I don’t know that the 2nd half made all the Berhalter discussion ridiculous. The team still didn’t come alive until Adams was finally moved to the middle.
75 minutes of playing one of your most important players way out of position is a problem.
I enjoyed the article. And yes, the decision to slot Adams in a right back was mystifying. But it was more than that. Adams is clearly head and shoulders above every other US central midfielder, especially with McKennie in purgatory. He's also essential on both sides of the ball, probably our most important player. His engine is off the charts and he provides defensive cover for like five positions. He also is key offensively because he can actually collect the ball from the back four and start moving the ball forward. Without him, almost every possession breaks down before it gets going. Our other midfielders don't have the skillset to do that and our defenders don't trust them under pressure. That's why Canada (an extremely well-coached team) tried to man-mark Adams out of the game. But of course, that frees up and gives time to other players who need it. That Berhalter doesn't see this makes me think that he just doesn't have what it takes to coach at this level. His results have, overall, been very good, but i think they may have glossed over some limitations.
As always, Mr. Wahl is right on point. So glad to support a medium that directly supports him. I love that he is reporting on something that matters so much to a bunch of us.
Berhalter needs to go. His tactics don't add anything. He's fortunate to have good players that continuously bail him out. When players were in the right position and playing a style they're familiar with they dominated. Why did it take so long to get there? That game could've easily been the Trinidad disaster. The talent gap US has on CONCACAF right now is huge and Berhalter has almost screwed that up.
More great reporting, thanks. And Pepi is just tied as top scorer in the league! Can't forget about the reactived Salloi at SKC.
I always wonder about how much the pitch conditions affect play. It seemed really slow yesterday. Any insights since we have you on location?
Additionally, how about a vignette of what local food you are eating?
Thanks again for the excellent coverage
I don’t know that the 2nd half made all the Berhalter discussion ridiculous. The team still didn’t come alive until Adams was finally moved to the middle.
75 minutes of playing one of your most important players way out of position is a problem.
Grant: Do you think Berhalter was especially tough on McKinney, since McKinney fancies himself as a leader?
I enjoyed the article. And yes, the decision to slot Adams in a right back was mystifying. But it was more than that. Adams is clearly head and shoulders above every other US central midfielder, especially with McKennie in purgatory. He's also essential on both sides of the ball, probably our most important player. His engine is off the charts and he provides defensive cover for like five positions. He also is key offensively because he can actually collect the ball from the back four and start moving the ball forward. Without him, almost every possession breaks down before it gets going. Our other midfielders don't have the skillset to do that and our defenders don't trust them under pressure. That's why Canada (an extremely well-coached team) tried to man-mark Adams out of the game. But of course, that frees up and gives time to other players who need it. That Berhalter doesn't see this makes me think that he just doesn't have what it takes to coach at this level. His results have, overall, been very good, but i think they may have glossed over some limitations.
As always, Mr. Wahl is right on point. So glad to support a medium that directly supports him. I love that he is reporting on something that matters so much to a bunch of us.
What a weird game.
As crazy as it sounds, a 4-1 road win doesn't lessen any of the legitimate concerns about Berhalter.
Berhalter needs to go. His tactics don't add anything. He's fortunate to have good players that continuously bail him out. When players were in the right position and playing a style they're familiar with they dominated. Why did it take so long to get there? That game could've easily been the Trinidad disaster. The talent gap US has on CONCACAF right now is huge and Berhalter has almost screwed that up.
I was too nervous to watch the game live indeed to even find out the result until I woke up on Thursday. So glad for the win.
I hope McKennie straightens out, we need him. I’m going to watch the recording right now & see Pepi’s debut. Way to go lads!