Whelp…Richards is out.
Cordoso getting surgery from an ankle injury last week, Richards tore two ligaments in his ankle, one other key player took a knock (I cannot divulge who), and Pulisic hasn’t found the BOTN for us since 2024.
Goooood times!
USMNT WC roster was announced today, although it was leaked a couple of days earlier.
I would have liked to see Luna make the team. He must be bummed to miss out after being a fixture on the team for most of '25.
https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/48882849/usmnt-final-world-cup-roster-pochettino-taking-risks
We’ve entered both days but yeah, much more effective as a troll of NJ than a way to provide real affordable access.
It seems about as expected to me. It’s odd that Luna was used as the marketing face of the team for months. But that’s kind of like counting chickens before they hatch.
The only one I could see him in place of is Berhalter. They both offer different value on the field. I think given the context, I might have preferred Luna’s energy off the bench especially to help create some creativity into the final third.
It’s a “safe” roster. Weighted toward defensive minded players.
Yes, Luna would’ve added some creativity and spark. I’m not sure the offense has enough firepower.
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That’s a great way to put it. I miss Clint Dempsey and LD. Gio is the only one on this roster that can bring some heat in terms of disruption to the other team…at least he used to. These guys need to step it up.
I’d take 2026 Tim Howard now over who we have on this roster.
US beat Senegal 3-2 in a friendly. Senegal did not field their A team but neither did the US.
There is a glimmer of hope for the offense but the defense is slow and susceptible to counter attacks.
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Yea it was a good result for sure. Needed a win going into the tournament and against a strong side like the African Champions helps quite a bit. Pulisic and Balogun finding the back of the net with some legit goals. Pulisic combining for an assist as well is good form. I like that the attack was playing creatively and quickly.
Defensively we need to clean up our act because that will hurt us. Why is it so hard to step and front the ball early?
I’ll be going to the Senegal-Norway game. A friend of mine snagged some extra tickets in the lottery and I’m taking my dad as a Fathers Day and Bday present.
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It’s good to get a win of any kind.
It’s good to see Puliscic score. Hopefully that breaks him out of his scoring drought.
Not sure if Senegal are truly champs. Bunch of controversy about that.
On an interesting note the Saudi team was in the same hotel we were at this weekend.
They were using the NYFC training facility in prep for their Saturday friendly vs. Ecuador. Game was at the Red Bulls venue. Looking at the scores, they lost to Ecuador.
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They are the champs in my book. Regardless, they’re the strongest team out of Africa.
FIFA changes course and prohibits empty water bottles for “safety” reasons.
Smells like another money grab that puts fans safety at risk.
I’m sure the Dasani will be very “consistently” priced. FIFA are such shit bags, but they know people will still go.
FIFA reversed decision and will allow refillable bottles into stadiums after fan backlash.
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US lost to Germany 2-1 in final friendly.
Defense continues to be suspect. Germany scored early goal on a set piece but then US dominated first half but failed to capitalize on the chances they created.
overall, a good enough performance to inspire some hope to advance from the group.
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Top African official denied entry because…Somaii.
So dumb. And could be seen happening a mile away.
I would expect FIFA could shuffle some things around and have Artan officiate a game in Mexico or Canada.
They could. But I doubt Infantino would intervene and do that. It would ruffle Trump’s feathers.
My brother in law and niece just tried to go to what was advertised as a free to view practice of the Swedish team in Frisco. You know what happened next. They turn up with hundreds of others to find that FIFA have decided only to admit fans who hold tickets for games so most of the crowd were barred. Was anyone else there? My family dipped quickly as apparently it was getting “rowdy”.
Seems like FIFA and organizers are figuring things out as they go along.
FIFA should have told folks ahead of time that “free” to see a team practice meant “free” to those with game tickets. Sucks to not let that be known ahead of time.
I could see FIFA’s reasoning here too. It increases the value of what fans have paid for – they get to see a practice + a game. 2-for-1 deal.
They could’ve sold practice tickets separately ($), or a bundle of practice + game ($$$), or just a game tix ($$).