Was able to attend the game last night in Arlington. While both teams had moments it was not really a great game. Lots of missed passes on both sides and some very aggressive fouls that should have produced many more yellow cards, particularly as the Mexican players grew more frustrated. I was really worried that someone was going to get injured.
USMNT has really started finding the pieces and when healthy and if a true striker can emerge from the pack they should be a threat to any team. Reyna, Weah, Pulisic, McKennie, Adams, Dest, Robinson, and even aging Tim Ream, are a great nucleus. Looking forward to Copa America this Summer.
The one complaint I have was the continued failure by officials to enforce the rules when the largely pro-Mexican crowd refuses to stop their homophobic chant every time an opposing goalie takes a goal kick. In fairness, until there are consequences, like a match disqualification, the fans consider it a big joke. Last night even American fans sitting near us got in on the "fun" and were chanting the same slur when either goalie took a kick. Either get rid of the rule or enforce it but enough with the stoppages and delays of a game that was already over.
Really looking forward to the Copa and this time to finally get a good test outside of CONCACAF. All eyes will be on Berhalter to see if he can beat a top 15 or top 10 side. The talent and home field advantage is there. I liked how they played in Qatar overall but they were a bit naive and tired against the Netherlands. They have the depth now to avoid those scenarios.
Hope Nottingham Forest comes to their senses and they play Gio. I always assume it's a defensive issue for him with club teams, but he always plays tough on that side of the ball with the USMNT.
2. Pulisic is not just a scorer, he’s a playmaker too.
3. The US finally has some defenders
4. The coach hugging Reyna is a good thing
They showed lots of maturity all around.
How old is Ochoa? Seems the guy has to be 40 by now...