SAINT PAUL, Minn. — The USMNT beat Honduras 3-0 in the 11th game of the 14-match World Cup qualifying Octagonal on Wednesday, leaving the U.S. with 21 points and Honduras with 3. Here are my three thoughts on the game:
I agree Luca de la Torre played a great game. His speed and quickness was evident while defending and attacking. I don't know if his spot on the team is matchup dependent but he made use of his opportunity.
Let’s not get carried away. It was Honduras. There are reasons they’re last in the group without a single win.
Let’s not get carried away. While McKennie’s header was a thing of beauty, the other 2 were in the “look what I found” category. Still, they count. Better than it has been. Acosta was terrific, but if Adams was healthy he probably wouldn’t have started.
The pace of ball movement was SLOOOOOW. They won’t get a result at Azteca unless they play a LOT faster. Good to see the urgency tonight.
While they were more creative than against Canada, hard not to be concerned that the best chances (and goals) came off set pieces. It feels like this team still isn’t getting close to its best out of its attacking talent
Enough was said elsewhere, but I'll say it here - US should be embarrassed by the conditions this game was played in. Berhalter postgame again was weak when he talked about heat/humidity/cramping in other places - show me where they could hold it in their countries where that wouldn't be an issue. As the biggest fish in the group, we should strive for better.
I really don't think NOT starting CP10 was that big of a deal. He'd just logged a lot of minutes in the previous games. He was available. It's not as if he was really "benched". Morris continues to not impress me. Was prepared to be disappointed with Acosta, but he played excellently. Luca DT....I'm looking forward to seeing him against better competition. Finally, why can't we seem to score from the run of play? (jk)
I just saw that Mexico beat Canada, meaning the US is 4 points up on the 4th place team. If we can beat Panama, it pretty much guarantees the US finishes in the top 3, unless Costa Rica sweeps their last 3 games ( their schedule is fairly easy).
Well, they won, but Berhalter is still the coach and no goals from the run of play. I’m not optimistic they can win against top competition, but the talent is there.
I agree Luca de la Torre played a great game. His speed and quickness was evident while defending and attacking. I don't know if his spot on the team is matchup dependent but he made use of his opportunity.
My three:
Let’s not get carried away. It was Honduras. There are reasons they’re last in the group without a single win.
Let’s not get carried away. While McKennie’s header was a thing of beauty, the other 2 were in the “look what I found” category. Still, they count. Better than it has been. Acosta was terrific, but if Adams was healthy he probably wouldn’t have started.
The pace of ball movement was SLOOOOOW. They won’t get a result at Azteca unless they play a LOT faster. Good to see the urgency tonight.
While they were more creative than against Canada, hard not to be concerned that the best chances (and goals) came off set pieces. It feels like this team still isn’t getting close to its best out of its attacking talent
Enough was said elsewhere, but I'll say it here - US should be embarrassed by the conditions this game was played in. Berhalter postgame again was weak when he talked about heat/humidity/cramping in other places - show me where they could hold it in their countries where that wouldn't be an issue. As the biggest fish in the group, we should strive for better.
I really don't think NOT starting CP10 was that big of a deal. He'd just logged a lot of minutes in the previous games. He was available. It's not as if he was really "benched". Morris continues to not impress me. Was prepared to be disappointed with Acosta, but he played excellently. Luca DT....I'm looking forward to seeing him against better competition. Finally, why can't we seem to score from the run of play? (jk)
I just saw that Mexico beat Canada, meaning the US is 4 points up on the 4th place team. If we can beat Panama, it pretty much guarantees the US finishes in the top 3, unless Costa Rica sweeps their last 3 games ( their schedule is fairly easy).
This showed what consistent dead ball service can do. Gregg will also need to find a way to get Pulisic, Weah, and Reyna on the field together.
Do u think Roldan should see more minutes? He’s super talented, but the midfield seems stacked with talent. Thoughts?
Well, they won, but Berhalter is still the coach and no goals from the run of play. I’m not optimistic they can win against top competition, but the talent is there.