It was a mixed game for Morales... some good, some bad. I think he definitely showed to be a step up from most of the MLS midfielders Berhalter has been calling in all year. I think I would have him in my 23 as a back up to Adam's as the #6 with the ability to provide cover as a #8.
He was better than Trapp. But he wasn't good. He got burned in open spaces several times, and his passing was pretty suspect. He should get another call up given the competition, but he did not seize a spot at all.
Agree. I believe he showed at least as well as most of the midfielders not named Pulisic or McKennie that have played for Berhalter. I think he showed he deserves to be in the 23. From there he can fight for a spot.
I thought he was decent and since the passing was off for almost everyone I hesitate to rate anyone on that hot mess. I'm guessing the scheme was more responsible. What I loved was how he played his heart out and brought some steel to the team. I agree that his spot is at the 6 and behind Adams. A possible starter or late game sub if they ever do the 4-2-3-1 (which they should always do against teams as good as Mexico or better). Morales (and everyone else) deserve a look without Trapp or Bradley or Zardez.
Haha... He seized Trapp's spot. He should get another callup? It is weird. You dont see an MLS bias, but you are applying a different standard to Morales than MLS players. Trapp and many other players havent played a game to that level, but are approaching 10 caps this year.
He looked better in his first cap in 3+ years than many have who Berhalter brings in religiously. I actually wouldn't mind trying a Adams/Morales/McKennie trio with Pulisic tipping the diamond. ---------Weah-------Sargent-------- ----------------Pulisic----------------- -----Morales----------McKennie--- ---------------Adams-----------------
I say it during In game thread but Morales was the only one that really give a damn and actually took the rivalry to his heart. He had those fierce emotion reminds me of combo Jones and Dempsey. I will be honest and have not watch any his club matches before but just examining his game the other day, he definitely has good engine. Definitely would like to see his again which means we won't.
I bring Morales back. He's the only guy other than Pulisic, Long, and McKennie who wasn't playing scared.
He also committed some hard fouls after Mexico hacked Pulisic. That was a hallelujah moment for me! McKennie does that now too but after watching the lion stand idly by after CP was getting killed towards the end of the Hex, it was so nice to see someone have their teammates back like Jermaine Jones would have done. I liked what I saw. It's a shame we didn't get to see him at the 6.
This weak mentality where our players allow themselves to get the physicality of the game dictated to them is ridiculous. We need to be the team who sets the physical tone in every match...especially against Mexico. Mexico loses their cool really easily.
Exactly. Mexico has had some really good talent through most of recent history but Jermaine Jones, Beckerman, Jay DeMerit and guys like that laughed at their shenanigans and put them on their backs. Most of our guys cried to the ref about it on Friday. Morales and McKennie aren't soft. We need more guys to follow their leads.