The play out the back has been so poor the team hasn't been able to build any significant possession/create any chances. Ultimately this means I haven't even had the opportunity to be disappointed by Zardes, yet.
the concept is to play some pinball soccer where we pass the ball from end to end. it only worked once and that looked nice. one cannot play a system that only works once and otherwise looks ugly as a mutt.
Things tend to break down when 1 player beats 2 wide defenders and forces a CB to contest a cross from inside the box. Cannon was marking an attacker in the 6 yard box due to the breakdown and cleared the space for Chicha, Boyd was late on that rotation. Trapp was actually marking someone and cutting a passing lane for a tap in. I don't even like Trapp, I'm just saying. So you win nothing.
I will say this in defense of the CBs. It is hard to make a good pass when you have nobody to pass to. Throughout the process there has been signs, and again, for various reasons that are our Feds fault we are a year behind on integrating the pool.
This was obvious before the USSF made this hire. It was why I advocated for Marsch here, because it was quite clear that his outlook would better serve this cycle's most likely player pool.
What Id actually like to see in this second half Cannon---Robinson----Zimmerman/Long(both have been bad)---Dest ---------------------------Morales----McKinnie Pulisic-------------------Pomykal------------------Morris/Lleget/Boy --------------------------Sargent Play some long balls, use the width to open some space in the middle. Let McKinnie and Morales do what they've been doing but actually not have to be a conduit for the offense. Let Pomykal play as a ball carrier, allow Pulisic and LM to get wide and have the option to cut in or go out. Let Sargent actually make runs, and not just run around like Zardes.
what do you expect? he's being used as a mid and basically has to pass the ball to himself and set himself up if you want unselfish push him forward where all he has to do is finish the plays
He needs to grab his balls and say, I’m not accepting a call up so long as Berhalter is in charge. He needs to make a very public declaration, it’s me or him. He’s the only one who might have enough clout to save this team.
Besides the nutmeg from Corona, what did he do wrong? he has dribbled out of tight spots. Getting nutmeg did take some air out of his game. He is playing too simple, he should play the way he knows.
Dest could be a winger for us. Probably more technically gifted than everybody not named Pulisic. If he plays as a fullback he needs to play as a rb
I don't think CP's looked that great except for that one stellar run. Boyd feel back to earth so hard he's underground. Morales has some tenacity but he looked like he was playing American football at times. McKennie kind of aimless and had a giveaway Mexico should've scored on. But Zardes, man, Zardes!!!
Good start to the half. McKennie keeps trying to nod the ball down... flick that header on goal once, just try it! Is that the 3rd time he's done that this match? wtf...
Weston does well to get high into the box, but his instinct tonight seems to be to knock his header down for a teammate instead of looking for goal.
The problem I see is that the US is reacting to what is happening. Good teams, not great just good, make things happen. Waiting is just waiting to lose.