Seriously. Stu Holden was a very good player and observes the game as a commentator at a “parent at a HS game” level. They aren’t translatable skills.
First half impressions... Not bad, not super great. We need to remember that this is this generation’s first true game. So it’s the first time that they’re playing for real and not experimenting. So it’s normal there’ll be some rust. Let’s see how we adapt in the second half. Berhalter needs to get on this team to be cleaner on defense. They’re giving up too many cheap balls that a decent team would already bagged 2 or 3. Some of that is unacceptable. Fortunately, it’s not so much fault of anyone player, but a lack of understanding of each other. Typical for a team still learning each other. On offense, I don’t mind what I’ve seen. Put away your chances. But keep doing what you’re doing. Individual player performances... 5 = average Steffen - 5 - my internet went out on his gaffe but he’s been alright from what I’ve seen. Dest = 5 - I need to see more. For all the talk that he would be this rock star on the right. That hasn’t been the case. Brooks = 9 - he has been the man, the leader, and bombing balls all over the damn place. McKenzie = 7 - very quiet game. But I don’t mind that from a CB. He seems to have a good understanding with Brooks which is very promising. He’s the guy who lets Brooks get into the game while he hangs back and cleans up. Jedi - 6 = not bad, not outstanding. For a left back, that’s alright. Yuiell = 4.5 - I won’t say that he’s been terrible, maybe not even “bad” but he’s the weakest link on this XI and he’s not putting his stamp on the field. A better team will crush him. McKennie = 4.5 - Absent Lletget = 5.5 - he’s been good enough. Not killing it. But he’s been the best midfielder on the field. Pulisic = 6.5 - Out of our best player, I want to see more. But he’s been good and showing some confidence. Reyna = 7.5 - if he could finish, he’d add a point or two by that ranking. He’s been cutting through dudes like it’s cool. Sargent = 4.5 “nobody can’t score like me”. On both sides of the ball he’s showing he has what it takes to keep the ball out of the net. Honestly, he hasn’t been horrible. But I want to see more. This is Honduras. Not France. Score, damn it.
Honduras have more than held their own. They are very well organized on defense. They pick their times to attack. This match has been reduced to fine margins. Who makes the bigger mistake. Who makes the perfect pass. Who is clinical on the finish. It's been a solid match, so far. Steffen is starting to become a worry. You hate to take it(the starting spot) from him, though. McKenzie has been good, but I miss the wheels of Long.
I've noticed how he has players around him and he won't slide into the gap to give teammates an outlet and advance the play. Maybe this is because he's insecure about his defensive recovery or he's just not having the proper recognition.
I am convinced, absolutely convinced, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the moment Aaronson steps on this field that we obviously start turning the screws on Honduras.
That may well be true and it says a lot about our development process that we can't play well without one player. We have the depth of a kiddie pool.
I'm shocked that a player would be better on his club when he's surrounded by world class players at his club.
I don't know if Paramount or CBS read these threads, but absolutely a great idea to have deuce and gooch on the panel. I'd watch just for their analysis and non-cloying 'passion' for USMNT. More of those guys please.
precisely, which is why I'm not rating him super highly. Pulisic is playing pretty far back and often using Lletget to get the ball into the 18 centrally. Dest and Reyna have nice work on the wing, but often are getting dispossesed or not delivering it well. Sargent is making runs, but not connecting.
If the midfield doesn’t play radically different this half, what is Gregg providing this team? How many tackles did the midfield win? They have clearly been instructed to close off the back pass in a dual and it’s burning them over and over.
I put Steffen about our 3rd best as well. He should currently be no higher than number two. Absolutely not number one.
I mean, the commentators were like "Oh Honduras is marking Yueil". I've been watching him intensely, and I really just think he's just jogging around out there. He shows for the ball with the Quakes, I know he can run. He walks and jogs doing nothing and never showing for the ball.
Wow, what a huge drop off from Adams to Yueill. I realize that it is a direct plug in to maintain the system, but a good manager would alter the system to avoid putting a clearly inferior player on the field. Lletget is not the same player he was in the friendlies. Time for Musah.