USMNT 2025

[OrangeFoo]

The Dutch put down the blueprint. Force the USA to breakdown a tight defensive block (generally we can't) and then counter on them.

FWIW that blueprint has been there for years... we we've been missing the next generation of Donovan/Dempsey for years now and we have had very little luck outside of Pulisic. I think we all thought and hoped that it would be Reyna but he has not lived up to his prospect rating so far. Instead we have strongmen like Jermaine Jones, Tyler Adams, Weston, etc... in the middle of the park and that kills us against low blocks. But take them out and the middle is wide open for an easy counter. I do think a healthy Serginio Dest would solve a lot of these problems but he is really unlucky and very undisciplined. He was/is the most talented player on our roster in my humble opinion.

The other issue is we have completely fallen into a black hole when it comes to strikers... I have never ever seen the 9 position for the nats so poor. Just a lot of donkeys or small dudes who are hurt and can't put it together .

 

[cusefan88]

FWIW that blueprint has been there for years... we we've been missing the next generation of Donovan/Dempsey for years now and we have had very little luck outside of Pulisic. I think we all thought and hoped that it would be Reyna but he has not lived up to his prospect rating so far. Instead we have strongmen like Jermaine Jones, Tyler Adams, Weston, etc... in the middle of the park and that kills us against low blocks. But take them out and the middle is wide open for an easy counter. I do think a healthy Serginio Dest would solve a lot of these problems but he is really unlucky and very undisciplined. He was/is the most talented player on our roster in my humble opinion.

The other issue is we have completely fallen into a black hole when it comes to strikers... I have never ever seen the 9 position for the nats so poor. Just a lot of donkeys or small dudes who are hurt and can't put it together .

I'm hoping Scally starts at RB and then Weah/Dest fight to start at RW. Huge Dest fan here as well.

 

[CuseCPT]

I'll admit I'm kind of a pessimist with US Soccer these days, but credit where credit is due, Freese was awesome.

 

[Forza Azzurri]

The Costa Rica game was the most enjoyment I've had watching a US game in quite some time.

Yeah it was Costa Rica and yeah it was Costa Rica not at full strength and yeah our D gave up two goals to a Costa Rica team not at full strength and Arfsten may have been the MVP for both teams, BUT:

The off-the-ball movement was great. Agyemang, Luna & Tillman played really well off of each other.

I really like Luna. Good skills and vision and good anticipation defensively...just seems to always be in the right place to recover the ball or deflect passes.

I also really like Freeman. Kid oozes potential and having NFL genes in terms of athleticism cannot hurt. Need more of that.

Ayemang is probably not going to be a big goal scorer but his hold-up play is really good and his ability to do that allows others to interplay with him to create chances.

Tillman was consistently the best player on the field until he got tired.

I also liked Berhalter.

Freese, obviously, was man of the match.

Now, having said all that, it was a non-full strength Costa Rica - not exactly Spain or France or even Switzerland or Turkey.

If we are able to get by Guatemala, we'll see if they can do it against a higher level team like Mexico. And, even if they get it done against Mexico who is really not that good right now, can they get it done against even higher level competition. All TBD.

I think I understand why Pochettino waited so long to sub. The group was clicking. First time the US Men's National team has clicked in forever. Why disrupt that. But he did end up subbing too late as our guys were clearly flagging.

Best case, we may have found some additional options for next summer in a number of positions.

Base case, we have found some quality depth in a number of positions for next summer.

Worst case, none of them can take it to a higher level than sub full-strength Costa Rica.

First time in a long time, I am really looking forward to watching the next match.

 

[cusefan88]

The Costa Rica game was the most enjoyment I've had watching a US game in quite some time.

Yeah it was Costa Rica and yeah it was Costa Rica not at full strength and yeah our D gave up two goals to a Costa Rica team not at full strength and Arfsten may have been the MVP for both teams, BUT:

The off-the-ball movement was great. Agyemang, Luna & Tillman played really well off of each other.

I really like Luna. Good skills and vision and good anticipation defensively...just seems to always be in the right place to recover the ball or deflect passes.

I also really like Freeman. Kid oozes potential and having NFL genes in terms of athleticism cannot hurt. Need more of that.

Ayemang is probably not going to be a big goal scorer but his hold-up play is really good and his ability to do that allows others to interplay with him to create chances.

Tillman was consistently the best player on the field until he got tired.

I also liked Berhalter.

Freese, obviously, was man of the match.

Now, having said all that, it was a non-full strength Costa Rica - not exactly Spain or France or even Switzerland or Turkey.

If we are able to get by Guatemala, we'll see if they can do it against a higher level team like Mexico. And, even if they get it done against Mexico who is really not that good right now, can they get it done against even higher level competition. All TBD.

I think I understand why Pochettino waited so long to sub. The group was clicking. First time the US Men's National team has clicked in forever. Why disrupt that. But he did end up subbing too late as our guys were clearly flagging.

Best case, we may have found some additional options for next summer in a number of positions.

Base case, we have found some quality depth in a number of positions for next summer.

Worst case, none of them can take it to a higher level than sub full-strength Costa Rica.

First time in a long time, I am really looking forward to watching the next match.

Freeman is pretty green but hoping he can get a Euro move at some point. I don't think playing in Europe is magic Pixy dust but I like when guys challenge themselves and find their highest level. If it doesn't work out MLS provides a cushioned fall.

 

[IthacaMatt]

The Costa Rica game was the most enjoyment I've had watching a US game in quite some time.

Yeah it was Costa Rica and yeah it was Costa Rica not at full strength and yeah our D gave up two goals to a Costa Rica team not at full strength and Arfsten may have been the MVP for both teams, BUT:

The off-the-ball movement was great. Agyemang, Luna & Tillman played really well off of each other.

I really like Luna. Good skills and vision and good anticipation defensively...just seems to always be in the right place to recover the ball or deflect passes.

I also really like Freeman. Kid oozes potential and having NFL genes in terms of athleticism cannot hurt. Need more of that.

Ayemang is probably not going to be a big goal scorer but his hold-up play is really good and his ability to do that allows others to interplay with him to create chances.

Tillman was consistently the best player on the field until he got tired.

I also liked Berhalter.

Freese, obviously, was man of the match.

Now, having said all that, it was a non-full strength Costa Rica - not exactly Spain or France or even Switzerland or Turkey.

If we are able to get by Guatemala, we'll see if they can do it against a higher level team like Mexico. And, even if they get it done against Mexico who is really not that good right now, can they get it done against even higher level competition. All TBD.

I think I understand why Pochettino waited so long to sub. The group was clicking. First time the US Men's National team has clicked in forever. Why disrupt that. But he did end up subbing too late as our guys were clearly flagging.

Best case, we may have found some additional options for next summer in a number of positions.

Base case, we have found some quality depth in a number of positions for next summer.

Worst case, none of them can take it to a higher level than sub full-strength Costa Rica.

First time in a long time, I am really looking forward to watching the next match.

Terrific analysis, Forza. Thanks for your insights.

Tillman may have taken McKennie's position for the World Cup.

Luna is a dog out there, kind of like a healthy Tyler Adams, but with a bit more offensive skill.

Freese has got to be the starter in goal now.

 

[cusefan88]

Terrific analysis, Forza. Thanks for your insights.

Tillman may have taken McKennie's position for the World Cup.

Luna is a dog out there, kind of like a healthy Tyler Adams, but with a bit more offensive skill.

Freese has got to be the starter in goal now.

I think Adams, McKennie, Tillman would make an excellent midfield trio. More of a 4-3-3 with Pulisic, striker, Weah or Dest at RW.

 

[Forza Azzurri]

I think Adams, McKennie, Tillman would make an excellent midfield trio. More of a 4-3-3 with Pulisic, striker, Weah or Dest at RW.

IF (Big IF) Tillman, Luna, Berhalter and Ayemang can also do it against higher level teams, it gives us lots of options...

MMA against teams that want to get up and down with us

M or M, A & Reyna, Tillman or even Luna if we need to break someone down

A & Reyna or Tillman or Luna (2 of 3) if we think we only need a 6 and can play with two 10s

Berhalter gives us depth at the 8.

Ayemang could give us a target striker that Balogun could play off of if we want two up top...

Of course, it all depends on whether these guys can get it done against stiffer competition...

 

[cusefan88]

IF (Big IF) Tillman, Luna, Berhalter and Ayemang can also do it against higher level teams, it gives us lots of options...

MMA against teams that want to get up and down with us

M or M, A & Reyna, Tillman or even Luna if we need to break someone down

A & Reyna or Tillman or Luna (2 of 3) if we think we only need a 6 and can play with two 10s

Berhalter gives us depth at the 8.

Ayemang could give us a target striker that Balogun could play off of if we want two up top...

Of course, it all depends on whether these guys can get it done against stiffer competition...

For me, I'm writing off Reyna until he gets regular minutes at the club level. But generally agree with you. I don't think USA strikers have been all that good vs top level teams but I would think Balogun, Sargent, Pepi all make it before Agyemang.

 

[Forza Azzurri]

For me, I'm writing off Reyna until he gets regular minutes at the club level. But generally agree with you. I don't think USA strikers have been all that good vs top level teams but I would think Balogun, Sargent, Pepi all make it before Agyemang.

Ayemang, IF he can do it against better competition gives us a different dimension in terms of his hold-up play.

That can be very valuable.

Pepi and Sargent don't give us that.

Depends, first, on whether he can do it against better competition and then, second, on what Pochettino is looking for out of his 9s.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Luna with a great opening 30 minutes.
US kind of hanging on at the end of the first half.
Hoping to see more control in the 2nd half.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Luna with a great opening 30 minutes.
US kind of hanging on at the end of the first half.
Hoping to see more control in the 2nd half.

Nervy ending, but games like this build character.

 

[Forza Azzurri]

Nervy ending, but games like this build character.

They do but it was Guatemala. We should never have to sweat it out against Guatemala.

Thank God for Luna's first 15 minutes. After that they man-marked him and, I think primarily due to fatigue of others, he was not able to get on the ball as much.

Tillman was gassed. Shadow of who he was vs Costa Rica.

De La Torre, to me, was invisible. Anyone else see something different?

After those first 15 minutes, it just seemed like we were a step slow to everything and I suspect it was heavy legs.

A bit of an indictment of the bench that he went with same line-up on three days rest in that heat and humidity.

Agyemang looks like the next Altidore. Better hold-up play but same inability to finish.

I like Arfsten offensively but, man, is he an error machine on the defensive end.

As good as Freese was against Costa Rica, he was far too indecisive last night.

Thought Aaronson made a difference in terms of the team's energy level when he came in.

Going to be really interesting to see what Pochettino does for Mexico.

Using the same 11 seems like a recipe for disaster although the game will be climate-controlled, which will help.

Yet, he doesn't seem to think much of what he has on the bench either.

 

[Forza Azzurri]

They do but it was Guatemala. We should never have to sweat it out against Guatemala.

Thank God for Luna's first 15 minutes. After that they man-marked him and, I think primarily due to fatigue of others, he was not able to get on the ball as much.

Tillman was gassed. Shadow of who he was vs Costa Rica.

De La Torre, to me, was invisible. Anyone else see something different?

After those first 15 minutes, it just seemed like we were a step slow to everything and I suspect it was heavy legs.

A bit of an indictment of the bench that he went with same line-up on three days rest in that heat and humidity.

Agyemang looks like the next Altidore. Better hold-up play but same inability to finish.

I like Arfsten offensively but, man, is he an error machine on the defensive end.

As good as Freese was against Costa Rica, he was far too indecisive last night.

Thought Aaronson made a difference in terms of the team's energy level when he came in.

Going to be really interesting to see what Pochettino does for Mexico.

Using the same 11 seems like a recipe for disaster although the game will be climate-controlled, which will help.

Yet, he doesn't seem to think much of what he has on the bench either.

Sorry to reply to myself.

Have we ever had a player like Luna?

An uncanny combination of 1 v 1 ability, vision, passing ability, work rate and anticipation.

I've been trying to think about who he reminds me of from other US teams and I cannot come up with anyone.

A true #10 who is much better defensively and works much harder on the defensive end than your typical #10.

I really hope his game translates against better teams. A true #10 has been a big void in the program for, well, for forever.

I really hope this kid can make the #10 role his own.

 

[ForCuseSake]

Great start but this is like watching Bruce Arena/Bob Bradley back up the bus.

Too many turnovers at midfield and poor decisions clearing from the back line.

 

[ForCuseSake]

What the hell is Tim Ream doing on that shot!?!?

Stick your foot out, FFS.

 

[ForCuseSake]

It’s one big bakery and the Mexicans are feasting on American turnovers all over the pitch.

Please mix up the goal kicks and send one deep like it’s 2018.

Playing out of the back on every goal kick with Mexico’s pressure and the U.S. bunker strategy is awful.

 

[djcon57]

Not sure what this current team does well at all

 

[djcon57]

1st time I’ve seen Luna vs better quality.

Disappointing. His style doesn’t really work when he’s outclassed

 

[ForCuseSake]

U.S. played with zero urgency from 15-85th minutes.

Showed no fight regardless of talent or tired legs.

 

[Orangezoo]

I’m wondering if they might have to pivot quickly from Poch before this program is staring at not making it out of the group stage next year the way things look right now.

Then again who knows if it even matters who’s at the helm. The problems are further up the chain as much as anything.

 

[cusefan88]

I’m wondering if they might have to pivot quickly from Poch before this program is staring at not making it out of the group stage next year the way things look right now.

Then again who knows if it even matters who’s at the helm. The problems are further up the chain as much as anything.

They should be able to make the knockout stage without issue. Though I agree no matter the manager and players the ceiling is the same.

It was good to see some backups play a ton but it's clear USA still has tons of issues developing players comfortable on the ball. Lots of panic last night.

 

[Orangezoo]

They should be able to make the knockout stage without issue. Though I agree no matter the manager and players the ceiling is the same.

It was good to see some backups play a ton but it's clear USA still has tons of issues developing players comfortable on the ball. Lots of panic last night.

We’ve lost all the momentum that Klinnsman, as flawed as he may have been, really helped to build up( or reignite may be the better term). It feels like the emperor with no clothes across US Men’s soccer right now. Not sure things can course correct with some serious house cleaning and a top down paradigm shift to improve the program from the ground up. I’m not honestly sure what that even looks like given we certainly have much more talent as a whole…

 

[cusefan88]

We’ve lost all the momentum that Klinnsman, as flawed as he may have been, really helped to build up( or reignite may be the better term). It feels like the emperor with no clothes across US Men’s soccer right now. Not sure things can course correct with some serious house cleaning and a top down paradigm shift to improve the program from the ground up. I’m not honestly sure what that even looks like given we certainly have much more talent as a whole…

I personally think we need to lift from the bottom. Better coaching at the youth level. Focus on technique and skill on the ball.

MLS to me is not doing enough yet. There's no relegation so teams should be investing and playing their youth players to develop them and then hopefully sell to a better league in the future.

It's very clear what the best countries do at the sport but USSF is about extracting money first.

 

[Orangezoo]

I personally think we need to lift from the bottom. Better coaching at the youth level. Focus on technique and skill on the ball.

MLS to me is not doing enough yet. There's no relegation so teams should be investing and playing their youth players to develop them and then hopefully sell to a better league in the future.

It's very clear what the best countries do at the sport but USSF is about extracting money first.

Relegation would be ideal but the infrastructure of all our professional sports as at odds and so few people outside diehard fans are willing to do so.

Not to mention we are so unique in that collegiate sports operate as the lower level tier in our system. I find it hard to see how relegation can find its say in the sun without collegiate sports fading off into the sunset, even in soccer.