2176 replies to this topic

[glenn__davis]

No answers at all in the final third, then a bad giveaway by Pulisic (I think) and Panama snatches the win. Lotta work to do.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Yeah it was the bad back pass from Pulisic that lead to the Panama goal. But thats exactly how Panama played the entire game. The packed the box and just kept hoping we'd make a mistake and that they could find a goal. Down we go. 

 

Just the same story. Totally control the game but can not find a goal against a bunker.

[Mashed Potatoes]

Surprised that Reyna didn't see the field when creating good chances was our issue.

[DuffMan]

Surprised that Reyna didn't see the field when creating good chances was our issue.

Same. Not sure what his fitness is but I think having him for 30 minutes to help in that final 1/3 of the field could have made the difference.

Also our Left Backs laziness on the goal sure was noticeable. Really could have uses Jedi on that play

[glenn__davis]

Robinson with a statement on his IG indicating that he's been struggling with Tendinopathy.  

 

"After consutling with both medical teams, with the quick turnaround of the Nations League games I don't think I could have contributed to the team with a good enough level, and this is probably the only opportunity to try and get on top of this issue, finish the season strong and give myself the best chance of being back with the US this summer in much better shape ready for another big tournament.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Here's the final stats from the disaster the other night. They need to curb stomp Canada today to make up for this poor result.

 

US possession 67-33%

US shots on goal 6. Panama 2 and thats really misleading. The first Panama "shot on goal" was really a mishit cross that went toward goal.

US had 9 corners to Panama's 3.

US xG was 1.69 and Panama was 0.70.

 

This game was closer to a 2-0 US win compared to the 1-0 loss. But that's why they play the game. Panama was masterful in their bunker and got a bit lucky that Sargent's shot got deflected just enough to bounce it off the post. If that goes in then the game goes way differently. Always the case with a bunkering team. IF, and yes its hard, you find a goal then the bunkering team is in huge trouble because they can't play toe to toe with a much better team. When they have to chase a goal they usually end up giving up more goals.

 

Come on guys. Tonight is important. Turn this around and set the stage for this summer's Gold Cup.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Looks like a standard 4-3-3. Sounds like Steffen is sick which could be why he isn't starting. Dang it. Turner time to get your shit together.

[Pedro Cerrano]

Imagine watching a soccer match tonight???

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Ok, Pochettino, we get that:

 

1. Missing Strikers #1 and 2/3.

2. Missing LB #1.

3. Missing RB #1.

4. That the field was too narrow.

 

So when you are on a narrow field and missing your best (and really only 2) attacking outside backs you adjust tactics to fit the situation. You didn't.

 

Here's what we learned this window:

1. Diego Luna has played his way onto the 23 man roster and should get consideration for starts.

2. Matt Turner and Gio Reyna MUST find new club situations this summer and play.

3. If we are missing both Jedi and Dest then this team is in trouble. They can handle missing one or the other. But missing both is a disaster. 

4. Our best 15 or so players are fine international quality. But we simply do not have the depth to survive missing more than a couple of them. The backups all have too big of flaws.

5. We can not start Mark McKenzie or Cameron Carter-Vickers together and really neither one of them is good enough. But you can survive pairing one of them with Richards. But together they are just bad.

[BSLChrisStoner]

• Reports: McKennie named in gambling probe

[BSLSteveBirrer]

For those who get overly excited and don't read the article it's no big deal. It's really not sports betting. He's being investigated for playing online poker. If it goes to sports betting that could be an issue. And this article is better than some of the Euro articles going around that just about bury that this was online poker related.

Now all that said it's still not what you want to see in the news.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

[Mashed Potatoes]

Surprised to see Van Dijk and Haaland that high considering they're both having down seasons relative to their astronomical norms.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Surprised to see Van Dijk and Haaland that high considering they're both having down seasons relative to their astronomical norms.

And there you go. In down seasons they are still some of the best players on the planet.

[BSLChrisStoner]

CBS Sports: Former USMNT boss Bruce Arena critiques USA soccer team's 'pride,' Mauricio Pochettino's fit

https://www.cbssport...ochettinos-fit/

[BSLSteveBirrer]

The next time I hear fans bitching because we can't breakdown and score against a low block defense I have the simple for all time answer.

Go watch the 2025 FA Cup Final and see Man City totally dominate Crystal Palace...and lose 1-0.