Young team. The qualifiers are an opportunity for them to learn each other and gel as a team. I think there’s a lot of quality there, they just have to learn to be creative as a group in the final third and work together.
The result isn’t nearly as disappointing as the performance. Too often the US slowed the ball down when getting into the final third and failed to threaten. Reyna ran at defenders a few times creating a couple of chances, but overall the team lacked pace in ball movement leading to very few opportunities.
When I saw Yedlin and Ream in the team sheet I cringed. Tim was surprisingly good. Yedlin was not. He got *toasted* several times. A point is a result. Only Mexico won yesterday. It would’ve been poor to spot anyone else 2 points. #1 thought: “Welcome to CONCACAF qualifying, guys!” #2 thought: Why can’t US stadiums have that WILD atmosphere (perhaps minus the riot shields). #3 thought: This probably should’ve been a win & the players are disappointed with that. GOOD.
In the final round of CONCACAF WC qualifying, at least since 2002, winning at home and drawing away (20 points in a hexagonal) would have always gotten you through. So beating Canada at home and drawing with Honduras away would put the US well on track for qualifying. Anything more will be a bonus, anything less will be a red flag.
IMO, ignoring the absurd continental championship that's always hosted by the same nation, and this time featured depleted squads - Mexico and the US are slightly stronger but there's very little between them and Canada, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Panama. El Salvador and Jamaica are a couple of steps behind.
I think Gregg overthought it. Team looked the most dangerous when an actual LB was on the field and Aaronson was wasted in that role. But for an extremely young group to go into that environment and get a point is nothing to sneeze at. Let’s get three on Sunday and hope our depth can carry us on Wednesday.
A missed opportunity. On paper this team should be able to get a win in El Salvador, but I think the Yanks lack a dangerous forward -- the kind of player that can punish a team with half a chance. Meh -- it's a point on the road. It'll mean a lot more if they can manage wins in the next two.
(Maybe Weston should stop eating all that Cipotle.)
Draw on the road, win at home gets you there. 9 points was always fantasy. U.S. has never won many roadies in the CAF. The Canucks have more quality than the past, but U.S. needs to impose its will and win 2-0.
Bottom line, what was missing, and has always been missing is possession with purpose. We STILL fail to control the game like top world class countries.
Interesting Grant, seems you've actually learned a few things about footy the last few years. Especially like the phrase I've used for over 20 years, what's better to share is what's unseen, not seen. Glad I could contribute to your improvements. Best, Chris Gluck.
Lot of “wtf” touches and wasted possession. Seemed very impatient and frustrated with the ball. One of those games you just had to take advantage of the few opportunities you get but couldn’t get two great opportunities on target. Need 3 Sunday!
Spin it any way you want. A draw in El Salvador is crap. 300 million people and that's the best we have? Keep your shiny little trophies you won this summer, this is to get to the World Cup. They sucked.
Young team. The qualifiers are an opportunity for them to learn each other and gel as a team. I think there’s a lot of quality there, they just have to learn to be creative as a group in the final third and work together.
The result isn’t nearly as disappointing as the performance. Too often the US slowed the ball down when getting into the final third and failed to threaten. Reyna ran at defenders a few times creating a couple of chances, but overall the team lacked pace in ball movement leading to very few opportunities.
Bottom line they looked terrified, need some more veteran leadership on the team.
When I saw Yedlin and Ream in the team sheet I cringed. Tim was surprisingly good. Yedlin was not. He got *toasted* several times. A point is a result. Only Mexico won yesterday. It would’ve been poor to spot anyone else 2 points. #1 thought: “Welcome to CONCACAF qualifying, guys!” #2 thought: Why can’t US stadiums have that WILD atmosphere (perhaps minus the riot shields). #3 thought: This probably should’ve been a win & the players are disappointed with that. GOOD.
My 3 takes:
• Aaronson is not ready for the central role at this level.
• Dest's work rate isn't good enough for a FB. Maybe he should be a wing?
• Pefok was more dangerous in his short run than Sargent was all game. Switch up for Canada.
In the final round of CONCACAF WC qualifying, at least since 2002, winning at home and drawing away (20 points in a hexagonal) would have always gotten you through. So beating Canada at home and drawing with Honduras away would put the US well on track for qualifying. Anything more will be a bonus, anything less will be a red flag.
IMO, ignoring the absurd continental championship that's always hosted by the same nation, and this time featured depleted squads - Mexico and the US are slightly stronger but there's very little between them and Canada, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Panama. El Salvador and Jamaica are a couple of steps behind.
I think Gregg overthought it. Team looked the most dangerous when an actual LB was on the field and Aaronson was wasted in that role. But for an extremely young group to go into that environment and get a point is nothing to sneeze at. Let’s get three on Sunday and hope our depth can carry us on Wednesday.
Glad your back with the 3 Thoughts!! Thanks
A missed opportunity. On paper this team should be able to get a win in El Salvador, but I think the Yanks lack a dangerous forward -- the kind of player that can punish a team with half a chance. Meh -- it's a point on the road. It'll mean a lot more if they can manage wins in the next two.
(Maybe Weston should stop eating all that Cipotle.)
Draw on the road, win at home gets you there. 9 points was always fantasy. U.S. has never won many roadies in the CAF. The Canucks have more quality than the past, but U.S. needs to impose its will and win 2-0.
We need Paxton or Luca , a left footed
Bottom line, what was missing, and has always been missing is possession with purpose. We STILL fail to control the game like top world class countries.
Interesting Grant, seems you've actually learned a few things about footy the last few years. Especially like the phrase I've used for over 20 years, what's better to share is what's unseen, not seen. Glad I could contribute to your improvements. Best, Chris Gluck.
Lot of “wtf” touches and wasted possession. Seemed very impatient and frustrated with the ball. One of those games you just had to take advantage of the few opportunities you get but couldn’t get two great opportunities on target. Need 3 Sunday!
Not the result we wanted....but at least a result.
Spin it any way you want. A draw in El Salvador is crap. 300 million people and that's the best we have? Keep your shiny little trophies you won this summer, this is to get to the World Cup. They sucked.