Haven't paid much attention to the US Nats for several years. They were pathetic in the last WC qualifying and offered no class or excitement so I just sort of quit watching them.
I was home doing nothing and thought I'd give them another chance since they were against Wales. I was pleasantly surprised with the ball movement and the pace. They ran Wales all over the pitch. No end product but heck, I'm a Fulham fan, I'm use to that. They were young, fast and besides I wanted a look at our Antonee. He looked good and the poor kid he was against spent the match looking at the back of Antonee's kit as he sped past. Wales was well organized and prevented much action in the final third. I came away with a spark of hope.
I just watched the match against Panama. Granted, they ain't Spain but it was their top side and they got in all the cheap kicks and pushes that CONCACAF is famous for. The young US (two players over 21 and 2 under 18) took the kicks and fouls well and responded by playing good football. Five goals were scored by players under 21. And the pace, my God the pace! I think I'm going to like this team.
Did I mention the pace? And this is with out Christian Pulisic who turned 22 in September.
Agree with you Jim. Got really mad at how the national team was playing and didn't really see any real direction that the team was headed. Also have not been happy that Gregg Berhalter was in charge. However, the Wales match really got me excited for the future of the team. They looked great and seemed to be up for the fight. Loved the movement, style and pace of the team during the match. I'm actually looking forward to seeing them play in the future.
Bonus was gettng to watch a Robinson play. Really happy to see him at Fulham.
Dos a Cero over El Tri is always fun!! Post match in Cincinnati, someone had a large Fulham flag, and Antonee ran over and gave them his jersey. Class!!
Quote from: SoCalJoe on November 13, 2021, 07:38:21 PM
Dos a Cero over El Tri is always fun!! Post match in Cincinnati, someone had a large Fulham flag, and Antonee ran over and gave them his jersey. Class!!
:plus one:
BTW Joe, I've left SoCal and now call Idaho home. They don't do much with soccer up here but its like the America I grew up in.
I agree with all of these comments, except to say the USMNT looked very "sketchy" as my son would say in the early qualifying matches. But there is a core of exciting newcomers to the USMNT. And they are suddenly playing fast stylish football; I'm seeing a lot more skill on the pitch, and the watch-ability has gone way up.
Quote from: YankeeJim on November 14, 2021, 10:29:39 PM
Quote from: SoCalJoe on November 13, 2021, 07:38:21 PM
Dos a Cero over El Tri is always fun!! Post match in Cincinnati, someone had a large Fulham flag, and Antonee ran over and gave them his jersey. Class!!
:plus one:
BTW Joe, I've left SoCal and now call Idaho home. They don't do much with soccer up here but its like the America I grew up in.
Well said.
