Maybe not how we HOPED it would go, but it was a safe bet as to how it would actually go. Sadly. The system is broken down to elementary school aged kids. And these guys are products of that. And there are gaps in the make up of the roster. In general, the guys are either 21/22 or 26/27, excluding the keeps and Tim Ream.
And there will be some missing pieces this summer for the copa with the UEFA Club World Cup taking several guys out of the USMNT pool.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I put down season ticket deposits for Denver's new NWSL team last week. They just announced a new dedicated stadium for the team that's actually going to be located in town (opening for 2028 season). Compare that to the MLS team that plays way out in BFE with no public transport options...
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Guess we've quietly watched the round robin and quarter final game of the Gold Cup for the USMNT. Semi's tonight!!!! If we bring our aggressive transition to the game tonight, we can make it thru. If we slow carry the ball and allow Guatemala to get back and set up on defense, could be along night. (Our second goal the other night was on a quick transition, not waiting to slow it down.)
I believe!
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
If they put all the drama and politics aside- could be a fiesty US squad with Pulisic, Weah, Reyna, etc added to this roster. But I'm not optimistic. El Tri's basically A team vs. our not A team will be a challenge, although having seen them in person the other day, El Tri is mid.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
El Tri has been a complete dumpster fire for like 3 years. They were 9th in the world ranking in March '22. And recently were down to 19th. That's a hard slide for a top 10 team. Even our decline over the past year left us ranked above them. Before our 2-0 loss in the friendly in October '24, the USMNT was 5-2-0 against them.
We know it will be a "road" game for the US in Houston. At least they won't be outside. And hopefully the grass isn't an issue like the perimeters at St. Louis.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
State Farm stadium was about half full at most and 99.9% El Tri fans for the Saudi Match. I bet the US has a decent crowd in Houston. Phoenix is just as much a El Tri crowd as TX is typically.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I read that they were in Lamborghini and it sounds like a blown tire. I wonder if they were dropping the hammer or if it's just a freak accident.
Either way, he seemed like a genuinely nice person off the pitch, and his skills on it were unquestionable. I always thought he brought a dynamic to Liverpool whenever he was included in the lineup.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
He was passing someone when the tire blew. He was driving to catch the ferry to go to go to preseason camp for Liverpool. And only driving because he had a minor procedure and the doctor told him not to fly.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Disappointing result for the US. Granted, we weren't at full strength. Still sucks to lose to Mexico. The US has a huge mountain to climb over the next 11 months. Will need a favorable group to have a chance at the knockout stages.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Pro: Some edge players that wouldn't have gotten pitch time did get it. And some stepped up in a fantastic way. Chris Richards proved he's worthy of a starting spot next year. Luna should see ample time on the field. Agyemang could be the one up top in a pinch. Tillman should made the squad.
Con: we didn't get the chemistry time between those that sat and those that played. We still don't have a clear #1 keeper. And Poch has lost all 5 games against top 30 opponents.
There's gong to be some tough decisions for the roster spots. Still a lot of questions about who gets the start, who gets a jersey, and who gets to watch from home.
At least maybe now, Poch has seen enough to not have Pulisic taking free kicks...
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I was hoping to see Pulisic in a tournament setting under Poch...to get a feel of whether it's Pulisic, Gregg letting Pulisic get away with things, or just too much hype. There wasn't anyone that took Pulisic's spot away from him this tournament, so only injury is going to do it now.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Con- lost to a blah El Tri team that can only score on set pieces in another "big" match. US Soccer can't get out of its own way on the national stage - rinse repeat
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I don't know where new threads go, so can we use this to make fun of Italy missing the world cup for the 3rd time in a row after losing their play in game to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties?
Mrs. Smlltwnsthrnlwyr's first joke was "well how can they be expected to win, they had to play two teams"
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Other teams (well, at least I see it) have figured out the way to attack the USMNT is with speed and right up the middle. We simply don't have an answer for that offensive push against us. And we don't counter with any speed. Push the ball wide, allow their defense to get back and set up, then just cross and hope. Poch says quarters...
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I don't understand so much tinkering by Poch this window. NT tactics are already hard to drill due to limited time, but I would've preferred focusing on cohesion.
Also, if you're still evaluating players - I have no idea how you're supposed to do that when you have so many subs it feels like a hockey line change.
Feels like a largely wasted camp with a very small number of positives.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Comments
Maybe not how we HOPED it would go, but it was a safe bet as to how it would actually go. Sadly. The system is broken down to elementary school aged kids. And these guys are products of that. And there are gaps in the make up of the roster. In general, the guys are either 21/22 or 26/27, excluding the keeps and Tim Ream.
And there will be some missing pieces this summer for the copa with the UEFA Club World Cup taking several guys out of the USMNT pool.
I put down season ticket deposits for Denver's new NWSL team last week. They just announced a new dedicated stadium for the team that's actually going to be located in town (opening for 2028 season). Compare that to the MLS team that plays way out in BFE with no public transport options...
There's a Hokie connection on the training camp roster for the Gold Cup. Alexander Freeman, Antonio's son.
He's been killing it for Orlando City this season!
Missing from camp/Gold Cup...Weston, Weah, Gio, Pulisic, Sargent. So much for trying to get some gel time ahead of 2026.
Former Hokie Mandy McGlynn likely in goal for the USWNT against China and Jamaica. May 31 and Jun 3.
Guess we've quietly watched the round robin and quarter final game of the Gold Cup for the USMNT. Semi's tonight!!!! If we bring our aggressive transition to the game tonight, we can make it thru. If we slow carry the ball and allow Guatemala to get back and set up on defense, could be along night. (Our second goal the other night was on a quick transition, not waiting to slow it down.)
I believe!
US had Costa Rica beat- their equalizer was a joke and horrid defense.
Luna has earned himself a spot on the World Cup roster I think. He plays like he wants to be there and I'm here for it!
Love to see his passion and fire. And great play on top.
If they put all the drama and politics aside- could be a fiesty US squad with Pulisic, Weah, Reyna, etc added to this roster. But I'm not optimistic. El Tri's basically A team vs. our not A team will be a challenge, although having seen them in person the other day, El Tri is mid.
El Tri has been a complete dumpster fire for like 3 years. They were 9th in the world ranking in March '22. And recently were down to 19th. That's a hard slide for a top 10 team. Even our decline over the past year left us ranked above them. Before our 2-0 loss in the friendly in October '24, the USMNT was 5-2-0 against them.
We know it will be a "road" game for the US in Houston. At least they won't be outside. And hopefully the grass isn't an issue like the perimeters at St. Louis.
State Farm stadium was about half full at most and 99.9% El Tri fans for the Saudi Match. I bet the US has a decent crowd in Houston. Phoenix is just as much a El Tri crowd as TX is typically.
No need to bring up the old Prem thread, but Rest In Peace Diogo Jota. And his brother.
Yeah just awful
I read that they were in Lamborghini and it sounds like a blown tire. I wonder if they were dropping the hammer or if it's just a freak accident.
Either way, he seemed like a genuinely nice person off the pitch, and his skills on it were unquestionable. I always thought he brought a dynamic to Liverpool whenever he was included in the lineup.
He was passing someone when the tire blew. He was driving to catch the ferry to go to go to preseason camp for Liverpool. And only driving because he had a minor procedure and the doctor told him not to fly.
He was married only 3 weeks ago.
Sucks hard.
Disappointing result for the US. Granted, we weren't at full strength. Still sucks to lose to Mexico. The US has a huge mountain to climb over the next 11 months. Will need a favorable group to have a chance at the knockout stages.
Pro: Some edge players that wouldn't have gotten pitch time did get it. And some stepped up in a fantastic way. Chris Richards proved he's worthy of a starting spot next year. Luna should see ample time on the field. Agyemang could be the one up top in a pinch. Tillman should made the squad.
Con: we didn't get the chemistry time between those that sat and those that played. We still don't have a clear #1 keeper. And Poch has lost all 5 games against top 30 opponents.
There's gong to be some tough decisions for the roster spots. Still a lot of questions about who gets the start, who gets a jersey, and who gets to watch from home.
At least maybe now, Poch has seen enough to not have Pulisic taking free kicks...
I wouldn't mind all that much if Pulisic is sitting at home watching next year. I think he's a toxic d-bag and overrated
I was hoping to see Pulisic in a tournament setting under Poch...to get a feel of whether it's Pulisic, Gregg letting Pulisic get away with things, or just too much hype. There wasn't anyone that took Pulisic's spot away from him this tournament, so only injury is going to do it now.
Con- lost to a blah El Tri team that can only score on set pieces in another "big" match. US Soccer can't get out of its own way on the national stage - rinse repeat
I don't know where new threads go, so can we use this to make fun of Italy missing the world cup for the 3rd time in a row after losing their play in game to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties?
Mrs. Smlltwnsthrnlwyr's first joke was "well how can they be expected to win, they had to play two teams"
They were up in the first half before the red card.
However, the last time Italy was playing in the World Cup when the US hosted, it resulted in this banger
Not like we can talk much after our last two matches
Wait, they lost to both Bosnia AND Herzegovina? Wow, that's bad!
After watching the USMNT this week, they are lucky they got an automatic qualifier
Other teams (well, at least I see it) have figured out the way to attack the USMNT is with speed and right up the middle. We simply don't have an answer for that offensive push against us. And we don't counter with any speed. Push the ball wide, allow their defense to get back and set up, then just cross and hope. Poch says quarters...
I don't understand so much tinkering by Poch this window. NT tactics are already hard to drill due to limited time, but I would've preferred focusing on cohesion.
Also, if you're still evaluating players - I have no idea how you're supposed to do that when you have so many subs it feels like a hockey line change.
Feels like a largely wasted camp with a very small number of positives.