Oso planning to go pro
I'll stick with my opinion on Gold. He'll be in foul trouble within the first eight minutes.
Still a small sample size, but concerns about the no. 9 are dropping by the game.Didn't create a ton going forward which was somewhat to be expected considering the players missing.Adams needs to be named permanent captain, highest work rate on the team by far.Top of the table and still on pace for a 7 point window, keep the momentum.
Agree with this and thought it was interesting that Zimmerman got the band when Adams was subbed.Thought Musah was very good for his first time out there. Dest was active. Zimmerman and Robinson seemed a pretty decent pair even if Jamaica is weak up top.Aaronson is quickly moving into the Clint Dempsey "he just does $hit" position. That's always needed.
Looks like a big dropoff in talent after the top 12-15. Against Jamaica, 9 starters were legit first choice starters and Zimmermann could arguably be the 10th. Against Panama, only 2-3 starters could be considered top 12-15 players. And the results showed that difference. I really wish Berhalter would have tried players like LDLT, Busio, and Hoppe last night. The tendency to stick with low upside veterans is super frustrating. At some point, you have to see what the young players can do in WCQ. The USMNT second team is a bit of a mystery at this point. There's no clear cut second choice at striker, and the second midfield is completely unsettled. Figuring out these players could make the difference between qualifying and not qualifying.
He admitted in postgame all his starters/sub decisions were based on a win vs Costa Rica.If it works out, it's fine. But frustrating.I guess I understand starting less talented veterans on the road. But if you're resigned to a draw (at best) or a loss, why not start the potentially more talented/less experienced guys?
To me, that is balls crazy even if it ends up positive.Berhalter manages a Federation that failed to qualify the last time around and is treading a similar path yet he's tossing games away in preparation for games that haven't happened as if that's a legitimate way to manage.
Exactly. Why paint yourself into a corner needing a win vs Costa Rica? Start your best against Panama. If you get 3 there, whatever you can get (at home) against CR is icing.Now, however, there's tons of pressure
With McKennie injured, A. Robinson unable to travel, and the three games in 7 days, I understand focusing on the Costa Rica game.But then use the Panama game to get a look at Hoppe, Busio, and LDLT. The depth chart in midfield and striker is unsettled after the first choice. We're nearly through two qualifying windows and we have no idea who subs in for injuries or suspensions. Acosta, Lletget, and Zardes can play limited roles but they don't have the ability to carry a second team. We need to find players that can.
Exhibit A of why you try to win every game
I stand by this
6 point window, should have been a 7 point window, I guess I'll take it. Knowing we still have Mexico twice is worrisome, but with the next window only being 2 games and one of them being Mexico at home, a 6 point window in Nov would surely see us through. Probably too much to ask though.Edit: Also, Navas would have saved that second goal, no doubt my mind. Take the points and run though.
https://twitter.com/DeadlineDayLive/status/1450518758435528709?t=IWWDmY7wSO3IqCqgXi-L0A&s=19
So do the Euros and Copa America just go to the odd years? If so, how do they have time to qualify?