Leverkusen is marking Wright hilariously closely - didn't read (didn't have?) the scouting report, I guess.
He didn't touch the ball much to speak of because on the hold-up attempt he'd let the defender circumvent him and he couldn't close to footballs in his area due to lack of quickness + anticipation. He also needs to pursue balls on the ground him or in the air harder. It's not a coincidence McKennie was a lot more involved than he was in the final 3rd even. These are things he needs to get better at if he's actually going to stick as a striker in the BL.
Wright off. Both commentators are kind of scratching their head with the change considering Wright scored. I don’t blame them. Interesting........ it’s not like he had a great game aside from the goal but I agree confidence soars after scoring. Tedesco could have let him stay on just a tad bit longer.
The Fox Sports' announcers have been the polar opposite. I think BT are closer to the truth. He's had a strong game. Just won another 50/50 header. FS even critiqued his ability in that area. He's short, but that's a clear advantage he has. He's been pretty ubiquitous in this game. Becoming substantially leaner has done wonders for his range and explosiveness.
To my knowledge, which is pretty extensive, the "yanktastic" is the first EVER that two "real" (usmnt) americans get assist and goal in a first division league. @Dave Marino-Nachison ?
Maybe Wright coming off was a planned change? He hasn't been with the 1st team that long - perhaps fitness is an issue. He wasn't out of place, though. McKennie is a damn beast. I'm a bit surprised how advanced he's playing, but then I haven't watched too much of Schalke this season.
When Yedlin scored, some soccer journalist was complaining it had be 3-4 years since a Yank (Cameron, I think) had scored in the EPL. I was so tempted to come back with the 40+ goals scored by USMNT capped players in the Bundesliga in the same period.
He not really that short, listed at 6' and maybe makes it with his haircut. He's very stout though and seems to have both a low center of gravity and great leaping ability. He times his runs and leaps very well and the thing I love most about him is he's so tenacious in both attack and defense. Even if he doesn't get by you, he's still making sure you don't get by him.
Wright coming off makes perfect sense - he's an emergency starter and the worst, if not close to the worst player in the starting 11. He gave them a bunch of minutes, finished his best chance, and did what he was asked. Letting another fake striker take a shot at it for 35 minutes makes sense to me.
McKennie should've been attacking the space the defenders opened up on that run instead of jogging though
OMG that was absolutely awful from the Schalke player. Take the damn shot. You did everything right and then have no clue how to pull the trigger when you basically have the keeper to beat and the far post open for a shot
That was disappointing. Of course, Konoplyanka never looked to pass as he had already picked out that spot eight yards wide of the goal to shoot it. from close range.
Bit of a leap there, I was just using an isolationist catchphrase tongue in cheek. I figured a soccer message board would be the last place I would need to clarify that I am not a Nazi but times are weird these days.