We actually have four forwards on our roster: Wondo, Cowell, Rios, Kikanovic (I’ll probably just call him Benji). In that sense, we have enough forwards. The problem is that one is old, but still reasonably reliable. One is too young to count on (and he needs some work), one is crap, and one is pretty much unknown, and young. And there’s the guy we drafted who’s a forward. Did we sign him? Doesn’t look like we did. Thomas Williamson? But he’s young an unestablished. I’d say that our forward corps is weak, not non-existent. And we only play one forward at a time, so four should be plenty, except that three of the four are probably crap. Go Quakesfans!! - Mark
The reason I came over here is that I’ve been watching the Olympic Qualifiers. I’m concerned that our team (the other teams also) seem to take too many touches when facing goal. We need to shoot sooner. That’s also painfully true of the Quakes. Go Quakesfans!! - Mark
Very good!! Extra points for you! I’m reminded of the year that we signed Cam Weaver and Pablo Campos. We needed forwards, so it was the right idea, but the quality was crap. So yeah, kind of like that. We have a dearth of proven, quality forwards. Sadly, that’s not the only area where we are lacking. Go Quakesfans!! - Mark
Kashia starts against Spain in WCQ game. I didn’t see Vako on the roster. He almost scored the opening goal on a corner kick.
And Spain scores in injury time to win 2-1. Heartbreaker for Georgia. Wonder if Vako is injured or just not called in?
Yueill's stock has risen from this tournament, and almost every other player's has fallen (particularly Lewis and Ochoa.)
I know this pandemic really screwed up the qualifying phase but that should be an excuse. Looking at the national full team today, many Under 23's could have easily started for this Olympic team. I think sooner or later, the federation and confederations have to get their schedules together if they really care about their full national and youth squads. If not, the same thing will continue on for many more qualifying cycles to come.
First match I've watched in a long time, and I felt beat up and frustrated at the end, like watching a Quakes loss. :-(
One consolation , looking at the full national team yesterday, other than the prestige , I’ve never really found too much correlation or connection between not qualifying and/or playing well at the actual Olympic level or a given youth soccer tournament and the success of main national team program. Many African teams do well at the youth level and never at the World Cup. Same with Mexico who won many youth tournaments and an Olympic gold medal but never did anything at the WC. The main goal of the national youth teams is to prepare them for the full squad so hopefully , the USMNT and Berhalter are on the right track with rebuilding.
Yeah, and what happened to that "Yueill hate" "analyst" from mom's basement guy? Been real quiet recently.
What they are saying in Soccer America is its not too early to prepare for the next Olympic cycle.... U.S. MNT appearances (2024 U-23-eligible players): Gio Reyna, Bor. Dortmund/GER (2002), 4 caps, 2 goals (Nov. 2020) Yunus Musah, Valencia/ESP (2002), 4 caps, 1 assist (Nov. 2020) Ulysses Llanez, Heerenveen/NED (2001), 3 caps, 1 goal (Feb. 2020) Johnny Cardoso, Internacional/BRA (2001), 2 caps (Nov. 2020) George Bello, Atlanta United (2002), 1 cap (Jan. 2021) Tanner Tessmann, FC Dallas (2001), 1 cap (Jan. 2021) Konrad de la Fuente, Barcelona/ESP (2001), 1 cap (Nov. 2020) Owen Otasowie, Wolves/ENG (2001), 1 cap (Nov. 2020) Julian Araujo, LA Galaxy (2001), 1 cap, 1 assist (Dec. 2020) Bryan Reynolds, Roma/ITA (2001), 1 cap (March 2021) Called in camp but uncapped: Efrain Alvarez (2002), Cole Bassett (2001), David Ochoa (2001), Chituru Odunze (2002), Note: In parentheses is month of first cap.
This is bullshit: USSF has destroyed this year’s open cup. They randomly chose 16 teams that will compete. I feel terrible for all the other 85 teams that were signed up. https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/1155033
Is it not COVID that is bullshit? Times are pretty desperate for not-so-profitable sports orgs. If a trip would be a money loser, you'd think they'd have to skip it this year.
I know for a fact that at least a significant portion of those teams would absolutely love to be in the cup competition, covid or not. That includes teams for whom I personally know the owners and they have confirmed that to THEM this is bullshit.