- I don't know what Scally's got to do, if I'm being honest. I hope it's a matter of "when" and not "if" he breaks into the team; I suppose it just may have to wait until the post-Berhalter era.
- I'm hoping Sands' inclusion means he's being considered as a backup option for Adams, in the event of yellow card suspension; I think he has potential in both a centerback three and as a defensive midfielder.
- On the other hand, that leads me to believe that Acosta may be McKennie's direct replacement; I don't have a problem with Acosta, per se—he's often quite useful in Cocacaf—but I'd been hoping Berhalter would consider putting Reyna or Aaronson in the midfield, where they both play for their clubs.
- Sargent has been playing more consistently than Pepi and is potentially more versatile, albeit in areas where we're stacked, so I'm a bit surprised he wasn't welcomed back after working hard at Norwich; I'm glad Pefok got the call-up but I find some of our other forward choices a bit mystifying (e.g. Arriola).
I'm curious why EPB (deserved) gets a surprise first call in for quite a while yet someone seemingly as deserving like CCV doesn't get the nod over say Aaron Long?
I always support all the guys called in and hope they win! I wish Sargent was in and I think Hoppe still has a chance for Qatar. How many more cycles before the World Cup ? Four?
I'd love to hear your expanded take on John Anthony Brooks' continued (and perhaps permanent) absence from a Gregg Berhalter roster, given JAB's recent good form with Wolfsburg. Was it his apparent lack of commitment in the Honduras game?
I think Brooks is one of those players who Berhalter either has to start or not bring him into the camp. I don't think Brooks is a guy who handles it well when he's with the team but not starting. There have been a few players like this over the years, including Jermaine Jones. I don't think Berhalter would say this publicly, but I think that's the situation he's in. Right now Berhalter doesn't see Brooks as one of his two best centerbacks, and so he's not in the squad. That said, Berhalter did say in today's press conference that he just spoke to Brooks, and Brooks gave a quote to Derek Rae saying he wants to fight to get his spot back in the USMNT. So it sounds like the relationship is not totally broken.
To me, no glaring "oh ffs" omissions. However, i think there was a place for Ream in this squad. Playing well for Fulham. Leader. Experience. Versatility across the back line.
Of all of the omissions, I'm fairly surprised Gregg isn't calling up Lletget. Not because I believe there's a strong case for Lletget's inclusion given his recent form, but because we're bringing in only six MF-designated players.
On top of this and given this lack of warm midfielder bodies, I'm curious as to how Gregg structures this team on the field given McKennie's unfortunate absence. Perhaps Aaronson/Reyna will drop back to a CAM position or something of the sort? Especially if Dest is out, Gregg's legacy attacking strategies will need a revisit.
It’ll be good to have Gio’s free kicks back, especially after the assist to Witsel.
This is it, what they’ve been playing their whole lives for. Go get ‘em, guys!
Just hoping nobody gets hurt over the weekend and that Dest will be available at least by Panama.
Just some quick thoughts:
- I don't know what Scally's got to do, if I'm being honest. I hope it's a matter of "when" and not "if" he breaks into the team; I suppose it just may have to wait until the post-Berhalter era.
- I'm hoping Sands' inclusion means he's being considered as a backup option for Adams, in the event of yellow card suspension; I think he has potential in both a centerback three and as a defensive midfielder.
- On the other hand, that leads me to believe that Acosta may be McKennie's direct replacement; I don't have a problem with Acosta, per se—he's often quite useful in Cocacaf—but I'd been hoping Berhalter would consider putting Reyna or Aaronson in the midfield, where they both play for their clubs.
- Sargent has been playing more consistently than Pepi and is potentially more versatile, albeit in areas where we're stacked, so I'm a bit surprised he wasn't welcomed back after working hard at Norwich; I'm glad Pefok got the call-up but I find some of our other forward choices a bit mystifying (e.g. Arriola).
I'm curious why EPB (deserved) gets a surprise first call in for quite a while yet someone seemingly as deserving like CCV doesn't get the nod over say Aaron Long?
I always support all the guys called in and hope they win! I wish Sargent was in and I think Hoppe still has a chance for Qatar. How many more cycles before the World Cup ? Four?
Big worry without Weston.
I'd love to hear your expanded take on John Anthony Brooks' continued (and perhaps permanent) absence from a Gregg Berhalter roster, given JAB's recent good form with Wolfsburg. Was it his apparent lack of commitment in the Honduras game?
I think Brooks is one of those players who Berhalter either has to start or not bring him into the camp. I don't think Brooks is a guy who handles it well when he's with the team but not starting. There have been a few players like this over the years, including Jermaine Jones. I don't think Berhalter would say this publicly, but I think that's the situation he's in. Right now Berhalter doesn't see Brooks as one of his two best centerbacks, and so he's not in the squad. That said, Berhalter did say in today's press conference that he just spoke to Brooks, and Brooks gave a quote to Derek Rae saying he wants to fight to get his spot back in the USMNT. So it sounds like the relationship is not totally broken.
Good news, then. I still think he can contribute.
To me, no glaring "oh ffs" omissions. However, i think there was a place for Ream in this squad. Playing well for Fulham. Leader. Experience. Versatility across the back line.
Of all of the omissions, I'm fairly surprised Gregg isn't calling up Lletget. Not because I believe there's a strong case for Lletget's inclusion given his recent form, but because we're bringing in only six MF-designated players.
On top of this and given this lack of warm midfielder bodies, I'm curious as to how Gregg structures this team on the field given McKennie's unfortunate absence. Perhaps Aaronson/Reyna will drop back to a CAM position or something of the sort? Especially if Dest is out, Gregg's legacy attacking strategies will need a revisit.
If Dest is out, surely Berhalter will need to call in a backup LB...right?
That's exactly what Berhalter just said in his press conference.