PBP: MLS N&A Running USMNT and other International Games Thread {R}

It also shows the value of the Nations League. Maybe its pointless for the U.S. and Mexico, maybe even Canada, but the other 6 qualifiers are all here because of the improvement they made in playing more competitive games more regularly.

 

I wonder if the Central American teams are suffering from MLS getting better. There’s not as obvious of an intermediate step up from their domestic leagues anymore.

The Red Bulls signed a kid in January who had 85 appearances for Herediano and now has 16 senior caps with Costa Rica, and he managed 1 first-team appearance this season…in Leagues Cup. Almost exclusively a Next Pro player.

Someone with that pedigree 10-15 years ago walks into an MLS starting lineup.

 

I've noticed an increasing number of USL and MLS Next Pro players getting caps for Central American national teams.

But the USL Championship isn't really a step up from the bigger Central American clubs. The Central American national team players in that league mostly aren't going there directly from Central American clubs, most of them get there after playing in MLS and not getting a lot of minutes. MLS is now a big jump from even the biggest clubs in Central America, but USL Championship is at best a lateral move and probably still a small step downward.

 

That Berhalter goal though. My jaw literally dropped....

 

One of those shots where I started to think “what if that goes in?” a split second before it went in. So satisfying when that happens.

 

Someone should review what was being said about Arfsten and Berhalter prior to the October friendlies.

 

So sad. From their amazing run in 2014 to this?

 

From after the South Korea game. I stand by my CB assessment, at least.

Switching to a back 5 has really unlocked Arfsten - great tactical decision.

 

I think Costa Rica, along with Honduras, tried to milk as much from their aging stars as possible, but things didn't pan out. It happens to a lot of countries...they hang onto their stalwarts too long, rather than give younger players more opportunities. Of course, those younger players may not be as good in their development as the players they hope to replace. It was mentioned on the Golazo Show last night that this World Cup cycle could be the last rodeo for many of Panama's players. Smaller countries than these have a bigger problem, just merely based on lesser populations to draw from. It will be interesting to see what Suriname and Curacao, for example, look like when it's time to qualify for the 2030 World Cup.

 

I really hate CONMEBOL with all my body and soul.