First really big test of this team in a game that matters. Got roasted against Mexico last time, but that was almost a lifetime ago when GB was still figuring things out, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt there. Apparently they are thinking about a 3-5-2 tonight, which I don't think he's ever ran out there before. Is that the built-in excuse for GB if they get roasted? I hate the circumstances of him getting hired and I think his player selection is maddening, but he's acquitted himself decently recently. Big win against Mexico and I may start to change my opinion on him.
Thought they played reasonably well against Honduras, just couldn't find the net. Thankfully, neither could Honduras and we locked up in second half. That last minute goal was out of nowhere it seemed, but certainly well deserved.
Is this goes to pens, that might be a confidence booster.
They called a hand ball in the box which was a BS call.
Fights
Penalty kicks
Overturned goal
Backup keepers
Mexico fans pelt USA players with bottles
Mexico fans pelt Mexico players with bottles
Homophobia PSAs
I had the sound off because the missus was sleeping, but I still don't understand why Mexico was awarded a penalty kick--I didn't see any hand touch the ball in the replays.
They really need to figure the back line out though.
And Mexico is trash from their coach to the players to their fans. And a qualifier in Mexico City is going to be a spectacle - and not in a good way
Diego Laneiz is going to be a star for Mexico. He was dangerous every time he touched the ball.
IMHO, the referee lost control of the game in the second half.Some awful non calls which in turn made the game uglier in physicality.
Sergent is like having a WR who runs great routes and is a good teammate but cant catch- he needs to live on the bench.
Figuring out the best spot for Dest is a must.
ream can be a defensive sub late, but he cannot start- he was horrific.
mckenzie at least bounced back from a bad start.
the playing the ball out of the back with poor ball handlers gives me more anxiety then anything in sport i think.
amazing energy in the game though-- feeling it this AM
CONCACAFs brilliant idea to stop the chants is just so god damn CONCACAF it hurts.
If this was a normal game with 3 subs, we would have got smoked. GB needs to figure out something soon if he’s missing one of the key pieces. That clearly wasn’t it.
Don’t disrespect the real American GOAT
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I like his energy on set. But he sounds like a jackass.
Don’t disrespect the real American GOAT
I cringe when networks feel they have to hire ex-USMNT players to commentate. Edu isn't annoying like Twellman/Lalas and has potential. Gooch/Dempsey/Davies were awful last night.
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In comment 15281167 Bricktop said:
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I like his energy on set. But he sounds like a jackass.
Don’t disrespect the real American GOAT
I cringe when networks feel they have to hire ex-USMNT players to commentate. Edu isn't annoying like Twellman/Lalas and has potential. Gooch/Dempsey/Davies were awful last night.
Twellman is probably the best color guy we have in this sport. He informative and is not afraid to be blunt/critical.
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why was that a penalty kick for Mexico?
They called a hand ball in the box which was a BS call.
Why was it a BS call?
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In comment 15281325 GruningsOnTheHill said:
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why was that a penalty kick for Mexico?
They called a hand ball in the box which was a BS call.
Why was it a BS call?
Sorry, pressed "Submit" too early. I think it was marginal, sure, but the arms was away from the body so there was at least an argument to be made for the call. Personally, I agree and would not have awarded the penalty, but I don't think it was BS.
I think it is great that the US won and it is always nice to beat the Mexican team and its fans, but overall this US team is a long way from being good enough to take on most of the major squads from Europe. Also not certain that they would even be favored again if playing Mexico.
Pulisic and Reyna need much more up top than Josh Sergeant is giving. McKinnie is going to be fine and hopefully so too will Adams. I cannot understand much of what Berhalter does but the most astonishing is the failure to find time for Musah, who they really pushed hard to bring to the team.
I think it is great that the US won and it is always nice to beat the Mexican team and its fans, but overall this US team is a long way from being good enough to take on most of the major squads from Europe. Also not certain that they would even be favored again if playing Mexico.
To be fair, the US didn't play well - at all. Other than set pieces, their defense was suspect, Dest was invisible on the attacking end, Pulisic wasn't great - maybe the only two guys worth mentioning in a completely positive light were McKinnie and Reyna. Out of the 16 or so guys who played.
And they still won the game. That's a big positive for me. Recent teams would roll over and die after the quick Mexican goal a minute in.
To be fair, the US didn't play well - at all. Other than set pieces, their defense was suspect, Dest was invisible on the attacking end, Pulisic wasn't great - maybe the only two guys worth mentioning in a completely positive light were McKinnie and Reyna. Out of the 16 or so guys who played.
And they still won the game. That's a big positive for me. Recent teams would roll over and die after the quick Mexican goal a minute in.
This was my take. I was so fed up with watching the Yankees that I switched over to this, the first soccer game I've watched since Wojo missed that open net opportunity to steal one vs Belgium a few years ago.
Similarly, I thought Mexico controlled the game last night, and to my admittedly un-trained soccer eye, they looked to be clearly better. Hopefully this US team is on the upswing, though.
I'm so out of it with soccer, I had to google Freddy Add to find out why this "up and coming star" wasn't in the game. The guy is already 32...? He was touted as a sure-fire world class player. What happened there?
Great performance overall though. Not only is this the most talented USMNT probably ever, it's also the deepest.
Aaronson deserved it after a great game and Gio just came on. Would have been a nice reward for playing 80 minutes of excellent fooooootble.
Nit picking a 4-0 dominating win is fun.