Big test for Arena tonight. JK is a distant memory. He has had the team for long enough now to be accountable for the results. Will be very interested to see his lineup in a critical match for the US. Would like to see Wood, Nagbe and Acosta playing along with Pulisic. I am concerned that there are no good answers for the center-back positions. Still not sold on Altidore who always looks the part but has not delivered with any consistency.
It is a massive game, but that seems a little much. T&T - 1989 still tops.
I am totally unenthused about this team. I hope they shock us all.
I am totally unenthused about this team. I hope they shock us all.
The one unknown is that if Arena can continue to play the future, as opposed to the past, it is possible that several of these young kids can improve significantly between now and next June. The European players still have most of their season remaining. Brooks should be healthy and fit. The MLS kids will have started their next season and should be in form. Yes it is a long-shot, but if they allow the kids to play instead of falling back on the old "reliables" there is at least some hope. Except perhaps in goal where none of the young goalies have been featured at all and Howard and Guzan are clearly no longer in their prime.
Second, doesn't it feel a little bit like how we felt about the Giants O-line this offseason?
Well, we'll see.
Second, doesn't it feel a little bit like how we felt about the Giants O-line this offseason?
Well, we'll see.
I try to spend as little time as possible thinking about the Giants' OL. It is too depressing.
Just qualify and then you at least have a chance. I'd give the US as good a chance as any team they've had to get to the knockout stage.
Link - ( New Window )
Link - ( New Window )
Should have been 3-0.
This team can make serious noise in Russia. Serious noise.
Yes, but they probably don't even need to do that. May not even need a point at TnT anymore, which is a major relief.
Need to sure up the defense over the next year now... as the current is not working. And figuring out the middle behind Christian
A tie will also get us in barring goal differential outcomes that are almost impossible to happen.
This team can make serious noise in Russia. Serious noise.
Yup, that Pulisic opener was the closest I've seen from a USMNT player to one of those guys (Messi/CR7)
I'd like to see John Brooks return. I thought he was our best central defender before his injury. Not sure what his status is. But we've got some time before the Cup itself starts.
One or two guys can make a difference - definitely helped last night to have Yedlin at right back rather than Zusi.
Quote:
I can't see the USMNT getting past R16 because the back 4 isn't close to being good enough
I'd like to see John Brooks return. I thought he was our best central defender before his injury. Not sure what his status is. But we've got some time before the Cup itself starts.
One or two guys can make a difference - definitely helped last night to have Yedlin at right back rather than Zusi.
Brooks definitely solidifies USMNT in the back. He's injured for a couple of more months but hopefully he's healthy next summer.
Yedlin is more of a wing-back/winger with his speed than a natural right back...he's still very questionable defensively on the top level. I'd almost play a defensive midfielder at right wing to allow Yedlin to make his runs
US getting out of Rd of 16 is always iffy, but Arena has a a long time to get the team straightened out and de-Klinsmanned.
I think they have a bigger problem at goalkeeper. Love Tim Howard but he's ready for Social Security and doubt Guzan is good enough to be at that level.
It's getting fun to watch some legit talent and to see a USMNT with a guy that you have to keep your eyes on at all times.
Altidore and Wood were tremendous too.
Defense is still struggling.
He's still hurt. He'll be in the XI when he gets healthy.