Pre-match: 2022 CONCACAF U-20 Championships, Semifinals: USA vs. Honduras, 7/1 @ 9 PM EDT

I forgot the name of the Confederation. PONGMEBOL?

 

PANGCACAF?

 

Lasers...The future is all lasers.

 

No slot for Atlantis because of course corrupt FIFA will still refuse to give any World Cup slots to the countries beyond the ice wall

 

I'm sure Varas isn't even thinking about the final.

Gotta win today and then we'll figure out who's fit for the final (should we win) later.

This is going to be a really tight one tonight. Could go down to penalties. I'll be shocked if we win it comfortably. I'm expecting to be on the edge of my seat for 2 hours.

I don't think I need to remind people that we faced Honduras with 2016 and 2020 (well, 2021) Olympic qualification on the line. And I don't think I need to remind folks what the results were. Different age group, but true nonetheless.

 

I'm worried for the same reason and especially as their at home on long grass with home cooking from the refs. However that was U23 where we put up younger skill guys against their true U23's and got manhandled. U20 level is the same age instead of us being 1-3 years younger. 1-3 years matter a lot until everyone is fully grown and mature.

 

By this time in tournaments with such short turn-a-rounds most teams are the walking wounded. Teams have to turn to their third or fourth choices in spots to move on. Also why getting some of those jack of all trade players can be important in tournaments.

 

Honestly, Sunday means absolutely nothing. Whatever it takes to win tonight, and that’s all that matters. If we have to play Chris Brady at striker Sunday, so be it.

Ivan Barton is the referee tonight. He’s going to the World Cup and is the best non-MLS/Liga MX referee in CONCACAF. That assignment makes me a lot more comfortable that officiating won’t be a major factor tonight.

 

And plastics.

 

It's pretty amazing that one of Guatemala and Dominican Republic will go to the Olympics and both are going to the U20 WC. Maybe they get some results, but more likely they get spanked and Concacaf reputation takes another beating...

 

Guatemala made the Round of 16 in 2011 despite a -10 GD

I wonder who they beat to qualify for that tourname-

Oh

 

As well as sharks with frickin laser beams attached to their heads?

 

Guatemala are easily exposed on the right side, should be a comfortable tournament win for the US.

Now that have I your attention.

Dominican Republic playing well, wouldn’t be surprised to see them in the final. Honduras will be our toughest test for sure.

 

Guatemala and DR showed some nice skill and play; I don't think the upsets were quite as upset as people make out.

But that said, we're the most skilled team in this tourney and it's not really close. If we get outplayed, it'll be to someone bigger and stronger, and that's Honduras.

Of course, it's soccer, you can lose to anyone. But stylistically, I think Guatemala and DR compete more like us, but we're just better.

 

I never thought there would even be a chance we could lose Paredes to the DR... but I wonder if they make the Olympics and we do not if he would consider playing with their U23s.?.? Long term it doesn't seem like the best thing for him considering their NT ranking (156th)... and I know he has been in camps with us... But I have no idea how he feels about his DR heritage. Probably unlikely. Just a thought.

 

It's Dominican Republic & he already said he's committed to the US.

 

--------------Sullivan-------------
---Luna----------------Aaronson--
----------Clark---Alvarado-------
-Allen-------Edelman------Cuevas
---------Neal--------Craig------------
---------------Carrera-------------------

I imagine it'll be Brady over Carrera. I hope the fb decision was a rotational thing and Varas does what makes sense for this one. Edelman vs. Pukstas seems about 50-50 for Varas. I prefer the more positionally and possession secure Edelman.

I expect the false 9 to continue. Might not be the game for it when we may be out-played and need an outlet. Sullivan can provide some on the wing, but it would be better direct.

Chances will likely come mostly on the press, in traps, surrounding when Honduras is likely to control more of the game. We'll win the ball less if Luna is in CM.

If the US is going to get it done, we need to hope our few difference makers get it done in the big moments, while our keeper comes up with some big saves.

 

WOW DR

 

Damn...DR overcome 2 goals down to equalize 2-2...Reset, reboot and replace...lol

 

I just don't understand people on this board sometimes. The response in words was all you needed. What about my post screamed "the sky is falling"? What is the purpose of making others out to be unreasonable? I didn't know he already declared for us... and I did preface my post about it being DR.

 

Looks like DRvsGua goes overtime