NFT: Gold Cup part II

in a big match is always great. This tournament wasn’t always pretty for the USMNT but they brought home the hardware, only conceded one goal (on a PK in a blowout win), a lot of new young talent got International experience. It’s important to be able to get a few ugly wins in CONCACAF.

I know it wasn't the A team but I think that's also what makes it so special and important - the farm is growing and there's legitimate overflow and depth that's starting to take shape.

That win came from non stop effort, really exciting game and very happy for the young guys.

In comment 15319329 Zeke's Alibi said:

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Going to disagree. If we lost, yeah sure, but we beat Mexico’s B+ team in a tourney they’ve historically dominated with our C + team. That’s a really big deal. That’s not even remotely feasible twenty years ago.

I'm thrilled they won, and I get they bled a lot of youngsters and won to create some real depth. But in the big picture, this still doesn't move the needle as much as USSF's narrative would state. This was a typical USA blood and guts performance: they couldn't retain possession, got rolled in midfield, lacked really good touches when they needed them and didn't have the technical capability to finish.

Good win, now let's get through the hex. US is on an upcycle, and the typical pains (Honduras, Costa Rica) are down.

In comment 15319333 Eric on Li said:

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do we think berhalter is the right guy after all? or is this finally the generation where the talent is just too good to mess up? Acosta really stood out. the roster battles are definitely going to be on another level going forward.

I personally never had an issue with Berhalter as a coach. It was how the coaching "search" was conducted that was the issue. Berhalter was always a good coach candidate.

They have a bigger pool of players now, where one injury won’t kill them.

On a separate note, how many of these players were part of the U-23 team that failed to qualify for the Olympics since many are in that age group? But overall, it has been a very good summer for the US national team.

On to WC qualifying.

don't think I've ever seen him play before. He's only 19. He's small and did make some mistakes going forward, but overall I thought he did pretty well. I mean, only 19 and starting at left back (historically a troublesome position for the USA) against Mexico in the Gold Cup final. Depth.

The A team has the talent to play with others and not get dominated. Pulisic, Adams, McKenzie, Reyna, Dest, Weah, Brooks can all play for almost anyone.

The key has been what happens when they are out. Similar to what happened at the last World Cup the US played in, Altidore was hurt and it threw off the entire tournament.

Now there is some depth.

Acosta can fill in for Adams, not at his level but he's playing well.

I like Munsah as starting material and Lleget is good depth.

Cannon, Moore, Yedlin, A Robinson can all battle to play with Dest. Unfortunately, most likely that would keep Dest at LB instead of his preferred RB.

Robinson has put himself in the running for CB. Brooks, Miazga, Robinson, Zimmerman, Long if he can come back can work.

Aaronson, Hoppe, Morris can all play on the wing.

Just need that Striker. Sargent, Dike, Pefok all have talent, but none have claimed the spot. I know many don't like him, but if healthy Altidore still may have a spot on the team.

to come on in the 2nd half if they need a goal. They need someone who can finish and the team is so young now his experience probably has a place too.

In comment 15319360 Bobby Humphrey's Earpad said:

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I'm thrilled they won, and I get they bled a lot of youngsters and won to create some real depth. But in the big picture, this still doesn't move the needle as much as USSF's narrative would state. This was a typical USA blood and guts performance: they couldn't retain possession, got rolled in midfield, lacked really good touches when they needed them and didn't have the technical capability to finish.

That's what I saw too; through 70 minutes or so, the forwards had possession (not touches, possession) maybe 3 minutes, if that. Midfield lacked touch and imagination. Where I did see improvement as a group was in the back, Robinson the rock and beacon for their line, but as a group they were relatively cohesive, communicated well, and didn't leave too many gaps for Mexico to walk through, when they did MR usually there to clean up, and Turner. Zardes, aside from his up and down play in the attacking third, was consistently good in heading clearances in his own 18.

situation look like? I see a lot of potential movement based on what I saw from Horvath and Turner. Is Steffan definitively better than them?

In comment 15319612 UConn4523 said:

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situation look like? I see a lot of potential movement based on what I saw from Horvath and Turner. Is Steffan definitively better than them?

I think Steffen is wildly overrated. No idea how he's the Man City no. 2.

I think Turner has to be no 1 after what he just did. Horvath and Steffen can battle it out for the 2 spot.

no more Confederations Cup to qualify for.

In comment 15319618 Jon in NYC said:

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In comment 15319612 UConn4523 said: Quote: situation look like? I see a lot of potential movement based on what I saw from Horvath and Turner. Is Steffan definitively better than them? I think Steffen is wildly overrated. No idea how he's the Man City no. 2. I think Turner has to be no 1 after what he just did. Horvath and Steffen can battle it out for the 2 spot.

will turner play in europe?

In comment 15319868 Joey from GlenCove said:

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In comment 15319618 Jon in NYC said: Quote: In comment 15319612 UConn4523 said: Quote: situation look like? I see a lot of potential movement based on what I saw from Horvath and Turner. Is Steffan definitively better than them? I think Steffen is wildly overrated. No idea how he's the Man City no. 2. I think Turner has to be no 1 after what he just did. Horvath and Steffen can battle it out for the 2 spot. will turner play in europe?

Turner has an EU passport, which will make it easier to play there. He was able to get it because his Jewish great-grandmother left Lithuania due to religious persecution.

I don't know if Turner will give up his gig with the Revs though. He's already 27 and a New Jersey guy by way of Fairfield U. Great story. Anyway - I think it at least possible he'll be happy with his career in New England.

Probably too soon now but if there is a champions level team who needs a goalie in January transfer window I bet he jumps.

Also to the altidore post, GGG loves his mls guys but he has to be like 4/5 down in striker pool and is currently hurt. I don’t see how anyone could in good faith decide to take him over Sargent, hoppe, dike, weah or he’ll even zardes who has no business being by national team. You also have some younger strikers who you may want to try and cap tie during qualifiers as well like Pepi.

that I didn’t know of until I saw this
Acosta to Turner - ( New Window )