance of the Hex auto, but may not get it. Before, they made the Hex every so often and had a real shot, but now if they are an arbitrary ranking away they have to go through an entire tournament to play 2 playoff ties.
Ideally, a shift moving forward should be top 3 get auto bids. Next 6 have a home and home. If you aren’t in the top 9, I’m curious to see how often you’ve made the Hex anyway? My guess is very rarely, so that would be a little lore fair to everyone.
Sounds like Neymar back to Barça. That attack is fucking loaded. The whole team is a fucking video game, really. If Barça doesn’t win the treble it might very well be a disappointment.
Another awful USMNT performance. Absolutely terrible.
They looked like a bunch of kids kicking a soccer ball around for 90 minutes on the playground. No offensive attack at all and no urgency. Pitiful.
I wake up to see the US lost to Canada?!?!? What a fucking disgrace.
They want to play out of the back...fine. I’ll live with the mistakes we have seen. But what the fuck is their plan going forward? I’ve yet to see one. Berhalter is not the guy. Let’s not fuck this up by keeping him around too long.
posted by Laley23They want to play out of the back...fine. I’ll live with the mistakes we have seen. But what the fuck is their plan going forward? I’ve yet to see one. Berhalter is not the guy. Let’s not fuck this up by keeping him around too long.
They can't keep him thru the WC cycle at this rate. He shouldn't even be coaching any WCQ matches.
posted by like_thatThey can't keep him thru the WC cycle at this rate. He shouldn't even be coaching any WCQ matches.
It’s awful. Even last night they had solid movement with Yedlin down the right side. Then??? Nothing. Just random crosses, pull backs, etc. No consistent approach of attack. And we haven’t seen one yet. Sargent appears to be good on the ball with back to goal, why don’t we play into him and work forward that way? Why don’t we try ANYTHING?
Sergino Dest chooses USA over Netherlands. Huge win. I’d argue he is our 2nd best player and plays a position of extreme need (outside back).
It’s been awhile since we bumped this thread.
When was the last time the champions league semis didn’t have an English, Spanish, or Italian team participating?
Also, is just me or does the US have a lot of young talent coming up? It seems like a lot of younger guys are doing relatively well in Europe.
posted by like_thatAlso, is just me or does the US have a lot of young talent coming up? It seems like a lot of younger guys are doing relatively well in Europe.
The generation of Americans is developing at a rate we haven’t seen before. It’s pretty exciting.
Adams and McKennie has tremendous seasons in Germany and Pulisic is up for young player of the year in England after an up and down, but overall tremendous season at Chelsea.
I cannot fathom how Reyna got so good so fast. I expected to see him making an impact in like 2-3 years. Instead, he may be in our top-3 players overall.
Would be really nice if Richards can break in with Bayern and solidify a first team spot next season. Same for Dest at Barcelona, if they have the complete turnover you’d expect. If not, I’d hope both are loaned out for the year so they can play top league minutes
Speaking of Reyna, goals in back to back friendlies for Bayern
EDIT: Ended up with 2 today and was subbed off at HT.
If US develops a true striker in the next 5 years (maybe Sargent) we will be a power with the midfielders and defenders we are developing. Our Central mids are going to be ridiculous.
Messi chooses Man City. This whole situation is crazy and far from over. As the saying goes, there will be lawyers.
posted by Laley23Messi chooses Man City. This whole situation is crazy and far from over. As the saying goes, there will be lawyers.
There are no tampering rules in UEFA? Wtf?