PBP: 2018 CONCACAF U-20 Championship: USA vs. Honduras 11/19 8:00 ET

Too narrow and not creative enough up the middle. Bring in Rennicks for Akinola at half, move Pomykol centrally. Rennicks has better ball control on the dribble, is slinkier, craftier in combination, and has more accurate passing than Akinola.

Although Soto has been disappointingly overall with a few chances. Not really thinking ahead, which he has to because not like he's a physical marvel. Want to keep riding him for that success in Germany, and hope it translates at some point. But sometimes it just doesn't, and guys have peaks.

 

0-0 at the half

US improved a bit as the half went on, but no real cutting edge. The big H is sitting deep.

The only other time the US was not up multiple goals in the half at this tournament, they managed to score 6 in the second!

 

Carleton doesn't even exist, and super creative Mendez not on the field unfortunately, probably busy checking that door too Mexican team. The other Mendez that's on the field isn't that creative. So, you stop Pomykal, you stop the team.
A question to those who seen a lot of Soto. Is he a pure finisher that needs a perfect service or he can create something by himself?

 

Ouch, bit harsh on the one guy to break Honduras' defense for a clear chance (although he didn't finish).

 

He had a cross that came through to him which he wasn't ready for because he thought the defender was going to clear it so he misconnected. Had another one on the edge of the box I'm forgetting the details on.

Don't see how one can argue he hasn't been disappointing these first two matches. That's not harsh. You'd expect a guy who is tearing it up in youth club teams domestically and abroad to do better. Could mean nothing, could mean something. That shouldn't be provocative. Some successful youth players will pan out and others won't. The more positive samples you have as you move up the age ladder the better you should feel. Also I think it's fair to point out he's not Drogba physically. If you're acting like I'm leaning in a direction on him I'm not. Not enough info. Was just expecting to be optimistic at this point with him having multiple goal productions and creations to his name.

 

US ball played off the counter to Akinola is deflected by a H defender, but still falls to Akinola who finishes to the far post.

1-0 US 50'

 

Great cross from Akinola headed wide of the far post by Soto.

 

Is that the second miss by Soto?

 

I'm actually surprised with how much Soto has disappointed me.

 

Soto is not a clinical finisher.

 

How lacking in confidence do you need to be to be afraid of getting four goals! Try to at least get the win and if you are losing by a goal then go ultradefensive. Just absolute crap from Honduras.

 

I wasn't a big fan of Akinola in the u17 WC, but he just always finds a way to end up on the scoresheet. He makes intelligent runs but he reminds me so much of Zardes in the way his touch lets him down sometimes that I can't unsee it. Hope he proves me wrong.

 

Wasting time being down 1-0 smh.

 

If it's either or, I rather have a guy with an instinct to score. Maybe it's me but I feel it's easier to work on touch than developing a nose for goal.

*edit

 

Zardes has a great career. Akinola does look like young Zardes, hopefully he will be as lucky as Zardes to be able to learn from guys of Donovan-Keane level.

 

Pomykal booked for a soft foul that breaks up a counter in the 74'.

 

Of course.

 

Torres on for Servania 76'

 

The one thing he has on Zardes is that fact that he is starting his pro career at 17 as opposed to 22. He's got that athleticism, that nose for goal and being in the right spot, the intelligent runs, etc.. he's just got that Gyasi touch that can hopefully improve over the next few years.

 

Perez on for Dest 79'

 

My current wifi situation is pretty bad, so I can't watch the game. Who's been our best player so far?

 

Rennicks on for Pomykal 84'

 

This last half has been a parody of a game. It's ridiculous.

 

Ball was under his feet. If his touch carried the ball a little further he would have been able to do so much more. He could get much power or direction on the shot since it was up under him.