USMNT 2025

[cusefan88]

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.

Sorry I just meant since MLS doesn't have relegation, they should be encouraged to play and develop their younger players. There's no downside.

Pro/Rel is a whole different beast that is worthy of a dedicated thread.

 

[Orangezoo]

Sorry I just meant since MLS doesn't have relegation, they should be encouraged to play and develop their younger players. There's no downside.

Pro/Rel is a whole different beast that is worthy of a dedicated thread.

I got you and completely agree.

 

[Forza Azzurri]

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.

I'm probably a bit more bullish than most (which clearly is not saying much since I am not particularly bullish).

However, I did see this team gel somewhat and play hard. Happy about that.

I also think Poch may have found some contributors...Tillman, Luna; possibly Berhalter and Agyemang. Among the guys we know, Richards was really good. Happy about that.

Unfortunately, the bottom 3/4 of the roster just doesn't have national team talent level. Not going to beat Mexico with that.

And while Mexico did not have all their first team guys either, they had more of them than we did.

3rd game in a row with the same starting line-up and clearly no real desire to go to the bench. That just isn't going to work in a tournament setting with games every three days. Especially in summer heat and humidity.

Really disappointed in Adams last night. Turnover machine. But he was far from the only one. I think I counted on one hand the number of times we handled their pressure and needed the fingers and toes of most of our neighborhood to count the number of turnovers in our own end. Brutal.

I just think guys were gassed. They were gassed against Guatemala and you go with the same exact line-up? Makes no sense other than Poch thought that DC at 70% was better than Brower at 110%.

Although, to be clear, I don't think this team beats Mexico even if our guys were rested. Mexico dominated

And the goals:

Freeman marking nobody so Berhalter steps out to take the wing and Adams slides to take Berhalter's guy. Nobody (probably De La Torre) slides to take Adams spot and the result was that huge channel of space behind Adams. Still, on that little through ball, why does Ream not step? Pretty sure Jimenez is offsides if Ream steps forward rather than back. Then he has to scramble as he kept Jimenez on while out of the play.

On the second goal, same issue with Freeman. Why step so far back? Not even in the play and he is keeping Alvarez? onside.

Attention to detail.

On Tillman's break away, he had Agyemang on a little through ball once the Mexican defender stepped and instead chose to continue to carry it right into traffic. Not that Agymang would have scored but make the right play.

Attention to detail.

Not bullish but not completely bearish either. probably somewhat less than mezzo-mezz right now.

I think we just have to see how the year plays out and, hopefully, all of main guys are both healthy and in-form at this time next year and hope we get an easy draw.

 

[Orangezoo]

I'm probably a bit more bullish than most (which clearly is not saying much since I am not particularly bullish).

However, I did see this team gel somewhat and play hard. Happy about that.

I also think Poch may have found some contributors...Tillman, Luna; possibly Berhalter and Agyemang. Among the guys we know, Richards was really good. Happy about that.

Unfortunately, the bottom 3/4 of the roster just doesn't have national team talent level. Not going to beat Mexico with that.

And while Mexico did not have all their first team guys either, they had more of them than we did.

3rd game in a row with the same starting line-up and clearly no real desire to go to the bench. That just isn't going to work in a tournament setting with games every three days. Especially in summer heat and humidity.

Really disappointed in Adams last night. Turnover machine. But he was far from the only one. I think I counted on one hand the number of times we handled their pressure and needed the fingers and toes of most of our neighborhood to count the number of turnovers in our own end. Brutal.

I just think guys were gassed. They were gassed against Guatemala and you go with the same exact line-up? Makes no sense other than Poch thought that DC at 70% was better than Brower at 110%.

Although, to be clear, I don't think this team beats Mexico even if our guys were rested. Mexico dominated

And the goals:

Freeman marking nobody so Berhalter steps out to take the wing and Adams slides to take Berhalter's guy. Nobody (probably De La Torre) slides to take Adams spot and the result was that huge channel of space behind Adams. Still, on that little through ball, why does Ream not step? Pretty sure Jimenez is offsides if Ream steps forward rather than back. Then he has to scramble as he kept Jimenez on while out of the play.

On the second goal, same issue with Freeman. Why step so far back? Not even in the play and he is keeping Alvarez? onside.

Attention to detail.

On Tillman's break away, he had Agyemang on a little through ball once the Mexican defender stepped and instead chose to continue to carry it right into traffic. Not that Agymang would have scored but make the right play.

Attention to detail.

Not bullish but not completely bearish either. probably somewhat less than mezzo-mezz right now.

I think we just have to see how the year plays out and, hopefully, all of main guys are both healthy and in-form at this time next year and hope we get an easy draw.

Good stuff and as always the details matter, especially in my less than detailed surface level observation lol.

With that said it all feels regressive to be where we are keeping in consideration all your points which are spot on. Instead of good enough to get out of the group and a team that can beat Mexico we should be talking about the evolution of the program to be an emerging future power now having the far larger talent pool. It seems no one has the key to unlock the right approach from the ground up paired with maximizing use of the talent that’s available now.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Good stuff and as always the details matter, especially in my less than detailed surface level observation lol.

With that said it all feels regressive to be where we are keeping in consideration all your points which are spot on. Instead of good enough to get out of the group and a team that can beat Mexico we should be talking about the evolution of the program to be an emerging future power now having the far larger talent pool. It seems no one has the key to unlock the right approach from the ground up paired with maximizing use of the talent that’s available now.

I think the biggest problem is that we have had a "first team" for 2 years that never seems to actually play together. Now, of course, that's part of football and everyone goes through it. But geez, we are not really a team right now.

 

[cusefan88]

I think the biggest problem is that we have had a "first team" for 2 years that never seems to actually play together. Now, of course, that's part of football and everyone goes through it. But geez, we are not really a team right now.

Every international window from here to the WC should be about 30-35 players IMO.

Let the competition for a WC spot start immediately.

Pepi, Balogun, Sargent, Downs, and Agyemang all should be in and compete in training.

 

[Forza Azzurri]

Good stuff and as always the details matter, especially in my less than detailed surface level observation lol.

With that said it all feels regressive to be where we are keeping in consideration all your points which are spot on. Instead of good enough to get out of the group and a team that can beat Mexico we should be talking about the evolution of the program to be an emerging future power now having the far larger talent pool. It seems no one has the key to unlock the right approach from the ground up paired with maximizing use of the talent that’s available now.

We have more talent than ever but the results are not following.

And the coach doesn't seem to matter.

Definitely disconcerting.

 

[IthacaMatt]

I saw one sports site's guess at the 2026 World Cup starting lineup, if everyone is healthy.

Now, personally, I don't think Balogun or anyone has wrapped up the number 9 spot. I like what someone said about trying Weah through the middle.

I think Luna is more of a 10 than Tillman is. I see Tillman as placing McKennie's midfield spot under pressure. Maybe McKennie moves out to Right Back as a result.

Does Dest ever play anymore? What happened to him? Has he been hurt?

 

[cusefan88]

I saw one sports site's guess at the 2026 World Cup starting lineup, if everyone is healthy.

View attachment 253446

Now, personally, I don't think Balogun or anyone has wrapped up the number 9 spot. I like what someone said about trying Weah through the middle.

I think Luna is more of a 10 than Tillman is. I see Tillman as placing McKennie's midfield spot under pressure. Maybe McKennie moves out to Right Back as a result.

Does Dest ever play anymore? What happened to him? Has he been hurt?

Dest was hurt and came back at the end of last season but wasn't quite ready for Gold Cup. I personally think he should play as the right winger for the US with Joe Scally at RB. Dest has the creative 1v1 ability the team lacks.

 

[jordville]

Even more reason to like Chris Richards…

 

[Forza Azzurri]

We have more talent than ever but the results are not following.

And the coach doesn't seem to matter.

Definitely disconcerting.

Sorry to reply to myself again.

One thing that does appear to be back is a tight-knit team with good to great locker room camraderie.

I haven't seen it written about at all but I do wonder how much toxicity the Berhalter-Reyna situation injected into that locker room.

Pretty clear to me that Reyna (the player) has issues which keep him from getting on the field at every single club team he plays for despite his immense talent.

European soccer is different from American sports in that, for the most part, uber talented prima donnas are not tolerated. The harmony of the team is paramount.

I have to imagine that a player with both what seem to be work ethic issues as well as meddling parents, had to rub at least some in the locker room the wrong way.

Nothing more toxic to a national team than bad chemistry.

And that could (emphasis on could) explain the lackluster performances.

To be successful, especially the US team which does not have the same talent as the top countries, needs the whole to be more than the sum of its parts. Camraderie enables that. Locker room tension destroys it.

World Cup results are littered with really talented sides going out at the group stage because of locker room issues.

Not that the US team would have advanced, but the Harkes/Wynalda issues in 98 made a shambles of that team.

 

[cusefan88]

I do consider McKennie and Pulisic very relaxed non-leaders so perhaps chemistry isn't too bad but not enough players that will yell at the team and grab them by the back of the neck and get results.

Adams and maybe Ream are the only two guys. Need more serious leaders, hopefully Richards can be one.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Sorry to reply to myself again.

One thing that does appear to be back is a tight-knit team with good to great locker room camraderie.

I haven't seen it written about at all but I do wonder how much toxicity the Berhalter-Reyna situation injected into that locker room.

Pretty clear to me that Reyna (the player) has issues which keep him from getting on the field at every single club team he plays for despite his immense talent.

European soccer is different from American sports in that, for the most part, uber talented prima donnas are not tolerated. The harmony of the team is paramount.

I have to imagine that a player with both what seem to be work ethic issues as well as meddling parents, had to rub at least some in the locker room the wrong way.

Nothing more toxic to a national team than bad chemistry.

And that could (emphasis on could) explain the lackluster performances.

To be successful, especially the US team which does not have the same talent as the top countries, needs the whole to be more than the sum of its parts. Camraderie enables that. Locker room tension destroys it.

World Cup results are littered with really talented sides going out at the group stage because of locker room issues.

Not that the US team would have advanced, but the Harkes/Wynalda issues in 98 made a shambles of that team.

I recall a quote from Pulisic, calling it "high school shtt" about the lobbying by Reyna's parents and then the blackmail of Berhalter to get their kid time on the field. He's a talent, but it's clearly addition by subtraction, since he can't seem to find ANY place to play.

 

[jordville]

 

[Forza Azzurri]

I do consider McKennie and Pulisic very relaxed non-leaders so perhaps chemistry isn't too bad but not enough players that will yell at the team and grab them by the back of the neck and get results.

Adams and maybe Ream are the only two guys. Need more serious leaders, hopefully Richards can be one.

Yeah, it is a good point. Locker rooms need a guy, or guys, who hold everyone accountable. Cannot just be the coach. And I agree, there doesn't seem to be that guy, or guys, on this team.

Pulisic seems to me more of a guy who leads by example.

I think McKennie could be that guy. HIs personality seems more fiery but he had his own disciplinary issue a few years ago and tough to hold people accountable when he couldn't even hold himself accountable.

Lots of young guys on the team. As some of them cement places as top players on the team, perhaps they can also step up and be the team's vocal leaders.

I am going to be really interested to see if Poch calls in Reyna. Talent-wise, he is a no-brainer. But now that there appear to be some other options at the 10, I think it will tell us a lot about what Reyna's impact was on the locker room during the troubles - especially if he is left off the squad.

 

[cusefan88]

Yeah, it is a good point. Locker rooms need a guy, or guys, who hold everyone accountable. Cannot just be the coach. And I agree, there doesn't seem to be that guy, or guys, on this team.

Pulisic seems to me more of a guy who leads by example.

I think McKennie could be that guy. HIs personality seems more fiery but he had his own disciplinary issue a few years ago and tough to hold people accountable when he couldn't even hold himself accountable.

Lots of young guys on the team. As some of them cement places as top players on the team, perhaps they can also step up and be the team's vocal leaders.

I am going to be really interested to see if Poch calls in Reyna. Talent-wise, he is a no-brainer. But now that there appear to be some other options at the 10, I think it will tell us a lot about what Reyna's impact was on the locker room during the troubles - especially if he is left off the squad.

If Reyna is not relevant at club level he shouldn't be with the team IMO.

 

[Forza Azzurri]

If Reyna is not relevant at club level he shouldn't be with the team IMO.

Problem with taking that stance is that we have had plenty of guys in the past not getting time with their club teams but putting them on the roster. And sometimes those guys have played very well.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Dest was hurt and came back at the end of last season but wasn't quite ready for Gold Cup. I personally think he should play as the right winger for the US with Joe Scally at RB. Dest has the creative 1v1 ability the team lacks.

I like that idea you have. I've seen you mention it in a couple contexts in this thread, and I can see what you're thinking about with that. Dest is at his best going forward.

And with the way the 9s have underperformed, I could see Pulisic on the left, Weah through the middle, and Dest on the right of an attacking 3.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Problem with taking that stance is that we have had plenty of guys in the past not getting time with their club teams but putting them on the roster. And sometimes those guys have played very well.

Fair point, but the longer somebody is not playing (and with Reyna, it has been substantial), the more they lose their timing, and their ability to take a hit during a game.

 

[cusefan88]

I like that idea you have. I've seen you mention it in a couple contexts in this thread, and I can see what you're thinking about with that. Dest is at his best going forward.

And with the way the 9s have underperformed, I could see Pulisic on the left, Weah through the middle, and Dest on the right of an attacking 3.

Agreed. Weah, Pulisic, and Dest have the best feet and quickest thinkers to beat a low block.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Agreed. Weah, Pulisic, and Dest have the best feet and quickest thinkers to beat a low block.

So, if Reyna never gets it together to be the #10, then you probably are looking at Luna behind them in the hole, and to help with the press, and then Adams & either McKennie or Tillman at the base of the midfield. I could maybe see Aaronson playing well in the #10 role, too, moreso than as the striker.

 

[Forza Azzurri]

Fair point, but the longer somebody is not playing (and with Reyna, it has been substantial), the more they lose their timing, and their ability to take a hit during a game.

Also a fair point. Seen it go both ways.

 

[cusefan88]

A few caveats but my WC starting XI prediction.

Matt Turner (assuming he's a starter this year at Lyon)
Robinson, Ream, Richards, Scally
Adams, McKennie, Tillman
Pulisic, Pepi, Dest (Assuming he's back to form)

Main subs: Weah, Musah, Balogun/Sargent

 

[IthacaMatt]

A few caveats but my WC starting XI prediction.

Matt Turner (assuming he's a starter this year at Lyon)
Robinson, Ream, Richards, Scally
Adams, McKennie, Tillman
Pulisic, Pepi, Dest (Assuming he's back to form)

Main subs: Weah, Musah, Balogun/Sargent

Dest just got hurt again the other day. He's at PSV Einhoven now, right?

 

[cusefan88]

Dest just got hurt again the other day. He's at PSV Einhoven now, right?

I believe so. Make that Weah then at RW (good problems to have).

My main unknown guy I will keep tabs on is Paxten Aaronson. Had a really good club season with Utrecht in the Eredivisie. Staying with Eintracht Frankurt this year (they qualified for UCL).