Pre-match: International Friendly: USA vs Uruguay; June 5th, 2022

If the point is to make a final decision as to who should be his 3rd keeper [barring injuries]. then I don't mind Johnson getting the start. Does Johnson think he can keep up with the big guns? Then let him face a team with some big guns. Here I'm assuming that Horvath is the current 3rd keeper, and Johnson has one last opportunity to show what he is capable of. Personally, I like what Horvath showed in his run of games with NF when Samba was injured.

 

A Pox on your Monkey, Sir!.....

 

Judging by Ticketmaster, there are about 1,000 tickets left in KC with prices around $100 or greater.

 

You also get a chance to see how players react to knowing they will or won't be starting. It can be a professionalism test for the fringe players.

 

We will see how MMA looks tomorrow. I love those three guys, but it feels like there is no real link between them and the attack when they play and it leads to Pulisic drifting out of dangerous areas to get the ball. IIRC Jesus hasn’t played with MMA yet. His ability to drop into the midfield to help with the buildup while CP and Timmy presumably get vertical could be an interesting variable though.

I like the idea of having a more attacking 8.5 in there with two of those guys, whether it’s BA, GR, or DM. I don't think it was a coincidence Morocco was the most dangerous our attack has looked in a while (Pulisic not getting the shit kicked out of him consistently also helped). Ledezma and Tillman could also probably play that role. Interesting to see the trade off from offense to defense tomorrow, but it might be worth it against better teams.

Also think Yedlin could very well be playing for a spot on the plane especially if GGG only brings 4 fullbacks. He has looked below average in MLS thus far. Not sure what his veteran presence and leadership is worth to GGG.

 

Speech merchant was great, but first teasers might be even better. Close call.

 

I agree that starting and playing is better than sitting on the bench. My question was really about why Horvath sits behind the other two present and future benchwarmers.

 

I had an even better one the other day involving “poop”

 

I don’t really know. Horvath has produced for club and country when he has gotten a chance. But for whatever reason it appears as if his managers prefer his competitors. I am kind of surprised that Johnson is starting. At this point I am not going to read much into it. Johnson has sat on the NT bench a lot. Perhaps GB feels like he has earned a run out given said patience and current form. I doubt we will see him come November. But who knows?

 

In the past, we've done a little too much auditioning in the runup to the WC. So I'm glad to see the starters.

 

Replace Yedlin with Dest and you have yourself the WC 1st game starters.

like it or not, the starting of Long with Zimmer these two matches means that Long is the leader to replace Robinson. If Long does well with Uruguay, I would consider it lock.

I’m positive we will see similar subs in the 2nd half.

 

IDK about that. Close though.

1) Johnson ahead of Turner AND Steffen? Highly doubtful.

2) Reyna nor Aaronson not in the XI? Either for Weah or in CM. We play Wales/Ukraine first. I think MMA is more likely, but I do not think it is settled yet. If it was England first, then MMA for sure.

3) I think Richards v Long is a long way from decided. Richards not in this camp so Long starting does not mean much.

4) CF is still wide open.

 

Perhaps Uruguay are seen as modelling some of the level and characteristics of England. Big, elite strikers. Pace and craft on the wings. Athleticism and physicality throughout the lineup. Quick transitions to the attack. Then perhaps Berhalter wants to see how MMA would fair against such an opponent.

Against Wales/Ukraine and Iran, the idea is likely to be more creativity in central midfield. Aaronson or Reyna in place or Musah.

 

i cant imagine steffen or turner not being the "starter" at the world cup, and johnson starting here only makes sense if horvath gets a start as well because i dont think the third spot is set in stone yet. if he doesnt i think that decision is made. the downside is that turner isnt getting more time to "win" the starting spot.

i think dest/long/zim/jedi is greggs starting backline, but unlike keeper (where i think whoever gets the call is the guy for the duration of the cup, full stop) i very seriously doubt we will see the same 11 (other ten) more than once. whether its this faux 3atb with cannon or an actual/standard 3atb (where i assume richards and long would flank zim) this is a colossal waste of time if we arent going to use it.

point being thats the first choice four assuming we play our usual 433 every match.

and i absolutely think aaronson and reyna will come off the bench- honestly its irresponsible to be planning around reyna starting regularly at this point. the only reason aaronson got the start in the middle was wes being out/limited. starting either of them at rw over weah would be idiotic. cards and fitness may have a say in that, but i dont see either of them starting if "everyone" is available.

and ferreira is the starter just like long is- i dont why theres confusion/debate there.

 

that makes enough sense, but i dont know if it needs a lot of explanation- have mma started even 5 matches together?

 

1) ehh, your probably right. I do have a feeling that Turner not getting playing time in Europe, starting in June, will lead to a Different MLS keeper. I’m not saying it is the right decision, it just appears that GB favors goalies getting 1st team action.

2) Unfortunately, yes. Two will have to sit. Reyna coming back from injury is the easiest choice. Then you have to decide if it’s Weah or Aaronson. Based on GB tactics, I don’t see WM being paired with aaronson or Reyna. WM, Musharraf, and Adams is GB midfield. They will get play time and even start one game, just thinking they will be left out of the first starting eleven.

3) Again, I’m assuming that GB favors players getting play time leading up to the WC. If Richards can get back and start his season, It gives him 3 months to show he is ready and healthy. Long will be finishing his MLS season. Again, not saying it’s the right decision.

4) see above. Haji, Pepi, anyone not In The MLS will have a very short time to out preform ferreira. Sure I guess it can happen, but I wouldn’t put money on it.

I’m a football idiot so don’t mind me.

 

That would be a shame if it stayed that way. Fortunately there are many months between tomorrow and Qatar.

 

Johnson And the rest, it's cool, but a little bit boring.

 

Richards better be healthy this fall. Long does not seem good enough. If you forced me to pick, I’d likely take CCV, Brooks and Ream first. Toss up with Miazga, McKenzie and Kessler. Haven’t seen EPB in a while so not sure yet where he is compared to Long.

 

Since Long is getting the first half hopefully EPB gets the second half so we have something close to a direct comparison between the two.

 

I can't tell you anything but the truth.

I still don't rate Ferreira.

But maybe if he finally scores against a good team, I'll have a come to Jesus moment....

 

I would prefer Horvath vs. Uruguay, if we're going to rest Turner. Unless GB is coming around to the idea of having one GK in Qatar who is regularly starting for his club team - with Horvath being the odd man out.

 

Sean Johnson has all the tools and looks great when he is on form. The problem is there's always a few moments where he breaks down and looks like a USL rookie. I've seen enough of him to know he will give up softies. That's not good enough for international level. Time and time again he has shown thats what he does. He may play wonderful tomorrow but if he is the starter, he will let a howler in that would make Rob Green blush. But anyway, it should be a good litmus to see where the players are. Gotta keep getting better.