USMNT - The Pochettino era

[TheBigIguana]

The sooner Don Garber gets pushed out, the better for US Soccer, so we can get over this absolute myth of MLS being a developmental league. 58% of the players in MLS are from other countries, and probably 80% or more of the designated players. Not only does that mean fewer spots for American players, but the ones that do get there are often only counted on to do a job. That’s not a great way to build depth in your talent pool.

Why does it have to be American players to be a development league?

 

[Bryan+]

Another historic weekend for the USMTNMSNTNTMSENT, eh?

 

[pfim]

It’s about projecting out though. If Mexico, who really aren’t that good, can stop that side from getting up the pitch at all what are Germany or Spain or whoever it may be going to do?

Most of that side would, god willing, not be playing in a game like that. Ream seems to be the one who played last night with a real chance who also doesn’t look up to it.

Well that side won't be anything like the side next summer, as you say.

As far as Ream goes, again, I don't see anyone else up to it either. I don't want him there obviously, I just don't see an alternative. I do remember after the last WC on this board questioning our CB talent, and now we're 11 months out and only have one bona fide CB, who frankly as of 5-6 months ago was a bit questionable himself (whether he could play in a back 4).

From this side, Richards is really the only bang on starter next summer, perhaps Adams as well. Tillman makes the squad. 1-2 of the keepers make the squad. Other than that? I'm not really sure. Luna inconsistent, and he has better players in front of him. Arfsten is only marginally a defender. Probably Aaronson. I don't think Agyemang makes it, he won a few free kicks last night but that competition was well above him.

 

[pfim]

Why does it have to be American players to be a development league?

I don't mind that, I do mind a club like Orlando City effectively having 3 US players who are regulars, two of which play the same position. That does limit opportunities for US based players, which is really what a domestic league should be targeting.

 

[mmmmsnouts]

Why does it have to be American players to be a development league?

It doesn’t… but at the same time, where else are they going to get to play? There’s a pretty clear gap forming between the A tier players who are good enough to play in Europe, and the B/C tier players getting crowded out of the domestic league.

 

[carolinablue232]

Part of the reason they end up so deep all the time is Ream just cannot move and cover any amount of space against opposition like this. It is imperative that someone else partners Richards.

When you're under pressure all game, you naturally sit deeper and absorb. It had little to do with Ream's pace yesterday and more to do with Mexico dominating the ball and controlling the flow. If you want to play a high line, you also have to have higher points of confrontation with the forwards and midfield. We simply didn't approach it that way. Poch made a conscious decision to sit deeper, and to be fair, it was probably the right idea given the players on the field.

Transparently, I don't see another great option to displace Ream at the moment...We're pretty short of quality at CB.

 

[Gwladys St. Glory]

 

[Toffeeslam]

Seriously if some folks can’t handle opposing teams and fans waving flags of their country then maybe football isn’t for them.

Fans bring their flag and taunt rival fans all the time, maybe this doesn’t normally happen in the USA ?

 

[Gwladys St. Glory]

Seriously if some folks can’t handle opposing teams and fans waving flags of their country then maybe football isn’t for them.

Fans bring their flag and taunt rival fans all the time, maybe this doesn’t normally happen in the USA ?

Happens in NFL games all the time; same , different sport...you'll always get the ones who take it too seriously.