Wow, USMNT is already back. This cycle's schedule is crazy and I imagine the players are already pretty sick of all the trans-Atlantic travel. Luckily, we're down to two matches in this window and won't have another three-match window until the final one in March. Here's the schedule for the November window:
Schedule
Friday, 11/12 - v. Mexico, 9:10 PM - TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, OH (ESPN2)
Tuesday, 11/16 - @ Jamaica, 5:00 PM - Independence Park, Kingston, Jamaica (unknown channel, probably Paramount+)
Reminder that Jamaica controls the kickoff time and it is subject to change. US Soccer will probably not change Mexico kick time this close to the match
Opponents
Obviously, Mexico is Mexico. Despite our results this summer, I think they are still the better team at this point. We got results based on trying hard and winning set pieces, which isn't necessarily sustainable. We certainly have the talent to hang with them, but they tend to look more cohesive. We generally get up for matches with Mexico and are at home, so I think we should feel good about a draw. A loss is not unlikely and I don't think it would be the end of the world in terms of qualifying.
We are finally going to get to see Jamaica with Michail Antonio and Leon Bailey. They are a pretty long shot to qualify at this point, but this match worries me. Antonio is currently rag-dolling Premier League centerbacks for fun every weekend and the pitches in Jamaica are generally...not ideal. I'm worried we'll be hungover from Mexico, whatever the result, and not be ready for Antonio's physicality. Jamaica had a couple chances last time and Antonio is not going to miss those. 3 points would be ideal here to make up for lost points in Panama. 1 is okay, but if that's coupled with dropping points against Mexico, it's not going to look great going into a 2+ month layoff.
Table
- USA - 14
- Mexico - 14
- Canada - 13
- Panama - 11
- Costa Rica - 6
- Jamaica - 6
- El Salvador - 6
- Honduras - 3
Mind the gap!
Injuries
- Gio Reyna - Injury sustained on USMNT duty in the September window. Original estimate was that he would be close to fit for the October window but he's apparently had a setback. At this point, just hope there aren't any more setbacks and he can get some minutes in for Dortmund before the late January window.
- Sergino Dest - Last minute injury picked up before Barcelona's Champions League match on Tuesday. I can't find any details on the actual injury or a timeline. He could be fine, but there's a possibility he won't even be on the roster. Edit - Dest will not play this weekend and will miss both upcoming USMNT matches
- Christian Pulisic - Came on as a sub for Chelsea's Champions League match on Tuesday after being sidelined since the Honduras match in September. Hopefully, he gets more minutes this weekend to get him back into form as much as possible before Mexico, but it's great news that he should be available for the USMNT roster.
That's all I can find for now. Possibility that there will be others with some midweek games still happening before the roster is announced, and there's always the possibility of changes after the fact.
Roster
Edit: Official squad
🚨 YOUR @USMNT 25-MAN ROSTER FOR MEXICO AND JAMAICA 🚨 pic.twitter.com/1xLDwg2xdU— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) November 4, 2021
Roster scheduled to be released Thursday, 11/4 at 11:30 AM. Will be posted here when official. Only "leak" I have found so far is that Kicker (a pretty reputable German source) is reporting that Joe Scally of Borussia Monchengladbach has been called up to the USMNT squad for this window. Since there are only two matches this time, I wouldn't be surprised if the squad is smaller than the last two. You just don't need 28 players for two matches. With that in mind, below is my best guess for the squad.
Roster Leaks - Per Roger Gonzalez of CBS, Joe Scally is getting his first call-up. Jesus Ferreira of FC Dallas is also on the roster (this is a good call - I forgot about him, but he's in very good form). He confirms Pulisic is back as well.
GKs: Turner, Steffen, Johnson
FBs: Yedlin, Scally, A. Robinson, Bello
CBs: M. Robinson, Brooks, Richards, Zimmerman, McKenzie
MFs: Adams, McKennie, Musah, Lletget, Acosta, Busio
Wings: Pulisic, Aaronson, Weah, Arriola
STs: Pepi, Zardes
That's 24. Could probably drop McKenzie or Zimmerman if they just want a 23. Maybe drop Busio and add Roldan since he can play on the wing. Keep in mind this is what I think Berhalter will do and not necessarily what I would recommend (cough...Arriola/Lletget).
Personally, I love watching USA-Mexico and that makes me very excited for this window. Regardless of the result, it's really fun soccer to watch. End-to-end, with nonstop action and a lot of poophousery. Hopefully the results are good, but keep in mind that these are both pretty tough matches.
Comments
DOS A CERO
anyone planning on going to qatar?
Yes
9PM eastern... middle-november... cincy... Was the idea to freeze the opponent?
It is actually that, and also a relatively small Mexican population in Ohio. That's why they've played it in Columbus for so long.
Most of the Mexican team plays in Mexico. So, probably, yeah. Also, their strategy is basically (they don't say this but) to play in cities with as many white people as possible. Not a fan of that strategy really, but ok.
Side note, I think Canada would go undefeated if they played all their home matches in like, Newfoundland or Yukon.
I recently learned that there's several different ways of saying Newfoundland, and all of them are acceptable. I just stick with Newfie
And the overnight low here tonight is 28, so yeah that is the plan. Also pretty rabid soccer state and not easy for Mexico to reach. Also brand new stadium. Maximize home field advantage.
Try to get all 6 points. But wouldnt mind 4 points
Per Roger Gonzales of CBS (Twitter) Joe Scally is indeed on the roster. He also confirms Pulisic has returned and that Jesus Ferreira of FC Dallas is on the roster as well. I forgot about Ferreira, but that's a good call-up IMO. He's been in very good form and can play all across the front line.
Lineup posted:
25-man squad
Some squad thoughts:
The omission of Brooks shows me that Berhalter IS paying attention, and there aren't guaranteed spots on this roster. Me likey.
I mean sure, in that sense I'm glad that there aren't any guaranteed spots for players who aren't in good form. I just question the actual decision. Is Mark McKenzie in better form than Brooks? McKenzie played a bit in the last window and was fine. Brooks made some high-profile mistakes, but overall he was not really that bad. But I guess we're splitting hairs with that decision.
My real issue is, if you're going to say McKenzie should be in over Brooks based on bad USMNT performances OR based on current club form, you can't tell me that Lletget deserves to be in over someone like De La Torre (by you, I mean Berhalter). Same thing with Acosta, but we don't really have a replacement for him ATM, so that's fine I guess.
My point is, if we're going to drop players who have been consistently important players for the NT based on a string of bad recent performances, fine. But that standard should be applied consistently across the whole pool.
Overall, I'm fine with the squad and it will probably be Miles and Richards playing the whole time anyway. Just seems like a couple odd decisions that don't seem to agree with one another.
I'm just judging Brooks on the last 3 games. Not saying someone is better or not, but that he didn't perform up to the level that is needed. Next man up.
No problem with that. Just think it should be applied to every player and I believe there are others who had similarly poor performances that were selected again.
As an Orlando City fan, I'd really like for Daryl Dike to be called up again. There's no way he starts but having him come in as a second half sub would be helpful, particularly with the shenanigans of CONCACAF.
I think he'll get another chance before the end of WCQ. He didn't do himself any favors with his performances at the Gold Cup and he is a bit unlucky that Pepi came in and kind of seized the job right away. You're right though, many saw/see him as the perfect answer to the question of how to score away in CONCACAF when all the other team does is foul you.
Interesting mix of players. Going to try to leave politics out of it, but I wonder how much covid protocols/quarantines may play into some of the choices during this window given that it is only 2 games. I'm sure that probably has to factor into these decisions as well even though it's an international window. I know some of the players couldn't travel last window.
Not trying to defend any decisions but just saying it has to add a whole new layer to the selection process and may explain some of the exclusions.
I think it's fine to discuss - the rules do affect squad selection and it doesn't really matter what your opinion is on whether or not the rules should or should not exist.
Is there anyone specifically you're thinking of that may have missed out based on this? As far as I know, the English FA was the only major one to institute significant restrictions on club players who go to specific countries. Also as far as I know, nothing has changed from them since the last window.
Yeah, last window Steffan and Robinson were held back from that trip to Panama, so they wouldn't have to quarantine when they got back to England, but it looks like the UK took all countries off of their red list, so there shouldn't be any issues there for this window.
I hadn't seen that, thanks for posting. Yes, I assume that is also why Michael Antonio is available for Jamaica this time around as well.
Don't really think COVID/quarantine restrictions had any impact on the squad this time around (hopefully not jinxing anything....)
Agreed. Brooks was the only true surprise exclusion, and that was USMNT form related.
I'd argue that McKenzie hasn't been in great form for the USMNT and he's currently benched at Genk. Think it's a no-brainer to bring Brooks over him. I wanted Miazga last window since he would've been a solid option, but he's been benched at Alaves recently too.
None of those three are in terribly great form - Robinson, Zimmerman, and Richards are the clear top 3 at the moment.
I was only saying Brooks was the only surprise exclusion for this camp. Brooks' club form has been much better than McKenzie's, and both have not been great with the USMNT recently, though I guess McKenzie has been marginally better. I kind of get leaving Brooks out for poor USMNT form, but Berhalter must just be figuring it'll be Richards and Robinson for both games, so maybe better to let Brooks stay in Europe.
This is what I was referencing but I couldn't remember names off the top of my head.
Just pointing out there is a lot that goes into it besides just form right now.
I can't argue with most of the selections this round. I have not been super impressed with Roldan and Arriola lately but they also seem to get the call and end up getting subs. I guess they need some "veteran leadership"?
I get the criticisms of Arriola's end product (I'm a DCU fan so know his limitations acutely), but his pressing instincts are probably the best in the pool from the winger spot.
That's the tradeoff though - you may get a better offensive player with him out of the lineup, but Arriola's motor and defensive awareness on the wing can't be discounted and are extremely valuable in regaining possession higher up the field.
Yeah, agree 100%. Also, Arriola played well in the last window. I think people just kind of lump him in with bad performers (not saying you were, OP) because he's never going to score but he does what he is expected to do. Press hard and correctly, make vertical runs, and try hard. He's especially important against a team that wants to possess the ball like Mexico and I wouldn't be surprised at all if he starts.
The problem is does his work rate and off-the-ball movement compensate for him not being a scoring threat and more generally, being terrible on the ball in the final third at all?
For me, the answer is no. For Gregg, the answer seems to be a resounding yes.
He's not a player you're ever going to want to play a full 90. But depending on how you think the game is going to go, he's someone you'll have either close out or give a good 60 mins.
It makes more sense to pair him with an attacking fullback like Dest who provides that threat in the final third.
In the end, I don't think he should play over someone like Tim Weah. Weah has much more attacking skill and still works hard in other phases.
So for me the answer is no. But he will continue to make the roster (which I'm fine with) because what does do well is still important.
Yeah I think Roldan and Arriola are some of Berhalter's OKGs who will do the dirty work, and provide leadership. It'd be tough having a team of guys entirely under 24, or what have you.
Bit of a lull in this thread with the increased time between roster drop and the first match.
@USMNT dropped this video the other day:
Going to read way too much into this because there is no other USMNT news to talk about, but looking at some of the players that were featured in this video (there have been instances where the players who are more heavily featured in the videos tend to start in the upcoming game).
- Saw a couple shots of Steffen, none of Turner
- Saw several shots of Chris Richards and Tim Weah
- Think I saw Reggie Cannon a few times
- Couple shots of Pulisic (could just be because he's back from injury)
Coming away from this, I wouldn't be shocked if Steffen starts v. Mexico. It's absolutely not what I would do, and I'm probably reading way too much into this video, but I feel there's a decent chance now that it's Steffen over Turner at least on Friday.
I'm not sure the majority of the MLS contingent was in camp yet at the time of the first training session, so it may just be that Turner hadn't yet arrived. In fact, I don't believe any of the MLS guys are featured in that video.
We'll see about Steffen though, cause Gregg can get cute with his lineups, but I still expect Turner to start against Mexico.
That's a great point, I hadn't thought of that. Thanks for talking me off the ledge
🤷🏻♂️
Was just about to post this! So much for my prediction...
Welp, that settles it. Big Double IPA's tomorrow night. Maybe I can put myself out of my own misery before the end of the game so I don't have to endure all of it.
I kinda get Pulisic not starting if he's not healthy enough to play a full 90. Personally I think it would be best to start him, get what you can out of him and put your best effort out there against Mexico from the start.
Sadly what I envision happening is Berhalter waiting too late, subbing him in at 75 or 80th minute in a mad scramble to try to salvage a tie
This will be prescient
I think he's pretty much guaranteed to be in by the 65th minute. He knows he can't do 90 but he can easily do 30-40.
I'm fine with him not starting. I'd rather him be able to run at a tired (and very bad) Mexico defense for 30 mins than get kicked every time he touches the ball. Aaronson is playing great anyway.
I think the "running at a tired defense" line is a bit overplayed. Sure, we can do that against the lower quality teams in CONCACAF, but I think any mid-to-high quality team in the world is going to have players that can run for 90 minutes straight.
Mexico won't tire out like Honduras or Costa Rica.
It's overplayed to some extent. But Mexico's backline is...bad. Their fullbacks were getting absolutely cooked by Davies and Buchanan when they played Canada last window. And they're going to be without their top 3 CBs. Yes, their players can go for 90 minutes, but I think there is something to it. The back line is going to be hassled by Aaronson and (probably) Arriola for 60 minutes. They're going to be tired, they're going to be annoyed because those two dudes are annoying. Then, oh by the way our most skilled 1v1 player is coming on and he can run full speed at you for the next 40 minutes. Tired legs are mistake-prone legs. It's not like a massive advantage or anything but I think it's a real thing.
Agreed their backline is bad - I just think that the main point is going to be running at them and testing them as much as possible over the entire 90 minutes, rather than just the last half hour or so.
I really want to see McKennie and Musah both start, because they (especially Musah) will turn and run at the defense any time they have an inch of space. I think Mexico's backline is just as mistake-prone to a full-speed Musah in the 1st minute as they are in the 90th minute. Same with Pulisic or Aaronson (or Konrad De La Fuente, but I'm not going there...).
Yeah, agreed. I just don't think Pulisic has the fitness. He also has a tendency to hold onto the ball just a touch too long, which is why he gets kicked so often. Don't need 90 minutes of that when he's just coming back.
Someone must have edited my post because pretty sure it was suppose to say "Berhalter subs in Pulisic and he scores a goal in the 75th minute"
DOS A CERO
Debating whether to stay up for the game and get up the following morning at 3:30 for opening day of deer season or record it go hunt then come home and watch at a reasonable hour.
It was worth watching it live. Hope you're not regretting staying up.
After staying up all night couldn't sleep after that game I was so pumped. Regretted getting up at 3:30 to not see Jack diddly in the woods all morning.
Just gonna throw out my lineup prediction. I probably won't stay up to watch and will watch replay tomorrow. So I'll just get these out of the way. 50% accuracy is fine with me.
Fire Gregg!Wow, Gregg masterclass!
Steffen
(sigh)(who I have never once doubted)Yedlin-M Robinson-Richards-A Robinson
Musah-Adams-McKennie
Arriola-Pepi-Aaronson
Let's go boys!
Steffen played great!
He did! I'm glad. He's not a bad player. I just think Turner is better
Rumored lineup. Don't know how reliable this guy is as a source, but he has a check mark and is followed by someone who is a reliable CONCACAF source. I would be very happy if this is the actual lineup.
Weah!
I'm watching this on unimas in Spanish because ESPN put this shit behind a paywall. I despise ESPN for this crap a huge us soccer moment and it's on plus
It was on ESPN2 🤔
Early thoughts. Passing looks a lot better. We still cross too much with no intended target. Players up too slow to the ball in Mexico territory.
Musah is bossing so far so impressed with his game now
We get excited about the up and comers then, oh yeah, Pulisic reminds us he's the best player who's ever put on a US jersey. That's not a "right place right time" goal. That's the goal a world class player scores.
Warming up the chant
I FORGET HOW YOU SAY TWO NOTHIN IN SPANISH. SOMEBODY SAY IT FOR ME.
DOS A CERO
Death, taxes, and dos a cero vs Mexico
DOS A CERO THIS HAS BEEN THE GAME IVE WAITED FOR SINCE THE SHIT IN T&T
The midfield was amazing and weah with a fantastic game. Ref was shit but what do you expect in concacaf
DOS A CERO
If our strikers had an ounce of skill at first touch we would never lose a game in CONCACAF. Great win nonetheless. Three in a row!!!
Pepi was solid last night. Some of the others we've trotted out there still need a little more seasoning, maybe they'll get there, but Pepi should be in ink on the card until they can bump him out of that spot.
McKinney and Weah played extremely well tonight! Steffen did well in goal. Pulisic did Pulisic things!!
Dos a Cero!! Top of the table FAM!
🇺🇸⚽️
Tim Weah put on a show. Well deserved win.
Zach Steffen commanded the box, and made several key stops.
Leave the refs at the stadium. They can walk home.
Why are we mad at the refs? For the face-clawing thing? I get it, but he didn't see it and there's no VAR. Not sure what you can do about that.
The face claw aside, as concacaf can't figure out the VAR thing, it was bad.
The one call that annoyed me the most was the Mexican player barreling into the back of Adams. You might make the argument Zimmerman pushed him into Adams, but on replay, he didn't even touch him.
He let the players play, so I guess there's that, but there was definitely not a ton of consistency.
There were some questionable choices, I guess my bar for CONCACAF refs is low. I don't think there was anything egregious so that's a win in my mind. Like I said, low bar.
I watch MLS so I'm used to bad officiating 🤦♂️
Initial thoughts in the first 10 minutes...these guys look organized. Good spacing, overlaps, filling in, recovery, hustle, crisp passes. Nothing like Jurgens teams where it was built on rigidity.
Then it got a little hectic in the latter part of the first half, but they didn't break. Stayed steady. Pressure. The usual fast breaks from Mexico but we didn't panic and handled what was thrown at us.
Second half Mexico looked a little shocked (like the US against some other teams occassionally) and ramped up their antics. Our speed was still there and the pressure was good.
Then the sub....and you know the story.
Overall like the lineup on the pitch at the time of the first goal, except I'd like to see McKenzie in for Miles Robinson. Lots of chemistry. Love mush and Weah on the right stack. Pulisic and McKennie stacked on the left. Adams was just good enough to not be a focal point, but it sure is a refreshing change from Bradley. Not having to watch Dest was a huge plus too.
Dos a cero!!!!! Let's keep this energy up and go snatch the entire qualifying table!!!
I believe.
Yeah, but that Dest goal last month was a chef's kiss. And then some.
I agree, they came out well and looked really fluid. They never really lost control of the game like we have in the past against Mexico.
Just curious, why do you want McKenzie over Robinson? Robinson, despite the ill-advised yellow cards, has been fantastic since the Gold Cup. McKenzie isn't playing for his team in Belgium.
Also, idk why you're hating on Dest. Dude is 10x better than Yedlin and was fantastic in the last window.
There's just something about McKenzie that I think works for this team. Miles will chase for 40 yards while McKenzie will stop after 10. Personally I feel like it turns into counters quicker. That's good and bad...our top line doesn't get a rest, but w the right combo, I feel like it gives us a better shot at scoring 4 versus only 2 in the last 15...
As for Yedlin, do not disagree. Dest just gets caught up top too much for my taste. If we have the rest of the team we hast night on the pitch, and Dest creeps up, I guarantee Mexico scores in the first half. That spot is the one that I'm most iffy on. Neither of them excite me in that roll. (I had a kid play for me that played the same way, and he never changed no matter the talks, subbing out, pointing out others to watch...and he was a nightmare. 7 yellow cards and a few reds later he blamed everyone but himself. Maybe I'm projecting. Who knows. But I know I'm not a Yedlin or Dest fan.)
A lot of times Yedlin got the ball and didn't have the quality to do anything constructive and he just booted it. Dest has a lot of value in the attacking buildup. I guess I just accept that fullback have a ton of value in the attack and I'm ok with him being upfield a couple times. I do not agree they would have conceded if Dest plays last night.
I'm not sure I understand what you're saying about McKenzie. We've only seen him play 90 mins in qualifiers. He was fine, but I don't think he did anything noteworthy. Are you saying Robinson follows the striker too far into midfield when checking back? Because it's entirely possible those are the directions he's getting.
Saying McKenzie (this summer he was in there) was/is a stopper. Miles chases and allows the ball to be advanced. That allows other opponent players a chase to get deep as well, and anything can happen at that point. McKenzie doesn't let the ball get deep and just steals it or at least slows the advance down considerably allowing other US guys to get back and stack numbers.
Okay, I understand what you're saying. I disagree, but I understand. I just don't know how you can know that from watching the limited time from McKenzie we've seen.
McKenzie is just a different type of player than Robinson. He doesn't have the athleticism to make those pressures, so he doesn't. He's a passer, not a mover. Robinson makes those choices because (I assume) the game plan is to not allow Mexicos attackers to receive and turn without pressure between the lines and he has the ability to recover if Mexicos keeps the ball.
By the way, the play you're probably thinking of was just an expert press break by Mexico. It's just good play and Robinson certainly isn't the only one culpable.
I would be surprised if we saw McKenzie ahead of Richards vs Jamaica.
It goes back to the Gold Cup, watching McKenzie play this summer.
McKenzie wasn't at the Gold Cup...Robinson played every minute. Zim played the first two but got hurt. Then it was mostly Sands.
It was the Nation's League tournament, not the Gold Cup. Also just realized he's from Delaware, but never got to see him play in person when he was younger.
What a match. This feels like it was a landmark moment for this team. We controlled this game and I feel we played Mexico off the pitch. We dominated the midfield and presses very high to create chances. Beat them at their own game. Truly feels amazing.
Gonna enjoy this win, but they need to capitalize and stay focused against Jamaica and avoid that letdown. Top of the table, let's keep it that way!
ALL IN FOR THE 6 POINTS
Just want to say Tim Weah was fantastic last night. His quality on the ball is evident - he rarely loses possession even in tight quarters. Such a good problem to have when we have Pulisic, Reyna, Weah, and Aaronson all healthy.
Yunus Musah is amazing. He absolutely dusted Edson Alvarez multiple times last night. Alvarez is playing great right now for Ajax, one of the hottest teams in Europe. Musah is just so, so good with the ball at his feet. And only 18 years old. For my money, Berhalter's best dual-nat recruiting win thus far. He needs to get a move away from Valencia because they are not using him correctly. I love him so much.
Tyler Adams is amazing. He is just so quick to sense and react to danger. Amazing ball recovery and his distribution is getting better. It's so good to see him healthy and playing regularly again.
Miles Robinson shouldn't have made either of those fouls to pick up yellows. But he is almost unbearable 1v1. Lozano and Tecatito are really, really good wingers. There is no other CB in CONCACAF who could take them 1v1. Disappointed he will miss the next match, but Richards can step in and fill a similar role. Hopefully he can do a similar job and add his passing skills.
Dominant. Mexico had 2 good chances, pretty much nothing else.
This was the best USMNT performance and result in years and years. Midfield dictated the play and the defense was assured until late and I was very very impressed with weah and musah both made big strides.
The balls on pulisic to wear that shirt under his kit in a Mexico game no wonder he has so many lower body muscular injuries with those puppies swinging
Lmao 🤣
I read a story about the shirts. The way I understood it was that a few players had them on in case they scored. But maybe I misunderstood
Honestly I was stunned they did it simply because I would've felt they would've been cautious but that's a testament to how the group has matured and berhalter has this group bought in and believing in themselves.
James Sands coming in for the Jamaica match, McKennie and Miles leaving as they're suspended for this match.
I'm a fan of Sands, but this is a bit odd. In the 4-3-3 setup, he's really a defensive mid. Obviously, neither of the 2 players leaving are d-mids. I guess it's just an emergency player, and he probably won't play anyway.
Yeah, Sands didn't really have a good showing the one time he played as a defensive mid. Much better in a back 3 that we likely won't see because Tyler Adams is so good at protecting the backline, we don't need 3-in-the-back.
I think he's a very good defensive mid. The only time he's played in WCQ was in a midfield 2, which didn't make any sense because that's not his position. Once they switch to midfield 3 in the second half (Honduras game) he was much better before he was substituted.
Just confusing because Adams and Acosta are ahead of him at d-mid. Like I said, I guess it's just cover for worst case scenario of a mountain of injuries/COVID.
Highlights from Berhalter's pre-Jamaica presser
- Pulisic was not considered to be 90-mins fit for Mexico, is in consideration to start v. Jamaica
- Steffen will start in goal again
- Chris Richards and Mark McKenzie are in consideration to start in place of Miles Robinson
- Busio, Lletget, and Acosta are in consideration to start in place of McKennie
Best guess, and some of me just hoping, start 11 against Jamaica:
Steffen
Scally - Zim - Richards - Robinson
Adams
Busio - Musah
Weah - Pepi - Aaronson
I hope Busio and Richards start in place of suspended Robinson/McKennie. Yedlin played well against Mexico but he's struggled with fitness in past windows, so not sure if he'll be able to go again. Don't see any reason to change any other starters.
Okay, it's time to talk about the big news on this website today - the USMNT is playing Jamaica today.
Already posted my lineup prediction above. I'm a little hesitant on Busio because the pitch in Kingston is generally quite poor and if the game isn't lending itself to controlled passing in the midfield, he is probably not the best option. If it's not Busio I think it will be Lletget. If that is the case, I understand and hope Lletget looks better when playing with Adams and Musah.
Players that were made available to media ahead of today's match were Steffen, Weah, Zimmerman, and...Joe Scally. For me, this is an indication that he is going to start today. The others are pretty much no-brainers after their performances on Friday and it feels weird to make Scally available and then not play him again. Just a hunch, but I think he will start.
Jamaica is coming off a disappointing draw on the road against El Salvador after a very late equalizing goal from Alex Roldan of the Seattle Sounders cancelled out Michael Antonio's 82nd minute strike. It was rumored that Jamaica was "saving" Antonio for the US match, so they'll be disappointed to lose the three points after subbing him on in the 74th minute and having him score only to concede at the death.
Regardless, the US back line should be on high alert coming into this match. Antonio's goal was created by a long ball where he outmuscled a defender, dribbled at speed for about 40 yards, dribbled another defender into the box, and chipped the keeper. He is in red-hot form for West Ham right now and the US players don't have any past experience against him to prepare. Jamaica needs points to stay alive in the Ocho and this is a classic trap game for the USMNT. This feels very (trigger warning) VT v. Syracuse in 2016. We need to come out fast and set the tone. The US has been a second-half team during this qualifying campaign but we cannot allow Jamaica to hang around late into the 2nd half because the longer it goes, the more they will bunker and the more we will commit numbers forward. I can just see the counterattack now...
Anyway, the US is in a good position after the Mexico victory, but things are very tight at the top of the table. We are tied on points with Mexico, with Canada 1 behind. Panama is two behind them after their shocking come-from-behind victory over Honduras. They host El Salvador tonight, and if things go the wrong way, the US could be in 4th at the end of the day (Mexico-Canada draw, Panama win). Road matches in CONCACAF are house money in terms of what is needed to qualify, but we lost some ground when we lost to Panama and drew Canada at home. Tonight is a good opportunity to make those points up. However, a draw would be just fine in my book.
On a side note, Canada is hosting Mexico tonight in Edmonton. It is currently snowing quite heavily and is expected to be around 20 degrees at kickoff, with the feels like temperature close to 0. I want to say I wholeheartedly respect Canada's decision to screw with Mexico as much as possible and I cannot wait to watch Mexico's terrible fullbacks try to run with Davies and Buchanan in Arctic conditions 😂
I have a strong feeling that Lletget will start as well, though apparently in the pre-camp build up I heard (secondhandedly) that Gregg thought Busio was competing for a starting spot. Even if the conditions on the pitch aren't that great, I think that Busio controls the midfield much better than Lletget which is the bigger priority for me. Since Berhalter will inevitably play a 4-3-3, I'd like to see him use a dual-pivot 6 with Busio and Adams, and have Musah as the lone 8.
Seems weird to have left Scally off the gameday roster for USA vs Mexico, but then start him away against Jamaica. I'm here for it, since I think he has a higher ceiling than Yedlin, but I wouldn't hate either option.
Agreed that this has the potential to be a trap game - there's a lot of dysfunction within the Jamaican team and the federation, but individual players have enough quality to take over the game. Zimmerman had a masterclass vs Mexico (maybe with one or two exceptions), so I'm hoping he doesn't drop off being paired with another CB. Jedi always gives me worries when tasked to defend, but I think Scally will be solid considering he's been a rock in the Bundesliga.
Also, I saw a comment on social media saying that while Mexico has the Azteca, Canada will easily have the upper hand with the Ice-teca 😂. That game is going to be fun to watch as a USMNT fan if Canada plays to its potential and can exploit Mexico's weaknesses to the fullest extent possible.
Really need Panama to drop points somewhere - the top 3 need to get some separation for the automatic qualifying spots.
I hope the Ice-teca sticks as a nickname, I absolutely love it.
I agree I would rather see Busio. Berhalter mentioned that he was pushing for a starting spot in the press conference leading into camp. So I think most people assume he is next in line now that McKennnie is out. The main reasons I wouldn't mind seeing Lletget is that 1) I don't think we'll have any issue controlling the midfield with Adams/Musah and Jamaica's weak midfield and 2) Lletget is much better when he's aggressive. If he's the "attacking" 8, hopefully he will actually progress the ball and move it forward. He was excellent coming on against Honduras in Sept. Just don't know what we'll get from him. Either way I think it will be ok. Just can't do Lletget and Acosta in the midfield at the same time again.
looks like I'll be watching on universo and man I love how excited the announcers on the mexican tv stations get for every thing and even though I only understand small blips here and there its still fun. Interesting to see who replaces Robinson and I would bet its Acosta in for Mckennie.
Even though it's in a different language, you still understand what's going on
Sport is beautiful
No surprises. Busio gets the start over Lletget, Richards in, and Yedlin keeps his spot
Aaronson must practice really well.
Not sure I understand the pessimism about Aaronson - the kid is a real nuisance to the opposition, plays pretty vertical (just what Gregg wants), and tends to find himself in good spots in front of goal.
As a follow up...
Here's Aaronson's last several games, as rated on FotMob.
While I don't put 110% authority in their ratings, they do confirm the eye test most of the time for me.
vs Jamaica 6.3 (lowest of starting 10 fielders)
vs Mexico 7.0 (second lowest behind Robinson who got a red.)
vs Costa Rica 6.9 (second lowest behind Richards 6.8)
vs Panama 5.9 played entire second half after replacing Ariola who was at 5.8
vs Jamaica 7.8
vs Honduras 7.5 played entire second half after replacing Sargent who was at 6.6
vs Canada 7.7
vs El Salvador 6.2 (second lowest to Sargent)
The 7.8 and 7.7 he played on the top line along with Pepi and Pulisic, respectively, that were men of the match for each one.
That tells me if he has good support, he maybe plays better, or has some pressure taken of himself.
But in the other matches, he's just not carrying the water up top for us.
BUT, in the Bundesliga he has a lot higher ratings.
7.3, 7.8, 8.0, 7.5,7.6, 8.0, 6.5 (champions league), 7.9, 8.0, 6.6 (champions league), 6.4 (sub)is, 8.0, 7.1, 7.7
He is producing in the false 9 slot for Salzburg. Either the transition to wing isn't working or Greg has him doing some different things.
I know we have other talent. And I know we've been getting points with him in there. But when we qualify for the WC, he will have his lunch eaten but top tier opponents.
Mexico wasn't his best game, but he's been one of our best players in qualifying. Also it's clear Pulisic isn't fit to start so there really aren't any other options.
Anybody found a decent stream?
found it on universo channel youtube tv
Goal! Tim Weah is a man possessed
maybe one or two more fans than at uva game
perkele
This team is very frustrating to Watch. They play like a top notch European team some games and some games its like watching 2 year old toddlers playing
#CONCACAF'd
Shew. Did not deserve a point there. These second (and third) games are a struggle.
That said we're still sitting in a fine place for qualification. Have to keep getting points, but looking ok.
So hard to watch this game...ugh who are we!? Are we good or not?
Yes.
Tough match. Really lost control in the 2nd half. Ultimately, the point is not a bad result. Not exactly sure what the problems were, but I feel like we had some problems connecting in the attacking third.
What a strike by Michael Antonio. However, I feel Steffen should have done better. Hate to keep beating this drum, but I'm reasonably sure Matt Turner would have saved that. There's no doubt Steffen is better with his feet (although he had two iffy moments tonight), but he just isn't as good of a shot stopper as Turner. It's like Steffen is an 80% free throw shooter. He's good, and he's probably going to make the shot. But Turner is a 90% shooter. Why complicate things by letting the lower percentage shooter take the shot? It's not like he made a ton of mistakes, but when you're a keeper they are more costly.
Bottom line is that once again nobody really looked sharp. Feels wrong, but hope that Mexico wins tonight to keep Canada off our tails.
I felt the same way, but watching Canada shit kick Mexico is way more fun than I anticipated. Nothing like soccer in 14* Edmonton!
Yeah, for qualification purposes it made sense to pull for Mexico, but in the end I just couldn't do it.
To my eyes the midfield and attack didnt quite click last night. Bit sloppy in possesion and not enough cutting edge tonight. Felt Busio did well to keep the ball moving but didnt do much with it in terms of creating stuff the way say mckennie does. Not to go after him hes young and still pretty raw and new to USMNT stuff and I'm happy with the point away from home I had the same thought with Steffen on the goal but on replay Antonio absolutely caught that ball in a special way.
Yeah, going back it looks like Jamaica were doing some man marking, at least in the midfield. They were really tight on Adams and Musah, but not Busio. They tried to make play flow through him and he just couldn't get it going. Another problem is that he didn't win a single duel in midfield. He didn't even attempt one until the 60th minute. That can't happen for a central midfielder. He's been playing great recently, but CONCACAF is a lot different than Serie A.
We really missed McKennie because I don't think they would have been able to consistently man mark all 3 mids and one of the three could have progressed the ball on the dribble. Would have been nice to have Luca De La Torre in that role.
Table at the end of the 2020 match days
1. Canada 16 points +8 GD
2. USA 15 points +7 GD
3. Mexico 14 points +4 GD
4. Panama 14 points +2 GD
5. Costa Rica 9 points -1 GD
6. Jamaica 7 points -4 GD
7. El Salvador 6 points -6 GD
8. Honduras 3 points -10 GD
Honduras would be all but eliminated with a Panama, Mexico, USA and Canada win on January 27
The current three qualifiers and advancer, I can at least say they're in geographic order.
Thanks for updating. Despite what people may feel, we are in a great spot to qualify. CONCACAF has become much tougher in the last few years - I think Canada is a prime example of that. A couple things to note.
- Canada is undefeated so far, but have yet to take a road trip to Central America. Don't know how much that will be a factor for them, but those games can be tricky.
- Canada also drew Jamaica in Kingston, IJS. It's not the end of the world.
- Based on previous years' data, the threshold to automatically qualify is about 1.7 points per game. With the new format, this comes out to about 24 points. That means we theoretically only need 9 points from 6 games. We will be fine. We have El Salvador, Honduras, and Panama still to play at home. El Salvador and Honduras are all but eliminated. Not saying it's automatic, but we are doing quite well for qualification purposes.
- Canada looks GOOD. Can't wait for our game against them
Just like we all predicted!
Canada are firing on all cylinders right now. They have a perfect mix of talent, coaching acumen and belief that makes them a touuuugh out. I was at the US/Canada game in Nashville. They didn't look like much at the time, but looking back, their direction was pretty clear. Play tough defense, hammer the wings, take advantage of the chances they create.
They're a really fun team to watch.
Edit: Crap. We have El Salvador January 27 at home, then go to Canada January 30. We've got to figure out a way to come out ready to play the second game of the cycle and get 4 points.
Honestly, I think we'll be ok if we only get 2. Obviously, I want 6, and I think 4 is most likely (W vs El Salvador, D vs Canada). 3 or 6 is not outside the realm of possibility though.
I will be disappointed if we fail to get more than 1.
We also get dead last Honduras on Feb 3. I think we get 7 total out of the next set of matches.
I don't get how they can play well against Mexico, then play like crap against Jamaica.
I get that no game is easy, and its a young team. Jamaica had the best player on the field.
I just don't know that Berhalter is the guy, USMNT needs to win games like the one yesterday instead of lucking their way into a draw.
Exactly. You notice you never see Fuente and Berhalter in the same room at the same time?
But, we don't have time to switch gears at this stage. Let him get us through the WC next year then reassess.
I have some misgivings about Berhalter as well, but I think the result has to be a credit to him when you look at our starting XI. We were without 5 starters and still managed to get a point and control the game for sections.
I am an Arsenal fan, and while the Man City thumping hurt at the start of the EPL season, the lineup Arteta had to work with for that game was comical. All that to say, Jimmy's and Joe's matter in soccer too, and I think it's a little unfair to criticize Berhalter. Not an excuse, but an explanation.
I don't think Arsenal's situation at the beginning of the season is comparable to now (I am also an Arsenal fan). They would have been outmatched against one of the best teams in the world even with their first choice 11, but were playing youth players and guys out of position.
Berhalter was missing a couple starters, but had very capable backups to step in (or he had the option to call them in and didn't). And they really only controlled the game for the first 15 minutes or so. As I said below, I don't think that is all or even mostly on Berhalter, but I don't think missing players is a valid excuse (or explanation, as you said).
I know that it all comes back to the coach, but maybe it shouldn't always? Like I don't think anyone had an issue with the lineup he picked at the start of the game. It's basically what everyone wanted. They've shown they can execute his tactical instructions very well (against Mexico) and can boss the game against Jamaica (home leg). They were just bad last night.
I don't know if Berhalter is the guy either, but we have to at least consider the possibility that sometimes it is the players' fault. Not always, and never completely. But very few players looked sharp out there after very few changes in the starting 11. I think it's fair to say the blame is at least equally shared between the players and Berhalter. But at the same time, they were executing very well for the first 20 minutes. Then, total crap. Berhalter didn't suddenly change the gameplan - the players just didn't fight back.
To address another point which is talked about a lot but still underestimated I think. Yes, WCQ IS hard. Exactly 0 of our players getting minutes have been a part of a successful WCQ campaign. Only a few were part of the last one at all. They are still learning how to handle the emotions and the ups and downs of these games. Can you imagine how hyped they were to beat Mexico like that? Then, they have to go down play on a crap pitch in hot, humid weather. They've never done it before. They will learn and they will be ready for this stuff next time (we won't have to qualify next time, but the time after that). They are still really not in any danger of not qualifying, and I would bet this is by far the youngest senior international team at the top level. There is really no comparison on the international level for a senior team this full of youth players. Even if it was, it's unrealistic to expect any team to win every game. We have 5 points from 4 away matches. That's really not bad at all!
Agreed. I'm more of Marsch fan than Berhalter, but to put things in perspective, look at the rosters for France, England, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, Germany, and Brazil, and compare that to the US roster. The US team isn't even close to being in the same tier; there's likely not a single player on the US team that would even make the English squad, and certainly no one that would play meaningful minutes even if they did make it. I don't love Berhalter, but he's done well with what he's got.
I think he's done fine with what he's got. What he has is the most talented US squad ever. They are just young. I think they are doing well for being young, but they're also extremely talented so it's fair to have some expectations.
I think Pulisic, Reyna, and Adams could get into the rotation for England. They'd have to be playing in England of course because apparently that's a prerequisite. I think if those players were English they would be some of the more hyped players in the world and they would be in the rotation. Maybe McKennie as well and Musah for sure (not now but in a few years, especially if he had stayed at Arsenal).
I'm also a big fan of Marsch's style and I hope things work out for him to be the next US coach when Berhalter moves on.
Our next 3 game set is against El Salvador, Canada, and Honduras. We need to pull 7 points from those 3. Can't tie El Salvador and Honduras. We need to feast on the bottom 2 and get our points. Especially since the last 3 games are against Mexico, Panama, and Costa Rica; currently 3/4/5 in the table. Given our 2nd game of the set fall off, Panama is a key game as the penultimate match. Get 7 in the next set and we should be in good shape.
Totally agree. I don't want us to NEED anything in that last window. Can't expect to get anything from the Azteca or Costa Rica away. And Panama will probably be fighting for 3rd or 4th.
Especially need to get 7 considering 2 of those games are home games. For some unknown reason, we're basically a completely different team on the road. Games in the US, tons of energy, flying around, looking close to the full potential of what this roster can be. Games on the road we look a lot like we did against Jamaica; slow, timid, disjointed. Considering the last set of games has aways in Mexico and Costa Rica, I definitely don't want to be dependent on coming out of those games with must have points. We can be safe if we get the job done in this next 3 game set