Grenada - USA 2023 CONCACAF Nations League (Friday, 3/24) pre/in/postgame thread [R]

I guess this is the way he always plays but man, Gio, run a little bit! There was a thru ball that went out for a GK that I think he could have gotten to if he put in the effort. Just kind of slow jogging around. Too hip for the room? Pulisic OTOH is hustling for everything and pretty much dominating the game.

 

Yeah, we're saving Ream and Robinson for El Salvador...that should be a much better game.

I like Long's game a lot. It will be interesting now that Ream is firmly in the mix. I think Robinson will take Zimmermans place. imo, Ream and Robinson will be first choice going forward.

 

I'm alright with that, but Ream also needs to start being fazed out he's going to be farther time by the next world cup. But Zimmerman and Long will be too.

I like Robinson a lot. I'm not sold on Richards.

I like Scally, I'm hopeful Dest some how finds his way outta the team lol.

 

I wouldn't bet against Ream making the 2026 roster. He's like a fine wine, he's keeps getting better...he's crazy about his own fitness, so I think he'll hold up well physically.

I agree on Dest, he is unbelievably good up field, but susceptible to critical tune outs in D, which we saw in the loss to Holland in the WC...he and Musah got crossed up on a single mark which blew the rotation covering for Adams on the first goal...then Dest falls asleep on his mark on the second Dutch goal...game over. The games are too tight to have Dest's f*ck ups in defense...the difference between going on or going home.

For the life of me I don't know why we don't pull Dest out of the D and play him as a wing attacker...he would be devastating up field...a way better option than Weah, imo.

 

This isn’t a game, it’s a waste!

The nats would be better off playing a USL side.

 

I think a lot will change over the next couple years for the Nats. Theirs some ballers in the MLS that are probably going abroad soon who will be getting some looks. I hope Cade Cowell never sees the nats again either.

 

calm classy finish from Zendejas...great addition to the nats.

 

Love Zendejas.

 

We'll see, the team is really young...I think we will see about 70% of the same guys from WC22 on the field for WC26

 

It's amazing in a wide open game like this how invisible Dike is in combo play. He's an island unto himself...the game is going on all around him, bypassing him... he couldn't find the game... not a good sign.

 

The striker the US is looking for? Folarin Balogun held talks with USMT about playing for the US. Born in US to Nigerian parents, and raised in England, has represented England U-21, but is reported to be interested in playing for the US or Nigeria.
Currently second leading scorer in Ligue 1, behind Mbappe. (17 goals in 27 games)

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65062642

 

Yep, Balogun is like chasing the holy grail for US fans. US doing a full press on him to commit. The planets seem to be aligning. We have some just okay options at the 9, which we saw how badly we needed an impact 9 at the WC. He is young with a high ceiling and already putting up good numbers in a quality league. He can waltz in and most likely grab that 9 role over the current competition. He would be down the depth chart with England, and have healthy competition at the 9 if he chose Nigeria...or Imo, a probable lock starter for the us Nats with the WC at home. Should be a no brainer decision for him to go with the US.

 

Hmm, I wonder if there are any productive American forwards who combine well who might be doing better. :thinking

 

Would be a big catch. 9 is still our weakest spot.

 

Here is a scouting report on Balogun, for what it is worth. He has some Cade-like strengths and weaknesses, though he is tearing it up in Ligue 1.
https://www.scoutedftbl.com/best-young-football-players/folarin-balogun/

 

That is a great breakdown...sounds similar to Cade, but more of a poacher's mindset. It was interesting to read, they seemed to think he was better as a 9 running channels to get behind the defense...as he struggled with his passing and build up game...an approach I wish we could have done with Cade.