US Men's National Team Discussion

WI_Red

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I haven't really followed US Soccer for a decade now, so I'm suprised to see you guys are gonna line up with Ream and Zimmerman, didn't really invision that a few years ago.
You and me both my friend, you and me both.
 

bosskeano

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Gregg is an absolute clown. The US Soccer federation is a joke!

I don't have an issue with Haji over Pefok....i have an issue with Pepi not making the group ahead of guys like Morris or Sargent

What a clown show. Ream gets a call up after not being called into a camp for over a year? Woof, we done been fecked by injuries to the CB pool.
i think honestly it's because he's left footed and he's playing day in and day out against English competition...
 

WI_Red

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I don't have an issue with Haji over Pefok....i have an issue with Pepi not making the group ahead of guys like Morris or Sargent



i think honestly it's because he's left footed and he's playing day in and day out against English competition...
In a vacuum I have no issues, regarding Ream being selected, but GB made no attempt to bring him into camps, let alone on the roster, the last year to integrate with the team. This is reeks of desperation and is another example of his inability to plan or think strategically.

I am also fine with Haji, but Pepi should be there over Morris. Sargent belongs as he has been great for Norwich and offers way more than Morris, even on the wing.
 

bosskeano

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In a vacuum I have no issues, regarding Ream being selected, but GB made no attempt to bring him into camps, let alone on the roster, the last year to integrate with the team. This is reeks of desperation and is another example of his inability to plan or think strategically.

I am also fine with Haji, but Pepi should be there over Morris. Sargent belongs as he has been great for Norwich and offers way more than Morris, even on the wing.
100% agree that Pepi should be there over Morris. Morris is a fuking donkey. I have no issues with Sargent being there either.

My club team had a chance to play his Scott Gallagher team when he was probably about 14 or 15....Kid was a standout player at that age and you could tell that he was going to end up in the Youth National System. He and shoulders was the best player on the field and it wasn't even close
 

Zaphod2319

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My problem is Pepi being excluded. These guys who have answered the call and helped us win in CONCACAF for the last one or two years have earned their spot on the team. I guess a head coach that didn’t earn being there, knows nothing about it.
 

WI_Red

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100% agree that Pepi should be there over Morris. Morris is a fuking donkey. I have no issues with Sargent being there either.

My club team had a chance to play his Scott Gallagher team when he was probably about 14 or 15....Kid was a standout player at that age and you could tell that he was going to end up in the Youth National System. He and shoulders was the best player on the field and it wasn't even close
I remember when he burst on my radar in the U-17 WCQ and then jumped a few days later to the U-20 WC and scored twice. He was so electric. Glad to see him figuring things out as he seems like a good kid and works his ass off. Actually, all of the young dudes on this roster seem like good dudes. Some have they're warts; CP's Trump love, Weston's (alleged) uhmmm....night before game activities..., but they all work hard.
 

WI_Red

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My problem is Pepi being excluded. These guys who have answered the call and helped us win in CONCACAF for the last one or two years have earned their spot on the team. I guess a head coach that didn’t earn being there, knows nothing about it.
Agreed, although I think Wright has earned his spot. Morris and Roldon belong nowhere near this squad on performances.
 

FootballHQ

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Ream's looked a joke previously at premier league level but in fairness this season in more stable Fulham team he's been pretty solid in most of the games. I understand it seems a bit odd with him not being included in the run up. Also got that club level understanding with Antonee Robinson.

US squad really lacks an experienced top level CB...did Brooks fall out with Berhalter or just retire as odd with all of his Bundesliga experience he wasn't considered.

By 2026 Trusty should be playing for someone in premier league so will have to be patient there.

Rest of squad is pretty decent I'd say and I expect you guys to get through the group, win and two draws feels right so same combination as 2010.
 

WI_Red

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Ream's looked a joke previously at premier league level but in fairness this season in more stable Fulham team he's been pretty solid in most of the games. I understand it seems a bit odd with him not being included in the run up.

US squad really lacks an experienced top level CB...did Brooks fall out with Berhalter or just retire as odd with all of his Bundesliga experience he wasn't considered.

By 2026 Trusty should be playing for someone in premier league so will have to be patient there.

Rest of squad is pretty decent I'd say and I expect you guys to get through the group, win and two draws feels right so same combination as 2010.
Our idiot head coach loves playing a high line and Ream (if he starts) will be partnering Walker Zimmerman who is equally slow so either we get beat by balls in behind or Berhalter changes his tactics ( :lol: ). This is why the injuries to Robinson and Richards is so unfortunate. Surprised that he did not call in Eric Palmer-Brown who is starting every week in Ligue 1 for Troyes and is decently fleet of foot and good on the ball. All the CB's are either slow as hell (Ream, Zimmerman, CCV) or lack defensive IQ (Long), but Berhalter gunna Berhalter.

The rest of the roster is has as much talent as we have ever had, especially the midfield. Mussah is my pick as the breakout player of the WC from the US. He is really good and is finally getting some time in the middle of the park for Valencia instead of being stuck out on the wing.
 

edcunited1878

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Our idiot head coach loves playing a high line and Ream (if he starts) will be partnering Walker Zimmerman who is equally slow so either we get beat by balls in behind or Berhalter changes his tactics ( :lol: ). This is why the injuries to Robinson and Richards is so unfortunate. Surprised that he did not call in Eric Palmer-Brown who is starting every week in Ligue 1 for Troyes and is decently fleet of foot and good on the ball. All the CB's are either slow as hell (Ream, Zimmerman, CCV) or lack defensive IQ (Long), but Berhalter gunna Berhalter.

The rest of the roster is has as much talent as we have ever had, especially the midfield. Mussah is my pick as the breakout player of the WC from the US. He is really good and is finally getting some time in the middle of the park for Valencia instead of being stuck out on the wing.
He doesn't know Palmer-Brown, so there's that...the WC Group Stage draw was done 7 months ago. GB didn't have the foresight in getting players together within the camps to understand how they can play together knowing their strengths and style in accordance to the group. Tyler Adams is gonna have to be on his top game covering those two of Ream and Zimmerman.
 

forevrared

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I don’t know how he watches Erik Palmer-Brown and doesn’t think he’s worth a call as a replacement for Robinson or Richards.

I saw him in Paris against PSG a few weeks ago and was so impressed by him at the center of a back 5 (as much as you can be when they ship 4 goals, anyway). His composure against one of the most stacked attacking lineups in history was more than impressive. He’s very quick and went on a ridiculous winding run into midfield, as well. Thought his distribution was well above average, as well. It was the first time I’d seen him since his brief appearances with the US and I left trying to figure out how he’s not had more of a chance.
 

WI_Red

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I don’t know how he watches Erik Palmer-Brown and doesn’t think he’s worth a call as a replacement for Robinson or Richards.

I saw him in Paris against PSG a few weeks ago and was so impressed by him at the center of a back 5 (as much as you can be when they ship 4 goals, anyway). His composure against one of the most stacked attacking lineups in history was more than impressive. He’s very quick and went on a ridiculous winding run into midfield, as well. Thought his distribution was well above average, as well. It was the first time I’d seen him since his brief appearances with the US and I left trying to figure out how he’s not had more of a chance.
Not even joking when I say he would have been called up if he played in MLS.
 

USREDEVIL

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If England had any balls under Gareth Moyesgate, they'd kill us 3-0 easy.

But i expect a boring, tepid 1-0 to England. disgusting. If you're gonna beat us at least have a proper go.
 

Zaphod2319

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So are we going to get out of the group?
Based on our games against Mexico -YES!!!

Based on our recent form - Hell No!!

It is a crap shot for me, no idea what this team will do with Gregg making the decisions.
 

Zlatattack

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Who was the golden generation? Clint Dempsey, Langdon Donavan and Tim Howard. They were decent players, but you can't call 3 Premier league quality players a golden generation.
 

sport2793

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Ugh I'm cringing at what will happen with this team. Could they lose all 3 matches? Who knows but with Gregg in charge it's possible. This team should be making it to R16 at minimum with the talent on the team in my opinion but they seem to underperform constantly.
 

edcunited1878

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So are we going to get out of the group?
If U.S. gets a result against Wales, then they have a chance, but it's not so clear because the team doesn't have a lot of experience in the dugout or on the pitch. And they have to score against Wales and Iran (at least 3 to 4 goals from those 2 matches) to develop a GD. Wales has the most experienced and best player between the two countries in Bale and he will be highly influential. Iran can be chaotic and just a pain to breakdown if U.S. aren't focused. I'd take a draw against England since April when the groups were announced.
 

edcunited1878

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Who was the golden generation? Clint Dempsey, Langdon Donavan and Tim Howard. They were decent players, but you can't call 3 Premier league quality players a golden generation.
There's been no golden generation. A few European calibre players don't make a golden generation. U.S. is still awaiting a group of players to be amongst good European competition clubs. This could be it with Adams, McKennie, Reyna, Musah, and maybe a forward other than Pulisic. But they are all young and not established as a core part of a team, not including Adams at Leeds. Need a better CB and CF within the next WC cycle (for 2026) to say yep, this is the golden generation.

Canada is in a better situation right now because they have better forwards and much better coaching.
 

bosskeano

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What a silly comment.
Come on now, a campaign to support equality and rights for all has no place in the WC where the message can be seen by billions.
that's not it.... Because the WC being in Qatar and a region of the world that have their laws/religion that doesn't agree with that lifestyle someone in US Soccer felt the need to make a political statement. Why not just leave politics out of the sporting event? do you see England alterting their kit/emblem colors? or Germany or France? No, b/c this is a sporting event and that political statement is an insult to those countries right or wrong so why do it?
 

WI_Red

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that's not it.... Because the WC being in Qatar and a region of the world that have their laws/religion that doesn't agree with that lifestyle someone in US Soccer felt the need to make a political statement. Why not just leave politics out of the sporting event? do you see England alterting their kit/emblem colors? or Germany or France? No, b/c this is a sporting event and that political statement is an insult to those countries right or wrong so why do it?
It. Is. Not. A. fecking. Lifestyle.
 

calodo2003

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What is this quota? Is it a hard & fast number or is it just inferred by GB’s typical selections to camp?
 

Zaphod2319

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that's not it.... Because the WC being in Qatar and a region of the world that have their laws/religion that doesn't agree with that lifestyle someone in US Soccer felt the need to make a political statement. Why not just leave politics out of the sporting event? do you see England alterting their kit/emblem colors? or Germany or France? No, b/c this is a sporting event and that political statement is an insult to those countries right or wrong so why do it?
Giving support to oppressed people that can be jailed or stoned to death just because they love another human is something I am proud they did. Human rights is not political, it is a natural right. Those that would oppress others should be called out at every corner of the world they exist. Sport is best when it can improve the conditions of people around the world.
 

bosskeano

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Giving support to oppressed people that can be jailed or stoned to death just because they love another human is something I am proud they did. Human rights is not political, it is a natural right. Those that would oppress others should be called out at every corner of the world they exist. Sport is best when it can improve the conditions of people around the world.
I agree 1000% with everything you said in bold....just thinks it's a slippery slope when you mix sports and politics
 

WI_Red

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I agree 1000% with everything you said in bold....just thinks it's a slippery slope when you mix sports and politics
I actually don't disagree with this in principle, but I disagree that basic, and fundamental, human rights are politics. Would the banning of apartheid South Africa from sports have been objectionable to you? The banning of the current Russian team from the UEFA WC play in games?

The mistake, and it is one our political media is supremely guilty of, is to frame basic rights as a two-sided issue. To say that the view that one's innate self is something that can be made illegal, even to the point of imprisonment or death.
 

edcunited1878

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What is this quota? Is it a hard & fast number or is it just inferred by GB’s typical selections to camp?
The quota is more of a deep-rooted narrative pushed by MLS and USSF (collectively) that attempts to link the "success" of the USMNT team w MLS.

Compare the multinational background (e.g. German born Americans) and heavy European club approach of Klinsmann versus Arena, Bradley, and again Berhalter. During qualifiers, yes, Concacaf is different and is a different attitude and shithousery that European players might not be accustomed to, so MLS players are to be used. But fact is, there has to be more technical players and players who play against the best...those are European based players for most of the US talent pool. No need for both Roldan and Morris.

Injuries allowed a few MLS players in the squad like Ream and Long, but point still stands...USSF has a deep-rooted narrative to show how MLS supports the national team. Who cares. The best young players should be identified early at MLS academies then transfered to Europe or wherever to play and train asap.
 

SmashedHombre

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I can't imagine seeing something so vehemently evil and adopting an attitude of 'yeah, thousands of people are being beaten, imprisoned, and denied basic human rights, but they really shouldn't talk about it at the sports game'. Good for the USMNT. This is how change happens.
 

bosskeano

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I actually don't disagree with this in principle, but I disagree that basic, and fundamental, human rights are politics. Would the banning of apartheid South Africa from sports have been objectionable to you? The banning of the current Russian team from the UEFA WC play in games?

The mistake, and it is one our political media is supremely guilty of, is to frame basic rights as a two-sided issue. To say that the view that one's innate self is something that can be made illegal, even to the point of imprisonment or death.
Would the banning of apartheid South Africa from sports have been objectionable to you? absolutely not, as it should be objectionable to everyone

The banning of the current Russian team from the UEFA WC play in games? Yes, i think that would 100% be wrong. Simply b/c the players have no control over what the russian president and military do so why should they suffer for actions that they had no control over. While i think the Russian invasion has been horrific, i don't think the players should be the ones forced to suffer the consequences.

I'm all for the players standing up and expressing their views towards what is wrong in this world b/c they have the biggest platform however when it comes to a TEAM event....make it about the team and keep your focus on why you are there and what you've been working towards for the last 4 years.
 

WI_Red

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I was reading Jesse March's essay on the Athletic (excellent by the way, give it a go if you have a subscription) which led me to the Athletic's Oral History of That Goal by Donovan which led me to this picture that I had never seen before. Apparently Bill Clinton showed up in the locker room with a case of Budweiser and they all pounded down beers together. :lol:

 

calodo2003

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I was reading Jesse March's essay on the Athletic (excellent by the way, give it a go if you have a subscription) which led me to the Athletic's Oral History of That Goal by Donovan which led me to this picture that I had never seen before. Apparently Bill Clinton showed up in the locker room with a case of Budweiser and they all pounded down beers together. :lol:

That was a good read.
 

WI_Red

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That was a good read.
Looking at that picture we could sure use Onyewu and Boca in this team for that backline. Gooch is one of my favorite USMNT players ever. Lot of familiar American football commentators in that pic (Gooch,Gomez, Holden, Edu, Howard) as well as coaches/execs (Dolo, Berhalter, McBride).
 

calodo2003

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Looking at that picture we could sure use Onyewu and Boca in this team for that backline. Gooch is one of my favorite USMNT players ever. Lot of familiar American football commentators in that pic (Gooch,Gomez, Holden, Edu, Howard) as well as coaches/execs (Dolo, Berhalter, McBride).
Yep, both would help.

Didn't Onyewu get into a sparring match with Zlatan once?
 

WI_Red

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Yep, both would help.

Didn't Onyewu get into a sparring match with Zlatan once?
Yep. He broke one of Zlatan's ribs in a fight. In Zlatan's own words:

‘Onyewu resembled a heavyweight boxer. He was nearly 6ft 5in and weighed over 15 stone, but he couldn’t handle me. He accused me of trash talking, but that wasn’t true. People trash talk me. I’ve heard so much s**t over the years: ‘F****** gypsy’, stuff about my mum — all that stuff. I retaliate with my body, not with words.”

“I told Onyewu I did not trash talk, but he just kept on. He shushed me with his finger. Then he did it again. I saw red. I didn’t say anything, not a word. That b****** was going to find out how I trash-talk! The next time he got the ball in training; I rushed towards him and jumped up with my feet and studs out in front — the worst type of tackle.”

“But he saw me and leapt out of the way. As we both crashed to the ground, my first thought was: ‘S**t! I’ve missed!’ As I got up and walked away I felt a blow to my shoulder. Not a good idea, Oguchi Onyewu.”

“I headbutted him, and we flew at each other. We wanted to tear each other limb from limb. It was brutal. We were rolling around, punching and kneeing each other. We were crazy and furious — it was like life and death.”

Dude took no shit. This is my favorite non-goal moment in USMNT history.