This is at least on paper (I never underestimate Berhalter screwing something up) a much stronger squad than the Gold Cup team. I think it's another 2-goal victory. Not necessarily a clean sheet though.
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This is at least on paper (I never underestimate Berhalter screwing something up) a much stronger squad than the Gold Cup team. I think it's another 2-goal victory. Not necessarily a clean sheet though.
Never underestimate a Berhalter team screwing up. Have to beat Uruguay to advance, I don’t see that happening.
I will say this, Weah made a dumb decision that significantly contributed to that loss and made a win against Uruguay even more difficult. Adding that extra fatigue to our starters when several should have been subbed off around the 60th minute, if we had put them away early like we should.
Yep, Looks like Canada will be the only Concacaf team to advance. Jesse Marsch has had the job officially for just over a month. Not saying he was/is an answer, but we could have hired him after he was let go by Leeds and the Berhalter situation happened.
If we flame out of the group stage tonight, and Berhalter remains in charge of this group for the '26 Cup, it will be rinse and repeat against any good teams from here on out, and we will be 3 and done in '26.
We'll probably make the knockout stage since 8 3rd place teams (out of 12) will be advancing.Quote:
Originally Posted by DallasDog
US is out, Panama joins Canada representing CONCACAF in the quarterfinals.
Berhalter has NEVER beaten an elite team in a tournament that matters. He is 7-1-6 in the 14 games since he returned. We host the 2026 World Cup and if Berhalter remains we will most likely not advance out of group play. USMNT is horrible, the worst group, worst team in US soccer history.
Berhalter may be the worst manager the USMNT has ever had.Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
Low expectations, low effort, low tactical ability. He's basically a rec coach.
Fairly extensive poll was conducted on a blog I follow, over 17,000 responses. Right at 80% say fire Berhalter now, today. Another 8% say give him more time, and 12% are not sure. Not sure about what???
Depending on the pool I would predict a max of 3 points and while that puts you in the running as a 3rd place team it then comes down to GD and cards. We aren't going to score a whole lot; we have had years to improve in that area with GB and it isn't going to happen all of a sudden. We also seem to have some maturing left to do so we aren't running around slapping folks at midfield. Hell, two losses and a draw are very possible the way he sets his team's up to play.Quote:
Originally Posted by sportdawg
A) Give him more time??? he has had the better part of 6 years. Also, arguably the most talent across the board we have ever assembled. B.) Not sure... like you said about what... I think they weren't sure what the poll was about... The pictures that Berhalter has on the USSF people must be absolutely criminal, because they are committing another crime by leaving him in charge.Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
The 13,600 that said fire need to stage an intervention for the rest.
To me it’s not just about the results. Most coaches get one cycle. We are 1.5 into berhalter. Will it make a difference if we bring in someone new. Do they have time to implement their system?
At this point any change will be an improvement.Quote:
Originally Posted by sportdawg
At this point it will be rinse and repeat with GB and I would rather attempt to improve instead of watch this over and over.
Callahan has had enough and is taking the Nashville job. They played so much better under him than GB, imagine what they could do, see what they have done with another coach, and then watch them under GB. JM has Canada in the Semi's after a month or so. I don't think anyone would say Canada has better talent than we do currently. We turned down the current Uruguay coach a few years ago.
Canada has scored two goals in four matches. Of course, if they beat Messi and Argentina, even if the game ends 0-0 and they win on PKs again, that will be a remarkable accomplishment. But Canada has the same issues as the USMNT does...clueless in the attacking 1/3 and can't possess the ball against elite competition.Quote:
Originally Posted by DallasDog
They also don't have half the attacking talent or midfield talent that we supposedly do. I expect them to struggle to score when their best player by a mile is Davies who is a defender, followed by Buchanan I guess. I also don't expect a country that has been average at best its entire existence in CONCACAF to magically compete with the elite countries toe to toe. JM has been an offensive minded coach, sometimes to the detriment of his club. In a month with less talent Canada is still better off in this tournament than we are with GB. JM has found a way and will continue to build until Canada hits the talent and tactics wall.
I am not saying I want JM to take over, but I am saying there are lots of guys that could accomplish what GB has had 6 years to do. It's time to see if someone else can do the same or better.
If last night is a representative example of Marsh's coaching, then no thanks. He's no better than Berhalter.
Tonight should be a good match, fun to watch. Columbia is playing the best soccer and my pick to win Copa America, but Uruguay is very tough and capable of beating them. And either will be a very worthy opponent for Argentina on Sunday. Saturday Canada gets the loser for 3rd place. If Marsh is worth his salt he'll have them ready to play, and Canada should win because neither Columbia or Uruguay will care about playing for 3rd and the edge will lie with Canada.
Canada's lack of depth is a serious issue, that can't be dealt with in a short time frame. They had 7 guys on their starting 11 play every minute. They are about 13 deep, with the bulk of that experience being gained in MLS. They were supposed to be crushed by Argentina. The Semifinals was the apex they could have hoped for before the tournament started and honestly advancing from the group was their top goal. Our talent pool while flawed in actually finding the best talent in America is 100X deeper than theirs. Except for the fact that when Berhalter has been in charge during the last cycle they bested us in Qualifying and at the Copa.
When did we handle them in the last cycle when BJ Callahan was interim. He used our talent in the way it should be used, an attacking, higher pressure style, 2-Nil following a 3-Nil victory over Mexico.
I think Columbia coming into the Copa should have been considered the favorite based on their recent run of play. Argentina got the nod as defending Copa and WC champs but not because they were playing the best soccer in South America right now. That being said when you have a player like Messi it only takes one moment of brilliance and the better team still loses.
From your posts it is clear you like Marsh as a coach. Well, I'll grant that Marsh > Berhalter but that is a very low bar to get over.
Early in the match Canada enjoyed some good possessions, all ending in naught. But, just as clear is the same issues afflicting the US side: there is no, zero, nada, zilch comprehensive, over-riding scheme for an offensive attack. Like the US, if individuals make a good play, or the other side makes a mistake, or Canada/US get a lucky bounce of the ball you MIGHT see a dangerous shot on goal...maybe. I'm not sure why players/coaches can't see what is so obvious to some of us observers. This is NOT about talent, experience, etc.. I am not addressing that. This is all about KNOWING how to move without the ball, anticipating where you should be and moving to that spot BEFORE your teammate with the ball makes his (her) next move. YES! this requires coaching and practice, practice, practice...and then more practice as a team. What you see with the US (and Canada too) are players reacting, rather than anticipating. Oh chit! I should have been right there, on that spot, 5 seconds ago...well, too late now! The door closed, the chance has passed.
And all of this is just addressing the short-comings of the strikers (and attacking midfielders). Don't get me started on midfield play...:icon_roll:
BERHALTER IS FIRED!!! Thank God.
But, if US Soccer hires another like him we'll be right back where we are. Any change is going to be an improvement...I hope.
I like that Mexican ref in last night's Columbia-Uruguay match. He did a good job of not allowing the players to "call the game." But even he allowed too much squabbling. Refs need to keep total control. I did when I reffed. Told the captains before each match, go tell your teammates and your coaches I have ZERO tolerance for dissension. My reputation proceeded me after a while, and I really never had any problems. Players grumbling under their breath, coaches throwing up their hands in utter disagreement never bothered me. None dared to get more expressive. Associations need to get involved and start suspending and fining players/coaches for open dissent.
Columbia is playing well, they are so explosive and dangerous on the attack. Prediction Columbia 2 Argentina 1 in what I hope is a clean, fast game. Very few stoppages, few fouls. That is when it is truly "the beautiful game."
I never side I didn't like JM. I also would love to have several people over him if they are available. I am just saying if we had hired him 2 years ago, we wouldn't be where we are today. I was listening to one of the shows the other day and they were talking about how certain players knew no matter what they did they would start etc. While that is true of some of the great players around the world, we don't have anybody that should command that type of respect on our squad. I want a coach that is going to come in and say if your head isn't on straight, you aren't fit, and you aren't working hard someone else will be in your spot. That definitely wasn't GB during this current cycle and maybe not in the previous cycle either. People want to give him credit for trying so many players out when he took over, but honestly, he had too.
To the Refs point I am in total agreement. I like the rule they have at the Euro's this year, that only the team captain can talk to the ref. They have stuck to it for the most part to. I get a team having a respectful voice on the field and one person is enough. All the circling the refs yelling, getting in their faces, should be a card.
I also though he did a good job. What I don't get is how Conmebol thinks having the players families section anywhere near the normal fans much less opposing fans is ever a smart thing to do.
USWNT 1 Mexico 0
Mexico is ranked 29th...and yet they battled us to the end. Not impressed with Emma Hayes, not so far. She should start running with the team too. Soccer coaches shouldn't be so large. Still lacking in the midfield. This team has one quality midfielder, Rose Lavelle. She has to stay healthy and play lots of minutes in France coming up. Horan is okay as a holding midfielder, but she has to remember even as a six she is still a midfielder and has to participate in the offensive attack too. She tends to be "defensive."
I think this side will get 4 points in group play in the Olympics, at best. Will that be enough to advance into the knockout round? We'll see.
Canada was the better side last night and should have won. They are not better than Uruguay overall but were last night. Marsh should have switched to a 5-4-1 after taking the lead, especially after going into the 5-min. extended time, just like Cobi Jones said.
Conmebol found a way to top the screw ups from the champions league et al. for the final. Plus changing the halftime length for a stupid show??? I am fine if they take their money and don't come back to the US for the tournament, the stories coming out now about the decisions they have been making before and during the whole tournament is just bad, and it caught up to them last night. Especially the reports of Conmebol not wanting to pay for proper security etc.
I see all these articles popping up in Europe and South America questioning can the US actually host the WC. Yes, we can because FIFA and Concacaf will be in charge and understand how our system work with our stadiums. One report has the Miami Dolphins security apparently pointing out almost all the flaws well before hand and was ignored.
It always amazes me how all these people (fans) from there poverty-stricken countries can spend weeks traveling between cities following their team. Columbia had 60,000 in New York, then a similar number in Charlotte and close to that many in Miami. Many of these foreign fans have come here as part of Biden's all-expense-paid "welcome to America" plan, complete with pre-paid debit cards, free phones, etc. Still, it costs a lot of money to travel and attend these games...even when some of the Columbians had no tickets in Miami.
As for the games...enjoyed them both. Spain is just simply great. Best program in the world. Argentina showed its class in the second half clamping down on Columbia's offense, especially the two center backs, world-class defenders. And in all cases these sides' ability to possess the ball, as needed.
Spain deserved to win the way they played that tournament They were the best team. England just kept hanging around, mainly because position by position they had the best individual talent in most spots, but just never really played like a team.
Argentina played like the team that has been there and done that, they knew what needed to be done. They also have guys that are ready to fill Di Maria and Messi shoes as best that can be done. Columbia is younger and learned a very hard lesson last night, but if they learn from it and continue to build, they will be very tough come '26. They have the skill and speed to move the ball like Spain, but also know how to win a knife fight that is most Conmebol games. They have lost 2 games since February of 22, both to Argentina 1-0. That was an impressive feat to build off of.
Will not be surprised if Columbia makes the final four in the 2026 World Cup. A lot can happen/change in two years, but as it stands now, they are primed to make a deep run in '26.
Yeah, CR played a bunker defense, trying for a 0-0 draw. Still, CR is ranked 44th for a reason. WTF! I know this, young versions of Morgan, Wambach, Lloyd, Rapinoe, Heath, Press would have hung 6 goals on CR even with them bunkering down. Not seeing it with these youngsters. Gets real now, a major international tournament looms.
More...US had 80% of the possession, 16 corners to zero, 26 shots to 2, none in the second half for CR. Yet, Hayes never came out of the dual sixes even when CR posed zero threat to score. Horan was playing the nine, attacking midfielder, a position that is not her best. Rose Lavelle is nursing a leg injury so she was sidelined last night. And so Hayes should have beefed up the offensive midfield. Not impressed with the chunky Emma Hayes, so far. Okay, she's only had four matches and a couple of weeks in camp with the team, and this is a young team. But Hayes' decisions have left a lot to be desired.
Also, these players are weak. Don't mean in their skills, talent, or athleticism, but in their mental toughness, and lack of physicality. Carli Lloyd was tough as nails, never shying away from mixing it up. Taking hit after hit and not losing her cool or backing off. Alex Morgan too, has always taken a beating, cheap shots, but just bounces up and keeps going. Last night Trinity Rodman got frustrated being fouled and wanted to retaliate. Julie Foudy immediately jumped on Rodman warning she had better get used to it. Soccer is a fluid, finesse game, but it's also a physical sport, especially at the international level. And, our strikers, Swanson, Smith, along with Rodman, Williams, and Shaw are all pansies. Afraid of mixing it up, backing away instead of battling to regain possession.
Not optimistic about this bunch getting a medal in France. Would be the second straight failure for USWNT in a major tournament. Also getting tired hearing "the world has caught up." Maybe, but USWNT has internal issues needing correcting, separately from what the rest of the world is doing.
USMNT 0 France 3 in opening match of olympics. Deserved a better fate, bogus offside call, and 2 shots off the woodwork.
USWNT open play tomorrow.
I thought something along the lines of 2-1 France, but I'm not surprised it snowballed a little on them in the second half. I agree about the offside and I don't think it was as bad of a result as the scoreline. One of those goes in it changes things so much. I will say that they need more of the possession though period.
USWNT = very average. Nothing under the hood. Will lose to Germany, hopefully no worse than 2-0, and have to beat or maybe draw Australia to advance. Even so no way they advance past the quarterfinals. Repeat of the World Cup.
USMNT 4 New Zealand 1
Much better result. I said they deserved a better fate vs. France, I could see how they are playing, and I like what I'm seeing from this squad. On the front foot, attack! attack! attack!
One caveat, our defense sags into the box and too often our midfielders aren't dropping back and covering the 18. France scored twice from the 18 and NZ scored from the same area today. It's a glaring weakness in our team defense and has to be addressed. But, overall, I like this squad and this coach. Now, just beat Guinea and move on to the quarterfinals.
USWNT vs. Germany
Need a result, a draw will do. Germany is tall and really good in the aerial game, set plays, scoring on headers. Defensing that is not a strong suit of this bunch. On paper it should end 2-0 in favor of Germany. Game is not played on paper. This version of the USWNT is weak physically, the Germans will muscle us and play a typical European-style match, possession, tough defense. Can we overcome all of that and get a result? How we play will tell us all we need to know about this group of players and Emma Hayes as coach.
Got a result! USWNT 4 Germany 1 Wow! Player of the match was Sophia Smith, not because of her 2 goals, but for her helping back on defense and her toughness on the ball. She was physically fighting the bigger Germans for possession and winning those hand-to-hand battles. She was huge today.
Horan had a lousy game, Lavelle was okay, but never a factor in the attacks, which makes this 4-1 win even more impressive. The youngsters stepped up.
USMNT 3 Guinea 0
On to the knockout round
Congrats to the US women’s rugby team on their bronze medal. Unbelievable finish…the stuff of legends.
Yep -Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
It was as crazy a finish as any sporting event ever
USWNT 2 Australia 1 Win group with perfect 3-0-0 record.
USMNT vs. Morocco
USWNT vs. Japan
Quarterfinals, the "Elite 8", and now no more draws, it's win and advance, lose and go home.
Did not agree with Hayes playing Rodman and Coffey yesterday, and it has cost us with the loss of Coffey for the Japan game. Davison is questionable with her leg injury, so our middle defense is greatly depleted. Sonnet will join Girma as center backs, and I would play Horan and Albert as dual sixes, and use counter-attack for offense. Lavelle as attacking midfielder with our dynamic trio of Smith, Swanson, and Rodman, should be enough offense, mixed in with runs from Fox and Dunn.
For the men, our three veterans, Zimmerman, Robinson and Mihailovic, have been huge! Really like the play of Yow and Paredes, both have bright futures for US soccer. Good coaching and an overall solid roster has USMNT on the verge of something really good. Morocco, however, will be a tough test.
I have been pleased with the Men's performance overall.
Nathan Hariel was man of the match for Morocco. Unfortunately, he plays for the US.
This ref sucked, big time. Morocco is the better side, and would have won anyway, but the ref wanted to make it about himself too.
USWNT 1 Japan 0
Japs stayed in a 5-4-1 bunker defense and made it nearly impossible to score, but Rodman scored in 105th min. in OT. Win and advance, win ugly, just win.
Surprised by how much grief our men's Olympic (U23) team, and especially the coach, is receiving. On a blog I follow fans are roasting everyone connected to USMNT. Yes, our effort vs. Morocco was lacking but 2 of their goals were iffy at best, and bogus in truth. Lousy ref and VAR craphead. Morocco is the better side and should medal, better than our fans are giving them credit for. Overall, despite this game, the team played well. And to bash the coach, wow!Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
Yeah, the hate I have seen to towards the coaching staff has been unreal and undeserved. Morocco is the better side, and the ref was horrible like you said, but out team had an overall good performance and some of those kids hopefully are going to continue to grow and become senior team contributors or stars down the road.Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
USWNT 1 Germany 0 Sophia Smith with an OT goal.
Play winner of Spain vs. Brazil for gold on Saturday.
Under Hayes now 9-0-0 with 7 clean sheets. Most importantly is the play of the "front three" Smith, Swanson, and Rodman (yes, Dennis Rodman's daughter), all are helping back on defense, at least in the midfield. Now...for a concern, still have not found a replacement for Carli Lloyd, as an attacking midfielder, and for Julie Ertz as a holding midfielder, but we have for Becky Sauerbrunn in Naomi Girma. Horan has been...want to say "horrible" but to be fair, I'll say "subpar" for her. Coffey is okay as strictly a defending midfielder but offers no help on offense, and that is what Julie Ertz could do that is missing now. And of course...how do you replace the GOAT in Carli Lloyd?
Defense has not been a problem, even during the down period of the 2023 World Cup. In four games surrendered exactly one goal in the run of play at the WC, and beat ourselves in the Round of 16. So, seven clean sheets under Hayes is the norm for USWNT. On offense, now that is what is getting better and is very promising. Missing ingredient to make USWNT "invincible" are replacements for Lloyd and Ertz.
Brazil 4 Spain 2 Crazy game, way too many errors for teams at this level. US won't be handing out gift goals.
US vs. Brazil for the gold medal.
Vicious! Some US soccer fans have turned on Alex Morgan, stupid comments on blogs saying the US would not be playing for gold if Morgan was starting, or even on the team some say. Wow! I agreed with (still do) Hayes' decision to leave Morgan off the 18-player Olympic roster as the youngsters needed the experience of a major international tournament. USWNT soccer is about winning the World Cup. The Olympics is the second-most important tournament, but we care about THE soccer tournament, the World Cup. But all this angst aimed at Alex Morgan is misplaced, unwarranted...actually, sucks! Morgan has been pure class, even in the wake of the huge personal disappointment being left off the Olympic roster, given her age, her last chance playing in the Olympics. She has been very vocal supporting the USWNT and the young players. Expressed disappointment, which is understandable, but Morgan immediately became the team's biggest fan, posting on social media nothing but praise, and like all fans, cheering them on to gold. Rise above it and stay above it, Alex.
It truly seems that while die hard soccer fans have wanted the sport to grow it has gotten to the point where the casual fans/newbies etc. whatever you want to call them are going absolutely bonkers. Their lack of understanding of the sport, federation, and individual teams shows. Now if you have a big enough roster Morgan would have been a killer super sub, but the Olympics shortens the rosters spots. I have always firmly believed Landon should have been on the 2014 WC roster as a super sub and I think we would have beat Belgium and made it past the round of 16.
I am glad that Hayes has the mindset that just because you are/were great you don't get the sentimental roster spots as a thank you (Rapinoe at the WC). When it is time, the younger players get the roster spot. That is why they have the retirement/charity games for the greats in Europe (or at least used to). Its your day have fun, play with friends and other legends, and raise some money for a good cause.
Now come WC time you put the best players on the roster regardless of father time. That was just one of the flaws with our last WC team.
Absolutely agree about LD being on the 2014 WC roster. The rub was he was not in playing shape...no, not for 90 mins. but being inserted in the final 25-30 mins, yes sir. We do beat Belgium for sure.
Tyler Adams says the USMNT needs a tough, no-nonsense, drill sergeant type coach. Whatever it takes. But, it is past time for US men's soccer to step up on the world stage.
One of my problems with Berhalter, and I had a few, especially after the rehiring, was he seemed to want to be their friend. I get building a team atmosphere, but it seemed more than that, he had favorites, he played them to our detriment sometimes. Like I said it was just something that's seemed in the air around his squad. He righted the ship and got us to the WC, but he should have been a one cycle coach.
Morocco crushed Egypt 6-0 for the bronze medal. Not surprised, Morocco is a very good side, much better than US soccer fans credit them. That on the men's side, for the women, Germany beat Spain for the bronze. No surprise there either.
So now, USWNT go for gold vs. Brazil. U-S-A!
US 1 Brazil 0
Got it done. Gold medal winners.
Defense wins championships, Naeher and Girma were huge.
Many people giving Emma Hayes credit for bringing US Soccer back on top. Okay, but Hayes said it herself, the pieces were already here, just had to get them working together.
I got credit for taking a Natchitoches Soccer League team to new heights, U14 Pelican Cup Championship game, state championship. But I knew what I had. Previous coach had built a skilled, well-coached squad, but he never emphasized "winning." Playing beautiful soccer, displaying skill and finesse, "two touch." I brought my two sons, and another player up from my U12 team, moved a few players around and told the team at our very first practice "you are too good not to be winning games." In two years, the NSL U14 side had a record of 3-3-34, yes 34 losses in 40 games. Many of those by one goal. I said BS to that. First year we went 21-2-1. Our lone loss was in the Pelican Cup final, 3-2 in extra time. Baton Rouge side beat us in a great match. Didn't like losing, was heart-wrenching. But the players, and their parents! thought I was Nick Saban or something. Truthfully, previous coach had done the hard work...he made those kids into good soccer players. I just changed the mindset. I hate losing...
All of that to acknowledge Emma Hayes has enough class to recognize what Coach Kilgore and previous US coaches had developed. Could have easily taken full credit for winning gold, but she hasn't. Pieces were in place, Hayes pushed the right buttons. Congrats to the USWNT.
She is doing what I hoped she would... change the mindset that had set in with some of the last bunch. Not bowing to the uncomfortableness between players with different social stances. She said I am going to play the best players, and they have to figure out how to be professional and play together to win for the program. She is smart enough to know she was taking over one of the best programs in the world and she acknowledges that while still telling them there is work to be done and they have to get better.
I don't think anyone in the USSF has told anyone on that team anything other than you are the best in a long time. Hayes comes in and says you are good, but you need to be better, you need to suffer, and get that hardened instinct again like the Carla Overbeck, Mia Hamm teams. They knew they were better than everyone, but they would shiv you on the playground for a goal.
Funny thing is now Emma Hayes has a huge burden to carry, she and USWNT have reached the top and have to stay there...or else. Now expected to win World Cup 2027 and win everything else along the way. Anything short of that will be unacceptable and calls for her head will be heard.
Need to groom a replacement for Naeher in goal, she is 36, doubt at 39 she'll still be playing at this level for WC 2027. Horan is not getting it done. I harbored doubts about her...knew she was trying to fill Carli Lloyd's shoes as captain and as attacking midfielder, and that is impossible. Lloyd is the GOAT. Horan needed to find her own game, but simply hasn't. Emma Hayes will be looking for someone else. Rose Lavelle is 29, 32 by WC 2027. If she can stay healthy, I see her remaining part of Hayes' program.
Anyway, good to see USWNT on top. As Mark Twain famously said: "reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated."
Even in the heyday they would still drop an Algrave cup etc.. every once and a while. I am fine with that especially if she is looking at players with an eye towards the future. All I care about on the women's side is World Cups and then to lesser degree Olympics. I think that by the next WC 90% of this old guard that was in the last cup will be done. We need to start identifying and playing the next group. The young ones currently on this team and the ones still to come, with the few holdover veterans shoring up the team.
Emma Hayes did an interview with Sky News (Australia) and gave credit to the previous coaches, the players themselves, and to the general "we win" tradition of USWNT soccer. I made a casual post on a blog citing Hayes' own words, and actually complementing her for it, and whoa! have I ever caught grief. Some fans think USWNT was non-existent or "dead in the water" two months ago, no players, no prior history of success, nothing! and along comes Hayes and invents US Women's Soccer from dirt.
I was intrigued by the press conference held by Emma Hayes and Lindsey Horan. Hayes gives Horan a ton of credit for being a true team captain, and "coach on the field" and even more importantly, off the field. Says Horan was like a big sister to the young players, monitoring their activity away from official team meetings/practices, making sure they didn't "stay out late on school nights." Well, great, if Horan provided that kind of leadership, because her play ON THE FIELD left a lot to be desired. I figure Hayes will replace Horan as team captain and more importantly, as that #10 position. As previously mentioned, Horan has the dubious task of trying to replace Carli LLoyd, the GOAT, as both team captain and #10. No, it's not fair to compare them, but that is the nature of sports. Besides, in order for the USWNT to truly return to the #1 ranking in the world, and stay there for a while, we need better replacements for Lloyd #10 and Julie Ertz in the #6 position. It's no real surprise that we're playing dual #6s as it takes two players to replace Ertz. I bet Hayes sees what I see.
I saw where she said she personally expects to win wherever she goes and that's why she wanted the US job, because it's an expectation we win. I think she understands this group better than most US soccer fans think she does, and I think she already has an idea of who she wants to see stay and who she wants to move on. She has her work cut out for her to find 1 for 1 replacements for Lloyd and Ertz, and I think she will fill those shoes by committee right now. It's not ideal, but their replacements aren't on this current roster. If they are they are one of the young ones that will have to grow into it over time. There are some great ladies out there that USWNT hasn't tapped on the shoulder yet, but I think Hayes now has a little time to do just that.
Berhalter did it when he came in in his first cycle and I was fine with it, it's part of the process. I do think she is going to improve the program in some areas.
"Poch" to be named as USMNT coach. At least, that's the rumor.
Yep, Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino ("Poch") has been named head coach of the USMNT. Okie doke. Maybe he'll bring some imagination and flair to our lackluster attack.Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
And the USWNT is back to #1 in FIFA rankings. Just a tad bit premature, as Spain and England are still lurking out there, but it's good to see the US back in its rightful place, after it is truly earned, that is.
Those close to USWNT are saying Alex Morgan is effectively done with the national team. Being reported Hayes does not have Morgan's name on the list for potential players for WC 2027. That is understandable because Morgan will have a birthday in the middle of WC '27 when she will turn 39. Also reported that Hayes left Morgan off the Olympic roster because Morgan is nursing a nasty ankle injury right now, has not scored a goal in the last 8 games of her club team, due largely because of the ankle issue. So, Morgan will get a spot on the 23-player USWNT roster for friendlies over the next couple of years and be allowed to retire gracefully, with some deserved fanfare. But, NO CHANCE of being on the 2027 WC roster according to sources.
At least with Poch everyone will have to prove themselves and word is he has already told the player pool if you aren't playing regularly for your club come January then you are going to have a hard time making any of his rosters. Also, some of the things former players are starting to say about how Berhalter ran the team now that there is someone named and they aren't as afraid to poison the well, makes me even happier he is gone.
I am ok with that. She wasn't fit, don't waste a roster spot. Especially with the shortened Olympic rosters. She has past her prime and we really need to let the next generation take steps to being the leaders going forward.
Alysa Naeher, usually very quiet, released a statement which I find interesting. Says when Hayes made the final decision to exclude Alex Morgan from the Olympic roster, the team said among themselves, oh, oh, now we have only each other to depend on, and at that moment the team grew together. Naeher, also a veteran herself, as is Dunn, Sonnett, Horan, and Lavelle had never won an Olympic gold medal. Naeher went on to say that Morgan, whom she admires and thinks the world of, is one of those "players from the past" like Carli Lloyd, Megan Rapinoe who, in the past, would always step up and deliver that crucial goal, that game-winning play and on whom the whole team would depend on. Well, when Morgan (due to her nagging ankle injury) was left off the roster, the team knew someone else, one of them, would have to step up now.
As I posted, there are plans for Morgan to play again for the USWNT in upcoming friendlies and then be allowed to retire gracefully from the US national team. This is appropriate, Morgan has earned the right to depart in style and really in a time of her choosing (as long as it is before the final push for World Cup 2027).
Which brings me to this, Becky Sauerbrunn has not had an official send-off, retirement match to honor her days as "the rock on defense." Yes, Naomi Girma has filled those shoes very well. But, Sauerbrunn was a crucial part of two World Cup titles and her seven matches in 2015, where she played all 90 minutes in all of them, are said to have been "perfection." Only, it wasn't. I rewatched every one of those matches, WC 2015, and in one of them Sauerbrunn was trying to hit Tobin Heath up the line with a 45-yard outlet pass and it sailed over Heath's head. That was the only "oops" I could find in her 630 minutes, but hey, she missed Heath, so no "perfection." :icon_roll: Sauerbrunn deserves a proper send off too.
Mexico to face Valencia? USA needs to copy Mexico's playbook (msn.com)
. This might be a good option for the US next September/October, however Asian teams will be available in September & Conmebol in October.
In September, we could play Japan in Europe and then play a top club team. In October, I'd like us to play a couple IN South America. In March of 2026, I'd like us to go to Europe an play some top quality UEFA opponents.
I know we won't do this because we want home games, but we need to play good opponents.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GVXrZL5X...g&name=900x900
If it is good for the program, don't expect USSF to do it, without being publicly embarrassed into it. The one thing about Pochettino is that he is only here to coach us through the WC, and I don't think he will have a problem speaking publicly about any issues he sees in support, competition, etc.
Alex Morgan announces retirement from soccer. She will play her final game this weekend for her club, San Diego Wave, and that'll be it. No formal farewell game from the USWNT. She is pregnant with her second child, she is 35, and says she needs to focus on her pregnancy. She leaves the game as the third highest goal-scorer, with 123 goals, in USWNT history, behind Mia Hamm and Abby Wambach.
I think she is making the right call and stopping at the right point in her career. I hope they do something for her on the other side of the pregnancy, but before they induct her into the hall of fame in Frisco.
USMNT 1 Canada 2 same ole same ole, and Jeff Marsh loving it.
Yep.
USMNT 1 New Zealand 1
The new coach can't get here soon enough.
USWNT U20 team pulled out an incredible comeback in the U20 World Cup to advance to the semifinals. The US trailed Germany 2-0 entering added time (7 minutes) and scored twice equalizing, and then won the PK shootout to advance. Good stuff.
There is talent in the youth ranks and has been for a while, but we have seemed to let a lot of it die on vine over the years.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
The only thing I find curious is the U20 team captain crediting Emma Hayes with their success. She said Hayes has served as an inspiration and a confidence-builder for them, making them realize they can accomplish anything...like a late comeback win. Well...if Hayes is so awesome, why did our U20 team fall behind 2-0 in the first place?Quote:
Originally Posted by DallasDog
I'm not knocking Hayes, I think she's a good coach, and obviously is the "shot in the arm" the whole USWNT program needed. But, she is being cast as some supernatural savior or something. Which, really, is not fair to Hayes. This is leading to unrealistic expectations like the USWNT will never lose a tournament ever again. Hayes herself, in a long interview with an Australian network, said that the success in France, the gold medal, is due because of what was already in place, the previous coaches, the US Soccer Federation, and of course those players themselves who were already good enough to win gold in the Olympics. I agree. In truth, Hayes has done NOTHING (thus far) that any good coach couldn't have done. Her true value will be tested going forward. It's not like the USWNT was an awful program, a history of losing and Bam! Hayes comes in and they win gold.
I suppose now if the U20 team fails to win the World Cup we can blame Hayes for the failure...really? :rolleyes:
I think the younger girls see her as an inspiration on a global coaching level, with women's leagues being less frequent and usually coached by men until very recently. They see her as a successful professional coach (especially her time at Chelsea). I think it does put unfair pressure on her right now, but them the breaks if you want the money.
The thing is she has pushed the right buttons so far, and I have found there are fewer and fewer good coaches that are out there. The pros love to recycle coaches instead of promote up. Now that could all go into reverse by the next tournament of course.. just not enough sample size at the national level yet.
USWNT U20 lost its semifinal match to Korea, 1-0. Guess Hayes is not so inspiring after all... (of course I'm being facetious)
No, she was just more inspiring to the Korean team than our ladies. She transcends all.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
Saw the highlights (or the lowlights, I suppose). Two great saves by the Korean keeper and twice we smashed one off the woodwork. Usually the case in a 1-0 match, there's always those "almosts."Quote:
Originally Posted by DallasDog
Sophia Smith says her body still hurts from the "grueling" rigors of the Olympics. Really? How soft has the USWNT gotten? Take a look at video of Alex Morgan playing for the USWNT and the literally HUNDREDS of cheap shots she took. When watching those matches often you would see Morgan picking herself up off the pitch as she was just knocked down, away from the ball, by another cheap shot. Never complained, just kept going. And, don't get me started on the toughness of Carli Lloyd!
Sophia Smith is another victim of the ultimately pampered generations of "participation trophies" etc. Smith and any others "still hurting" would not have lasted 5 minutes "back in the day." Hell, I played for Tech's Men's Soccer Club and played all 90 minutes of 5 matches in less than 48 hours, at a Florida tournament, in late May, 95F heat every match. I wasn't the only one. Last match ended after 5PM on Sunday, and I was in my 8:00 class Monday morning. We were a different breed.
People unfamiliar with the sport of soccer have no clue how grueling it can be. Some of the beat athletes in the world, play soccer.
Toughen up Sophia...
I think toughening will come under Hayes one way or the other.
USMNT vs. Pamana tomorrow night, Poch's debut as coach.
US 2 Panama 0Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
Poch is the 8th straight USMNT coach to get a result in his debut game. Next up, at Mexico on Tuesday. Much tougher test. Poch has had only 4 days of practice and one match with the team so, of course, there has been no time for any changes/development. Both goals last night were good goals, sharp passing and finishing in traffic.
Pulisic, McKennie, and Pepi amongst 5 players who won't be on the roster for Mexico game. Citing "load management" and minor injuries Coach Poch made the announcement ahead of the friendly (which are never truly "friendly") Tuesday. Geo Reyna is out for the same reasons. Poch plans to throw some youngsters into the fire.
Ugh! 0-2 loss to Mexico. Had nothing under the hood.
Reyna is never going to be healthy long enough to make a huge impact I'm afraid. He is always either straight up injured or nursing some nick from match.
I thought we were on the front foot against Panama more than we have been at almost any time under Berhalter. We scored goals under B. but a lot of the time they were against the run of play if it was a good team, or a great individual effort. While those are needed sometimes, I rarely felt like we had an organized attack. We were looking to get forward as a squad most of the night, and the pace was brisk and the passes on target for the most part.
I didn't expect a win last night, I would have been thrilled with a draw. I am fine introducing some young ones to the national team. In an ideal world we would have been doing that in the early part of this cycle, but we wasted it on Berhalter. So, this was probably one of the toughest tests to see new blood in going forward, so it's fine as long as he learned something useful about his squad depth etc.
Hayes has her crew back on the pitch tonite, friendly vs. Iceland.
US 3 Iceland 1Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
Iceland is a pretty good side, this was only their second loss in their last 23 matches. Big, physical team. Play them again Sunday.
US 3 Iceland 1 (again!) Trailed 1-0 in the 31st minute and did not equalize until the 72nd minute, then Bam! an explosion of goals.
One more friendly in this window, Wednesday vs. Argentina.
Now we again see the inspiration for the title of this thread. After yet another "Tech up!" last night, now we get to watch a real winner play.
US 3 Argentina 0
Naomi Girma scored twice, her first goal, and then another, ever in her professional career, club and country. Hayes started newbies, 3 players earned their first caps last night, bringing the number to 7 for the three-game window. And several got only their second cap last night.
Next up for the USWNT is a trip to Europe vs. England and The Netherlands, so a huge bump up in competition.
I think she is building some depth with the young ones, while also looking to potentially replace a few elders before the next cup if father time catches up to them like he does everyone at some point.
Hayes is building a program, designed to be successful across years and major tournaments.Quote:
Originally Posted by DallasDog
Crystal Dunn, Emily Sonnett, Rose Lavelle, Lindsey Horan, of course Alyssa Naeher, who is already 36, are all within one more WC cycle of being finished. And a few others too. Not to mention any player, especially older ones, are one twist of the knee away from a career-ending injury.
USWNT U17 beat England to take third place at the U17 World Cup this weekend. They had a strong showing, losing to North Korea in the semis. Bodes well for the future. More depth coming along.
US Men vs. Jamaica tonight.
US 1 Jamaica 0Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
Good road win, Kingston has always been a tough place to get a result. Matt Turner made a great save on a PK to preserve the win. This was Leg 1 of 2 in the series, quarterfinals of the tournament, The CONCACAF Nations League, play again Monday in St. Louis.
Otherwise, other than a couple of tactical changes, this team is not much different than when Berhalter was coaching. Long way to go to become significant in international soccer.
One thing is the hot hands will be called into camp going forward based off their club play, not because Berhalter likes them so I see the squad changing a bit over the next year. Without the normal games to prep for a world cup Ponch will have to go with who is playing well in the best leagues we have guys in. Berhalter played his guys no matter what.
Pulisic scores a goal and breaks out the Trump dance. You gotta love it!
It's catching on. Rumors are the NFL is thinking of banning it, since it might "trigger some of their fans." Stooooopid.Quote:
Originally Posted by techman05
US 4 Jamaica 2
Advance to the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Nations League, next window for those matches in March, 2025.
Game had the vibes of a friendly. Very little, practically no tight marking. Can't speak for why Jamaica played like that, and I don't care. But, I don't like the US playing like that. Won't get it done against elite competition in matches that matter, ya know, like in the World Cup. SIX frickin' goals in a match that is supposed to matter! R U kidding me!?
On the plus side, Pepi has cemented himself as the go-to #1 striker. He gets it.
I agree about Pepi, I would like to see him move up a notch or two in his level of club competition. Not knocking the Eredivisie, the Dutch play creative ball, but I would love to see him a regular starter in Germany or Italy. Honestly, all the Euro leagues have got to the point where 2-3 teams will rotate winning the title.
There are articles about Liverpool having an eye on him during the January transfer window. I don't think that's a good fit. I think he gets lost in the shuffle and less playing time there than even being the super-sub for PSV he currently is. If he moves it needs to be to a club that he is going to get PT leading into the 26 Cup.
Atletico Madrid, Ajax, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund. I think Ajax is a lateral move in the same league unless they plan to make him #1 up top. The other three aren't bad options at all, Bayern has Kane and a good stable of guys that all have 3 or more goals so far this season so PT might be less there. Dortmund are 7th in the table currently and could use his scoring. Athletico is towards the top of the table so that might be a great spot as well.
The Pulisic goal from Weston was a high-quality combo and finish. You won't have time to settle that ball against good teams and we have lacked that one touch finishing for a long time.
Alyssa Naeher announces retirement from international soccer. Knew this was coming soon. She says she wants to remove the cloud of doubt on whether she would retire allowing Hayes to move forward developing younger keepers. Naeher has been, IMO, the best US keeper of all time, surpassing Hope Solo for that distinction.
Naeher will travel with the team for their two-game road trip to England and The Netherlands, this will be her swan song, her farewell to the USWNT. Plans to play one more year with her club team.Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80