You're definitely turning it. And I'm glad you are. It gives us a kick to the butt; the rivalry will be intense but civilized. I also find your team likeable.
Off topic, but sending positive thoughts to you and your son tonight. I remember my daughter asleep in her carseat/portable carrier at my feet when the US went 2-0 up on Mexico at the World Cup 2002. My friend and I screamed so loud she woke up terrified and crying. Here's to hoping we score tonight, and if we do, that you keep your NICU celebration in check!
That's great...on a Landon Donovan goal no less...that's kind of the goal that kicked off his career and Mexico's long-running rivalry with LD. Awesome. I'm just hoping for some entertainment and a solid win over a rising Canada squad. Thanks for the thoughts!
Don't read too much into it. It's a lineup. I am a fan and I have a keyboard. FWIW I had him there because I liked what I saw from him recently in that role for the US. I haven't seen Morales in forever, and from what I remember he was clearly not the superior option back then. That said, it was a long time ago, and I am in agreement we need to look at all of our eligible player pool that is starting in the Bundesliga today. Hoping we see both over the coming games.
It’s our time in O-Town. 💪🇺🇸⚽️The Starting XI that will rep the 🔴, ⚪️ and 🔵 tonight vs. 🇨🇦.#USAvCAN NOTES>> https://t.co/8z4118vfbD pic.twitter.com/Gi8STeGGhz— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) November 15, 2019 No Yedlin. And 7 of 10 starters have double letters in their name... which is unconscious bias by Gregg.
---------------Zardes---------------- Arriola----------------------Morris --------McKennie--Lleget------ ---------------Yueill------------------ Ream-------------------------Dest ----------Brooks---Long--------- -----------------Guzan-------------- I didn't expect him to pick Lleget or Long, but I figured he'd make the Ream and Dest choices to get Dest, Brooks, and Ream all on the field with Dest and Brooks in their natural positions. Also, Sargent has been so anonymous that you have to try something else.
It is possible that we may score a goal or two with this lineup if we can get Old Leadfoot (Zardes) to stand in front of goal and have Morris try and play a few bank shots off him.
Dest fits better as an RB under Gregg's system, but I still think he should be pushed left because the drop off from Yedlin and Cannon to Ream is a big one. Yueill is more of a natural 6 than Morales is, but there's a pretty big quality gap between the two and I'd still would have rather had Fredo start, even if it's not his natural role. Sargent was god awful in Toronto, but Zardes has had his fair share of dog shit performances.
Again, the lack of goal-scoring options is glaring. This team has very few individual threats on goal. It will take a great team effort to put Canada in contain and press attack.
Silver linings from the XI: 1. Dest is cap-tied. 2. This is our best CB pairing.* 3. Yueill over Trapp. Biggest negatives: 1. Zardes. 2. Ream as a fullback. 3. Where is Yedlin? 4. If the goal is to play out of the back, having Stonefoot Guzan starting in goal is a monumental error. * - Long isn't our #2 CB, but Brooks is the clear #1 and Long is our best option to pair with him.
I think Dest should be our LB, but if you insist on pushing him right then why not give Nick Lima a look at left back?
5 fb's on the roster, 4 who've performed decently or well for the NT, and only start 1. Can't let Cannon and Lima have the showcases and work permit to compel transfers to Europe to stay motivated I guess. By and large the MLS contingent that we've played significantly in recent years are ones inclined to stay there. So as a general rule, the opposite of the type who should be getting the opportunity from there from a caliber and strategical perspective. But it helps Garber. I can't stand this program. Hate wondering who is actually in charge and ulterior motive is because they're in position for conflicts of interests and for years who've done things that have made little sense on the surface. To wit, despise being conflicted over whether I should root for the team to win or lose in the interim, and even if they do the latter if that would substantively change anything or they'd just move around deck chairs on the Titanic.
Keeping Yedlin on the bench in favor of Ream is awesome. Peak Berhalter in effect. Ream can totally keep up with their speed attackers and he provides so much in attack
Taking the family to dinner. Y’all are on your own. Edit: I reserve the right to bitch later in tonight after the scotch kicks in
Hope he's doing okay! I myself spent a month in the NICU, and I made it out just fine. Course, I ended up on here, so take that for what it's worth...