Back to the important stuff....

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Originally Posted by johnnylightnin

I’m starting to thing that, while we have some of the best athletes in the world, we don’t have great soccer players.

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This is all on the coaching, or the lack thereof. Just an observation but it might be that Vlatko knows he had superior athletes and devised a simple scheme HOPING the individual players would create shots and goals! on their own ability. That works at the lower levels, rec soccer into high school, maybe a little at the college level, but not at the highest level, especially the World Cup. I don't know if that is what he thought, I can say that is what it looked like.

The pay has been announced now that the WC is over for the USWNT. Each player gets $298K for the tournament, on top of their regular US Federation salary and perks. The US men's team players also get $298K each because the equal pay agreement between the teams/players. The US Soccer Federation "earned" $16.7 million from FIFA. Of that amount the men's team generated $13.5 million, the women $3.2 million as both teams advanced to and then were eliminated in the Round of 16 at the WC.

The Men's World Cup is the most watched sporting event in the world and it's not even close. The men's final last year, that classic France vs. Argentina game, drew 1.7 billion TV viewers, while the last women's final in 2019, the US vs. The Netherlands, had 800 million TV viewers worldwide. That is the record for the women's final, we'll see how this 2023 final goes on August 20. Of course, this is why the men's WC generates so much more revenue, advertisers pay more for commercial time given the huge the viewing audience.

Well, in addition to equal pay, the USWNT have also achieved equality in level of play, they are now equally mediocre as the men's team.

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Originally Posted by dawg80

Don't think LEEDAWG was referring to the US side.

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Correct! I was referring to the Morocco, RSA, and Jamaica types. The US team are underachievers and foolishly under-the-influence (negatively) of someone/something, not underdogs.

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Originally Posted by LEEDAWG

Correct! I was referring to the Morocco, RSA, and Jamaica types. The US team are underachievers and foolishly under-the-influence (negatively) of someone/something, not underdogs.

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All four Cinderellas have been bounced from the tournament, the latest being Morocco, 4-0 loser to France today. But, there is a huge celebration planned in Morocco to welcome home the team. All depends on your experiences and expectations, eh. The USWNT had better quietly slip back in...

The Elite 8 is set, and interestingly, only Japan is an association champion. The other seven teams finished 2nd or worse in WC qualifying in their respective leagues. With England's on-going problems, I am off of them, and now predict France vs. Japan for all the marbles.

Vlatko did the right thing by resigning. He was probably going to be fired anyway. Now, the search is on for a good USWNT coach. Names are being mentioned and they are who you would immediately think would be on the short list, Tony Gustavson Australia's coach is considered a leading contender and he should be on the short list. England's coach Sarina Weigman has all the credentials, and some say she is the best coach in the world. I really, really, really (3 reallys) like both Japan's and Spain's coaches, but not sure if they would even be interested. Money talks, of course.

Spain's coach, Jorge Vilda, is very interesting. For those of you who don't know, and that is probably most of you, Vilda was embroiled in a huge controversy last year. Spain was knocked out of the European Cup, by England, ironically, and the players wanted him fired. There was also some "woke" involved with him being an old school type person and not being well liked by the players. 15 of Spain's top players, including the entire starting lineup, signed a petition demanding his replacement prior to the World Cup. Well, the Spanish Soccer Federation obviously has gonads and refused, so all 15 players quit the national team. After a while 3 of the players apologized and returned to the team with Vilda as coach. And now less than a year later Vilda has the VERY young Spanish team in the WC Final opposite England. If this were a movie people would say it is farfetched, couldn't happen.

Two things, Vilda is a very good coach, and secondly, I love how the Spanish Federation stood their ground saying the players don't control the organization. Players come and go but the federation endures for years and years and has to adhere to its policies and standards. The US Soccer Federation should take a page from the Spaniards' playbook.

Spain vs. England on Sunday. England is the better side, but I am rooting for the youngsters from Spain.

I was wrong, Spain is the better team and very deserving of lifting the cup. Spain 1 England 0

Possession, possession, possession.....period. That is how you win in this sport.

Spain is the second youngest team at this tournament, Japan is the youngest, and those two sides will be favorites for the next two cycles, 2027 and 2031. The other two teams I think will be prominent in 2027 are the US and Sweden.

Vlatko should never have been hired in the first place, and probably should have been let go before the cycle.

The USWNT is a shell of it's former self. They won their money in the court of public opinion and woke, but in the process they became lazy and complacent on the field. Other countries passed them by and so they are no longer the best int he world.

Now is probably the time to let go all your aging stars, blow up the team, and rebuild younger. Prior to the start of the Olympics. You have a new coach coming in and it is time to reset anyway. I doubt they will compete at the Olympics next year using the mix they put out at this WC, so start the youth and rebuild.

As for the status of the USWNT I think Mark Twain's famous comment is appropriate: "Rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated." There is not a damn thing wrong with the US Women's program that a few tweaks won't cure, starting with a new coach.

As a quick review, Sweden did not beat us, we beat ourselves. Sweden's GK made exactly ZERO saves in the PK shootout, we just missed, self-inflicted, unforced errors. We out-played Sweden, won the TOP and out-shot them 21-7. That said, I do not think we were going to win a third straight WC. But, the early exit to the 4th ranked team, who themselves went on to earn the bronze, 3rd place, just shows how close things are. To win a WC takes luck...I'll say that again, it takes luck and the US had none of that, sans the Dutch shot off the post, I guess. But we hit the woodwork several times too. It happens. We had 14 players on the roster playing in their very first WC, and unfortunately, they did not get the proper coaching to be prepared.

Spain...well, their story is a remarkable one. But, I will remind you that in 2019 Spain outplayed the US although we escaped with a 2-1 win off of two PKs courtesy of Rapinoe. That was in the Round of 16, and afterwards we ran the murderous row of Top 10 ranked teams: France, England, and The Netherlands, but by far our toughest match, the only one you can say we were lucky to win, was that close one over Spain.

All that to say, I think, no, I know! the USWNT is just fine. They have control of their own destiny and can return to the podium in 2027. They just have to get refocused on getting it done.

USMNT 3 Uzbekistan 0

Match wasn't this easy, we scored two very late goals. Berhalter Era II has begun and it's the same crap as Era I.

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Originally Posted by dawg80

USMNT 3 Uzbekistan 0

Match wasn't this easy, we scored two very late goals. Berhalter Era II has begun and it's the same crap as Era I.

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Berhalter is getting reamed on sports' blogs. It was very obvious that the USMNT sucks again.

US Soccer are idiots for bringing him back for a second cycle. For me it has nothing to do with the Gio stuff either. I didn't have a problem how that was handled by the team. It illustrated a bigger issue with todays mindset and that of the parents. Of course he should have never said anything outside the locker room because off the record only stays off the record if its not going to get clicks.

My problem with him is he plays a very stale style/system of soccer. He is content with 1-nil. We have a current generation of players that are ready for more than that. When Callaghan had the team this summer we played a more open style and honestly our A team dismantled Mexico and Canada for the most part in the Nations League and was scoring multiple goals per game regardless of the opponent. Even the "B" team played more open and was at least scoring every match and more often than not more than 1 goal. It was against CONCACAF opponents but that is our region and domination should start in your home conference anyway.

Our expected goal per game at the WC was .91 and we actually averaged I think it was .68 and he is fine with that. The point I actually went and watched something else was where they cut over to the sideline and Callaghan was talking to Berhalter and gesturing with his hands about how he thought we should be moving/formation/etc.... and Berhalter was shaking his head no the whole time. He doesn't want to listen, he is risk adverse, and we are going to waste not having to qualify on crappy opponents that don't help us develop and we will be the exact same team in 26 we were in 22.

On a side note, that first goal was a thing of beauty! Weston McKennie is the MVP of the USMNT, literally. I mean he IS the most valuable player, the one player we need the most on the field. That first touch in traffic and cool layoff to Weah, who finished with a world-class strike, wow! Good stuff. And then...back into the closest we went hoping to nurture a 4th minute goal into a 1-0 win. Which, had Uzbekistan not taken their foot off the gas, would have been the final, or maybe even 1-1.

Matt Turner was his usual solid self, keeping the clean sheet, even though Ream tried his best to earn an assist for the other side. He tried several times, actually. Tim Ream is a better player than that; don't know what his problem was the other day. Oh, heard Matt Turner is leaving the national team, at least for a spell. Big loss.

Berhalter is a disaster.

The strike was great, the pass was great, I agree! Turner is going to be out and only playing club for a while because they are expecting their second child any day now. That's the reason I heard a couple of days ago. Ream had a bad night, everyone gets those now and again. You how they happen against the Uzbekistan's of the world and not the English or French etc.

The worst player on the field to me was Tanner Tessman. I know he hasn't really gotten any looks in the last couple of years, but he gave the ball away almost every time he touched it.

The best on the ball player we have right now is Gio, but with Berhalter being in charge and Gio apparently being made out of glass, I think that will be a what could have been story. His dad ran the midfield like no other for the US and he has the same skill, but unlike his dad he cant take a hit etc.

Versus Oman tonight. Expect to see more of the same.

yep. USMNT administration must attend the same workshops on leadership that Tech does :(

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Originally Posted by dawg80

Versus Oman tonight. Expect to see more of the same.

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US 4 Oman 0

A tad better? Ah, maybe, insomuch as the energy was better tonight and for the full 90 minutes. Ricardo Pepi is emerging as one of our better strikers and should get a start...vs. Germany October 14 would be a great opportunity to show what he's got.

Mexico 3 Uzbekistan 3

El Tri has issues too.


USSF Sporting Director Matt Crocker, in charge of hiring/firing coaches, sung the praises of Berhalter last night, and Crocker is primarily in charge of hiring the next USWNT coach. We will never win another World Cup :(

Pepi has definitely gained confidence once he regained his scoring touch in Europe. I would like to see him produce against the better teams, but he is showing why he deserves the start for sure. Energy was better, but that 2nd goal against teams of this caliber needs to be coming in the first half consistently... not because their legs are dead after the 80th minute.

No doubt about Mexico they are struggling. I also think Canada will come back to their normal selves before this next Cup. I mean they peaked in qualifying and then sucked in Qatar.

I think the whole BS about them having to hire the sporting director before addressing the USMNT spot was to have a scapegoat if putting Berhalter back in charge blows up in their face. I firmly believe they were going back to Berhalter out of fear of legal action on his part that would have impacted several levels of US Soccer. I don't think Crocker really got to search etc.. so he is stuck supporting Berhalter for now.

Where I will pass judgement on Crocker is his USWNT hire. It needs to be someone respected from outside the US system that will come in and not be tied down to the popularity and politics in the current group. Someone that simply plays the best 11 and fills the roster with the most talented and in form ladies at the time.

USWNT 3 South Africa 0

Played a little better. First match for the women's team since the disaster at the World Cup. South Africa (RSA) had 19 of their players from their WC team which reached the Round of 16, so they are a good side. This was Julie Ertz's farewell game; she played only 35 minutes and then exited the field for the final time. Ertz will be missed; she has been the best holding midfielder in the world the past decade and I just don't see anyone currently in the pool of players who comes close to replacing her. The obvious choice right now is Andi Sullivan, and while she is pretty good, she is nowhere near the player Ertz has been.

Sunday also vs. RSA will be Megan Rapinoe's farewell match in Chicago.

USWNT 2 RSA 0

Mission accomplished sending Rapinoe off on a winning note. Off the field...well, no comment...on the field, Rapinoe is one of the very best to ever play the game.

Looking to the future, lots of young talent to build on.

On to the Men's team...

vs. Germany on October 14.

Berhalter met with Geo Reyna and the federation released a statement saying it was a "productive meeting." What is this, Romper Room?! I say BS to both Reyna and Berhalter. Both are acting like spoiled kids called into the principle's office after a squabble on the schoolyard. GROW UP!

We could obviously use his talent on the field, but if he can't play well with the coach or players that support the coach, just move on. While I don't feel Berhalter did a bad job last cycle, I don't think his style uses our talent the best, and I wouldn't have brought him back for a 2nd cycle regardless of the "scandal" or not.

US 1 Germany 3

Brilliant goal by Pulisic, world class strike. But it's a 90-minute match and these good sides...even this German team with a brand-new coach and coming through a period of turmoil for them...just play a better brand of soccer. Possession, possession, possession! It's not just the skill level of the individual players, just as important is the movement of players without the ball. If you just watch, the Germans always had a player in the right place at the right time, the man with the ball didn't have to hold up, to wait on a teammate to appear. Contrast that with the very amateur, disjointed US attacks when you (me, anyway) holler at the TV, "where's the help!?" That is a huge problem that USMNT has never, ever been able to solve.

Outclassed today.

Next up, a very fast, attacking Ghana side. Very different from the controlled, deliberate play of the Germans.

Current FIFA rankings: US 11th Ghana 61st

Don't pay a bit of attention to that though because these rankings, the latest published by FIFA, has Germany ranked 15th, and they just dismantled us in embarrassing fashion. The FIFA world rankings are based on accumulated points and are often, most of the time, off base. No way is the USMNT the 11th best side in the world. Perhaps Top 25, barely, with a stretch, but not 11th. And Ghana is typical of the African teams, lots of athleticism and talent, but usually lack organization and will lose matches vs. other associations that hurt their world rankings. But, they are so very capable on any given night of shocking the hell out of ya! And this is why tonight's game is a challenge for the US and is another test for Berhalter.

US 4 Ghana 0

Overall good performance. All the goals were scored in the first half, Reyna got 2, Pulisic 1, but the best goal was by Balogun. And although he had neither a goal nor an assist the MOM "Man of the Match" was Dest. His brilliant runs drawing defenders to him set up most of our attacks. Dest is wasted on the back line, he is no fullback, and needs to be starting in the midfield. Typical Berhalter, playing someone of this caliber out of position.

The midfield played well and the defense was more than capable. Was surprised by the "blah" offense of Ghana. They are loaded with offensive talent...but lack organization, and that showed last night...and usually they threaten defenses more. Matt Turner did have an incredible save on a shot that would have beaten most keepers. Other than that one time, Turner was not tested the whole game.

Still waiting for Geo Reyna to live up to the hype. His goals, both of them, were set up for him. He didn't show me anything last night. Mostly he was "just out there."

USWNT 0 Columbia 0

Play them again Sunday.

Morgan missed a PK, and we struck the woodwork twice. Enjoyed the run of play, held the ball, had waaaaaaaay many more chances than they did. I think Naeher had one official save, but it was a shot from 20 yards and she had it measured easily. Same old problem with this version of the USWNT, can't finish attacks. Lots of athleticism and talent, but they look like an all-star team that has trained together only 2 or 3 times. No coherence, no knowing where each other is at critical moments in a build up.

We played double 6s last night. That tells me the coaches know how big a loss Julie Ertz is, due to her recent retirement. Last night Sullivan and Sonnet shared position 6 duties with Horan posted in front of them. That impacted our offense since it limited another midfielder getting in on the attacks. On that subject, the retirements of Carli Lloyd and now Julie Ertz has removed the USWNT from the top 3-5 sides in the world. Unless we can find an adequate replacement for players of that quality, that impact, the USWNT will be bumping a glass ceiling short of world titles (World Cup and Olympics). The team has also lost the services of Megan Rapinoe, Tobin Heath, and Christine Press, HUGE losses, Hall of Fame players who are not easily replaced. The USWNT used to dominate the midfield which is why we won 4 World Cups. Our midfield is a mere shadow of its former self, and has relegated the USWNT to just another good, but nothing special program.

Good news! Becky Sauerbrunn returned to the national team, after her year-long absence due to injury. She entered at halftime and played her usual solid defense for 45 minutes. At 38 her return is limited, but she is an absolute rock in our defense. I liked her comments post game, she understands her role as a "coach on the field" for the young defenders. Our defense is still among the best in the world. People were disappointed by our performance in the recent World Cup, but hello! the defense surrendered exactly ONE goal in 4 matches. The lousy offense was, and is, the issue.

4:30 kickoff today. Need to start seeing these youngsters understand the game better. Of course, that comes from coaching which apparently they ain't getting any of.

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Originally Posted by dawg80

4:30 kickoff today. Need to start seeing these youngsters understand the game better. Of course, that comes from coaching which apparently they ain't getting any of.

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USWNT 3 Columbia 0 Better...

Demello has emerged as the most likely to fill the void left by Carli Lloyd, tons of energy and creative play. Is in the starting 11, the "A" team for me. Kudos to Sonnet, playing the #6 role, had a great game, played all 90 minutes. Definitely elevated her status in my book. Great goal by Horan, who was also very active tonight. Fishel and Shaw got the other two goals, both rookies.

US 3 Trinidad & Tobago 0

US scored all three goals in a 7-minute span in the final 8+ minutes of the match. In the 82nd minute it was still 0-0. TnT was at 10 men after a red card dismissal in the 37th minute. For the entire match and especially after that point, 90%+ of the game was played in TnT's half. They took one shot the entire match and only had the ball in our half a few times, but never threatening. But typical US, under Berhalter, there was failure after failure in the attacking 1/3 with the TnT goalie making a couple of spectacular saves to his credit. We took 26 shots, but most of them were off-target or weak. The official stats had the US with 75% of the possession, but I don't think that is correct, more like 85-90%.
Goal scorers were Pepi, Robinson, and Reyna.

This was the first leg of the home-home quarterfinals CONCACAF Nations League Tournament. The US travels to Trinidad for the 2nd leg on Monday and need only to not lose worse than 2-0 to advance to the semi-finals. We've not enjoyed much success playing at TnT but surely even Berhalter's bunch can't blow this.

I just cant stand Berhalters no goal football. Give the team back to BJ Callahan, I don’t think he is the guy to take us to the promised land but when he was in charge we played some attractive attacking football.

Winston McKennie is out again with his on-going knee issues. I noticed he wasn't as active/aggressive in the recent TnT match and this was the reason, his knee was bothering him. Dern.

The US used to be a force in set pieces, always a good threat to score, but Berhalter has even taken that away from us. We suck at it, as we do all other offensive measures. For any side (Brazil, Germany, Spain...etc) the window of opportunity in an attack is only open for a second or two, literally, and you have to be prepared and ALL ON THE SAME PAGE to take advantage of the open windows. Under Berhalter it's sheer luck if our guys are in synch in an attack. Watching a Berhalter team play looks like a group of fellows who just got together for the first time and are playing a Sunday afternoon pick-up match. Individually they know the game, know what they should be doing, but find it nearly impossible to coordinate an attack.

The sad thing is we had a coach, probably still do, that was solely a set piece coach leading up to the World Cup. We were the worst team in Concacaf at generating and scoring off set pieces.

US 1 TnT 2

Dest was sent off for back-to-back yellows while arguing with the ref and what was an obviously missed call. Dest was right on the call, but the call was made by the ref, in the 39th minute the US up 1-0 tonight and 4-0 in aggregate, so let it go and play on. Stupid, senseless, and unprofessional for Dest to go on fussing. And! equally unprofessional for the ref to remain engaged in the verbal jousting which lead to the second yellow, and thus a red card send-off. Stupid all around.

Well, no news here, nothing new to see, we lost again at Trinidad & Tobago. Tonite 2-1 but the US advances in aggregate 4-2.

U17 World Cup

Germany 3 USA 2 Round of 16

Our "kids" played well, actually had more possession and generally enjoyed the run of play. But in the end it's about scoring goals and Germany was efficient and clinical when in the attacking 1/3. The Germans had 8 solid attacks, 5 times the US defense made a good play to break up the attacks, and 3 times they did not. The Germans made zero mistakes with the ball, i.e. they didn't thwart their attack with an errant pass or missing a wide-open shot, they finished their chances. On offense the US created more chances with two good finishes, but also helped the Germans at times with a bad pass or a missed trap. Oh! the Germans also got lucky when the ref missed a hand ball by the Germans in their box, that happened with us trailing 2-1 in the 70th minute.

These are 15 and 16 yr old kids, U17, and our guys showed tons of potential. Better coached than our senior team!

USWNT 3 China 0

Solid performance. The USWNT is a perfect 10-0-0 since the disappointment of the World Cup, outscoring the opposition 40-4 in those ten matches. Two teenage youngsters earned their first caps today, Nighswonger and Moultrie. Tons and tons of talent...young talent, which has to be molded into a cohesive machine. Good to see Rose Lavelle back and in good form after her bouts with injuries. China is also a very young team but coming in they had score in 11 straight international matches, including against England and Sweden. They barely had the ball in our half for all 90 minutes, not coming close to threatening.

Play China again Tuesday in Frisco, Texas.

That was one of my and lots of others disappointment with the WWC roster. We left, some good young players that were in form for their clubs etc. at home to give Rapinoe et al. a WWC farewell lap. I am not specifically talking about Nighswonger or Moultrie, but more like Sam Coffey and Ashley Hatch. They kept saying Rapinoe was there for veteran leadership.. what the hell!! Thats why you have Morgan, Etz, Horan, Dunn, O'Hara and they could still perform on the field.

I hope we move forward with the youth and develop the tactical sense of our ladies ahead of the next Cup. We are still better athletes than most countries, but part of the difference this last cup was the tactical development of several of the other nations. I am happy to spend some of these games playing the youngsters against good teams and developing for the future.

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Originally Posted by DallasDog

That was one of my and lots of others disappointment with the WWC roster. We left, some good young players that were in form for their clubs etc. at home to give Rapinoe et al. a WWC farewell lap. I am not specifically talking about Nighswonger or Moultrie, but more like Sam Coffey and Ashley Hatch. They kept saying Rapinoe was there for veteran leadership.. what the hell!! Thats why you have Morgan, Etz, Horan, Dunn, O'Hara and they could still perform on the field.

I hope we move forward with the youth and develop the tactical sense of our ladies ahead of the next Cup. We are still better athletes than most countries, but part of the difference this last cup was the tactical development of several of the other nations. I am happy to spend some of these games playing the youngsters against good teams and developing for the future.

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What do you know about the USWNT new coach, Emma Hayes? I mean her coaching philosophy/tactics. I know she's been manager at Chelsea for 10+ years and been successful. She also coached briefly in the US for a professional team. That's all great but what about her style of play? Says she is thrilled (should be, this will make her the highest paid women's coach in history) to be able to coach "the best women's soccer side in history," but I hope she'll not try to constrain our athletes with a stale European style of play. We have the athletes and the talent...organize them, yes, all be on the same page, yes, but TURN 'EM LOOSE and let them create chances!

I don't like the fact she's locked in her gig with Chelsea until May and will only join US Soccer with one camp window left before the Olympics. Kilgore is doing a good job handling the team, but we need our next manager to have time to get to know the players and make, what will be, some tough decisions in putting together the roster. Some good players will be left at home...again. I'll say it again, in my book, DeMelo has earned a spot in the starting 11. Does all those little things that go unnoticed, unless you're a student of the game and look for such things.

USWNT 2 China 1

Lackluster effort. China played a bunker defense 5-4-1 and did a good job defending. China led 1-0 off a set piece in the 1st half. But, we lacked energy and creativeness.

I know that she prefers a back 4 but the few times I have been able to watch Chelsea's women, mainly because of Kerr, it seems her teams get the ball wide a lot and play quick balls back into the center. I don't think she will ever park the bus, but its hard to tell how much of her success is her tactics or the fact that Chelsea's women are loaded with talent. I did ask a friend who is still working for US Soccer, albeit on the men's side, and he said she has a reputation for using a ton for formations. So I took that to mean she will build the shape around her talent. If she is strong in midfield and upfront the formation will favor that.

I was proud of how well some of our really younger players responded in that second half. Once they found their timing together they started to click from around 60th minute on. They realized when they finally got china on their back foot and kept them pinned the last 20 or so minutes.

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Originally Posted by DallasDog

I know that she prefers a back 4 but the few times I have been able to watch Chelsea's women, mainly because of Kerr, it seems her teams get the ball wide a lot and play quick balls back into the center. I don't think she will ever park the bus, but its hard to tell how much of her success is her tactics or the fact that Chelsea's women are loaded with talent. I did ask a friend who is still working for US Soccer, albeit on the men's side, and he said she has a reputation for using a ton for formations. So I took that to mean she will build the shape around her talent. If she is strong in midfield and upfront the formation will favor that.

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Not many coaches, in any sport, seem to get the concept of developing a scheme around the players you have. I know I learned that for myself when I began coaching soccer way back in 1985. At first, with a U12 team, I tried to get the kids to learn and adopt a good European style of soccer, building from the back, possession, etc. It's not that there is anything wrong with that concept, just that these American kids who did not grow up in the sport could not grasp the finer details and we got beat. The first "season" was an abbreviated one and we went 0-0-6. Yes, we lost all 6 matches. I kept about 90% of those kids into the next season and we went 3-2-5 in 10 matches. All five defeats were by exactly one goal, scores like 2-1 and 3-2. We were getting closer...Got a compliment from a visiting British soccer instructor, whose firm put on clinics in the US, he said to me, your team is one of the best coached sides I have seen in my travels across the US. The following year I took that group of kids into U14 and we started playing in statewide tournaments. Still had about 90% of the players from that first 0-0-6 squad. It was then that I became a "great coach" even if I do say so myself! One day at practice I was allowing the kids to play a scrimmage, it was most of my 1st string vs. some of my benchers together with some U16 and U19 players. They were all out there just enjoying the "beautiful game," having fun. I watched my starters, two strikers and four midfielders, trying to deal with those older kids, who were faster/bigger and more experienced. Slowly during the match my youngsters learned what worked and what didn't. They were LEARNING each other, getting creative. I learned too.

At the very next practice I changed our scheme. It was simple...let the players create, don't be so rigid. It worked. I took those same kids all the way to the Pelican Cup final, where we fell in golden goal OT 3-2 to a team from Lake Charles. Our record that season was 21-2-1. Yes, our only loss was that state final. I had SPEED to burn in my two strikers and both outside midfielders and I simply turned them loose and allowed them to wreak havoc on the opposing sides. My two center mids were awesome athletes with good heads on their shoulders, smart kids, VERY coachable. My back 4 I coached hard turning them into a solid defensive wall, in front of a very good keeper. I coached the defense way more than I did the offense, emphasizing maintaining their shape and supporting each other. In those 24 matches we had 19 clean sheets.

But we won because I allowed the talent I had up top to just be themselves.

All of that to say, that is the USWNT too. Turn 'em loose!

I think she has a lot of players to look at in the next year or so, the team going forward isn’t going to have the same amount of veteran experience bridging the transition lie, most teams do or have… we held on to few players a little to long into the cycle and haven’t been developing the younger ladies as well. I think that will change and I think Hayes will play to the strength of the younger squad going forward once she sifts through the pool.

Berhalter named an entire MLS-based roster for the friendly vs. Slovenia on January 20. I have no problem with any roster experimentation during these off-season (for the national team) periods. Now is the time in friendlies to give some guys a chance to earn a cap for the USMNT. Fine and dandy. I just hope Berhalter is not placing too much faith in that he can build a USMNT roster from these MLS try outs.

Granted these uses of MLS players in camp and in these off-season friendlies has paid dividends for the national team, Walker Zimmerman is a good example as he earned his spurs in this manner. But, overall, the MLS does not prepare players to compete at the international level when it matters, like in the World Cup.

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Originally Posted by dawg80

Berhalter named an entire MLS-based roster for the friendly vs. Slovenia on January 20. I have no problem with any roster experimentation during these off-season (for the national team) periods. Now is the time in friendlies to give some guys a chance to earn a cap for the USMNT. Fine and dandy. I just hope Berhalter is not placing too much faith in that he can build a USMNT roster from these MLS try outs.

Granted these uses of MLS players in camp and in these off-season friendlies has paid dividends for the national team, Walker Zimmerman is a good example as he earned his spurs in this manner. But, overall, the MLS does not prepare players to compete at the international level when it matters, like in the World Cup.

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USMNT 0 Slovenia 1

11 of our guys got their first caps. Not much you can say about the match. Pretty much what I expected. It was a friendly friendly. Not much intensity, which is what is expected in an early season friendly match. Couple of our guys looked promising.

I was listening to grumpy pundits on sirius/xm and they said there were 20 players capped between the two teams. Both squads were young. They said Slovenia's most capped player on the roster had 24 total caps.

Cobi Jones used to get that many in a week and a half under Bruce Arena it seemed :)

Problem is, it's Berhalter who is coaching the youngsters, and they will never learn the skills/field-awareness it takes to be successful at the international level.

Emma Hayes may wish to reconsider...Nah! they're making the highest paid women's soccer coach in the world and in all of history. She'll collect the fat checks and stick it out for a while.

The world has caught up to US women's soccer. Much like the early days of women's college hoops, those who started first had a head start, like Tech and the others, dominated until the rest of the country got serious and the big dollars prevailed. The US has the big dollars, but we don't have soccer as the premier sport, even for women. The USWNT is no longer the best program in the world and in fact, we may have slipped to third in CONCACAF behind Mexico and Canada.

USWNT vs. Columbia in CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals. The program is at a crossroads...we shall see which fork they take.

Match is Sunday night.

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Originally Posted by dawg80

USWNT vs. Columbia in CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals. The program is at a crossroads...we shall see which fork they take.

Match is Sunday night.

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USWNT 3 Columbia 0

Much better effort tonight. Now, vs. Canada in the semifinals on Wednesday.

Mexico vs. Brazil in other semi.

I think they will improve with better coaching this cycle, but I do think it will take a little time to identify some of the younger players that were getting left out because of holding on to the older guard at some positions. There were a few glaring omissions at the WC that are easy to bring in, but there are some that are right on the edge and need camp time and USWNT training to see if they are really ready. So I am ok with not rolling everyone right now, but in another year, I will be much more critical of the group.

That was a good win, and I think they probably take Canada, the final would be a toss-up for me if we make it there.

That ref sucked! Never even tried to control the Columbian players, and then popped Rodman and Morgan with yellow cards, for asking for a little help from the ref keeping those South American thugs (thugettes) from abusing them. Worst officiated game I have seen in a long time.

Still, we won, and did so with an aggressive offensive attack. Naeher came up big! Two great saves.

The refs are getting worse across the board with the exceptions of a handful of domestic leagues. I don't know who is observing and rating the refs but its bad.

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Originally Posted by DallasDog

The refs are getting worse across the board with the exceptions of a handful of domestic leagues. I don't know who is observing and rating the refs but its bad.

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If my knees and hip weren't so bad I'd come out of retirement and start reffing futbol again. I didn't tolerate a gaggle of players questioning every call and interfering with the flow of play. I would have popped every Columbian player with a yellow and that gal who stepped in front of Horan just before the PK would have earned her second yellow and be gone. Of course, when I did ref the teams knew my reputation so there would have been none of that crap. I did yellow card 5 players at once in a high school playoff game because they kept encroaching within 10 yards on a direct kick. I verbally warned them once, after I had stepped off the 10 yards, and then the whole wall (5 players) stepped up two steps...the player trying to take the free kick paused and looked at me. So I stepped off 10 yards a second time, paused to write down their numbers then showed each one the card. In Louisiana HS soccer a player getting a yellow has to leave the field for a sub, they can return if it was just their first card. With 5 2nd stringers on the field until the next stoppage that team surrendered a goal. Final was 3-2, that proved to be the winning goal. Whoa, their coach and their parents were not happy with me after the match. Too bad I told them, and I also gave the coach a few choice words when he dared to get in my face. My team...there were three of us who worked together...had zero tolerance for dissension.

Naeher!

USWNT vs. Brazil CONCACAF Gold Cup Final on Sunday.

As for the match vs. Canada, it was a mess with the field conditions. I have played in such conditions, on fields holding standing water, and it is quite challenging to say the least. The US benefitted from two Canadian defensive errors for our two goals, one directly caused by the field conditions and the other one just a mistake by their backline. Can't take anything meaningful away from this match due to the conditions, but "reading between the lines" and knowing the game as I do, the US still has the same offensive issues that has plagued us for several years. Last year, 2023, was a disappointing year for the USWNT culminating in the early exit from the World Cup. And it's all on the lack of offense. In the last 60 matches played by the USWNT dating back to beginning of 2023, and really back into late fall of 2022, they have surrendered 42 goals. That equals 0.7 goals/match and represents the best defensive effort in the history of the USWNT over any 60-match span. Clearly, the defense is not the problem.

Unless you're a student of the game the nuances of an effective offensive attack are not readily obvious. But, they are blatantly obvious to me. The issues can be fixed, and it beats me why no one connected to USWNT can't see it. I will say this to be fair, Kilgore has at least turned the offense loose into a more direct attacking approach. The philosophy is right, but the execution is still wanting.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dawg80

USWNT vs. Brazil CONCACAF Gold Cup Final on Sunday.

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US 1 Brazil 0

Lifted the Gold Cup in the end. Again, defense ruled the night. Brazil is so frickin' dangerous, always attacking. Their players are so fast, so skilled, and the Brazilian style is attack! attack! attack! Not perfect, but certainly good enough and against a quality opponent. Horan scored the winning goal.

Still a ton of improvements needed, especially in our offensive attack.

I am waiting to see what happens once Chelsea's season is over and Hayes takes over. I don't have any faith in the USSF to have a plan to develop anyone or any system until Hayes is in. Which means maybe a couple of games before the Olympics etc.

Latest FIFA rankings, an all-time low for USWNT in history.

1. Spain
2. England
3. France
4. USA

And ranking them 4th might be generous.

Emma Hayes stepped right into it...

says relationships between players, teammates, is inappropriate. Well, the push back has begun in earnest. Has Hayes already lost the team?

I don't care if she has lost them at this point. We need to change the way we do things because the world has caught up talent and fitness wise and we need to improve tactically. We know the players have run that team for decades and the managers were a second act. I want to see her pick her squad and see what she can do. For every player who is upset with her there are others that agree and there is plenty of talent in the country waiting for a shot. If she is the one that tears it down to build it up to the new level of international women's football and she is willing to carry that on her shoulders and her reputation/legacy, I am willing to see where she goes.

If Hayes were commenting strictly on tactics I would not be concerned. But she stepped into personal issues. Not saying she is not right, but just because I, and others, might agree with her, that does not mean it won't have some effect. Now, if only a couple of non-key players take offense and as a result end up leaving the team, and the rest move on, then there will be no ramifications. But the USWNT is at a critical crossroads right now and ANY distractions from the mission of rebuilding the dynasty will be harmful. That's what struck me when the story broke. I was like, Sheeesh! really?

I get your point and understand for sure, but I think we may be at a point where its time for a hard reset. That will anger a lot of people, especially the casual fans. I think the top of US Soccer let things get out of hand behind the scenes too much on the ladies team trying to protect their top program.

She is setting the tone she wants for her program. To me the distractions came about when Rapinoe and some of the others started making every appearance about social issues and political messages. I am not saying players shouldn't use the platform if they have it, but that last cycle it got to much, and there were divisions within the team. You could tell by the interviews given at the time, and by some of the things said by some of the recently retired players. I am not talking about the players sexuality at all, that is a non-issue for me in men's or women's sports.

Just to frame an example of my reasoning though.. if a player wielding the power/sway of say Rapinoe/Morgan/Ertz had a relationship with someone on the team that was on the fringe, but is getting call ups anyway or over other deserving players that's a distraction. Even if they aren't getting call ups but the powerful player is always in the managers ear.. that still gets back to the other players.

I think most everyone understands that two Cups ago Rapinoe was one of the best players on the pitch. This last cup she shouldn't have been on the squad. She took a spot from a younger player that deserved that time on the pitch and preparation for the future. It wasn't for leadership in the locker room because there were other vocal veterans in that room for that. It was about the publicity and power she held off the pitch that the manager and US Soccer (which is a mess for sure and especially around that time) allowed her to continue.

The flip side of course is when a manager decides to freeze out a player that can still contribute like Klinsmann did with Landon in Brazil... Landon had enough to be a legitimate super sub.

It pissed me off that Donovan was left off that WC team. And! it came back to bite us, Klinsmann, big time. Can't tell you how I know, I just "know" had LD been on that roster it would have been him in front of that Belgian goal and he would have finished, and we would have been on to the Elite Eight. Some comments from some of the players and some pundits afterwards tells me others "know" that too.

As for Rapinoe, as a player, I have no issue with her being part of the 23-player WC roster. Just like I was glad Wambach was on the 2015 roster, and LD should have been on that WC roster. Rapinoe was (still is) a lightening rod who attracts more attention and scrutiny than she should. I always focused on her as a player...period.

As for Coach Emma Hayes I do agree she needs to place her stamp on the team/program and do what she thinks is best.

I have no doubt we are in the elite 8 if LD was on that squad. I also think that just killed his joy for the sport too. He retired from the Galaxy at the end of the 2014 season. I mean I know he had a couple of "comebacks" later but it's tough to dust of the boots and play well when you aren't playing/training every day.

I want us to stay on top of the pile, but I if we have to dip to get the next generation set I understand that too. It's going to be tough now that the rest of the world is catching up physically because those women generally play a lot of their club ball in similar systems to their national teams etc. Our ladies come from 50 states, 100 of clubs, all with different philosophies. systems, and the like. Then have a couple of weeks during certain windows to get on the same page.

The positive from the other countries getting stronger is their best players will start playing in leagues outside their countries soccer governing bodies control so maybe that will level the playing field a bit on that front.

USMNT 3 Jamaica 1 in OT in the Nation's League semifinal. Play Sunday vs. Mexico-Panama winner.

US got the tying goal in the 96th minute thanks to a Jamaica own-goal. Jamaica scored in the first 30 seconds of the match and held that 1-0 lead for almost 96 minutes.

Geo Reyna showed some good stuff and Wright scored both extra-time goals.

I am sorry, but Berhalter's style is dragging one of the most talented young groups we have ever had, into one of the most boring unproductive teams we have ever had!! Just look at how the team was attacking and playing with energy while he was "unhired" (since he wasn't fired) and before he was rehired. Same players slightly different coaching philosophy and a huge difference in quality. We need a new coach now, so they have almost the whole cycle before '26.

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Originally Posted by DallasDog

I am sorry, but Berhalter's style is dragging one of the most talented young groups we have ever had, into one of the most boring unproductive teams we have ever had!! Just look at how the team was attacking and playing with energy while he was "unhired" (since he wasn't fired) and before he was rehired. Same players slightly different coaching philosophy and a huge difference in quality. We need a new coach now, so they have almost the whole cycle before '26.

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I don't disagree with you about Berhalter. He sucks.

It was looking like a defeat last night, that although we enjoyed the run-of-play for most of the match, the same ugly crap was holding us back in the attacking 1/3. Even on corners we NEVER, EVER put someone on the back door, never! And 9 out of 10 times our corner kick sails over everyone's head, lands harmlessly 5 yards from the opposite post and not a US player there to take advantage of it. Our women's side does the same thing.

More to the point, lousy set pieces aside, it pains me to watch again and again a good buildup through the midfield only to have us squander the opportunity time after time....predictably. 90% of the time I can predict EXACTLY why that particular attack will fail, which player won't be where he needs to be and almost like DeJa'Vu watch it happen, like a frickin' replay. In the extra time an exhausted Jamaica defense finally was worn down and Geo Reyna made two perfect passes to Hadji Wright who finished both beautifully. Neither of those successful attacks had a damn thing to do with Berhalter, but rather two good players hooking up and, as I said, an absolutely exhausted Jamaican defense unable to respond quickly enough.

Our backline is now our biggest concern talent/experienced-wise. Scally got used like a clueless Under 12 defender on their early goal. Our defense scares me to death. And it will fail when it matters most like in the Olympics and the World Cup. It's funny that now after years and years of lacking a good midfield and a stable of world class strikers, the talent is there to be successful in international futbol. But now we lack the coaching.

There was some talk on a blog I follow on US Soccer, that Berhalter is operating with a very short leash. One poster claims had we lost last night Berhalter would have been fired today. I doubt that but hope it's true he's on a very short leash.

Oh the corners and set pieces drive me mad... there should be a back post and a run hitting the corner of the 6-yard box every time. Especially because I could put a dime on the spot Pulisic puts it every time!! What upsets me most is that going into the last cup and this cycle they made a point to let it be known they had a set piece/corners coach on staff dedicated to it. We have never been worse at them. I think we have a handful of good young defenders, but we need to call them up and play the hell out of them before '26.

I don't know if they would have fired him either, but he needs to go, and I am willing to suffer through whatever it takes. Everyone keeps saying the players love him.. well I am sure there is a group of about 15-16 that do because he will play them even to the detriment of the team.

US vs. Mexico tonight for the Nation's League title.

I despise Mexico and their army of arrogant, disgusting fans. Have been around them before at matches, they are vile...and I am being as nice as I can :icon_roll:

I have been in the middle of their fans before and that was the most unsafe I have felt in my life, and I have been in some bad places and situations. This Mexican squad isn't a great squad, and we are more talented currently, but I have zero faith in any Berhalter squad to play anything other than down to the level of our opponent or worse. Plus, with the bad blood between them and us, even on home turf I am always nervous.

Dos a cero! (for the 10th time in history)

Adams and Reyna with awesome goals! Solid performance by Tim Ream anchoring the back line.

And eff Mexico and their classless fans.

USA!

And, kudos to Berhalter for that starting 11. I think he got that right, at least. Dest is so much fun to watch, McKennie is solid and the way both Adams and Reyna played in the midfield, I like it!

Until FIFA puts some real punishments for fans around the world that use racial and sexual slurs it's not going to stop. FIFA is too corrupt to do anything with real teeth. Last time they "punished" the Mexican federation for this happening during a men's game the federation got hit with a one game with no fans allowed. So, Mexico made their women play their next home game without fans, so they technically complied with FIFA. I was really surprised there were no lasers in the keepers' eyes at this match, like there usually is when Mexico has fans in any stadium.

Dos a cero- just has to really sting now.

I will give Berhalter credit for last night's line up. I am always glad for any win, but especially against Mexico.

Semifinals of the SheBelieves Cup USWNT vs. Japan this Saturday. Good to see Mallory Swanson back, off her injury last year.

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Originally Posted by dawg80

Semifinals of the SheBelieves Cup USWNT vs. Japan this Saturday. Good to see Mallory Swanson back, off her injury last year.

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USWNT 2 Japan 1

gave up a goal in the first 30 seconds, but managed to secure the win anyway.

We have so much talent, athleticism, skills, on this team we are simply underachieving. I think Kilgore is doing a "good" job, but we need someone who will turn these players loose and let them reach their full potential. I hope Hayes proves to be that coach. I fear she will try to instill too much of the old English/European style of play which will hold this bunch back. Turn 'em loose!

Jaedyn Shaw, the next super star of the USWNT? She certainly has all the look of becoming one. I like her in the #10 slot, not only her scoring, but her defense and her ability to possess and pass the ball.

When Carli Lloyd retired I said those would be tough shoes to fill. Lloyd was one of the best all-time, her relentless, unending, never-wavering pursuit of excellence stands out and makes her one of the GOATs in the history of the sport. Lindsey Horan was thrust into that role, and I posted I had my doubts...but to be fair, how does anyone follow a GOAT? And to be doubly fair, kudos to Horan for stepping up and doing her best. She has been a tireless leader during a "bad" time in the history of the USWNT. Horan has impressed me with the way she has handled being captain, never complaining, never blaming anyone, never whining, just proudly wearing that USA uniform and being a warrior match after match. And, also a testament to her character, she didn't whine when Shaw started in the #10 role vs. Japan. Many athletes would have been insulted thinking they had been dissed. If Horan was harboring any such ill thoughts, maybe upset with Coach Kilgore, she certainly didn't show it. She accepted her starting slot on the left of the midfield and played just as hard, and as well, as she had before. Pure class.

Lindsey Horan can play on my team anytime. She has talent, she is a great player, and most importantly, she has that attribute I admire the most, a pure team player, unselfish.

As for Jaedyn Shaw, wow! if she is this good at 19, and she gets the kind of coaching/development I think Emma Hayes will bring, then there is no limit just how great Shaw can be. Along with a whole stable of youngsters: Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman, Sam Coffey, Emma Fox, Naomi Girma, who has already cemented herself as the heir to "The Rock of the Defense" Becky Sauerbrunn, etc...the future is bright for the USWNT.

I think there are several young ladies that are ready to breakout, and if Hayes can develop them like I think she can we will be right back at the top for a long time. Now, saying that, I don't think we will dominate like we have in the past because I think the game is so much better (and that's a good thing). As long as you are a top 4 team you have a good chance to win every tournament you are in.

A replay of the Gold Cup semifinal. Naeher comes up big with another 3 saves in the PK shootout and scored one herself. Bogus penalty called against us, again, late, when the other side needed a tying goal. That said, Dunn should know better to even get that close while in the box.

Saw flashes of brilliance, especially our second goal...good stuff. But the same ole, same ole as we simply don't know how to finish in the attacking 1/3. I think we are too unselfish. Looking for that next pass instead of just pounding a shot when there is an opportunity...take the frickin' shot! And we got burned on defense, carbon copy of the early Jap goal allowed, with this one tossing in some WTF for Naeher. It's okay to push outside backers up the line on offense, but then someone has to rotate back! That is Soccer Defense 101.

Kilgore completed her tenure as acting-head coach and did a nice job. Now, it's on to the next era and whoa! we have some work to do.

The first half goal was just a bad tactical decision, you are right a WTF play. The first half we didn't control the midfield.. Horan was drifting to far to the right or left, and everyone was trying to float and let others have space to create, but it was too much. Shaw played the traditional 10 spot in the second half and that should have been a 2-1, 3-1 win. I agree that was a bad call on the penalty as well. I do think last nights line up was a little green and thats saying something for this group since they are all so young, but I am fine with it The Olympics only allow 18 players on the roster so they needs some game time action to make sure they have evaluated every one they are even thinking about taking.

They will have to figure out how to have Rose Lavelle and Shaw on the field at the same time, since the 10 seems to be boths best spot. I know they want to get Morgan back to being the central target up front, but she an Smith also need to be up top at the same time. We have plenty of talent, Now its Hayes job to develop their tactical skills more and find a formation to make the most of the talent.

I like the "double 6" alignment, and with a little coaching, I think Horan and probably Coffey (that's who I would start there) could do a great job, especially against the world's elite. Which reminds me I neglected to mention some huge shoes to fill...Julie Ertz. The very reason Kilgore has used that "double 6" alignment is trying to replace Ertz as the 6. Like Carli Lloyd, Ertz is a GOAT in her position and really tough to replace.

As for other retired, or retiring, GOATS there is Becky Sauerbrunn. I am liking what I am seeing from Naomi Girma...and thankfully her injury sustained in the Japan game appears to be minor. But, Girma has not really been tested yet. Yeah, she played in the World Cup, and that's as big a test there is, and she performed well. But then expectations were not particularly high, so she was given leeway to garner experience and her numerous "oops" at the World Cup have been dismissed as a learning experience. And, I agree with that assessment. But now heading into the Olympics, the center of our defense is hers, and there can be no more "learning on the job," she has to really step and anchor the defense. You want to know what a world class center defender looks like? Go back and watch the replays of Sauerbrunn in the 2015 World Cup finals. Seven matches of perfection.

You will note I have mentioned Lloyd (a 10), Ertz (a 6) and Sauerbrunn, center defender...strength right up the middle of the alignment.

Christine Press, 35, attempting a comeback. She might make it back to her club team, but her USWNT career is over. She was among the best in her prime, with a strong shot from distance. Torn ACL and then a long recovery after complications ended her international career. Hope she's able to play again, for her club.

If we control the middle of the pitch then it will give us a big boast. We have so many players right now that are better off the ball than on. Although some of these young players, may be better with the ball, just haven't had a chance to see it out of many of them yet. It would allow all of our talented tweener players to be able to interchange around the pitch, drift out wide etc.

Read an article that calls into question Emma Hayes' ability to mold the USWNT into a champion, again. Wow! she can't even get on the job and pundits are attacking her. They cite the disappointment of Chelsea's season and the way they finished. One writer also questions Hayes' philosophy and proposed style of play saying it won't fit the US's style and what our players will want and what they are geared toward. Yeah, I know, sports' writers have to have something to write about, but damn, give her a chance. I am not one to allow a coach to wallow if they are not successful. So, if it becomes clear Hayes is a bad fit for the USWNT, fire her then.

Yes, there are plenty of hopeful and positive articles about Hayes-USWNT too. One writer calls her the "savior" of the USWNT who will restore the program to its rightful place, #1 in the world.

We have the talent, need to get back to basics and rekindle what made the USWNT #1 in the world in the first place.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GONQqVob...jpg&name=large

There is a lot of soccer this summer. Throw the Olympics in there in July. Plus the Euros, while we aren't in it, its still one of my favorite tournaments.

Twenty-Five Players Called to U.S. Men’s Olympic Soccer Team for Final Pre-Olympic Training Camp and Match against Japan in Kansas City | U.S. Soccer Official Website (ussoccer.com)

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Originally Posted by sportdawg

Twenty-Five Players Called to U.S. Men’s Olympic Soccer Team for Final Pre-Olympic Training Camp and Match against Japan in Kansas City | U.S. Soccer Official Website (ussoccer.com)

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Have to admit, I am unfamiliar with most of these guys.

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Originally Posted by dawg80

Have to admit, I am unfamiliar with most of these guys.

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I like that Zimmerman got called upon as an overage. According to the article, 19 of the players have been capped by the USMNT.

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Originally Posted by sportdawg

I like that Zimmerman got called upon as an overage. According to the article, 19 of the players have been capped by the USMNT.

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Zimmerman is one of our best defenders. He will anchor this defensive back line. Been dealing with some nagging injuries, but apparently in good health now.

USWNT 4 South Korea 0

Emma Hayes' first match as head coach, but really anyone can coach this team to wins in these friendlies. South Korea is ranked 20th in the world and are a decent side, but when the US is cooking, we toast decent sides. Glad...no THRILLED!...to see Rose Lavelle back and healthy, she can dominate the midfield and is HUGE in our counterattacks as she showed today in 30 minutes of action. Good to see Swanson back, scored twice today, one on an assist from Lavelle. That speed, that pure speed, and the way we attack shreds defenses.

But, Hayes is on the biggest stage now, and she'll be ultimately judged on how the US does on the world stage, namely the Olympics and especially the World Cup. The USWNT will win most of its matches just by the bus bringing them to the stadium. The USWNT will win CONCACAF and the Gold Cup and everything else. But the rubber meets the road in the two big tournaments, and that means lifting the World Cup.

A healthy US side will win 95% of their games, it's just when do the loses come. You can have a hiccup in the she believes etc. but a slip up at the wrong time in the WC is the issue.

Our 2015 WC title was a blowout! I don't just mean the 5-2 smashing of Japan in the final, but the whole tournament. Reasons for that: a great goalkeeper, check!, an awesome backline anchored by Becky Sauerbrunn, who some pundits say "played perfect" for all 7 matches, check!, and a dominating midfield of Rapinoe, Heath, Holiday, and of course Carli Lloyd, a HUGE check!

In 2019 it was a much closer thing. We got out-played by both Spain and England but managed to escape with a pair of 2-1 wins. That's what champions do; they find a way to win. The 2023 WC team was a mess, yet! still should have advanced to the Elite Eight as we outplayed Sweden and just flopped in the PKs, with TWO chances to win that shootout.

So, how do you avoid that "slip up" in the WC? You do so by having a dominating side like we did in 2015.

USWNT 3 South Korea 0

A star is born! The 16-yr-old phenom more than lived up to the hype, scored a goal, and demonstrated she is ready for the big stage. Lilly Yohannes earned her first cap and in about 25 minutes on the field showed she belongs on the national team roster going forward. Will be very interesting if Hayes has the guts to give Yohannes one of the 18 spots on the Olympic roster, but more likely will earn one of the four alternates spots.

Crystal Dunn scored a goal as a starting forward, but it is very clear her best role for the national squad is left back. She has the ball skills, the experience, the smarts, and the savvy to play forward, but she lacks one key ingredient: raw speed. We have a stable full of talented strikers and attacking midfielders, we don't need Dunn up top. Our back line is going through a transition, with youngsters galore, we need Dunn's experience and steadfastness on defense.

Based on what we have developing in the near term, we should play a basic 4-4-2 with Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson as strikers, and Rose Lavelle the base of the triangle as attacking midfielder. Lindsey Horan is the perfect holding midfielder. The wing midfielders can be where we rotate match to match in a tournament to keep fresh legs out there. As for Lilly Yohannes will have to see how "tough" she proves to be. She is nothing but a "girl" right now, and we'll have to see how she holds up in those sure-to-be physical international matches. I fear the injury bug will plague her international career. Hopefully not, but we have seen how players get knocked down, stomped on, and kicked, not to mention the grind and the wear and tear on players' knees.

Overall, the future is very bright for the USWNT. The Olympics this summer will be an early test and measuring stick to see where we stand on the world stage.

Fire Berhalter...yesterday!

Yep. I didn't want him rehired after the cup regardless of the controversy etc. I wanted him gone on his management. That being said after the interim coach took the same team and played an attacking style of football and beat teams like Canada and Mexico rather easily that we struggled too with Berhalter in charge it just reinforced my desire to have someone else lead us into 26, we are going to fail on our own turf with him in charge come 26.

Much better tonight, but it's hard to imagine it being worse than the other night. Great match by Turner and Ream, but really, Brazil just toyed with us. They don't take friendlies very seriously. They use their skills and finesse in matches like this. But...that TOP(time of possession)...whoa! All our guys did was chase the ball all over the place. No inkling of just winning the ball and taking it to the other side. Typical US performance against a superior side. And, Brazil is not really a possession team, not like the better European sides, especially Spain. But Brazil has world class players, skilled, and they understand how to play the game. The US backed into a bunker defense in the 2nd half, but did have some dangerous counter attacks. Two great saves by the Brazilian keeper kept the score equal.

Joe Scally has no business on the pitch against teams like Brazil. He hustled, played hard, but he was bailed out repeatedly by other guys. Our midfield was dropping back and helping on defense, which they are supposed to do, but then we couldn't possess the ball and Brazil was right back at us.

First draw with Brazil in history, which is better than another loss. One thing is certain, we won't see a 1-1 final vs. Brazil in a match that matters.

USWNT ranked 5th in the FIFA rankings. This is an all-time low in history. This is probably good. Takes some of the pressure off of 'em, and should put a chip on their shoulder. Of course, none of that matters. Still have to win the biggies: the Olympics and the World Cup. Only getting the gold medal and lifting the cup matters, not subjective rankings.

Yep. When you look at teams in the top 10 on either side men's or women's (women's game less so in the past but the world has improved vastly), it all comes down to the horses they have during that current cycle. Look at all the "golden" generations that have come and gone for countries and not won a major trophy etc. The hardware is all that counts.

Interesting discussions about including Alex Morgan on the 18-player Olympic roster. As much as I like her, my take is a "no." Yes, winning the gold medal (any medal, really) at the Olympics is important, but it's not nearly as important as winning the World Cup. Alex Morgan is now part of the past and the program needs to look to the future. Morgan does not need to take a roster spot away from a young player who will benefit from the experience of this international tournament. In the women's game the Olympics are still very important and brings out the best the world has to offer. On the 4-player alternate roster, yeah, but not on the critical 18-player roster. Sorry Alex.

BTW, I am not expecting much from the USWNT in the Olympics. We don't know (yet) if Emma Hayes is truly the answer. Maybe she will be and that'll be great. But there is a hill to climb to bring this talented, skilled, athletic bunch to the peak of that hill. Our youngsters still have no clue what international soccer entails. Hopefully this summer in Paris it'll be an eye-opener and they will learn and respond, building towards the World Cup.

Reminds me of one of my coaches I had who had a sign on his wall: Sometimes you win...and sometimes you learn.

I agree and felt the same way about a couple of the older players taking spots at the last Cup. That being said this is a cycle problem that our men face all the time that our women haven't had too. This cycle leading to the next Cup is all about finding our best young players and getting the experienced needed at this level of competition.

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Originally Posted by DallasDog

I agree and felt the same way about a couple of the older players taking spots at the last Cup. That being said this is a cycle problem that our men face all the time that our women haven't had too. This cycle leading to the next Cup is all about finding our best young players and getting the experienced needed at this level of competition.

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Alex Morgan is off the Olympics roster, not even one of the 4 alternates. In her typical classy way, she expressed disappointment but understands and will be cheering on the team.

USMNT try to move to 2-0 vs. Panama today in the Copa America tournament. They should, but did lose to Panama last time they played.