With Aaron Long appearing a likely World Cup starter, an imperfect but resolute USMNT back line gets its second straight clean sheet against a Qatar 2022 team in a 0-0 tie against Uruguay
I thought we looked like a real mess defensively yesterday. It's one friendly, but we are just not what Gregg wants when it comes to playing out of the back, something that I think is much more important in club soccer than in international play. He seemed to become more flexible about this during WCQ; I hope he's not reverting back to being stubborn.
The number 9 situation is still what it is. But we got out of KC with a draw against a quality side, we now know who we are playing to open the WC, and the team's public stance in favor of stronger gun laws is very welcome and appreciated.
Love the coverage, Grant. The subscription is well worth it.
Grant, a q for your next mailbag, perhaps - what do you think about the potential logjam in midfield/attack at WC time?
There are 6 starting spots in midfield/attack, assuming a back 4, or 5 spots if you start a traditional 9. If everyone is healthy (I know, I know, it's unlikely), you have 7 players that it would seem hard to leave out of the starting XI: McKennie, Musah, Adams, Pulisic, Reyna, Weah, Aaronson.
Who sits, as of now? And can you really start a dedicated #9 (none of whom are lighting the world on fire, at least as we sit here now) if it means leaving not one but TWO of these 7 guys on the bench?
Those September friendlies will really loom large for a lot of players, as well as performances for their clubs. Any idea when there will be an announcement on the roster size? I could easily see two of those three extra slots (if it comes to pass) going to a CB, or at least a defender/DM.
I thought we looked like a real mess defensively yesterday. It's one friendly, but we are just not what Gregg wants when it comes to playing out of the back, something that I think is much more important in club soccer than in international play. He seemed to become more flexible about this during WCQ; I hope he's not reverting back to being stubborn.
The number 9 situation is still what it is. But we got out of KC with a draw against a quality side, we now know who we are playing to open the WC, and the team's public stance in favor of stronger gun laws is very welcome and appreciated.
Love the coverage, Grant. The subscription is well worth it.
Grant, a q for your next mailbag, perhaps - what do you think about the potential logjam in midfield/attack at WC time?
There are 6 starting spots in midfield/attack, assuming a back 4, or 5 spots if you start a traditional 9. If everyone is healthy (I know, I know, it's unlikely), you have 7 players that it would seem hard to leave out of the starting XI: McKennie, Musah, Adams, Pulisic, Reyna, Weah, Aaronson.
Who sits, as of now? And can you really start a dedicated #9 (none of whom are lighting the world on fire, at least as we sit here now) if it means leaving not one but TWO of these 7 guys on the bench?
Those September friendlies will really loom large for a lot of players, as well as performances for their clubs. Any idea when there will be an announcement on the roster size? I could easily see two of those three extra slots (if it comes to pass) going to a CB, or at least a defender/DM.