For the first time ever we actually had to participate in qualifying. With our 4-1 win over Canada we clinched a top 2 spot in our Nations League Group which means we're going to The Gold Cup! WE DID IT BOYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The very fact we never qualify for the Euros is proof positive that the SUM/MLS cabal is only interested in protecting their interests ahead of what’s best for the NT. Any serious fed would know that the quality of play in Europe dwarfs that of MLS and we will never improve until that changes.
No, I mean we cannot qualify for the Euros because we're not in Europe. As for making it there, depends on the group. I think we'd have a shot to finish second in half of them. It's not like the Czechs or Ukraine are world-beaters.
So this I guess is the post game thread? Another low. USSOCCER wake up. On this game, we got we we needed and should. Was it impressive? Nah, but at this point we'll take it. I liked... Hate to say it but Jar Jar Zardes - had a nice game. Not just the two goals, but he had several other nice runs/touches/moments. I guess we have to give credit here. Morris - continues to produce. Limited player, but gets results. LLetget - This is the addition most wanted and got. And it paid dividends. Clear ability to impact the game offensively. Long - Excellent finish. Good defensively as well. Dest - Welcome addition of skill. Wasn't game breaking tonight, but you can see it lurking. Nuetral on most: Yuiell - Impressed with his defensive interventions. The "diagonals" went missing. Arriola - One good pass to Morris. That's it. Brooks - fine Ream - not a LB Guzan - One nice save actually, hits and misses on distribution. Dissapointing: Mckennie- starting to worry here. Does he have Timmy Chandler disease and can't travel?
I still don't think Zardes is going to help much against strong rivals but: a) No one is going to help much against strong rivals, come on, not even Puli has looked that good against opposition of Mexico's grade, so if we must play someone stronger than Mexico in a competitive game, RIP; b) I'm very happy for him, there is a guy who gives his all when playing for the NT --he's everywhere, and keeps pushing even when tired. Reminds me of Wood back in the day, when he kept going after everybody else was done.
Jeez Us. Everyone suffers from some sort of weird bias against Zardes. It's like they forget the entire body of work. Anyone remember when we hosted Copa America? He was arguably the only bright spot against Argentina. Gyasi has worked on his target game but he's always been more of a poacher type, great on the counter and to give Klinssy credit, he played well on the wing against some opponents (usually bunkering opponents).
Zardes has always been a decent complementary piece to have around; the problem has been making him the focal point of the attack, which he absolutely cannot do.