So I will start with a wish of a very Happy New Year to everyone! Yes I have been swamped at work and haven’t had time to do my weekly updates. However with the US ladies and men about to start qualifying and now that Fox has stepped in late (thank you Fox Soccer – a lot of folks put down the coverage but they actually show the games on TV- unlike TNT and Champs League and ESPN+) So I will continue to give them cudos for stepping in and buying the rights to US games when no one else (READ ESPN???) will. Anyway Fox Sports 2 will carry the USA vs Haiti Olympics Qualifying game this Tues night at 8:30 pm from Houston, and again Fri. The US Men will host Costa Rica Sat Feb 1 at 4 pm on ESPN News.
2020 USWNT OLYMPIC QUALIFYING SCHEDULE:
| Date | Opponent | Time | TV/Result | Venue |
| Tues Jan. 28 | Haiti* | 8:30 p.m. ET | Fox sports 2 | BBVA Stadium; Houston, Texas |
| Fri Jan. 31 | Panama* | 8:30 p.m. ET | Fox Soccer + TUDN | BBVA Stadium; Houston, Texas |
| Mon Feb. 3 | Costa Rica* | 8:30 p.m. ET | Fox Sports 1 | BBVA Stadium; Houston, Texas |
Nice to see the US ladies receive tons of recognition as Time’s Athletes of the Year, Rapino as SI’s Sportsperson of the Year, Ertz as US Athlete of the Year, and Carli Llyods Hat Trick in the 2015 World Cup as women’s Goal of the decade. Hugely sad to see Kobe Bryant’s tragic passing this past weekend. Kobe was a huge supporter of soccer and specifically US Soccer – especially the the ladies team as his daughter’s love the sport. Kobe’s influence on supporting Soccer in the states, he was loved in Europe especially since he is so well versed in the game, will be hugely missed. RIP Kobe – great NBA player and great friend of Soccer.
This week we get on top of the US Games above – we get Man City vs Man United in league cup play on ESPN+ at 2:45 pm on Wed at the same time West Ham hosts league leader Liverpool on NBCSN. Saturday gives us the Madrid Derby – league leading Real hosting Atletico on beIN Sports & FUBOTV at 10 am. Leicester City hosts Chelsea at 7:30 am on NBCSN. Liverpool hosts Southhampton at 10 am and Man United will host Wolverhampton at 12:30 pm on either NBC or NBCSN. RB Liepzig and US mid/Defender Tyler Adams will try to defend their slender lead at the top of the Bundesliga vs Borussia M’gladbach and US defender Johnson at 12:30 Sat on Fox Sports 2. Sunday has a battle for top 4 as Tottenham hosts Man City at 11:30 am on NBCSN in the EPL, Inter will travel to Udinese on ESPN News & desportes at 2:45 pm, while Barcelona will host Levante on beIN Sports.
USA Qualifying
US Ladies Match Preview with Haiti
Schedule and TV, stream info for Concacaf Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament
US Men Face Costa Rica without Europe Stars including Pulisic – Jeff Carlisle ESPNFC
Pulisic out of Chelsea lineup until mid-Feb.
Fox to televise 2021 and 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cups
Berhalter: USMNT “in a good spot” after eventful first year
Beckham on Kobe Bryant: “He inspired me to try to be better”
Berhalter: Expect USMNT mainstays at Olympic qualifying
WORLD
FIFA floats Women’s World Cup every two years
Top 50 Champions League Goals of the Decade
Top EPL Goals of 2019
The Biggest USMNT Goals of the Decade
GoalKeeping
Top 10 Saves of the Decade in Germany
Top 20 Impossible Goalkeeper Saves Of The Year – YouTube
USA
Which Players Were the Best of this Decade for USMNT
US Carli Llyod’s Hat Trick in 2015 World Cup
Ertz beats Rapinoe to U.S. Athlete of the Year
U.S. Women’s Soccer team named TIME’s 2019 athlete of the year
USWNT dubbed Time Magazine’s 2019 Athletes of the Year
Rapinoe picks up SI’s Sportsperson of the Year
Pulisic named best U.S. male athlete of 2019
Sergiño Dest wins U.S. Soccer Young Male Player of the Year
The Ertz’s – Zach and Julie – ESPN60
Analyzing Berhalters’s Picks for US Men January Camp –Doyle
USMNT to open 2020 vs. Costa Rica after January camp in Qatar
Schalke rule U.S. midfielder McKennie out until February
Yedlin’s Hand is Broken in New Castle Game
McConaughey: Soccer in America can take over baseball, hockey
McIntyre’s USMNT Stock Watch: John Brooks and Sergino Dest looking to end 2019 on a high note
Pulisic Watch: Chelsea’s American star shines in Champions League (video)
US Men to play at Netherlands 3.26
2019 in review: Did our bold USMNT predictions come true?
FIFA has brilliant idea to ruin the Women’s World Cup
EPL
Pulisic Review of the Brighton Game
Football resolutions for 2020: Don’t mess this up, Liverpool
Arsenal see off Man United, but both sides have far to go
4/10 Maguire just one of Man United’s many under-performers
Arteta gets 9/10 overseeing first win as Arsenal manager
Kane limps off as Spurs lose at Southampton
Draw vs. Brighton illustrates why Chelsea need a big January window
Champions League
Who can Premier League clubs draw in the Champions League knockout rounds?
Pulisic Watch: Chelsea’s American star shines in Champions League (video)
US Coach Jesse Marsch: ‘We will be proud eventually’ after loss to Liverpool
Azpilicueta: ‘Champions League is where Chelsea belong’
Chelsea controls Lille to clinch UCL knockout round berth
Lampard strives for more as Chelsea edge into Champions League last 16
Liverpool, Chelsea through to Champions League last 16 as Ajax go out
Neymar makes impression as PSG crush Galatasaray
Mourinho: No one will want to draw Spurs in Champions League
Ronaldo scores as Juventus beats Leverkusen in Champs League
Bayern brush aside Mourinho’s Spurs to claim perfect six
Kylian Mbappé scores Champions League goal while fireworks go off on the field (video)
Atletico, Atalanta reach last 16 as Bayern cruise past Spurs
Madrid concludes CL group phase with 3-1 win at Brugge
Bayern Munich tops Spurs 3-1 behind Davies, Coutinho
Jesus ‘cannot stop scoring’ as hat-trick lifts Man City’s mood in Zagreb
Sessegnon beats Neuer to score first Spurs, Champions League goal
Champions League debutants Atalanta reach last 16
Jesus hat-trick downs Dinamo Zagreb, Atalanta qualifies for knockouts
Napoli hires former Milan coach Gattuso to replace Ancelotti
Napoli sack Ancelotti despite 4-0 Champions League victory
Dortmund’s Favre delighted with Champions League progression
Fati makes history as Barca send Inter crashing out of Champions League
Napoli beats Genk 4-0 to reach Champions League last 16
Lyon players, fans clash after Depay secures last 16 spot
Zenit eliminated in Champions League after losing to Benfica
Dortmund hold off Slavia to reach Champions League last 16
Napoli fires coach Carlo Ancelotti despite advancing in CL
Ajax crash out of Champions League after defeat by Valencia
Ancelotti sacked despite guiding Napoli to Champions League last 16
Ancelotti’s reign ends amid feuding as Napoli turn to Gattuso
Inter out of Champions League after 2-1 loss to Barcelona
UCL wrap: Barca’s mints record young goal scorer in eliminating Inter
MLS
Boehm: Seven shifts that transformed MLS in the 2010s
An MLS Best XI for the last decade
Key Games and Dates for the 2020 Season
Fire Hire’s New Coaching Staff
Report: Toronto FC re-sign Michael Bradley
LA Galaxy add former MLS assist king Kljestan
ATLUTD complete permanent transfer for Hyndman
Meg Whitman explains Cincinnati investment : “The right sport, right town”
Charlotte officially granted Major League Soccer expansion franchise
Yes, you can watch US Ladies Olympic qualifying on TV – Fox Sports steps up!
Cutting it a bit close, guys.By Stephanie Yang@thrace Jan 27, 2020, 7:55am PST
With the same energy of a student hitting submit on their paper at 11:59 PM, Concacaf has pulled it together and negotiated a deal to broadcast Olympic qualifying (mostly) on TV. Concacaf struck a deal with FOX Sports, they announced today, in a three-year English language deal.The deal doesn’t just cover women’s Olympic qualification; it also covers the men’s qualifying in March, 2021 and 2023 Gold Cup, and Concacaf Champions League.Given all the tournaments and competitions involved, perhaps it’s a little unfair to roast Concacaf too much for coming in late with this deal, but also it majorly sucks that the WNT will take the brunt of this bad timing since the tournament starting literally tomorrow allows zero time for proper promotion – something important to keep in mind when ratings come in. It seems likely that Concacaf was insisting on a bundle instead of trying to find a home for just the women’s tournament to ensure that it would get on TV, delaying things until now.Olympic qualifying coverage will include other countries, although some of the games will be streaming only. The full schedule is below.
Tuesday, January 28
Costa Rica vs Panama – 6 PM ET, FS2
USA vs Haiti – 8:30 PM ET, FS2
Wednesday, January 29
Canada vs St. Kitts & Nevis – 5:30 PM ET, FS2
Mexico vs Jamaica – 8 PM ET, FS2
Friday, January 31
Haiti vs Costa Rica – 6 PM ET, Fox Soccer Plus
Panama vs USA – 8:30 PM ET, Fox Soccer Plus
Saturday, February 1
St. Kitts & Nevis vs Mexico – 3:30 PM ET, FS2
Jamaica vs Canada – 6 PM ET, Fox Soccer Plus
Monday, February 3
Panama vs Haiti – 6 PM ET, FS2
USA vs Costa Rica – 8:30 PM ET, FS1
Tuesday, February 4
Canada vs Mexico – 6:30 PM ET, FS2
Jamaica vs St. Kitts & Nevis – 9 PM ET, FS2
Friday, February 7
SEMIFINAL 1 – 7 PM ET, Fox Soccer Plus
SEMIFINAL 2 – 10 PM ET, FS1
Sunday, February 9
FINAL – 6 PM ET, FS2
U.S. women’s soccer team begins Olympic qualifying, which should rest on one match
NBC SportsJan 27, 2020, 11:51 AM
The U.S. women’s soccer team has never been in danger in Olympic qualifying, but that doesn’t change this fact: It must win on Feb. 7 to reach the Tokyo Games.The CONCACAF tournament begins Tuesday in Houston, where the world champion Americans face world No. 72 Haiti. The last two group games are against No. 68 Panama on Friday and No. 37 Costa Rica on Feb. 3. The top two nations from the group advance to Feb. 7 semifinals.The U.S. roster, with 18 of its 20 players coming from the 2019 World Cup team, is here.Since CONCACAF qualifies two nations to the Olympics, the semifinals are the deciding games.Should the U.S. win its group, it would face the runner-up from the other group in a winner-goes-to-Tokyo match. The other group (world ranking):
Canada (8)
Mexico (37)
Jamaica (53)
St. Kitts and Nevis (127)
Chaos could result in the unlikely event that either the U.S. or Canada finishes second in its group, and the two North American powers play a semifinal.The U.S. is undefeated in Olympic qualifying history, since the tournament format began in 2004 — 15-0 with a goal differential of 88-1 (not counting matches played once they’ve already clinched qualification). The lone goal allowed came in a group-stage match in 2008, when the U.S. was already assured a spot in the semifinals.Still, the U.S. knows the feeling of one poor outing in an important match. In 2010, it lost to Mexico in a winner-to-the-World Cup match. The U.S. was forced to win a last-chance, home-and-home playoff against a UEFA team — Italy — for the last spot in the World Cup.
U.S. manager Gregg Berhalter ‘comfortable’ with Christian Pulisic recovery will rely on others this weekend
Jeff CarlisleU.S. soccer correspondent
- Facebook.S. manager Gregg Berhalter said he’s “comfortable” with where Chelsea midfielder Christian Pulisicis at, despite the fact that the player is dealing with yet another muscle injury.
Pulisic has missed the Blues’ last five matches, including Saturday’s FA Cup win over Hull City, due to a thigh injury and is expected to return in mid-February following Chelsea’s brief break from the Premier League.
The U.S. international sustained several muscle injuries last season while with Borussia Dortmund, but Berhalter said while he’s concerned about injuries to any of his players, he’s not concerned about the Pulisic’s availability when World Cup qualifying starts up later this year. Pulisic out of Chelsea lineup until mid-Feb. “One thing about Christian is he’s adapting to the Premier League,” Berhalter said on a conference call with reporters. “He played a lot of games in a short period of time over Christmas. The injury didn’t appear to be that significant. He’s working through that rehab. He should be back training soon in full training.”This is part of it, a young player playing at an extremely competitive level, and it takes a physical toll on your body and him coming to terms of that is something that’s normal for the process of adapting.”So we’re we are comfortable with where he’s at. We’re working with our medical staff to make sure that you know, you can be strong and fit and compete in these [qualifying] games.”One player who is back on the field after a lengthy injury layoff is Tyler Adams. The RB Leipzig midfielder has been deployed on the right flank of late, and has played right-back for the U.S. in the past. But Berhalter said he sees Adams playing in the center of midfield for the U.S. going forward.”We played [Adams] at right back before and he’s a good fit there because of his speed, his dynamic [ability], his ability to process the ball and move forward with ball and attack with speed,” Berhalter said. “We see him primarily as a central midfielder. We always have seen him as a central midfielder.”But we know that when we need to be flexible, he can play that position as well. We think right now that the right back position is filled with depth, and he’ll be most suited in our system in central midfield.”Neither Pulisic nor Adams will be available for this Saturday’s friendly against Costa Rica (live at 3:55 ET on ESPN News), given that it falls outside the international window. The current U.S. roster, which has taken part in a training camp for most of January, has 13 Olympic eligible players. With Olympic qualifying set to take place in late March, Berhalter said he plans to give some young players a look this weekend.”I would expect there to be young players in the lineup, and that’s perfectly OK,” he said. “They’ve worked hard all month so far, and it’ll be nice to give them an opportunity to perform in front of a crowd in a real international game. This also gives us the opportunity to evaluate some players for the Olympic pool and see if they can if they can make it for qualifying.”The theme of the whole camp was guys staking their claim guys, you know, looking to improve their situation and get a firm grasp of where they fit in in the player pool. So I think the game is gonna give us the opportunity to evaluate that.”Berhalter declined to be drawn into a discussion about whether he would ask clubs to release players like Pulisic for the Summer Olympics in Tokyo. The U.S. hasn’t qualified since the 2008 games in Beijing, and faces a difficult path to qualification, with both Mexico and Costa Rica in its qualifying group. “It’s going to be a difficult qualifying process,” he said. “The roster is 17 players plus three goalkeepers, There’s a lot of games in a short amount of time. A couple of the games are outside the FIFA window. We’re going to need a lot of cooperation from Major League Soccer, and I know that’s difficult given the early stage of their season.”But as far as we’re concerned, it’s a concerted effort to field a strong team for qualifying and to qualify for the Olympics. If and when we do that, it will be a different set of conversations.”The 21-year-old American attacker has not played since a 1-1 draw at Brighton on New Year’s Day.Chelsea play at Leicester City on Feb. 1 and their next league game after that is not until Feb. 17 when they host Manchester United.Manager Frank Lampard said Friday the break ”might fall at a nice time and give us a bit more to play with.” He added: ”Hopefully he will be back for the other end of that break. It’s in line with how we expected him to be.”Pulisic has six goals and six assists in all competitions this season, including a hat trick in a league match at Burnley on Oct. 26.
PULISIC OUT TILL MID FEB –
hristian Pulisic‘s adductor injury appears likely to keep him out of Chelsea’s lineup until mid-February. The 21-year-old American attacker has not played since a 1-1 draw at Brighton on New Year’s Day.Chelsea play at Leicester City on Feb. 1 and their next league game after that is not until Feb. 17 when they host Manchester United.anager Frank Lampard said Friday the break ”might fall at a nice time and give us a bit more to play with.” He added: ”Hopefully he will be back for the other end of that break. It’s in line with how we expected him to be.”Pulisic has six goals and six assists in all competitions this season, including a hat trick in a league match at Burnley on Oct. 26.
Which players should be on the USMNT Best XI of the 2010s?
So many choices, but we ask you to break them down.
By Donald Wine II@blazindw Dec 28, 2019, 7:00am PST Stars and Stripes
We’re about to close the book on the 2010s, and many fans are thinking back to some of the good times (and bad) that occurred during the decade. When it comes to the players that came through the United States Men’s National Team, there can be a healthy debate about who dominated the 2010s for the team. Some people may discuss their preference, while others may break out stats and analytics. But, it’s still a debate that can carry us into the new year.Of all the players that featured for the USMNT from 2010-2019, who stood out? Who was the best of the best? We break down a list of players who form the starting XI of the USMNT All-2010s team.
Goalkeeper: Tim Howard
There really isn’t a better choice for the 2010s between the net than Tim Howard. He will go down as arguably the best goalkeeper the United States has ever produced. He helped set up the game-winning goal against Algeria in the 2010 World Cup and he became the Secretary of Defense with his performance in a loss against Belgium in the 2014 World Cup. He had dozens of other terrific performances throughout the 2010s, and he’s a no-brainer choice for the Best XI of the decade. (Honorable Mention: Brad Guzan)
Defenders: John Brooks, DaMarcus Beasley, Matt Besler, Fabian Johnson
DaMarcus Beasley finally retired this year after a stellar career, but he bailed the USMNT out many times over the course of the decade with his performance at left back. John Brooks, Matt Besler, and Fabian Johnson were guys that were extremely important throughout the decade on the defense. At times, each of those players were the most reliable defenders on the roster, and they were called upon many times to keep the opposition out of the net.(Honorable Mention: DeAndre Yedlin, Geoff Cameron)
Midfielders: Christian Pulisic, Jermaine Jones, Michael Bradley, Landon Donovan
Landon Donovan is arguably the greatest male player the United States has ever produced. Christian Pulisic will likely take that title very soon (if he hasn’t already). Jermaine Jones was dominant in the middle for the USMNT, the fierce bull that the team needed. Michael Bradley was dominant in the middle for many years for the USMNT, and he has been a part of some of the program’s greatest goals ever. This is a strong midfield that were important throughout the decade. (Honorable Mention: Tyler Adams, Graham Zusi)
Forwards: Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey
Clint Dempsey is the best American forward of all time and arguably the greatest male player of all time. Jozy Altidore, if he can be healthy the next few years, could still catch Deuce and Donovan atop the all-time goalscoring list. Both players throughout the decade hit a level that no other players could match, and they’re easy picks for the All-2010s team. (Honorable Mention: Bobby Wood, Jordan Morris)
Hit the comments and give us your best XI of the decade. There’s plenty of players that merit discussion, so let us know which players made your list and why you think they stood out as the best USMNT players of the 2010s.
Christian Pulisic at Chelsea: USMNT star’s performances assessed, game by game
Jan 1, 2020Jeff CarlisleU.S. soccer correspondent
Christian Pulisic is in his first season at Chelsea, following a $73 million move from Borussia Dortmund. The campaign’s first half saw the 21-year-old U.S. international make 22 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and claiming five assists.
ESPN will continue to assess Pulisic’s performances, with updates to this feature being added after every Chelsea match.Opponent: Brighton (1-1; Jan. 1, Premier League) Chelsea Player Ratings
How he performed out of 10: 6. It was another lacklustre performance from Chelsea, and they were oftentimes downright dysfunctional. Pulisic didn’t stand out from that assessment, for better or worse. He enjoyed moments of quick interplay and clever close control that created opportunities, but his finishing was lacking and at times his decision-making was labourious.
Highlights: The U.S. international’s quick feet were a ray of hope throughout his 66-minute performance. His four take-ons were more than fellow attackers Tammy Abraham and Willian combined in his time on the pitch, creating a pair of chances in the first half and leading to three shots in the second. His passing wasn’t as sharp as it should’ve been, but he did dispatch a couple of clever balls that led to chances, one scooped effort to send Abraham into the area and another to Mason Mount that put the Blues in position to enjoy an extended spell of position in and around the Brighton box.
Lowlights: His decision-making in transition was at times poor, which manifested itself in a passing percentage of 77% — better than only Abraham and N’Golo Kante. He was impatient after beating two defenders in the first half, sending in a hopeful cross forward when he had no players forward with him. The shots he created for himself through clever footwork in the second half let him down; they were from positions and distances that should’ve yielded more than two missed targets and one simple save from Mat Ryan.While the lowlights paint a picture of nothing but doom and gloom from Pulisic, no one from the West London club looked particularly impressive. Pulisic was one of 11 Blues dressed in black whose performances were as dark as their kits.
Pulisic on Chelsea form: “I can do better”
Joe Prince-Wright,NBC Sports•January 2, 2020
Christian Pulisic has admitted he must improve his finishing as Chelsea dropped more points in the Premier League on New Year’s Day.The USMNT star, 21, returned to the Chelsea starting lineup for the first time since Dec. 14 in their 1-1 draw at Brighton and lasted 66 minutes after his slight hamstring issue.Pulisic had several shots on goal at Brighton but he and his Chelsea teammates couldn’t double their advantage after taking an early lead.“We said at half time that we had the chance to kill the game and we just weren’t able to,” Pulisic said. “We couldn’t get the goal and in the end they found an unbelievable goal. So now it is about doing a bit more to keep going, attack and create chances and just have that killer instinct. Just a little bit of that, we are missing that.“I can do better with that as well. Just being more clinical in the final third, finding the right pass or shot and scoring the goals. That’s both mental and technical. After we scored the first goal it was just about continuing and just not stopping there, making it two or three and putting the game to bed. We’ve had troubles with that this year and then in the end, they fought until the end, scored a great goal and that is how it goes.”[ MORE: Pulisic Watch – How did he perform? ]
Pulisic got into some great positions and caused Brighton lots of issues with his dribbling and clever runs in the final third, but his shooting was wayward. He snatched at a few shots and looked like he was hurrying a little and maybe that is because he’s now gone seven games with a goal or an assist for Chelsea.His purple patch in October and November proves he can score goals in the Premier League but Pulisic just needs that little bit of luck to get the ball rolling again. Everything else is going well but as he said himself, he needs to improve his finishing.Chelsea need to improve theirs overall too, as Frank Lampard‘s side continue to blow hot and cold in their battle to finish in the top four and cannot keep squandering big chances against teams in the bottom half of the table.Pulisic admitted that with Chelsea now able to buy players in the January window due to their transfer ban reduced upon appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) he is now relishing the chance to compete with new players for minutes.“It is normal that teams look to improve and and if players do come in there is competition, that is how it goes,” Pulisic said. “So we’ll be ready for that and hopefully we’ll have players that come in and want to help us.”
I have to be more clinical, says Chelsea star Pulisic
AFP•January 2, 2020London (AFP) – Christian Pulisic says he and his Chelsea team-mates have to develop a killer instinct in front of goal if they are to stop dropping points as they did against Brighton on Wednesday.The 21-year-old United States captain missed three gilt-edged chances in the 1-1 draw — though ultimately it was not too costly in terms of the race for Champions League places as both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur lost.Fourth-placed Chelsea have a five-point advantage over United while Spurs and Wolverhampton Wanderers are a further point adrift.However, Pulisic, who has scored five times in his first season with Chelsea since his £58 million transfer ($76 million) from Borussia Dortmund, says Chelsea must put right their lack of accuracy when chances pop up.”We said at half-time that we had the chance to kill the game and we just weren’t able to,” said Pulisic.”We couldn’t get the goal and in the end they found an unbelievable goal.”So now it is about doing a bit more to keep going, attack and create chances and just have that killer instinct. Just a little bit of that, we are missing that.”Pulisic, who earlier in the season became the youngest Chelsea player to score a hat-trick in the 4-2 win over Burnley, says he is as much to blame as the others.”I can do better with that as well,” said the forward.”Just being more clinical in the final third, finding the right pass or shot and scoring the goals. That’s both mental and technical.”
Armchair Analyst: First USMNT camp of the 2020s a sign of what’s to come
December 30, 20192:48PM ESTMatthew DoyleSenior Writer
The January US men’s national team camp, which is always an extended camp and never falls even partially during an international break, is a time for experimentation. In the past that experimentation has usually meant new faces at the fringe of the roster – guys on the verge of working themselves in for real, or out for good – or tactical tweaks, or the introduction of a new head coach. Last year’s camp, the first under Gregg Berhalter, was a time for all three.This year’s camp has an almost entirely different feel. First off, it’s not in Carson, California, the traditional winter palace for Camp Cupcake. Rather, the bulk of the camp (January 5 through 25th) will be in Doha, Qatar, theoretically in preparation for the 2022 World Cup.Second, this camp roster has much more of a youth national team(s) influence than past camps. There are 14 U-23s mixed into the 25-man roster, and three of those guys are actually U-20s. Two of those have never played a first-team minute.So it is a wildly experimental group, one that seems to say “we really are trying to integrate our programs from both the bottom up and the top down.” Let’s take a look at it through that lens:
The full-time USMNTers
Sean Johnson is either second or third on the goalkeeper depth chart. Reggie Cannon (U-23 eligible) is second or third on the right back depth chart. Aaron Long is a starter at center back and Walker Zimmerman is third or fourth on the CB depth chart.Sebastian Lletget is the starting No. 10 as of now, and Cristian Roldan is second or third on the No. 8 depth chart. Jackson Yueill (U-23 eligible) is second on the No. 6 depth chart.Jordan Morris is a starting winger, while Paul Arriola and Jonathan Lewis (U-23 eligible) are probably third and fourth on the winger depth chart. Gyasi Zardes is second or third on the center forward depth chart.
The fringe guys pushing in
Matt Turner and Bill Hamid are both there to challenge Johnson and try to leap ahead of Brad Guzan. Turner was called in back in November as well, while this is Hamid’s first US camp with Berhalter.The only field player on the roster that fits this mold is left back Chase Gasper, who’s in his second straight camp after a strong rookie season for Minnesota United. Gasper’s just about a year too old to be U-23 eligible, otherwise he’d be in this next group…
The U-23s
Cannon, Yueill and Lewis have already been mentioned. There’s also Quakes Homegrown ‘keeper J.T. Marcinkowski, who’s played a bunch in the USL Championship the past couple of years and seems to be the No. 1 choice at ‘keeper for the U-23s. I will admit surprise that Philly‘s Matt Freese isn’t on this list, but there are only so many places up for grabs.Center backs Justen Glad and Mark McKenzie have both been at US camps before, though neither has made an appearance. Know who’s not here? Fellow U-23 eligible CB Miles Robinson, who has made a full US appearance but was injured (hamstring) back in October while doing fitness training after a USMNT game in which he didn’t play. Atlanta weren’t happy about it publicly, and my guess is they were livid about it privately.Twelve weeks is usually plenty of time to recover from a hamstring strain, and they have their own January camp opening up on the 11th ahead of their CCL campaign. Plus it seems like they’re no longer wild about releasing players unless they absolutely have to.Left back Sam Vines had an understated and solid – and sometimes defensively outstanding – age 20 season for Colorado. He’s not a game-breaker out there, but he’s not a match-loser, either.Paxton Pomykal has been capped once, and is healthy after an October procedure to clean up a lingering muscle issue in his lower abdomen. Brenden Aaronson‘s been to a camp but hasn’t been capped, and Christian Cappis has performed well – sometimes as a No. 8, sometimes as a No. 6 – for both his club in Denmark and the US U-23s.I still don’t know what position Jesus Ferreira is best at. What I do know is that he had one of the most productive seasons by a teenager in MLS history, registering 8g/6a while playing some as a No. 9, some as a winger and some as a central midfield playmaker. This is his first camp after officially earning US citizenship.
The U-20s
Here’s where it gets kind of fun: The inclusion of LA Galaxy right back Julian Araujo, Wolfsburg U-19 winger Uly Llanez and unattached D.C. United academy product Bryang Kayo (there are rumors he’ll be signing with Wolfsburg) seems to be Gregg Berhalter’s way of saying “we want to integrate as large a part of the core of the next U-20 group into the full program as quickly as possible.”Araujo, who played 900 minutes for the Galaxy this year, was born in 2001, as was Llanez, who’s been tearing it up in the German youth ranks after developing in the Galaxy academy. Kayo’s a 2002. It’s a very, very good bet that all three of those guys will be part U-20 qualifying, which is in June. It’s close as hell, and so let’s get these kids bloody.
A few notes:
- Contrast Wolfsburg letting Llanez gowith Borussia Dortmund presumably refusing to release Gio Reyna, who’s made the 18 for them in the past. That suggests Llanez isn’t quite ready to break through into the first team, which is obviously just fine – he’s still a kid.
- Michael Bradleyand Wil Trapp were regulars for the US in 2019, but neither are here, nor is Jozy Altidore, nor is Guzan (who wasn’t released). I wouldn’t bet even a small amount that this means Berhalter has permanently moved beyond those guys (there’s a good chance Bradley is still rehabbing after the injury he picked up in MLS Cup), but I wouldn’t be entirely shocked, either.
- Conspicuous in their absenceare a pair of MLS-based U-23 strikers, Jeremy Ebobisseand Mason Toye. Ebobisse just had surgery, so that explains that. Toye… it’s tougher to say. He had a scorching run this summer, but struggled mightily in his most recent U-23 camp.Olympic qualifying is in March, by the way. For all of these age-eligible guys, the time to start performing is right now. Anybody who comes out of the gates slow in 2020 is at risk of losing their spot.
- Another U-23, Cappis’s Hobro teammateEmmanuel Sabbi, is also conspicuous in his absence. My guess is Hobro intend to sell him next month (there have been rumors for a year now), which is why he’s not there.
- Remember, before you lose your minds in the comments section below, that the January camp is not held during an international date and therefore clubs are under no obligation to release players. That especially includes European clubs, almost all of whom have their seasons re-starting this month and are holding camps of their own.
Here’s the roster:
| Pos. | Player | Club |
| GK | Johnson, Sean | New York City FC |
| GK | Hamid, Bill | D.C. United |
| GK | Marcinkowski, JT | San Jose Earthquakes |
| GK | Turner, Matt | New England Revolution |
| D | Araujo, Julian | LA Galaxy |
| D | Cannon, Reggie | FC Dallas |
| D | Gasper, Chase | Minnesota United |
| D | Glad, Justen | Real Salt Lake |
| D | Long, Aaron | NY Red Bulls |
| D | McKenzie, Mark | Philadelphia Union |
| D | Vines, Sam | Colorado Rapids |
| D | Zimmerman, Walker | LAFC |
| M | Aaronson, Brenden | Philadelphia Union |
| M | Cappis, Christian | Hobro |
| M | Kayo, Bryang | Unattached |
| M | Lletget, Sebastian | LA Galaxy |
| M | Pomykal, Paxton | FC Dallas |
| M | Roldan, Cristian | Seattle Sounders |
| M | Yueill, Jackson | San Jose Earthquakes |
| F | Arriola, Paul | D.C. United |
| F | Ferreira, Jesus | FC Dallas |
| F | Lewis, Jonathan | Colorado Rapids |
| F | Llanez, Ulysses | Wolfsburg |
| F | Morris, Jordan | Seattle Sounders |
| F | Zardes, Gyasi | Columbus Crew SC |
My MLS best XI of the decade | Bobby Warshaw
| December 26, 2019 |
Eveery player wants to pursue excellence. The ultimate goal is to achieve excellence that lasts, that leaves a legacy. It’s not just a singular act or year, but a mark that leaves an impression that gets remembered.That’s what we’re looking at today. The MLS Team of the Decade. The players who set the highest standards for their respective positions.This is far from a science. For me there are two main factors that go into consideration: Longevity and Peak. The maximum height of ability, significance and contribution achieved matters; and the full body of work over the 10 years matters. The final score is not a direct sum of the two, nor is there a precise weight for either category. It’s a subjective measurement of the players’ contributions as a player.Miguel Almiron, for example, might have been the most effective player the league has ever seen — high Peak. He only played in MLS for two years, though, so he has a low Longevity score. Put together, he doesn’t quite make the list.
| Stefan Frei – Goalkeeper |
| 2 MLS Cups, 1 Supporters’ Shield, 1 USOC, 3 Canadian Championships |
| It would be nice to ease into a column like this, but we start with one of the toughest decisions in the team. Nick Rimando has the most games played and the most wins; he’s been consistently excellent for 10 years (though hasn’t won a trophy this decade). Luis Robles won three Shields and a Goalkeeper of the Year award (and the Best XI nomination that comes with it). Both would be worthy picks. It’s tough to skip over a guy with seven trophies (!) in 10 years, though. Stefan Frei won a trophy in six different years this decade. His 2016 MLS Cup performance included one of the most iconic saves in league history. He’s been good for the 10 years, and great in the biggest moments. |
| Runners-up: Nick Rimando, Luis Robles |
| Justin Morrow – Left Back |
| 1 MLS Cup, 2 Supporters’ Shields, 3 Canadian Championships, 1 Best XI, 16th in Games Won |
| It’s been easy to overlook how good Justin Morrow has been throughout his career. He entered MLS in 2010 as a second-round draft pick and took two years to become a starter. Since then, he has been one of the left backs almost every season. To put his 2017 Best XI selection into context: Only three outside backs have made the Best XI this decade (Todd Dunivant and Kemar Lawrence are the others). Morrow has been equally adept at both sides of the ball. He can lock down opposing wingers and then use his speed to fly into the attack. He’s also been able to adapt between styles and formations, from the bruising “Goonies” of the San Jose Earthquakes to the cerebral treble-winning Toronto FC sides. |
| Runner-up: Todd Dunivant |
| Steven Beitashour – Right Back |
| 1 MLS Cup, 3 Supporters’ Shields, 3 Canadian Championships |
| It’s not a coincidence that two of the best teams of the decade — the 2012 Quakes and 2017 TFC — had Steven Beitashour and Morrow controlling the flanks (and we could add 2019 LAFC to Beitashour’s list). Beitashour was drafted two spots (No. 30 overall) after Morrow in the 2010 draft. Like Morrow, it’s been easy to miss Beitashour’s excellence. (Such is life as an outside back, I suppose.) It’s interesting to describe Beitashour as a player. He doesn’t have an A+ trait; he doesn’t stand out of the page in any way; he hasn’t had any specifically spectacular individual seasons. Rather, he’s simply an excellent soccer player who always plays to a certain level. He’s diligent defensively, solid on the ball and smart going forward. Beitashour might have been the best value-for-championship-potential player in MLS over the last decade. |
| Runner-up: Graham Zusi |
| Chad Marshall – Center Back |
| Omar Gonzalez – Center Back |
| Marshall: 1.5 MLS Cups, 1 Supporters’ Shield, 1 USOC, 1 Defender of the Year, 2x Best XI |
| Gonzalez: 3 MLS Cups, 2 Supporters’ Shields, 1 Defender of the Year, 4x Best XI |
| It’s often difficult to get excited about defenders. They stop the excitement rather than create it. Chad Marshall and Omar Gonzalez, though, were as fun to watch as any attacker in the league. They went about the position with equal measures of grace and dominance. They could hang with the most talented attackers, and you’d struggle to find a moment when they looked frazzled. They were each dominant in the air – count them in the top tier with Ike Opara, Kei Kamara and Alan Gordon – and deceivingly quick on the ground. While neither received enough credit for their passing, they both played in two of the best passing teams of the last 10 years. Most importantly, they were both winners. Eight of the 10 MLS Cups in the 2010s have featured either Marshall or Gonzalez. |
| Runner-up: Matt Besler |
| Diego Chara – Midfielder |
| Ozzie Alonso – Midfielder |
| Diego Valeri – Midfielder |
| Chara: 1 MLS Cup |
| Alonso: 1 MLS Cup, 1 Supporters’ Shield, 3 USOC, 1 Best XI, most games won |
| Valeri: 82 goals, 62 assists in 229 games, 3x Best XI, 1 MVP |
| Ozzie Alonso and Diego Valeri are locks. They both embody the combination of Peak + Longevity. You could build a base for Nico Lodeiro, who has had the single largest footprint on his team of the options here, or Kyle Beckerman or Dax McCarty, who have been steady forces in the engine room for almost every possible game, to take Diego Chara’s spot. It’s always been easy to overlook the Colombian. If we look at the full body of work over the 10 years, though, I feel safe giving Chara the spot. He’s been one of the best players on the field in just about every one of the 278 games he’s played this decade. |
| Runners-up: Nico Lodeiro, Kyle Beckerman, Dax McCarty, Federico Higuain, Brad Davis |
| Robbie Keane – Forward |
| 92 goals, 51 assists in 146 games, 3 MLS Cups, 1 Supporters’ Shield, 4x Best XI, 1 MVP |
| Robbie Keane only played five full seasons in MLS, but he had one of the highest Peaks possible. He made the Best XI four (!) straight years and won three MLS Cups. He was virtually un-defendable from 2012 to 2015. He made the list over David Villa and Thierry Henry, who lived in similar “what’s a defender supposed to do?” territory. Ultimately, their MLS tenures are apples to oranges; Keane landed into a dynasty while Villa started a club from scratch and Henry’s New York Red Bulls had just missed the playoffs when he arrived. It’s unfair to keep Villa or Henry off the list just because they didn’t win trophies that nobody expected them to win, but we need a differentiator, and the game is about championships in the end. |
| Sebastian Giovinco – Forward |
| 73 goals and 57 assists in 125 games, 1 MLS Cup, 1 Supporters’ Shield, 3x Best XI, 1 MVP |
| Sebastian Giovinco gets the last spot because he was the most spectacular individual of the decade. Villa, Keane, Josef Martinez et al could put together unreal performances; Giovinco’s were better. Nothing in the past 10 years compared to some of the individual performances that Giovinco provided. He had the highest Peak score of anyone in the league. He set a new bar for how an individual player could impact a game. |
| Chris Wondolowski – Forward |
| 153 goals, 35 assists, in 312 games, 1 Supporters’ Shield, 3x Best XI, 1 MVP |
| Chris Wondolowski’s in. You can’t dispute that. He receives a max Longevity score — in the last 10 years, he went from Development Player to Designated Player and scored 152 of his record 159 goals. He also hit a high peak, with an MLS MVP award in 2012. |
| Runners-up: Kei Kamara, David Villa, Thierry Henry, Bradley Wright-Phillips, Landon Donovan, Josef Martinez |
| It hurts to leave Kamara and BWP off the list. They both pounded home goals for almost the entire 10 years — BWP finished with 117, Kamara 115 — and I would understand if someone would pick their steady Longevity over Giovinco’s ridiculous peak. |
| Bruce Arena – Manager |
| 3 MLS Cups, 2 Supporters’ Shields |
| Bruce Arena won more trophies than anyone else during the decade. He also put together the last unquestioned dynasty, and perhaps the best team in league history. Peter Vermes turned Sporting Kansas City into one of the model clubs, winning four trophies along the way. He established the first “pressing” team in league history, only to pivot halfway through the decade and continue winning. The last spot goes to the Sigi Schmid/Brian Schmetzer combination. Sigi guided the Sounders through the first half of the decade, quickly pushing an expansion team into the top echelon of the league. Schmetzer took the club the last mile, winning two MLS Cups in four years. It’s hard to decouple their work and what they’ve each meant to the Club of the Decade. |
| Runners-up: Peter Vermes, Sigi Schmid/Brian Schmetzer |
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