I honestly can't understand how in the hell he would get playing time over Cameron Carter Vickers.
Berhalter is a dolt. And yes, I understand this is his chance to look at players but he hasn't look at Vickers at all.
USMNT 2022 World Cup Qualifying Thread
- Thread starter Tom McAndrew
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I honestly can't understand how in the hell he would get playing time over Cameron Carter Vickers.
Berhalter is a dolt. And yes, I understand this is his chance to look at players but he hasn't look at Vickers at all.
They play different positions for starters…plus, as I’ve said before, CCV has done nothing to this point to show he’s a cut above everyone else.
I mean, we’ve put up back to back shutouts against teams heading to Qatar, but all you can see if that Berhalter is an idiot with his back line selections.
I assume CCV and Haji and Tillman will start against Grenada, which will tell us absolutely nothing. Would have been great to see CCV for a half and EPB for a half today, instead of seeing Long. Similarly would have preferred Scally for a half and Bello for a half, since we have to find something behind Antonee. Also think this was the game to start Haji, since you aren’t going to win building from the back through Yedlin and Scally, and trying to use Ferreira as a long outlet on direct passes ain’t gonna work.
starters who we know are starters were pretty good against Uruguay’s starting defense and b team midfield. Our backup mids and scrub defenders got destroyed once Uruguay put its real team on.
Many (including myself) wanted to see Scally get a chance to show what he can do for the US. I think it's evident he is not yet ready for the little things and speed of this level. He needs time to mature in the Bundesliga.
While I am not pleased with the fact that Ferreira finds it difficult to finish outside of MLS, I am happy that he's been given ample opportunities to show what he's got. At least we now know what he offers: good off-ball runs, support to the midfield, and energy to get back to help defend when needed. But, we have a serious problem on our hands at the #9 when it comes to doing what they're ultimately expected to do. I hope this translates into giving Wright more looks with the first team before this window closes.
Paul Arriola hustles and presses, but against legitimate WC-level players today he was a step behind. I hope that between a healthy Weah, Pulisic, Aaronson, and Reyna, we have no need for Arriola on the pitch in Qatar unless it is to kill off the end of a match with a lead.
Musah was quite comfortable and is vital to our midfield in progressing the ball off the dribble into the attack. He just needs to refine his timing of when to pass to teammates.
And finally, I really want to see someone else get a chance to show an ability to serve in accurate corner kicks with consistency.
While I am not pleased with the fact that Ferreira finds it difficult to finish outside of MLS, I am happy that he's been given ample opportunities to show what he's got. At least we now know what he offers: good off-ball runs, support to the midfield, and energy to get back to help defend when needed. But, we have a serious problem on our hands at the #9 when it comes to doing what they're ultimately expected to do. I hope this translates into giving Wright more looks with the first team before this window closes.
Paul Arriola hustles and presses, but against legitimate WC-level players today he was a step behind. I hope that between a healthy Weah, Pulisic, Aaronson, and Reyna, we have no need for Arriola on the pitch in Qatar unless it is to kill off the end of a match with a lead.
Musah was quite comfortable and is vital to our midfield in progressing the ball off the dribble into the attack. He just needs to refine his timing of when to pass to teammates.
And finally, I really want to see someone else get a chance to show an ability to serve in accurate corner kicks with consistency.
They say be careful what you wish for, but if I can merely be honest I would say that I feared more the idea of having to face the Ukrainian attack in our first group stage game than I did the Welsh. Ukraine has the kind of quality in combining and speed of play in their attack that our current defenders seem to struggle with most.
On Scally, where was Pulisic working back when Scally had to pinch in? Where was he? It's pretty simple to say why is someone so open out side and blame the last man back, but it's not always the most accurate criticism. Agree with everything else, but this team needs to defend as a whole. Cavani as a #9 will be inside his own box at 34 defending.....but our star player hangs out and people don't say anything about it.
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Firstly, I do not know specifically what Pulisic's instructions are from Berhalter to him. Perhaps the manager is okay with him on what you are pointing out, whereas Tuchel seems otherwise? What I do know is that I do not want Pulisic taking any more corner kicks until he can prove otherwise...
Berhalter identified the area he saw deficient from Scally on his positioning early on in the match:
Overall, though, Berhalter was actually quite pleased with Scally's effort to hang in there all game and be able to play both outside back positions during his post-game comments. That versatility, alone, I think gives him a leg-up on getting on the WC roster. I don't rate him as a starter yet because I think he needs more seasoning (like I said before, the little things), but when I see how poorly a veteran like Yedlin played, I'm quite inclined to want Scally on that plane to Qatar as depth. I've seen elsewhere the fact pointed out that, in light of his very few caps, it is possible that Scally is still learning Gregg's system (especially since M'bach play a distinctly different system in the back). That somewhat rings true in light of Berhalter's comments.
Pulisic never gets back defensively. And even when Antonee is playing, that's always the spot other teams hit us on counters. When Miles with his pace was at centerback, the sort of ad hoc deal of Tyler heavily shading the left side sort of worked. Without Miles or Antonee's pace, it's been pretty bad. I'm not exactly sure how the rotation there is meant to work, but I guess at some point Scally is to hand off a striker to the LCB, then get wider in defense. I've been banging on about the structural problem with the shape, and we really saw it last night bc Scally isn't familiar with the insane requirements of the position in this system.
I will say that generally, Scally is not very athletic, which puts a ceiling on his future at left back. If you want to play outside back and aren't very athletic, then you better be able to hit a ball like Marcos Alonso.
My bigger beef with both Scally and Long is that both have shown a tendency to get beaten near the halfway line with simple turns, which is 100% the worst thing you can do in this defensive set-up. You're better off dropping deeper than you are getting skinned up high. Scally and Long both got beaten that way a couple times apiece yesterday.
I will say that generally, Scally is not very athletic, which puts a ceiling on his future at left back. If you want to play outside back and aren't very athletic, then you better be able to hit a ball like Marcos Alonso.
My bigger beef with both Scally and Long is that both have shown a tendency to get beaten near the halfway line with simple turns, which is 100% the worst thing you can do in this defensive set-up. You're better off dropping deeper than you are getting skinned up high. Scally and Long both got beaten that way a couple times apiece yesterday.
USMNT vs. Uruguay score, player ratings: USA draw in final tune-up ahead of Concacaf Nations League
Neither team could get a goal in a match where the South Americans had the best chances
www.cbssports.com
USMNT Player Ratings: Zimmerman, Johnson stand out in tough test vs. Uruguay | MLSSoccer.com
The US men's national team weathered a tough test against a difficult opponent Sunday afternoon in Kansas City, drawing 0-0 with No. 13-ranked Uruguay.
www.mlssoccer.com
USMNT face reality check, focus on positives after draw with Uruguay | FOX Sports
The USMNT got a friendly challenge from Uruguay on Sunday. Doug McIntyre offers his World Cup takeaways from the draw.
www.foxsports.com
Saw this posted elsewhere, but I figured I'd put this right here.
BOTHALTEROUT: TRAINING AN AI TO HATE THE USMNT
It provides a bit of entertainment for a few minutes until you max out on your allotted computes. Thankfully, AI still has a ways to go.
BOTHALTEROUT: TRAINING AN AI TO HATE THE USMNT
It provides a bit of entertainment for a few minutes until you max out on your allotted computes. Thankfully, AI still has a ways to go.
I think this is what Lalas had for his lineup if the WC started today. I kind of like it, but I'm torn on Reyna/Aaronson assuming Gio is fit by then.
--------------Weah--------------
Puli-----------------------Aaronson
------Mckennie ------Musah
---------------Adams-----------
Jedi----Long----Zimmerman----Dest
---------------Turner-----------------
--------------Weah--------------
Puli-----------------------Aaronson
------Mckennie ------Musah
---------------Adams-----------
Jedi----Long----Zimmerman----Dest
---------------Turner-----------------
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I'm fine with it, but before we could roll Weah out at the #9 or false 9 at the level of a WC, we better experiment with it and get him some minutes in that role. Problem is that I do not see Berhalter going in that direction and we are running out of time to test it. Playing that position is more than just putting decent shots on target, so I would like to see what Weah would do in that position.
At the very least he should start Wright over Ferreira this Friday to give him a full opportunity. I just love Weah's pace, but will he do the dirty work that you alluded to if they do press higher at times? People were crazy critical of the US the other night......we almost NEVER press high against any decent South American squad and the US actually did fairly well in the first half with it. Some defense lapses occurred, but at least there is some progress from the bunker in anytime the US plays a decent squad in years past. That is actual progress for the US and the average fans don't realize it.
I’m strongly in the Reyna camp, especially for the service he can offer on set pieces…if I have to suffer through Pulisic skying corners to no one in Qatar, I might lose it.
It's frustrating. They either don't make it past the near post or are long floaters beyond everyone. It's just not his strength.
I don't worry too much about set pieces at this point in the cycle. I recall the USWNT having all kinds of problems on corners before the last World Cup (or the Olympics; can't recall which) in the qualifying and friendlies. Then, after the final camp, they came out and scored multiple times off corners and set pieces, as they had worked far more on them in the final camp. Does the USA have somebody that will score headers in the World Cup like Zidane did for France? I haven't seen any evidence of such, but one can hope (regardless of who is delivering the ball).
McKennie is decent off of set pieces in the air as is Zimmerman too. The issue at the WC is every team has large CB's who are also decent in the air, but set pieces also provide so many scoring opportunities. I'm a huge Man U guy and Harry Maguire sucks in our uniform, but put him in the England uniform and he's good for a couple of goals a tournament off of set pieces.
One concern there is how short the final camp will be…we can usually spend a month and have a few games to get into form. This year, they’ll be playing for their clubs on Sunday, arriving in Qatar Sunday night or Monday, and playing Wales the following Monday.
ouch. I hadn't looked at the camp calendar. Who the f awarded the World Cup to Qatar?
A bunch of dudes that pocketed a lot of cash…
As an aside…it’s already nerve wracking watching all of these injuries to our guys the past year…I can’t wait to see Pulisic pull up lame or Reyna take a hard challenge 8 days before our biggest game in 8+ years.
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His dad was one of my favorite players to watch ever. Total badass.
Tough to take much from it…our B+ team was a total mismatch against them.
Delatorre keeps impressing. Glad to see Ferreira finally put the ball in the net. He could have had more but maybe breaking the barrier is what he needed. Let’s hope.
That said, the front 3 of Morris, Arriola and Ferreira in the first half was utter garbage. I have seen people trying to make out that Arriola had a good game, but I am here to tell you that he absolutely did not. He’s a poor passer, he lost nearly every one v one dribbling, and he’s out of ideas when he runs with the ball. One trick pony - direct runs against tired legs - but it’s an ok trick for a late sub.
cannon was also very poor, although not as poor as Morris.
Acosta was bad again. In person you can see how poor his vision is. And his set pieces were crap. He had a little purple patch last summer but has been bad since.
jesus had a tap-in, a one v one, and a goal from the 6 yard box to go with a decent set piece goal a real keeper probably saves. His stat line flatters too deceive and he should have been on a hat trick at half. Shame Gregg didn’t play Haji to show how easy it was.
game turned when walker and Tillman came in. Tillman had some turnovers but his movement off the ball opened up all that space for DLT to cook in. Walker’s progressive passing allowed us to break down a bunkered team.
I thought CCV was very good and improved his stock. Same with DLT. Aaronson immediately showed his class. The difference when he came on was night and day.
have no idea why Morris is getting called up. He’s never belonged and now he’s slow.
USMNT vs. Grenada score, ratings: Jesus Ferreira scores four goals as U.S. cruise to easy victory
The FC Dallas forward matched the all-time mark for most goals in a game for a USMNT player
www.cbssports.com
CBS Sports grades for the match are in ^^^ article
I texted on my group chat last night…
The third was a nice finish, but I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a #9 that open on a corner…assume Berhalter sucked them in with a rope-a-dope of having our prior 176 corners airmailed past the back post to no one
USMNT Player Ratings: Arriola, Ferreira spearhead Nations League victory over Grenada | MLSSoccer.com
AUSTIN, Texas – The US men’s national team played their final home match before the Qatar 2022 World Cup on Friday evening, beating Grenada by a 5-0 scoreline at Austin FC’s Q2 Stadium to kickstart their Concacaf Nations League title defense. A four-goal showing from FC Dallas striker Jesus Ferreira
www.mlssoccer.com
I agree with you on Arriola 100%. Against that level of competition he was a huge disappointment and it’s amazing to see his name appear first in a headline about spearheading the win just because he scored one of five goals. He consistently did stuff I do in my rec league, like dribbling straight into defenders and having his passes cut out. Like I have said before, I do not want to see him on the field at the World Cup outside of preserving a lead at the very end of a match. I kid not when saying this, I think Josh Sargent may be a better depth option on the wing than Arriola (Sargent also runs his tail off).
However, I am not going to be as charitable regarding Tillman. He plays at a high enough level, whether it be with the Bayern second team or occasionally the first, to be able to show much better than that against an opponent who allows as much time and space on the ball as Grenada did. Despite helping open things up with his spacing in the second half, he was as poor as Arriola with the ball at his feet. He looked a bit nervous, perhaps? Was visibly frustrated with his own play. Tillman was getting dispossessed and attempted strange passes that were either intercepted or left teammates in heavy traffic. I don’t think he looks ready for 2022. I think it’s actually still TBD what his strongest position even will be, and he definitely still needs more time to understand Berhalter’s expectations and system because he looked a bit lost with the ball. Just for comparison: he’s older than Musah, plays in almost the same position under Berhalter, and yet is not even close to Musah’s level right now. An exciting prospect, but let’s see how he progresses for 2026.
I’m definitely with you, I am shocked to think about how Haji was not brought on at some point for Jesús in the second half. Other positions were prioritized, though, but I hope it means Wright gets meaningful minutes in a much tougher environment in El Salvador. We’re running out of time to figure this #9 problem out.
Are Wright, Horvath & Co. World Cup-worthy?
With no pre-World Cup friendlies, the U.S. needs to use its trip to El Salvador to decide whether its fringe players deserve a place in the squad.
www.espn.com
@Erial_Lion -- hearing any rumblings about the announcements for the locations of the 2026 World Cup games? I believe the official announcements will be made this Thursday.
This is one of the better articles I’ve seen. Basically, sounds like everyone expects 10 of the 16 US cities to get games. Several are slam dunks, so it seems to me like Philly is a coin flip.
Ranking which U.S. cities should host 2026 World Cup games
The 2026 World Cup is still a few years away but the 16 cities across the United States of America who are battling it out to host games will find out on June 16, 2022, if they have been successful…
soccer.nbcsports.com
As for tonight…it was what it was. Thought Musah played really well, Weston was a difference maker when he came on, Ferreira was dangerous, Long had a solid night in the back, Antonee was dangerous in spurts. I’d joke about my u7 team playing on better quality fields, but there are likely u7 teams in third world countries playing on better fields. Reminded me of that Citrus Bowl we played on New Years Day in the mid-2000s.
There were several entertaining Nations League games the past few days due to weather…Honduras-Canada last night was a lot more wet (field held up, but it had casual water everywhere and the ball wasn’t moving much), and Jamaica-Mexico was a downpour.
There were several entertaining Nations League games the past few days due to weather…Honduras-Canada last night was a lot more wet (field held up, but it had casual water everywhere and the ball wasn’t moving much), and Jamaica-Mexico was a downpour.
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