U.S. & Internat...
 
Notifications
Clear all

U.S. & International Soccer

1,548 Posts
66 Users
12 Reactions
17.4 K Views
Bonin21
(@bonin21)
Leopold Level
Joined: 13 years ago
Posts: 1535
Rep Pts: 1537
Post on old board: 17892
 

Lack of technical ability is exactly why I called it hard to watch. It's like going to the single A state tournament instead of AA.


   
ReplyQuote
mjarz02
(@mjarz02)
Lucia Level Golden
Joined: 13 years ago
Posts: 61
Rep Pts: 61
 

Slap Shot wrote:

Curious why people think Arena should be out? Didn't the team virtually implode with Klinsman (sp?) and rebound quite healthily once Bruce took over? Did he make some really poor tactical or lineup decisions toward the end? I mean they took care of their qualifying game at home and for whatever reason slept-walked against T&T. Where did Arena fall short here?

Thanks Dan, I'll hang up and listen.

Lost to Costa Rica at home with Arena. That played a major role in them not qualifying.


   
ReplyQuote
Anonymous
(@Anonymous)
Joined: 1 second ago
Posts: 0
Rep Pts: 0
 

Jupiter wrote:

RalphCox wrote:

Jupiter wrote:

I’m glad that I don’t get BEIN and decided to watch other stuff.

I would have been so angry watching this game.

Eh. It was Joe Mauer's fault. I should troll you like you did to all the Twins fans.

Unlike you, I can handle it.

Fair enough. I was definitely bitter after the game hahah


   
ReplyQuote
gopherguy13
(@gopherguy13)
Stauber Level Golden
Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 941
Rep Pts: 943
Post on old board: 20929
 

Bonin21 wrote:

Lack of technical ability is exactly why I called it hard to watch. It's like going to the single A state tournament instead of AA.

Fair enough.


   
ReplyQuote
gopherguy13
(@gopherguy13)
Stauber Level Golden
Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 941
Rep Pts: 943
Post on old board: 20929
 

Slap Shot wrote:

Curious why people think Arena should be out? Didn't the team virtually implode with Klinsman (sp?) and rebound quite healthily once Bruce took over? Did he make some really poor tactical or lineup decisions toward the end? I mean they took care of their qualifying game at home and for whatever reason slept-walked against T&T. Where did Arena fall short here?

Thanks Dan, I'll hang up and listen.

I just never liked the hire from the beginning. Something about hiring a guy you've fired in the past rubs me the wrong way.

But regardless, I don't care if we get Pep Guardiola to manage the USMNT, if you fail to qualify for the World Cup, I think a change is needed.

Qualifying for this tournament is far and away the most important part of the job. This failure should come with a new coach, and a VERY hard look at the players who allowed this to happen.


   
ReplyQuote
trixR4kids
(@trixr4kids)
Broten Level
Joined: 16 years ago
Posts: 1219
Rep Pts: 2496
Post on old board: 15139
 

gopherguy13 wrote:
I mean, are people looking at it after watching the EPL, and comparing it to that level? Because yeah if you're watching USMNT looking for silky smooth passing, offensive creativity, and technical ability, you're not going to find it.

Well yeah that's the gold standard and ideally we try and get closer to that. I would agree the US doesn't have the talent of some of those teams but I'm not sure they're doing enough with the talent they have either or even assembling the right group of players.

Slap Shot wrote:

Curious why people think Arena should be out? Didn't the team virtually implode with Klinsman (sp?) and rebound quite healthily once Bruce took over? Did he make some really poor tactical or lineup decisions toward the end? I mean they took care of their qualifying game at home and for whatever reason slept-walked against T&T. Where did Arena fall short here?

Thanks Dan, I'll hang up and listen.

Sounds like he's a pretty average/below average coach in his approach to the game. Like GG13 has said they play a very direct style of play but that's not always ideal when it doesn't result in offense and opens up holes the other way.

Also how has the team not found a goalkeeper under the age of 50 yet?


   
ReplyQuote
Reg Dunlop
(@reg-dunlop)
Lucia Level Golden
Joined: 21 years ago
Posts: 97
Rep Pts: 132
 

The US did themselves a favor by going out now. If they made it to Russia and went 0-3 there would have been a lot of shoulder shrugging, and "At least we got there" mentality. By not even qualifying, and losing to T&T, this should be the catalyst for change and give them something to build towards for 2026. I hope.

GO GERMANY!

Hard work will beat talent, if talent doesn't work hard.


   
ReplyQuote




Jupiter ♃
(@jupiter)
Brooks Level Admin
Joined: 22 years ago
Posts: 1905
Rep Pts: 5843
Post on old board: 15786
Topic starter  

RalphCox wrote:

Jupiter wrote:

RalphCox wrote:

Jupiter wrote:

I’m glad that I don’t get BEIN and decided to watch other stuff.

I would have been so angry watching this game.

Eh. It was Joe Mauer's fault. I should troll you like you did to all the Twins fans.

Unlike you, I can handle it.

Fair enough. I was definitely bitter after the game hahah

As you should be....

Do not like how this board is run?
Get your own board!


   
ReplyQuote
Jupiter ♃
(@jupiter)
Brooks Level Admin
Joined: 22 years ago
Posts: 1905
Rep Pts: 5843
Post on old board: 15786
Topic starter  

I like Alexi....

[media] https://twitter.com/rushthecourt/status/917936240653209600 [/media]

Do not like how this board is run?
Get your own board!


   
ReplyQuote
ScoobyDoo
(@scoobydoo)
Lucia Level Golden
Joined: 22 years ago
Posts: 112
Rep Pts: 112
Post on old board: 14815
 

Here's your real problem.


   
ReplyQuote
Bonin21
(@bonin21)
Leopold Level
Joined: 13 years ago
Posts: 1535
Rep Pts: 1537
Post on old board: 17892
 

Yikes. 27 is the prime age for soccer.


   
ReplyQuote
Gopher Hockey Rube
(@gopher-hockey-rube)
Lucia Level Golden
Joined: 22 years ago
Posts: 37
Rep Pts: 37
Post on old board: 7069
 

ScoobyDoo wrote:

Here's your real problem.

br>

This is exactly what Taylor Twellman said yesterday. The lack of talent in the 25-29 age range. This squad hasn’t made the last 2 Olympics, so obviously this group is lacking in that all important age group.

As long as the elite American kids keep playing high school and college soccer instead of playing overseas, this country will never compete on a consistent basis. They need to follow Pulisic’s lead, and whenever they have a chance start playing against the best in the world, not against Billy and Johnny from down the street.


   
ReplyQuote
gopherguy13
(@gopherguy13)
Stauber Level Golden
Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 941
Rep Pts: 943
Post on old board: 20929
 

At the end of the day, while it sucks majorly right now, this might turn out to be a good thing. Like Reg alluded to, this will raise eyebrows and hopefully enact some real change.

We will still have 2 World Cups in Pulisic's prime. He'll be 24 in 2022 and 28 in 2026. Realistically the goal right now is just qualify for 2022.

Then make a bang in 2026 when we will most likely be hosting. The youth that will comprise that 2026 team is 14-20 years old right now. If all goes according to plan, Pulisic will be a 28 year old global superstar, and his influence will have spurred several other talented players to choose soccer and come up into the national team. *fingers crossed*


   
ReplyQuote
Anonymous
(@Anonymous)
Joined: 1 second ago
Posts: 0
Rep Pts: 0

   
ReplyQuote




ScoobyDoo
(@scoobydoo)
Lucia Level Golden
Joined: 22 years ago
Posts: 112
Rep Pts: 112
Post on old board: 14815
 

Quote:
By ESPN’s Soccer Power Index, the United States had a 93 percent chance of reaching its eighth consecutive World Cup.

That's epic right there.


   
ReplyQuote
Vegoe
(@vegoe)
Lucia Level
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 181
Rep Pts: 183
 

I saw yesterday that a parlay on Panama win, Honduras win, and US win paid 40:1.


   
ReplyQuote
Vegasgopher
(@vegasgopher)
Member Golden
Joined: 18 years ago
Posts: 16
Rep Pts: 16
 

Tab Ramos???


   
ReplyQuote
Armadillo
(@armadillo)
Wooger Level Golden
Joined: 19 years ago
Posts: 143
Rep Pts: 287
Post on old board: 12601
 

What's Sir Alex Ferguson up to these days?


   
ReplyQuote
davescharf
(@davescharf)
Bonin Level Golden
Joined: 20 years ago
Posts: 1062
Rep Pts: 1126
Post on old board: 11138
 

Vegasgopher wrote:

Tab Ramos???

I think they need someone with more of a pedigree right now. Sunil Gulati shouldn't have a job anymore either at this point so Tab may not even be around much longer


   
ReplyQuote
gopherguy13
(@gopherguy13)
Stauber Level Golden
Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 941
Rep Pts: 943
Post on old board: 20929
 

One of the names thrown out on the Men in Blazers pod that piqued my interest was Peter Vermes. He's done good work in KC, I think he'd do a good job with the national team.


   
ReplyQuote
solar
(@solar)
Member Golden
Joined: 19 years ago
Posts: 9
Rep Pts: 9
 

Has anyone questioned Howard's level of play that night? It sure felt like he was exposed a little bit with some poor positioning. The first own-goal ended up going in after an ill-timed jump, and the second goal went in from such a long distance - even though it was a fabulous (uncontested) shot. Yes, I am aware these were not easy plays, but it did not feel like his best effort was on display that night.

After typing that last line, I guess the same could be said for everyone on the team. :chainsaw: :anger:


   
ReplyQuote




trixR4kids
(@trixr4kids)
Broten Level
Joined: 16 years ago
Posts: 1219
Rep Pts: 2496
Post on old board: 15139
 

solar wrote:

Has anyone questioned Howard's level of play that night? It sure felt like he was exposed a little bit with some poor positioning. The first own-goal ended up going in after an ill-timed jump, and the second goal went in from such a long distance - even though it was a fabulous (uncontested) shot. Yes, I am aware these were not easy plays, but it did not feel like his best effort was on display that night.

After typing that last line, I guess the same could be said for everyone on the team. :chainsaw: :anger:

I just don't get why the team can't find a keeper under the age of 50 to play the position. Though that seems like a lot of different positions on this team.

Howard was amazing four years ago in the World Cup but the guy can't possibly do this forever. I would think that's part of the reason he's no longer in the EPL.


   
ReplyQuote
gopherguy13
(@gopherguy13)
Stauber Level Golden
Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 941
Rep Pts: 943
Post on old board: 20929
 

Howard has definitely played his last game for the national team.

Other guys I think should be done: Dempsey, Bradley, Bedoya, Besler, Zusi, Gonzalez.

Some great servants for the USMNT there, and it's unfortunate that they have to go out like this, but it's gotta happen. Time to bring in Horvath in goal, Miazga and CCV on defense, and give some spots to promising guys from our youth setup.

I think you plan on going into 2022 WCQ with Brooks, Altidore, and Guzan as your veteran group.


   
ReplyQuote
mjarz02
(@mjarz02)
Lucia Level Golden
Joined: 13 years ago
Posts: 61
Rep Pts: 61
 

I am not a great youth soccer mind, but some of the people I have spoken with who are involved mentioned that soccer is kind of a "rich" kids sport. Soccer is one of those sports where it should be very inexpensive to play, but with traveling teams and camps, it can be quite expensive. This limits the pool of players who end up being a part of youth programs.

Here is an article from 2016 that is pretty interesting.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/jun/01/us-soccer-diversity-problem-world-football


   
ReplyQuote
Bonin21
(@bonin21)
Leopold Level
Joined: 13 years ago
Posts: 1535
Rep Pts: 1537
Post on old board: 17892
 

It's the most popular sport in the world because you don't need money to play and have dreams in it. I'm sure in the US system there are plenty of politics, though.

It's just going to be hard to get kids playing when the other sports get so much more publicity. It's a cycle and I don't know if the US will be able to be a legitimate world contender in the next few decades.


   
ReplyQuote
gopherguy13
(@gopherguy13)
Stauber Level Golden
Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 941
Rep Pts: 943
Post on old board: 20929
 

Bonin21 wrote:

It's the most popular sport in the world because you don't need money to play and have dreams in it. I'm sure in the US system there are plenty of politics, though.

It's just going to be hard to get kids playing when the other sports get so much more publicity. It's a cycle and I don't know if the US will be able to be a legitimate world contender in the next few decades.

Yeah, we're always going to be at a disadvantage because kids here are more often than not going to grab a baseball, basketball, or football to play pickup games with their friends, long before they grab a soccer ball. Compared to countries like Brazil, where the kids in favelas do nothing but play soccer all day, every day.


   
ReplyQuote
mjarz02
(@mjarz02)
Lucia Level Golden
Joined: 13 years ago
Posts: 61
Rep Pts: 61
 

gopherguy13 wrote:

Bonin21 wrote:

It's the most popular sport in the world because you don't need money to play and have dreams in it. I'm sure in the US system there are plenty of politics, though.

It's just going to be hard to get kids playing when the other sports get so much more publicity. It's a cycle and I don't know if the US will be able to be a legitimate world contender in the next few decades.

Yeah, we're always going to be at a disadvantage because kids here are more often than not going to grab a baseball, basketball, or football to play pickup games with their friends, long before they grab a soccer ball. Compared to countries like Brazil, where the kids in favelas do nothing but play soccer all day, every day.

I think more kids are playing soccer than people think. Driving through Minneapolis (albeit south mpls) and all the parks this summer/fall were filled with kids playing soccer. Rarely did I see people playing softball or baseball or even football. I think the problem is further down the road when it becomes more competitive and the "pay to play" model kicks in.


   
ReplyQuote
gopherguy13
(@gopherguy13)
Stauber Level Golden
Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 941
Rep Pts: 943
Post on old board: 20929
 

mjarz02 wrote:

gopherguy13 wrote:

Bonin21 wrote:

It's the most popular sport in the world because you don't need money to play and have dreams in it. I'm sure in the US system there are plenty of politics, though.

It's just going to be hard to get kids playing when the other sports get so much more publicity. It's a cycle and I don't know if the US will be able to be a legitimate world contender in the next few decades.

Yeah, we're always going to be at a disadvantage because kids here are more often than not going to grab a baseball, basketball, or football to play pickup games with their friends, long before they grab a soccer ball. Compared to countries like Brazil, where the kids in favelas do nothing but play soccer all day, every day.

I think more kids are playing soccer than people think. Driving through Minneapolis (albeit south mpls) and all the parks this summer/fall were filled with kids playing soccer. Rarely did I see people playing softball or baseball or even football. I think the problem is further down the road when it becomes more competitive and the "pay to play" model kicks in.

You very well may be right. The pay-to-play thing is definitely a hindrance, from the little I've read up on it.


   
ReplyQuote




Gopher Hockey Rube
(@gopher-hockey-rube)
Lucia Level Golden
Joined: 22 years ago
Posts: 37
Rep Pts: 37
Post on old board: 7069
 

This story is a year old, but it brings up the many problems with Youth soccer, and identifying the best talent.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/jun/01/us-soccer-diversity-problem-world-football


   
ReplyQuote
trixR4kids
(@trixr4kids)
Broten Level
Joined: 16 years ago
Posts: 1219
Rep Pts: 2496
Post on old board: 15139
 

Gopher Hockey Rube wrote:

This story is a year old, but it brings up the many problems with Youth soccer, and identifying the best talent.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/jun/01/us-soccer-diversity-problem-world-footballbr >

This is really great thanks.


   
ReplyQuote
solar
(@solar)
Member Golden
Joined: 19 years ago
Posts: 9
Rep Pts: 9
 

gopherguy13 wrote:

Bonin21 wrote:
It's the most popular sport in the world because you don't need money to play and have dreams in it. I'm sure in the US system there are plenty of politics, though.

It's just going to be hard to get kids playing when the other sports get so much more publicity. It's a cycle and I don't know if the US will be able to be a legitimate world contender in the next few decades.

Yeah, we're always going to be at a disadvantage because kids here are more often than not going to grab a baseball, basketball, or football to play pickup games with their friends, long before they grab a soccer ball. Compared to countries like Brazil, where the kids in favelas do nothing but play soccer all day, every day.

In contrast, I would suggest that this is changing rapidly now, and as others may have mentioned, it is starting from the cities and first/second ring suburbs, and making its way out. One of the main reasons for this is the increasing percentage of the population in these areas who grew up watching soccer as the sport that they want to play versus american football or baseball. This includes families from Mexico, South America, Europe, etc.


   
ReplyQuote
Slap Shot
(@slap-shot)
Mariucci Level Golden
Joined: 20 years ago
Posts: 4158
Rep Pts: 8645
Post on old board: 18942
 

There's been a very detailed and lengthy exchange at USCHO about why NCAA soccer is having a negative impact on development in the US. We have more youth soccer players than any country on the planet, but unfortunately there is too much emphasis on game play rather than skill development and creativity and as such the US remains a step behind the top tier countries for national team performance.


   
ReplyQuote
gopherguy13
(@gopherguy13)
Stauber Level Golden
Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 941
Rep Pts: 943
Post on old board: 20929
 

Arena resigns.

Gulati says he won't resign, and will run again. Now we just need to find someone to run against him.


   
ReplyQuote
Armadillo
(@armadillo)
Wooger Level Golden
Joined: 19 years ago
Posts: 143
Rep Pts: 287
Post on old board: 12601
 

gopherguy13 wrote:

Arena resigns.

Gulati says he won't resign, and will run again. Now we just need to find someone to run against him.

You should do it. Couldn't be any worse than what we've had the last few years.


   
ReplyQuote
Gopher Hockey Rube
(@gopher-hockey-rube)
Lucia Level Golden
Joined: 22 years ago
Posts: 37
Rep Pts: 37
Post on old board: 7069
 

Serious question but is a guy like Alexi Lalas a candidate for Gulati’s job? Or does it have to be some 70 year old stuffed shirt worried more about making money than producing a winning National team?


   
ReplyQuote




Snowcool08
(@snowcool08)
Bonin Level Golden
Joined: 18 years ago
Posts: 681
Rep Pts: 1466
Post on old board: 6069
 

I would want someone with actual managing experience. You can be a talking head all you want, but that doesn't mean you can manage.


   
ReplyQuote
Vegasgopher
(@vegasgopher)
Member Golden
Joined: 18 years ago
Posts: 16
Rep Pts: 16
 

I'm for Tab Ramos, hands down


   
ReplyQuote
trixR4kids
(@trixr4kids)
Broten Level
Joined: 16 years ago
Posts: 1219
Rep Pts: 2496
Post on old board: 15139
 

Gopher Hockey Rube wrote:

Serious question but is a guy like Alexi Lalas a candidate for Gulati’s job? Or does it have to be some 70 year old stuffed shirt worried more about making money than producing a winning National team?

Yeah, it all starts from the top and it doesn't seem like he has any real vision to fix this honestly.


   
ReplyQuote
gator
(@gator)
Brooks Level Golden
Joined: 22 years ago
Posts: 4195
Rep Pts: 6553
Post on old board: 16243
 

You thought the US not making the World Cup was bad. Italy fails to make the World Cup for the first time since 1958.

Keep your stick on the ice...


   
ReplyQuote
davescharf
(@davescharf)
Bonin Level Golden
Joined: 20 years ago
Posts: 1062
Rep Pts: 1126
Post on old board: 11138
 

gator wrote:

You thought the US not making the World Cup was bad. Italy fails to make the World Cup for the first time since 1958.

Shock Shock Shock


   
ReplyQuote
alignrock
(@alignrock)
Lucia Level
Joined: 20 years ago
Posts: 46
Rep Pts: 111
 

Amazing. Watched the last 5 minutes....Swedes were just packed in and clearing...quite literally.


   
ReplyQuote
Vegoe
(@vegoe)
Lucia Level
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 181
Rep Pts: 183
 

https://www.theplayerstribune.com/christian-pulisic-usmnt-world-cup/

Surprised this isn't in here yet, but a must read for anyone interested in soccer and development. Pulisic talks a little bit about how being able to play in Germany as a 16-year-old is how he got to elevate his game and the only way he was able to do that was because he had a Croatian passport.

I think the same issues impact hockey players too. The US National Camps are a good way to help elevate and identify talents at 15, 16, and 17. They can get some good coaching and get opportunities to play against players their own ability. I'm not so sure on the necessity of the NTDP, but I think the USHL and NAHL have been great things for developing hockey players. I think it'd be great if US Soccer looked at the ADM and those junior programs to develop their players in leagues like that too.


   
ReplyQuote




gopherguy13
(@gopherguy13)
Stauber Level Golden
Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 941
Rep Pts: 943
Post on old board: 20929
 

alignrock wrote:

Amazing. Watched the last 5 minutes....Swedes were just packed in and clearing...quite literally.

Yeah, I DVR'd it and watched it after work tonight. Sweden knew what they had to do, and they did it. Italy had quite a few good chances, but Sweden held strong. The ref though, he missed 3 pretty blatant penalties. First one for Italy, and next two for Sweden.


   
ReplyQuote
Gopher Hockey Rube
(@gopher-hockey-rube)
Lucia Level Golden
Joined: 22 years ago
Posts: 37
Rep Pts: 37
Post on old board: 7069
 

gator wrote:

You thought the US not making the World Cup was bad. Italy fails to make the World Cup for the first time since 1958.

Italy. Chile. Netherlands. US. All not making the trip.


   
ReplyQuote
gopherguy13
(@gopherguy13)
Stauber Level Golden
Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 941
Rep Pts: 943
Post on old board: 20929
 

Gopher Hockey Rube wrote:

gator wrote:

You thought the US not making the World Cup was bad. Italy fails to make the World Cup for the first time since 1958.

Italy. Chile. Netherlands. US. All not making the trip.

And for the 1st time ever, 4 Arab nations in the same World Cup: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia.


   
ReplyQuote
F Da Sue
(@f-da-sue)
Lucia Level Golden
Joined: 20 years ago
Posts: 73
Rep Pts: 118
 

U.S. Playing all their youngsters vs Portugal today.

Only 5 years and 1 week until Qatar!


   
ReplyQuote
gopherguy13
(@gopherguy13)
Stauber Level Golden
Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 941
Rep Pts: 943
Post on old board: 20929
 

Weston McKennie scored! I should be home in time to watch almost the entire second half. Interested to see how the kids look.


   
ReplyQuote
Jaykay3
(@jaykay3)
Wooger Level
Joined: 13 years ago
Posts: 196
Rep Pts: 446
 

McKennie was great, Miazga and CCV were both very solid. I liked Adams and Sapong as well.

Gooch and Horvath were the only ones who disappointed a bit but I'm not putting much stock into this one.


   
ReplyQuote
gopherguy13
(@gopherguy13)
Stauber Level Golden
Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 941
Rep Pts: 943
Post on old board: 20929
 

Jaykay3 wrote:

McKennie was great, Miazga and CCV were both very solid. I liked Adams and Sapong as well.

Gooch and Horvath were the only ones who disappointed a bit but I'm not putting much stock into this one.

I only watched the 2nd half, but I actually thought Gooch looked pretty solid. I agree on Miazga and CCV. Potential CB out pairing of the future there. A lot to be positive about tonight.


   
ReplyQuote




Gopherguy05
(@gopherguy05)
Stauber Level
Joined: 18 years ago
Posts: 568
Rep Pts: 924
Post on old board: 5335
 

US Soccer is thinking about starting a Soccer NIT for next summer. Seriously.

<a href=" https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2017/11/14/16652530/usa-soccer-world-cup-nit-netherlands-italy-chil e" class="bbcode_url"> https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2017/11/14/16652530/usa-soccer-world-cup-nit-netherlands-italy-chile


   
ReplyQuote
Page 12 / 31