Gameday Updates –

Winger Tim Weah did not travel to Canada as his vaccination (he got Covid right before his 2nd shot and has to wait the allotted 9 months -he’s at 8 – and unlike most other Countries Canada won’t allow him in. Of course Berhalter knew this and played Weah (who was very good vs El Salvador) the full 90. I had already predicted Aaronson for Weah – and a move to the left side for him with Pulisic moving to the right.

This Behind the Crest is worth the Watch CONCACAF – WRAP-UP Can Pepi Solve #9 Conundrum

Of course today’s game is only on Pay TV in the US as Paramount plus has rights for all CONCACAF Away games. It is on Telemundo in spanish if you have that. Or Get a Free Code :

1. Click here and select “Try It FREE.” (Note: To get the free 30-day trial, you’ll need to use this link ONLY.)2. Select any plan.3. Sign up for an account.4. Enter “QUALIFY” (excluding the quotes) on the right underneath the subtotal and hit “Apply.”5. Enter your billing information.6. Click “Start Paramount+” and start streaming.

Or you can always watch with the American Outlaws in Indy that’s at Union Jack in Broadripple American Ootlaws Indy. I am hosting a watch party at home !

Hey soccer fans – so I thought I would add a US Mens Soccer Special Edition this weekend for the big game vs Canada for first place on Sunday at 3 pm on paramount plus/telemundo/universe.  Hype video.  Yes right in the middle of American football’s Championship Sunday the US Men are playing new nemisees  – Canada who current sits top of the table.  You could argue that Canada is actually playing the best so far in this Round of Qualifying with huge ties at the US and Mexico and huge wins both at home and on the road.  Right now Canada is the better finishing team with Jonathan David up front.  The US counters with literally no #9 (just like normal). Now I happen to think Berhalter purposely did not put his best team on the field.  I think this is a 3 game window and he’s gonna put his best team on the field vs Canada on Sunday.  You could say he got away with the win – without his strongest backline (missing Miles Robinson) and without his #9 (Pepi).  Remember this is the first time Pepi has made the cross-world trek from Europe coming off a weekend game where he played 70+ minutes. Resting him and saving him to score against Canada might have been a great idea.  (Zardes coming in after we took the lead 1-0 at home in Columbus was fine – it re-energized the crowd but if we were behind it would have been Pepi to help us win it).  I thought Aaronson should have started with Weah coming off the bench (to save him) but obviously Berhalter felt Aaronson will start vs Canada with the roles reversed – and that is fine. The big question is what does coach do to get Pulisic off the snide.  Christian was upset to be pulled off in the 65^th minute – but he sucked Thursday night.  Berhalter has to find a way to build Pulisic’s confidence back up – and get him back to doing what he can do. I think vs Canada I would move Pulisic to the right side – his movement and connection with Dest is just stronger than it is with Robinson – who likes to stay wide on the left (where Pulisic should be).  I move Aaronson to the right and of course start Pepi at the #9.  Adams will have to cover that right side as Dest will get caught out some – I plug in Miles on the right inside backline along with Richards on the left.  I think the US is gonna win this game vs Canada 2-1. (What would you think if Berhalter starts Aaronson on the right and Weah on the left and brings Pulisic off the bench at half time?  Either way – I think Pulisic is gonna score and we are going to come out of this game at the top of table.  I still don’t know why Berhalter doesn’t get credit for what he has done.  He’s got the best % record of wins ever for a US Manager – he’s brought in over 50 players most of them under the age of 25 and has the program headed in the right direction.  I still think the US should try to win the group while growing this team into the Golden Generation I think they will become. 

Antonee “Jedi” Robinsons Goal vs El Salvador   Goal/Backflip in Slow-Mo               USA vs SLV Hi-Lites

My pick for Starters vs Canada Sun

Pulisic/Pepi/Aaronson

McKinney/Musah

Adams

Antonee R/Richards/M Robinson/ Dest

Turner  

Breaking Down El Salvador Game

So obviously we all expected more than a 1-0 win in a sold-out packed Lower.com Field Thurs night in Columbus.  I had picked 2-0 but honestly was hoping for a 3-0.  Still the US had 70% possession and took 17 shot, while only giving up 2 shots –none officially on goal all night.  On a night when Pulisic played as poorly as he has ever played in a US shirt, a nght when our #9 couldn’t score from 2 feet away – the US found a way to win it.  “Jedi” Robinson’s goal and subsequent back flip put the US up in the 48^th minute and they never really looked threatened again. Honestly if Dallas’Jesus Ferreira just scores one of his wide open shots 5 feet in front of the goal – it’s a solid 2-0 win and everyone is fine.  We were right behind the goal where Ferreira somehow kicked the ball over the goal (Wondo style).  I mean he was 5 feet away – I don’t know how it was even possible to kick it over from there – it took a miracle for him to miss that one.  But if he just finishes 1 or both of those gimme’s the US wins it easy 3-0. The US dominated in every phase of the game – just not the scoreboard.  I thought the defense was fine – the centerback pairing a surprising Chris Richards and Zimmerman (instead of Miles Robinson).  I thought they played fine with both covering for each other well – Zimmerman did struggle with his passing – giving away at least 4 bad balls.  The outside backs (Dest and Robinson) were electric moving forward and each made good recovery runs defensively to not let El Salvador get any good shots off.  GK Matt Turner – on his way to Arsenal after these games – had an uneventful night but commanded his box. Of course Tyler Adams as always was the lynchpin – as the #6 Dmid- he honestly covers everyone’s mistakes. 

The MMA midfield of Musah, McKennie and Adams continues to grow as McKennie gave us a 8.5 performance – pushing and displaying his fancy footwork all over the field.  Musah is just unbelievable at turning and carrying the ball up field (I LOVE HIM) he had just 6 performance for the game – but still he’s 18 and he’s playing like this!!  Now the front line – there is your question for this day.  Again we had 17 shots – so it must have been ok – but Weah was just ok on the night wing – he had a couple of good crosses and a shot.  Now his cross is what allowed Robinson to score coming out of the scrum- but I thought he was just ok.  We talked about Jesus – bu the biggest issue was Pulisic.  He has been struggling at Chelsea and it carried over to Thurs night.  I thought he pressed – tried to hard to create often cutting back in and right into 2 or 3 defenders.  He’s a winger – a left winger – and I really think much like Donovan back in the day – Pulisic needs to run a folks 1 vs 1 wide out then sneak into the box where he is deadly.  Its not his job to get it at midfield and carry it forward – Musah and McKennie can do that.  Berhalter has got to find a way to get Pulisic off the snide – give him more space in the box where he can regain his confidence.  Overall – I give the US a score of 6 and Berhalter a 6 as well.

Rank	Club	Points	PPG	GP	W	L	T	GF	GA	GD	Home	Away
CONCACAF Table
STANDINGS
1	Canada	19	2.1	9	5	0	4	15	5	10	4-0-1	1-0-3
2	United States	18	2	9	5	1	3	13	5	8	4-0-1	1-1-2
3	Mexico	17	1.9	9	5	2	2	13	8	5	2-0-1	3-2-1
4	Panama	14	1.6	9	4	3	2	11	10	1	2-0-2	2-3-0
5	Costa Rica	12	1.3	9	3	3	3	7	7	0	3-1-1	0-2-2
6	Jamaica	7	0.78	9	1	4	4	7	12	-5	0-2-2	1-2-2
7	El Salvador	6	0.67	9	1	5	3	4	11	-7	1-1-3	0-4-0
8	Honduras	3	0.33	9	0	6	3	5	17	-12	0-4-1	0-2-2

 US ROSTER BY POSITION (CLUB)

GOALKEEPERS (4): Sean Johnson (New York City FC), Gabriel Slonina (Chicago Fire), Zack Steffen (Manchester City) ARRIVING LATE FROM ENGLAND, Matt Turner (New England Revolution)

DEFENDERS (9): Reggie Cannon (Boavista), Sergiño Dest (FC Barcelona), Brooks Lennon (Atlanta United), Mark McKenzie (Genk), Chris Richards (Hoffenheim), Antonee Robinson (Fulham FC), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United), DeAndre Yedlin ARRIVING LATE FROM EUROPE  (Galatasaray), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC)

MIDFIELDERS (7): Kellyn Acosta (LAFC), Tyler Adams (RB Leipzig), Luca de la Torre (Heracles), Sebastian Lletget (New England Revolution), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Yunus Musah (Valencia), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders)

FORWARDS (8): Brenden Aaronson (Red Bull Salzburg), Paul Arriola (D.C. United), Jesús Ferreira (FC Dallas), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders), Ricardo Pepi (Augsburg), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea FC), Tim Weah (Lille), Gyasi Zardes (Columbus Crew)

Earn your Degree While You Watch Your Kids Soccer Practice – ½ the time and cost of Traditional Schools

USA WCQ

W2W4 – S&S

Grant Walh 12 min podcast from Canada

The USMNT’s Pulisic Problem, lessons learned from El Salvador & what to expect at Canada ARMCHAIR ANALYST: MATT DOYLE

Concacaf realities may lead USMNT to keep Canada rematch in perspective

Not perfect, but task complete: USMNT grind toward Qatar 2022 with El Salvador win
Canada ready for World Cup ‘battle’ with US

One goal, one more step forward for USMNT
USMNT player ratings: Defense, midfield dominate; Pulisic struggles

Analysis: Robinson’s goal gives the USMNT 1-0 win vs. El Salvador ASN

Antonee ‘Jedi’ Robinson gives Berhalter, USMNT the World Cup qualifying win they were looking for  Kyle Bonagura  ESPN
Antonee Robinson’s goal lifts USMNT over El Salvador in World Cup 
United States men’s national soccer team defeats El Salvador in Concacaf World Cup qualifier

What we learned during Canada’s Alphonso Davies-less statement win at Honduras

Canada player ratings: Buchanan, David power World Cup Qualifying win at Honduras

 USA

 Arsenal transfer news: USMNT’s Matt Turner, New England agree on move

Sources: Arsenal, USMNT’s Turner agree terms

Why DeAndre Yedlin, USMNT star, is coming home  Bruce Schoenfeld

USMNT prospect Kevin Paredes completes transfer to Wolfsburg

• Straus: Beyond the Pedigree—Tim Weah’s Rise

 Robinson Sees Benefits for USMNT in Overseas Moves

 
USWNT stars Megan Rapinoe, Rose Lavelle re-sign with OL Reign

World

State of World Cup Qualifying Around the Globe; Who’s In, Current Tables 
Peru stun goal-shy Colombia, Venezuelan Rondon’s treble sinks Bolivia
World Cup qualifying: Iran clinches berth; Saudi Arabia, South Korea close
Favourite son Eto’o is pride of Cup of Nations host city Douala
Serie A star Barrow revels in Gambia’s stunning AFCON run

BIG GAMES TO WATCH

Sat Jan 29

10 am ESPN+                       Fulham vs Blackpool

11 am fubo tv                     African Cup Quarters – Gambia vs Cameroon 

2 pm fubo tv                        African Cup Quarters –Tunisia vs Burkina Faso

Sun,  Jan 30

11 am fubo tv                     African Cup Quarters – Egypt vs Moroco

2 pm fubo tv                        African Cup Quarters – Senegal vs Equatorial Guinea

3 pm Paramount+/Telemundo    USMNT @ Canada

6 pm Para+                          Mexico vs Costa Rica

6 pm Para+                          Panama vs Jamaica

7 pm Para+                          Honduras vs El Salvador

Tues,  Feb 1

9:30 am Para+                    Iran vs United Emirates

6:30 pm fubotv                  Argentina vs Colombia

7:30 pm fubotv                  Brazil vs Parguay

Weds,  Feb 2

2 pm beIn Sport                 African Cup Semi 1

7:30 pm FS1                  USMNT vs Honduras

9 pm Para+                          El Salvador vs Canada

10 pm Para +                       Mexico vs Panama

Thurs,  Feb 3

2 pm beIn Sport                 African Cup Semi  2

Sat, Feb 5

7:30 am ESPN+                   Chelsea (Pulisic) vs Plymouth Argyle  FA Cup

10 am ESPN+                       Man City vs Fulham (Robinson, Ream)  FA Cup

12 noon Para+                    Inter vs Milan Milan Derby 

12:30 pm ESNP+                Bayern Munich vs RB Liepzig (Adams)

3 pm ESPN+                        Tottenham vs Brighton FA Cup

Sun, Feb 6

9:30 am ESPN+                   Dortmund vs Bayer Leverkusen

10:!5 am ESPN+                 Barcelona (Dest) vs Atletico Madrid 

2:45 pm Para+                    Juve (Mckinney) vs Hellas Verona

3 pm ESPN+                         Real Madrid vs Granada

2022 SheBelieves Cup schedule

Feb. 17 in Carson, Calif.
#16 Iceland vs #22 New Zealand, 8pm ET – ESPN
#1 USWNT vs #24 Czech Republic, 11pm ET

Feb. 20 in Carson, Calif.
USWNT vs New Zealand, 3pm ET – ABC
Czech Republic vs Iceland, 6pm ET

Feb. 23 in Frisco, Texas
New Zealand vs Czech Republic, 6pm ET
USWNT vs Iceland, 9pm ET – ESPN

 

Quickly taken: Four thoughts between WCQ MD9 & MD10

It’s No. 1 v. No. 2 Sunday + Is Costa Rica set to make a run?

Jon Arnold Jan 28

1

There are just two days of rest between Thursday’s critical World Cup qualification matches and Sunday’s equally critical contests.Those of course are days of “rest” as teams travel to their matches, work on recovery, analyze the game plan, find the opponents’ weaknesses, speak to the media and walk the field at the stadium.Undoubtedly, we’ll see some teams utilizing different personnel while others will ask their top stars to give as much effort as possible to get results in Sunday’s games. Then, it’s time for a luxurious two additional days off before Wednesday’s matches.Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, though. Here are four thoughts after Thursday’s matches and ahead of Sunday’s games:

No. 1 vs. No. 2 another chapter in fledgling Canada-US rivalry

The best rivalry in Concacaf is United States vs. Mexico. The exciting rise of Canada, the undefeated current leaders in the World Cup qualification table, has produced another pair of rising rivalries adding spice to the final round of qualification.The first is Canada’s surprisingly vigorous rivalry with Mexico, thanks to the Gold Cup semifinal and a pair of tight WCQ matches. The second is a more natural rivalry with the neighboring United States, stretching back to the North American nations landing in the same Concacaf Nations League group and Canada earning its first win against the U.S. since 1985 in that competition.The World Cup qualification streak goes back even farther. Canada’s last victory over the U.S. in WCQ was in 1980 ahead of the 1982 World Cup in Spain (though they’ve somehow only met three times since then).Obviously, lots has changed since the early 80s. Canada was impressive Thursday in Honduras, coping with the Catrachos’ attack without much difficulty and getting strong attacking contributions from Tajon Buchanan and Jonathan David to earn a comfortable win in their first trip to Central America.“We bent a little bit, but we didn’t break, and that’s I think the story of the identity of this team,” Canada manager John Herdman said after the match.The U.S. has taken more criticism than Canada this cycle, but to me that feels simply a product of expectations. The Americans sit just one point behind Canada in the table, scoring two fewer goals to this point and losing one match, a slip-up in a difficult Central American trip of their own.While they didn’t steamroll El Salvador last night, they were relatively comprehensive in victory, limiting scoring chances for La Selecta and putting themselves in positions to score.

While neither Herdman or U.S. manager Gregg Berhalter would say they were pulling a few punches ahead of this game, the middle in a three-match set, my hunch is they’re looking forward to this one.I wouldn’t be surprised to see Mark Anthony Kaye, who was in risk of a yellow card suspension and didn’t dress for Canada’s win in Honduras, available, with other personnel modifications likely in the midfield and attack.Berhalter, too, had to feel forward Jesus Ferreira gave his team the best chance to beat El Salvador. “The Cheetah” was solid but I wonder if he turns to Ricardo Pepi or Gyasi Zardes, and if those players are better able to connect with Christian Pulisic, who had a rough night in Columbus.Whether Canada flexes its muscle and moves further clear at the top, the U.S. gets three points and re-establishes its hegemony or the teams share a point (and potentially get jumped by Mexico) it should be another chapter in a rivalry that only is just beginning but sets up to be one of the best in the Americas in the not-too-distant future.One rueful side note: It’s a shame more people in the U.S. won’t watch it.The home federation sets the time for the match, and with the game taking place on a turf field in a cold-weather climate, there’s logic for Canada’s decision for a day game.Yet, it means it’s going against the National Football League’s AFC Championship (Go Chiefs), bumping the game from a potential CBS slot to the Paramount Plus streaming service.Whether or not you like the NFL, there’s no doubt it’s a ratings behemoth that brings all the eyeballs. The casual sports fan Sunday will opt for football. Hopefully it’s a game for the ages that us hardcores enjoy live and others catch up with via highlights and media coverage.

Hope for Costa Rica?

Costa Rica secured an enormous 1-0 victory against Panama, and the headline from that match understandably is that the Ticos are still alive, scratching for that fourth place spot Panama currently is in.Bryan Ruiz scored the goal, and Costa Rica has to get credit for fighting for the result.

Yet, watching the match it felt like yet another Costa Rica game following largely the same script. Panama had 74% of the possession and was able to find scoring chances but couldn’t convert – sometimes thanks to Keylor Navas making good saves, other times because of their own inability to capitalize on, erm, clear-cut scoring opportunities.Costa Rica now goes to Mexico, facing not only a team with a deeper squad (in a place where they haven’t won a World Cup qualification match since the famous Aztecazo…that was 20 years ago) but also goes into altitude against a squad with a fresh Hirving Lozano and potentially recuperated Raul Jimenez in the attack.“I think tiredness is, ultimately, mental. We’ve got to be prepared for the game that’s coming. We’ve got to be at 100% no matter what,” Costa Rica attacker Joel Campbell, who plays his club soccer in Liga MX, said after the Panama win. “Mexico is going to push us to the limit, and if we want to go to the World Cup, we’ve got to push there.”“We’re getting closer to those first four,” he continued. “The first thing you have to do is win at home, then steal points on the road. We’ve got to get back those points we lost at home in Mexico. It’s tough, but I’m confident in this team that we can do it.”I’m not entirely convinced that’s the case, but in an interesting twist both teams have games left this window in Mexico and against Jamaica.

Temperature check in Panama

Speaking of Jamaica, Panama has a game that now is crucial to hanging on to its fourth-place spot, and a must-win for the Reggae Boyz if they want to have any hope to jump into the qualification places.Both countries are coming off disappointing results, with Jamaica and new manager Paul Hall perhaps more frustrated in their recent showing than Panama.“I think as long as there is a mathematical chance, we are OK,” Hall Thursday. “What I want to see from the players is that we can go somewhere and we can get a result.“I will always, until the last minute, tell the players, ‘Let’s go for the game, let’s go for the win.”That was tougher to do against a Mexico team with more depth, even despite El Tri’s absences because of injuries, Covid and suspensions. It may be tough to do as well against a Panama team that has been together much longer than this Jamaica group and will have the Estadio Rommel Fernandez backing it.Yet, it’s also possible Panama begins to feel the pressure. There are expectations after they followed up their 2018 qualification with a good start, and the questions in Central America were more about jumping into the top three than falling out of the top four altogether.It’s still Panama’s place to lose, but it wouldn’t feel nice at all to lose it.“It’s time to turn the page and look forward to what comes next, which is Jamaica,” forward Rolando Blackburn said. “We have to take advantage of the home-field.“We’ve got to keep working in training, be sharper in this match,” he continued.“There’s no margin for error.”

A dead rubber?

It’s tough to imagine Honduras vs. El Salvador on Sunday ending up being about anything more than pride.That pride still will be there. This is perhaps Central America’s most intense soccer rivalry (something, something, Football War, something), and certainly for El Salvador it would be massive to even score a goal in San Pedro Sula, as El Salvador never has been able to score in a WCQ in Honduras.Yet, neither side will qualify for the World Cup.The narratives around the teams are totally different. El Salvador, with their energetic style of play and lack of success in recent cycles, has been praised by writers like me who see something fresh for La Selecta.El Salvador seems to be moving in the right direction, with youth programs being bolstered both in men’s and women’s soccer and recruitment and development efforts expanding under sporting director Diego Herniquez.For Honduras, there has to be some way to get the young generation of players who are continually qualifying for the Olympics and impressing at the youth level to take the jump to the next level. While Alberth Elis and Anthony Lozano are performing well in European clubs, the domestic-based defense isn’t ready for the challenge of international play when they’re used to trying to shut down attackers in the Honduran league week after week.Is it the manager? As Diez put it, “With Coito and with Bolillo, we keep embarrassing ourselves”At least with Coito it seemed there was a long-term plan. Gomez was brought in as something of a quick fix.That hasn’t worked. It’s time again to look to the future.

USA vs. Canada, 2022 World Cup qualifying: What to watch for

The biggest match of the window.By Donald Wine II@blazindw  Jan 29, 2022, 7:00am PST

The United States Men’s National Team, fresh off a 1-0 victory over El Salvador on Thursday night, travel to Hamilton, Ontario for a big road match on Sunday against Canada. In a battle between the top two teams in the Octagonal standings, the big matchup will take place before a Tim Horton’s Field crowd that will be energized despite the reduced capacity to 12,000 attendees. For the USMNT, it’s a chance to assume control and put a remote possibility to qualify for the 2022 World Cup during this window in play. However, it will be the chance for them to put their best match together against the upstart Canadians.

Latest Form

USA

W (1-0) – El Salvador – World Cup Qualifying

W (1-0) – Bosnia & Herzegovina – Friendly

D (1-1) – Jamaica – World Cup Qualifying

W (2-0) – Mexico – World Cup Qualifying

W (2-1) – Costa Rica – World Cup Qualifying

Canada

W (2-0) – Honduras – World Cup Qualifying

W (2-1) – Mexico – World Cup Qualifying

W (1-0) – Costa Rica – World Cup Qualifying

W (4-1) – Panama – World Cup Qualifying

D (0-0) – Jamaica – World Cup Qualifying

What To Watch For

Silence the crowd. It won’t matter that there will only be 12,000 fans in a stadium that was set to host 23,500. The Canadian fans will be ready and into it from the opening kick. It’s the job of the USMNT to give them a reason to remain quiet and out of it. Taking the momentum early and keeping it will ensure that the only noise the United States hears is the pocket of American fans who made the trip to Hamilton.

Lock up Jonathan David and Tajon Buchanan. With Alphonso Davies not in the lineup, Canada’s hopes for generating goal scoring will fall squarely upon the shoulders of Tajon Buchanan, with the actual scoring being the responsibility of Jonathan David. The American defense needs to keep eyes on them and continue to keep their shape so that Canada cannot create any scoring chances.

Use the personnel that fits the style of play. Against El Salvador, the USMNT generated a lot of scoring chances from the wings by serving balls into the box on crosses. However, with Jesus Ferreira playing the false 9, there wasn’t a lot of structure on who would be there to put a head to those crosses. The USMNT should utilize the guys who are particularly good on aerials to put more pressure on Canada’s defense when they’re serving balls into the box.

Lineup Prediction

Gregg Berhalter has hinted that with the short window and short travel between Columbus and Hamilton, it sets up for him to not make a lot of changes against Canada. With Canada being the biggest match of the window (and arguably one of the most important of the entire Octagonal, look for Gregg Berhalter to go with a lineup that looks like this:

Predicted Lineup vs. Canada

Matt Turner continues to hold down the goalkeeper spot, particularly with Zack Steffen battling his back tightness. The back line continues to remain the same one that we saw against El Salvador, with Antonee Robinson, Walker Zimmerman, Chris Richards, and Sergiño Dest. However, it’s possible we see Miles Robinson in place of Richards.The M-M-A midfield of Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, and Tyler Adams will continue to work and serve as the engine of the team. Up front, Christian Pulisic will start again on the left and Jordan Morris will occupy the right in place of Tim Weah, who reportedly didn’t make the trip to Canada. The main change: Ricardo Pepi gets the start at the 9 as they hope he can finish some chances in the box. Look for Brenden Aaronson to once again get significant time in the 2nd half as a substitute.

Prediction

This may sound crazy, but the USMNT steal a victory in Hamilton. 2-1 is the final score.

Concacaf realities may lead USMNT to keep Canada rematch in perspective

By Charles Boehm @cboehmFriday, Jan 28, 2022, 02:23 PM

“Top-of-the-table clash.”Those can be magical words in any competition, a distillation of a match’s high stakes as well as its likely – or hoped-for, at least – levels of quality. When schedules and results align for a faceoff of two frontrunners, especially far enough into the campaign for the standings to carry real weight, it tends to become the biggest fixture on the docket.

For the current window of Concacaf Octagonal World Cup qualifying, that’s Canada vs. the United States, who lock horns on the frigid FieldTurf at “The Donut Box,” aka Tim Horton’s Field in Hamilton, Ontario on Sunday afternoon (3:05 pm ET | Paramount+, Universo, Telemundo in US; OneSoccer, Sportsnet in Canada).Some of the key protagonists seem to see it that way:Even without Alphonso Davies, this could well turn out to be a classic, the latest high-water mark of a border rivalry suddenly simmering with almost as much vibrance and relevance as the ancient USMNT-Mexico showdown.You can be sure that Les Rouges’ cunning apture of a 1-1 draw in Nashville in September didn’t sit well with the Yanks. It certainly didn’t with the 43,028 fans in attendance at Nissan Stadium that evening, who greeted the final whistle with a wave of boos.For two historically underachievement-prone programs intent on changing the way the world perceives them, this matchup is a chance to lay down a marker. (By the way, it’s also a vindication of sustained investment in player development by MLS clubs in both countries; just peruse the list of academy products who’ll be in uniform.)Looking ahead a bit, three points in Canada would ease US nerves in March, when Gregg Berhalter’s side must close out their Ocho slate with the traditionally brutal trips to Mexico and Costa Rica on either side of a home date with Panama. And results like Sunday’s count not only for qualification to Qatar 2022 but also the FIFA rankings that will be used to seed teams for that tournament’s draw.So there are both numerical and psychological arguments for goosing the throttle and having a go here.But the inconvenient reality is that Sunday doesn’t really matter as much to the Yanks – at least, not in the way that their supporters, and neutrals seeking an engaging spectacle, might wish. Not compared to Wednesday’s meeting with Honduras in St. Paul, Minnesota.As satisfying as it might be to avenge the dropped points in Tennessee and knock those noisy neighbors down a peg or two, the USMNT’s overriding priority coming in this window is securing all six points available to them on home turf. You know the old Hexagonal saying about successful qualification, and it’s turning out to apply to the Ocho, too: Win at home, draw on the road.So the CanMNT need a W in Hamilton more; even though they have yet to lose in this cycle, they dropped points at home in an opening-day draw with Honduras at BMO Field. This time around they’re forced to jet to San Pedro Sula and San Salvador for away games on either side, though.The Americans got a necessary three points against El Salvador on Thursday. And of the remaining two, it’s the game at Minnesota United FC‘s Allianz Field that is a must-win for the US. Or to put it another way: It was the home losses to Mexico and Costa Rica that really doomed them in the 2018 cycle just as much as, if not more so, than that iconic stumble in Couva.What is Berhalter’s outlook? He has made “one game at a time” a team-wide USMNT mantra on par with “His name was Robert Paulson,” and made the calculated gamble of siting these games in the coldest, least hospitable settings imaginable for the Central American visitors, even at the potential risk of severe winter storms turning them into ice bowls where victory or defeat hinges on a single slip or snowy skip of the ball.“The way I see it is, all windows are tough. All windows are difficult. All windows are important,” Berhalter intoned before the win over El Salvador. “Any three-game window, there’s nine points on the line, right? This window is no different. And every point is valuable. Every point you get gets you closer to eventually qualifying for the World Cup. So to us, there’s no extra emphasis.“I think it gets a little bit dangerous when you start over-emphasizing one window versus other windows.”If Wednesday really does come first, some lineup shuffling might be in order. Tyler Adams (who is carrying a yellow card), Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah and Antonee Robinson look essential to the best version of the USMNT and all of them went the distance in Columbus, save for Musah’s 89th-minute exit. Christian Pulisic looked uncomfortable and ineffectual in his 65 minutes on the pitch and might benefit from a substitute’s role next time out.Then again, if the Yanks are really serious about “one game at a time” then perhaps they’ll leave nothing in reserve on this jaunt to Ontario.Berhalter has posited that it’s physiologically feasible for his players to feature in all three of this window’s games, a prospect Adams and Robinson welcomed earlier in the week. Plus, Thursday’s 2-0 home loss to Canada might have crushed winless Honduras’ dwindling hopes for good – and Los Catrachos have only rarely in their qualifying history taken points on US soil.So to borrow a term popularized by a prominent Canadian rapper, let’s all hope Berhalter is feeling YOLO this weekend, and we can entertain the possibility of a full-bore Canada-US slugfest.But that’s not really his MO, is it? He knows it’s Wednesday that can put the USMNT on the doorstep of Qatar, and Sunday is likely to unfold accordingly.

Preview: Canada – USA – yanks abroad

On the heels of their narrow victory over El Salvador on Thursday night, Gregg Berhalter and his USMNT squad will head north of the border to take on Canada in a difficult test that will determine the new CONCACAF pecking order.With the top three of the qualifying group – Canada, the USA and Mexico, in that order – all having won on Thursday night, little has changed in the battle for the three automatic qualification spots for the region, aside from the trio all having a bit more breathing room ahead of fourth-place Panama.While far from mathematically assured, the overall qualifying situation is slowly narrowing in on looks to be a competition amongst the three to determine the presumptive CONCACAF hierarchy for the time being.Sunday’s game is one that will go a long way to determine this; if either the Americans or Canucks score a victory, they are guaranteed to momentarily be in first place, while a draw will likely still be enough for the Canadians to hold the edge, even if only by goal differential in the likely case of a Mexico victory over Costa Rica in Azteca.Apart from guaranteed sub-freezing conditions, what can be expected on Sunday afternoon when the teams kick off at 3pm Eastern time?Considering the goalscoring successes of both of these teams, a dull, goalless affair would not be a recommended bet for the gambling types.The Canadians can claim the two top scoring players in qualification so far, with Jonathan David, one of the world’s best forwards on current form, and Cyle Larin having scored four goals apiece in the first nine games.Even though they are without their arguably best player – attacking wingback Alphonso Davies – due to a Covid-related heart concern, they are the most dangerous attacking team in the group, and will test the central defensive partnership of Walker Zimmerman and either Chris Richards and Miles Robinson.Larin and Brenden Aaronson traded goals back in early-September when these two teams last met, in a 1-1 draw in Nashville that momentarily put Gregg Berhalter and his squad into a minor crisis.In the seven qualifying games since, the Americans have earned 16 points while putting 12 goals in the opposing teams’ nets, the best points-per-game record in the qualifying group over that period of time.Coming off of their narrow win over El Salvador, where a moment of opportunistic brilliance from a defender, Antonee Robinson, was necessary to avoid embarrassment, the Americans will have to make at least one adjustment to their starting eleven.Outside forward Timothy Weah, who has been one of the more effective attacking players for the US, was unable to make the trip to Canada due to issues with his vaccine credentials, which are valid in France but incompatible with entry requirements in Canada.Berhalter touched upon the issue in his pre-match comments, explaining “He had one vaccine shot, [then] he got Covid [while] he was awaiting the second shot. Due to the time of when he got Covid, he wasn’t able to get that second shot. However in France, he’s listed as fully vaccinated, because the one shot plus Covid means you’re vaccinated, [but] as a technicality it wasn’t acceptable in Canada.”This will likely lead to the return of Ricardo Pepi to the starting lineup, after the 19 year-old Texan did not take the field at all against El Salvador. Additionally, Jesús Ferreira could lose his starting spot after wasting several opportunities, which could see a front three of Pepi, Aaronson and Christian Pulisic.In addition to Weah, defender Brooks Lennon is also unavailable after Berhalter revealed in pre-game comments that the 24 year-old returned to his club team in Atlanta with an ankle problem, however his participation was in any case unlikely.With no update on the arrival of keeper Zack Steffen, likely meaning he will remain in England for the entire window with his nagging back issue, Matt Turner will be in goal, but will be hard pressed to earn what would be a fourth shut-out in his seventh qualifying match between the sticks.With both teams also quite resilient in the defense – they are tied with the best goals-against record only allowing five apiece – the battle will ultimately come down to which of the two can better deal with the others’ main point of attack, which is significantly different between the two.For the Canadians, their primary strength is through their front three of David, Larin and new Brugge arrival Tajon Buchanan, who currently form the most lethal attacking trio in CONCACAF, and will put the American back line to the test.Conversely, Berhalter’s squad has seen hot-and-cold inconsistency from its front line throughout qualifying. Instead, the team draws strength from its dynamic full-back play, particularly with Robinson and Sergiño Dest remaining constant threats anytime they gain possession with room to run. Additionally, a major, and still-growing impact comes from a robust, if not oppressively dominant central midfield, which will likely feature the “MMA” trio of Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah and captain Tyler Adams.In short, the tasks for the Americans will be avoid even a single costly mistake against the deadly Canadian trio, while the hosts will have to avoid being systematically ground down enough to fall victim to a sneak attack from the sides.Berhalter summed up his respect for their hosts in his pre-game comments, drawing comparisons to his own squad, but setting the path for achieving their goals.“It’s similar to us that they have a young player pool [and] they have highly talented players,” he complimented. “When you think of Alfonso Davies, Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Bucanan and onathan Osorio, they have a talented group of players, let’s make no mistake about it.”“If you guys remember what I said in 2019 after we lost them,” he continued, “I said it’s a good team [and] I didn’t think that team was given enough credit.”“It’s [now] a couple years later, [they are] top of the table after nine games, they’re a well-coached team, they know how to play, they have a clear philosophy, and they deserve to be where they are right now.”“For us it’s an opportunity to try to get first in the group, and that’s where we want to finish. To do that, we’re going to have to have a good game against Canada.”The game kicks off at 3pm Eastern time, in Tim Horton’s field in Hamilton, Canada.On the heels of their narrow victory over El Salvador on Thursday night, Gregg Berhalter and his USMNT squad will head north of the border to take on Canada in a difficult test that will determine the new CONCACAF pecking order.With the top three of the qualifying group – Canada, the USA and Mexico, in that order – all having won on Thursday night, little has changed in the battle for the three automatic qualification spots for the region, aside from the trio all having a bit more breathing room ahead of fourth-place Panama.While far from mathematically assured, the overall qualifying situation is slowly narrowing in on looks to be a competition amongst the three to determine the presumptive CONCACAF hierarchy for the time being.Sunday’s game is one that will go a long way to determine this; if either the Americans or Canucks score a victory, they are guaranteed to momentarily be in first place, while a draw will likely still be enough for the Canadians to hold the edge, even if only by goal differential in the likely case of a Mexico victory over Costa Rica in Azteca.Apart from guaranteed sub-freezing conditions, what can be expected on Sunday afternoon when the teams kick off at 3pm Eastern time?Considering the goalscoring successes of both of these teams, a dull, goalless affair would not be a recommended bet for the gambling types.The Canadians can claim the two top scoring players in qualification so far, with Jonathan David, one of the world’s best forwards on current form, and Cyle Larin having scored four goals apiece in the first nine games.Even though they are without their arguably best player – attacking wingback Alphonso Davies – due to a Covid-related heart concern, they are the most dangerous attacking team in the group, and will test the central defensive partnership of Walker Zimmerman and either Chris Richards and Miles Robinson.Larin and Brenden Aaronson traded goals back in early-September when these two teams last met, in a 1-1 draw in Nashville that momentarily put Gregg Berhalter and his squad into a minor crisis.

In the seven qualifying games since, the Americans have earned 16 points while putting 12 goals in the opposing teams’ nets, the best points-per-game record in the qualifying group over that period of time.Coming off of their narrow win over El Salvador, where a moment of opportunistic brilliance from a defender, Antonee Robinson, was necessary to avoid embarrassment, the Americans will have to make at least one adjustment to their starting eleven.Outside forward Timothy Weah, who has been one of the more effective attacking players for the US, was unable to make the trip to Canada due to issues with his vaccine credentials, which are valid in France but incompatible with entry requirements in Canada.Berhalter touched upon the issue in his pre-match comments, explaining “He had one vaccine shot, [then] he got Covid [while] he was awaiting the second shot. Due to the time of when he got Covid, he wasn’t able to get that second shot. However in France, he’s listed as fully vaccinated, because the one shot plus Covid means you’re vaccinated, [but] as a technicality it wasn’t acceptable in Canada.”This will likely lead to the return of Ricardo Pepi to the starting lineup, after the 19 year-old Texan did not take the field at all against El Salvador. Additionally, Jesús Ferreira could lose his starting spot after wasting several opportunities, which could see a front three of Pepi, Aaronson and Christian Pulisic.In addition to Weah, defender Brooks Lennon is also unavailable after Berhalter revealed in pre-game comments that the 24 year-old returned to his club team in Atlanta with an ankle problem, however his participation was in any case unlikely.With no update on the arrival of keeper Zack Steffen, likely meaning he will remain in England for the entire window with his nagging back issue, Matt Turner will be in goal, but will be hard pressed to earn what would be a fourth shut-out in his seventh qualifying match between the sticks.With both teams also quite resilient in the defense – they are tied with the best goals-against record only allowing five apiece – the battle will ultimately come down to which of the two can better deal with the others’ main point of attack, which is significantly different between the two.For the Canadians, their primary strength is through their front three of David, Larin and new Brugge arrival Tajon Buchanan, who currently form the most lethal attacking trio in CONCACAF, and will put the American back line to the test.Conversely, Berhalter’s squad has seen hot-and-cold inconsistency from its front line throughout qualifying. Instead, the team draws strength from its dynamic full-back play, particularly with Robinson and Sergiño Dest remaining constant threats anytime they gain possession with room to run. Additionally, a major, and still-growing impact comes from a robust, if not oppressively dominant central midfield, which will likely feature the “MMA” trio of Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah and captain Tyler Adams.In short, the tasks for the Americans will be avoid even a single costly mistake against the deadly Canadian trio, while the hosts will have to avoid being systematically ground down enough to fall victim to a sneak attack from the sides.Berhalter summed up his respect for their hosts in his pre-game comments, drawing comparisons to his own squad, but setting the path for achieving their goals.“It’s similar to us that they have a young player pool [and] they have highly talented players,” he complimented. “When you think of Alfonso Davies, Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchaan and Jonathan Osorio, they have a talented group of players, let’s make no mistake about it.”“If you guys remember what I said in 2019 after we lost them,” he continued, “I said it’s a good team [and] I didn’t think that team was given enough credit.”“It’s [now] a couple years later, [they are] top of the table after nine games, they’re a well-coached team, they know how to play, they have a clear philosophy, and they deserve to be where they are right now.”“For us it’s an opportunity to try to get first in the group, and that’s where we want to finish. To do that, we’re going to have to have a good game against Canada.”The game kicks off at 3pm Eastern time, in Tim Horton’s field in Hamilton, Canada.

USMNT Pulls Within Range of More Immediate, Long-Shot World Cup Qualifying Scenario

• AVI CREDITOR21 HOURS AGO  SI  

The last time the U.S. men’s national team faced the long-shot scenario, things didn’t work out so well.The events of October 2017 are well-documented and have been dissected ad nauseam over the last four-plus years. The failure to qualify for the World Cup was very much a foundational issue, but had a series of events not gone the way they did on Oct. 10—an American loss to Trinidad & Tobago, Panama and Honduras wins over Costa Rica and Mexico, respectively—then the U.S. would have still overcome all of those faults and not been eliminated from contention that night.The long-shot scenario this time around, at least, is one the U.S. would happily welcome. Its 1–0 win over El Salvador on Thursday night, coupled with results elsewhere around the region, provided an express lane to Qatar that could see the U.S. wrap up its return to the World Cup before the final qualifying window. It’s not the most likely scenario, but it is at least plausible—though it requires the U.S. to accomplish something it has yet to do in the previous three-match windows: win out.The dream scenario of clinching a top-three finish before trips to notoriously difficult destinations in Mexico and Costa Rica two months from now starts with the U.S. going to first-place Canada and beating the surging neighbor to the north on Sunday. It then continues by returning home to Minnesota and topping a last-place Honduras side that has been reduced to playing spoiler.That alone would make it almost a certainty—but not a complete mathematical certainty—that the U.S. will return to the World Cup after missing Russia 2018. But for it to happen next week, it also needs Panama to lose its next two matches (at home vs. Jamaica, at Mexico) and for Costa Rica to not exceed two points in its remaining two games (at Mexico, at Jamaica). That would put the U.S. 10 points clear of fourth place with three games to play (and nine points left up for grabs). When it comes to the baseline of qualifying for the World Cup, it doesn’t matter where the U.S. finishes in Concacaf’s top three. First-place bragging rights are great, but they come with the same automatic ticket as third place. It could potentially benefit the U.S., currently ranked 11th by FIFA, if it wound up topping the table, as it relates to results impacting the seeding for the World Cup draw, but that’s getting even further ahead of ourselves.You won’t catch Gregg Berhalter or any U.S. player discussing or entertaining any of those permutations. Any mention about the March window and what potentially lies ahead if things don’t go well now is met, understandably, by a “one game at a time” response, which is as cliché as much as it is perfectly logical. The U.S. can’t get caught looking too far forward or taking other results for granted. That’s how long-shot scenarios like those from 2017 enter the chat.Thursday night’s result resonated with a number of known truths about World Cup qualifying in Concacaf. The performance wasn’t great—Berhalter and U.S. players lamented the missed chances and slow start—but the points are all that ultimately matter. As Berhalter, who was also critical of some other aspects of his side’s showing, said following the match, “The big picture of this game is we’re still in very good position in World Cup qualifying, the three points were vital at home, and we achieved that.”The U.S.’s recurring theme of a slow start followed by a more emphatic second half unfolded again (the U.S. has now failed to score in the first half of seven of its nine qualifying matches), while some questions surrounding individual performance and ruthlessness in the final third persist. But the way the table is breaking, the runway for a flight to Qatar—in November, not the less-desirable one in June for an intercontinental playoff that is reserved for Cocnacaf’s fourth-place finisher—is clearing for takeoff. “We’re definitely one step closer,” said Antonee Robinson, Thursday’s goalscorer. “We’re really happy to get the win. … We’re one step closer to our goal of qualifying for the World Cup.” Canada ready for World Cup ‘battle’ with US

Fri, January 28, 2022, 5:34 PM·3 min read

Canada coach John Herdman has told his team to prepare for battle as they take on the United States in a pivotal CONCACAF World Cup qualifier on Sunday.The Canadians have emerged as the surprise package of Central America, North America and the Caribbean’s qualifying competition, unbeaten in nine matches and leading the eight-team final round with 19 points.A victory over the second-placed United States in Hamilton, Ontario, on Sunday would put clear daylight between Canada and the chasing pack.With only four games remaining after Sunday, victory could leave ‘Les Rouges’ firmly on course for their first trip to the World Cup in 36 years.Sunday’s game takes place at the compact Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton.Due to local Covid-19 regulations, capacity for the game has been halved to around 12,000, but Herdman hopes the smaller crowd will nevertheless create a hostile environment for the visitors.”It’s going to feel tight and compact. We want the US to feel that,” he said.”It’s a battle. It’s two teams that are desperate for three points and will do anything for it,” said Herdman, the 46-year-old Englishman who took over as Canada’s men’s coach in 2018 after managing the women’s side for seven years.For so long the whipping boys of CONCACAF’s World Cup qualifying – prior to this campaign, Canada had not reached the final round of regional qualifiers since 1998 — Herdman has forged a close-knit group who are anything but pushovers.They served notice of their capability in November with a 2-1 win over Mexico, and on Thursday grabbed a 2-0 win on the road over Honduras.Herdman believes the win over Honduras on Thursday embodied his team’s spirit.”To get a 2-0 on the road was important for the team, to get our first win on the road, as well,” he said.”More than anything, it was just about three points — that’s all it comes down to. We bent a little bit, but we didn’t break. I think that’s the story of the identity of this team,” Herdman said.”It’s a special story that’s unfolding. It seems like every (player) is able to contribute on the journey,” he added.”We’ll keep relying on that mettle, that camaraderie, that brotherhood and we’ll fight, that’s what it will be in any game against the US. You’ve got to bring the battle, it’s a cup final at home.”The US meanwhile arrive in Canada after an unconvincing 1-0 home win over El Salvador in Columbus on Thursday.A victory over the Canadians on Sunday would give coach Gregg Berhalter’s side valuable breathing space, however.While they remain well-placed to qualify, the USA still must travel to Mexico and Costa Rica in March, traditionally awkward away games against two teams who are desperate for points.Mexico, who needed two late goals to overcome Jamaica 2-1 on Thursday in Kingston, host Costa Rica in a vital clash at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Sunday.Panama, who are fourth in the standings behind Mexico, face a home game with Jamaica while Honduras host El Salvador in Sunday’s other game.

USMNT EARN THREE CRITICAL POINTS, WITH ROOM TO IMPROVE

By Doug McIntyreFOX Sports Soccer Writer

The U.S. Men’s National Team is one step closer to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. 

After another frustrating first half in Thursday’s critical qualifying match against overmatched El Salvador, the USMNT’s attack once again came alive in the final 45 minutes, with defender Antonee Robinson’s 52nd-minute goal standing up as the game winner in Columbus, Ohio. The three points helped the U.S. temporarily top CONCACAF’s eight-team standings, but Canada reclaimed first place later in the evening with a convincing 2-0 victory in Honduras. The Americans and Canadians meet Sunday north of the border. “The big picture of this game is we’re still in very good position in World Cup qualifying,” U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter said afterward. “The three points were vital at home, and we achieved that. Now it’s time to regroup and come up with a plan to attack Canada.”Here are three quick takeaways on the USMNT’s victory.  

1. A win is a win …

It’s not how; it’s how many (points, that is). Thursday’s 1-0 victory was far from a thing of beauty against a team that — on paper, anyway — the U.S. should have been able to handle easily on home soil. But then, that’s the nature of CONCACAF’s eight-team, 14-match, double-round-robin tournament. Every game is a street fight, the pedigree of the rosters be damned.The seventh-place Salvadorans didn’t seem at all fazed by the freezing temperatures (it was 31 degrees at kickoff) in Ohio’s capital, not with their own World Cup hopes dependent on their pulling off a stunning upset against the heavily favored Americans. And as has been the case throughout qualifying, the Americans couldn’t find their feet in the opening stanza. Jesús Ferreira, a surprise starter at center forward over Ricardo Pepi, looked like a player in the middle of the MLS offseason in squandering a pair of first-half chances, though his headed pass eventually set up Robinson’s winner. Ferreira was hardly alone; captain Christian Pulisic and the rest of the U.S.’s European-based stars weren’t much sharper. “I wouldn’t say this was our best game,” Berhalter admitted. “We didn’t finish enough of our chances that we had.”But as has been the case throughout the Octagonal, the U.S. looked like a different team immediately after the intermission.Robinson’s strike — the left back’s second crucial goal in qualifying — calmed down his teammates and the packed house in Columbus. And while the U.S. didn’t add the insurance tally they would’ve liked, they still pitched a shutout (keeper Matt Turner didn’t even have to make a save) and got the all-important first three of the nine points that will all but assure their return to the grandest stage in soccer after they missed out in spectacular fashion four years ago. “We got the win,” Robinson said. “We’re one step closer to our goal of qualifying for the World Cup.”

but the U.S. was far from convincing 

Given the stakes, the weather, the travel and the fact that the full-strength U.S. roster hadn’t played together since mid-November, perhaps a game this ugly was to be expected. Whatever the reason, the U.S. just didn’t play very well. Not playing well and winning anyway is better than the alternative, to be sure. Still, for probably the eighth time in nine Octagonal matches so far — the lone exception being November’s comprehensive 2-0 “dos a cero” triumph over rival Mexico — the cohesiveness of the U.S. left a lot to be desired. “At times in the first half, the distances between our midfielders was too far apart,” Berhalter said of the Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah trio.  “The team was disconnected a little bit.”They’ll have to be much sharper if they want to take even a point out of Sunday’s trip to Canada, to say nothing of March’s daunting road matches in Mexico City and San Jose, Costa Rica. (The U.S. has never won a qualifier in either locale.) “It’s our first international game since the last window, so we weren’t going to turn up with the short time that we’ve had to prepare and just play an amazing game of football and win six-nil,” Robinson said. “It was always going to be a tough, tight affair. And you know, they made it difficult for us.”

USMNT’s focus now shifts to Canada 

The Americans’ victory combined with the Reds’ triumph in San Pedro Sula keeps the Canadians one point ahead of the second-place U.S. That means Sunday’s match in Hamilton, Ontario, will go a long way toward determining who wins the group. (Third-place Mexico also held serve Thursday, scoring twice late to top Jamaica 2-1.) “We have to be better for next game,” said U.S. forward Tim Weah, for whom bragging rights are also at stake Sunday. Jonathan David, his close friend and teammate with French champion Lille, is Canada’s star forward.”We’ve been waiting for this game. The whole year, we’ve been talking about it. We’ve been joking about who’s going to win, who’s going to score,” he said. Lineup changes are likely. Weah, who just returned from a hamstring injury, hasn’t played on artificial turf field in years. The temperatures in Hamilton will be even colder than in Columbus. “We’re going to have to assess everyone tomorrow,” Berhalter said when asked how much he’ll rotate players, adding that McKennie, who had a noticeable limp at the end of Thursday’s contest, was fine.Whoever plays, “it’s probably going to come down to who wants it more, which is the case for most of these games,” Robinson said. “We’re going to really try and take it to them. We don’t care that it’s away from home. We need to win more than them.”

Antonee ‘Jedi’ Robinson gives Berhalter, USMNT the World Cup qualifying win they were looking for

Kyle Bonagura ESPN Staff Writer

COLUMBUS, Ohio — When the United States men’s national team went into halftime with El Salvador on Thursday without a goal, any feeling of anxiousness that might have crept into the home locker room would have been understandable. With a World Cup berth not yet secured, anything other than a win would have been considered a massive disappointment.For this U.S. National team, though, it was a familiar and, maybe, an even comfortable position. The team has struggled in the first half throughout qualifying — it has just two first-half goals in nine games — but has routinely found ways to strike back in the second half. This game would be no different. As he did against Honduras in September, left-back Antonee Robinson — who goes by the nickname Jedi — summoned the force for an important goal early in the second half, which held up in a pivotal 1-0 win.”We call our full-backs the superpower of our team,” United States manager Gregg Berhalter said. “We do that because they produce; they give assists and goals and if you look at World Cup qualifying so far, our full-backs have contributed heavily.”The sentiment of being linked to mystical abilities works just fine for Robinson, who has been called Jedi since he was a young boy due to his fascination with the Star Wars movies.”I feel weird being called Antonee,” he said. “I prefer being called Jedi.”The United States has received strong play from other full-backs — namely Sergino Dest and DeAndre Yedlin — but Robinson, in particular, has developed into one of the most important players on the roster. His value was illustrated when Berhalter didn’t include any other natural left-backs on the roster this window and was reinforced throughout the performance against El Salvador in which he made significant contributions in both defense and in attack.Playing on the same side of the field as Christian Pulisic, who routinely dropped into midfield and moved centrally, Robinson was tasked with staying wide, where he was able to pressure the opposing outside back with the ball and get in position to send in crosses. In defense, he was part of a unit that was rarely challenged all game, often intervening in opposing attacks before they had a chance to develop.On the goal, Jesus Ferreira, who earned his first start of qualifying, headed the ball into the area, where Robinson calmly slotted it home from about six yards out near the back post. It was a bit of a broken play, but Robinson credited Berhalter’s strategy of having him hover near the back post when the ball came in from the opposite side.He celebrated with a cartwheel into a backflip into a fake injury and a celebratory strut, which awakened the sold-out crowd of 20,000 in Columbus, where the team is now 9-1-2 all time in World Cup qualifying matches.Forward Timothy Weah admitted afterward he briefly thought Robinson pulled his hamstring during the celebration, but Berhalter found himself in awe more than anything.”If a guy scores like that and chooses to do that, who might demand [he doesn’t]. That’s an amazing physical feat,” Berhalter said. “So congratulations to him for even being able to do that. I think it’s really impressive.”Coupled with Panama‘s loss at Costa Rica a short while later, the United States took a major step toward qualification. With five games left, the U.S. has a four-point lead over fourth-place Panama, the key team to watch with the top three finishers receiving automatic bids to Qatar 2022.”It wasn’t the prettiest game and there were times when we played good football, times when we just had to kind of dig it out,” Robinson said. “Chances that we didn’t put away, but we got the win and are one step closer to our goal of qualifying for the World Cup.”Throughout the week, the U.S. National team’s players maintained the frigid conditions in Columbus — it was 32 degrees at kickoff and snowed lightly in the hours leading up to the game — wouldn’t be much of a factor and there wasn’t much evidence to indicate it was. With 18 points through nine games, the U.S. has six more than it did through nine games in the 2018 cycle (when qualifying consisted of 10 games).It will train Friday in Columbus before a short flight to Canada later in the day in advance of Sunday’s game in Hamilton, which is located roughly an hour outside of Toronto. More than any perceived weather advantage the United States thought it was generating by playing in frigid Columbus, it was the minimal travel following the game that it valued. Conversely, Canada has a 2,000-mile trip back home after its 2-0 win against Honduras that allowed them to stay atop the CONCACAF standings.After injuries kept Pulisic out of the starting lineup for the past five qualifiers, he captained the side during his return against El Salvador. It was an intriguing prospect to see him start with the midfield trio of Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah for the first time, but the combination didn’t result in many threatening moments. On the left wing where he’s most comfortable, Pulisic had trouble maintaining possession and when Berhalter subbed him off in the 65th minute for Brenden Aaronson, it was a just decision.”It’s just about him finding his top form, and really finding ways to get him in front of goal because that’s where it really shines,” Berhalter said. “When he’s in front the penalty box is where he does his best work.”Berhalter’s decision to start Ferreira at striker was the only surprising decision in the starting XI. It had appeared Ricardo Pepi, Ferreira’s former teammate with FC Dallas, had latched onto the starting role having started five of the past six games, but Ferreira offers something different. He’s not the finisher Pepi is — highlighted by two missed chances in the first half — but he’s better at linking play with the midfield and wingers, which was also on display.Ferreira conjured up four chances created against El Salvador are the most by a USMNT player during a game this qualifying cycle, matching the four from the resident Jedi against Jamaica.”[Ferreira] had enough chances to score a couple goals,” Berhalter said. “So that’s the most important thing. If he didn’t have any chances in the game, I would have been concerned. But he did have chances and I think it’s just a matter of him being able to finish those off. Regarding his link up play, I thought it was excellent.”

Analysis: Robinson’s goal gives the USMNT 1-0 win vs. El Salvador

It wasn’t pretty, but that doesn’t matter. The United States national team earned a critical 1-0 win over El Salvador in Columbus to continue a promising path towards qualifying for Qatar. The U.S. team did not play poorly and was always in control, but the offensive cohesion was lacking most of the night. ASN’s Brian Sciaretta breaks it down. 

BY BRIAN SCIARETTAPOSTEDJANUARY 27, 20227:05

THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL team did not win big or win pretty on Thursday against El Salvador – but it won. In the end, three points is three points and the 1-0 victory puts Gregg Berhalter in great position in World Cup qualifying with five games remaining.The U.S. team had the chance to take the lead early and set the tone but missed several chances – including two by Jesus Ferreira and this kept El Salvador alive and motivated. Despite not finishing well, the U.S. team kept up the pressure for most of the game.n the second half, the U.S. team finally found a breakthrough in the 52^nd minute when Tim Weah dribbled into the box. His shot was deflected up, but found Ferreira near the penalty spot. Ferreira swung a header wide to Antonee Robinson who finished from close range to give the United States a 1-0 lead.For the remainder of the half, the U.S. team would keep up the pressure but fail to extend the lead. It’s best chances came on set pieces when Weston McKennie and Gyasi Zardes would head corner kicks over the bar.In addition to the win, the United States avoided any yellow cards and will have no players suspended for the Canada game.Here are my thoughts on the game. 

EXCELLENT FULLBACK PLAY

 The U.S. team has been strong at both fullback positions so far in World Cup qualifying. Antonee Robinson and Sergino Dest have both scored and assisted at various points in qualifying. Dest had a big goal against Costa Rica. Robinson has had big goals against Honduras and then tonight. It has become a big part of the U.S. team under Berhalter.Robinson has improved mightily over the past year and a half (since the COVID shutdown) and his role in the U.S. team has grown dramatically. In this game, it was more than just the goal. Robinson was very dangerous presence.Dest also had a positive influence on the game and was important in keeping the U.S. in control of this game. 

U.S. DEFENSE STRONG UP THE MIDDLE

 El Salvador had a few half-chances but generally didn’t test the U.S. team too much. Matt Turner didn’t have to make a single save.Defensively, one of the strongest areas for the U.S. team is the triangle of Tyler Adams sitting in front of the central defense pairing of Chris Richards and Walker Zimmerman. That is a strong defensive contingent sitting in front of Turner and in this one, all three played well. It didn’t seem like El Salvador was ever too much of a threat. 

OFF-NIGHT FOR PULISIC

 There are always a ton of expectations on Christian Pulisic and when he struggles, it stands out. That is the price of being one of the best players in the entire region.There is no denying that Pulisic was simply not good in this game. Most notably, he was only 2/15 in his duels and was dispossessed nine times before getting pulled in the 64^th minute. There was also decision making and on one break in the first half, he missed a wide open Tim Weah to his right only to force it down the left side that was well covered.Pulisic didn’t have it tonight, but he is still a great player. Now it will be up for him to shake it off to get back into form for a tough visit to Canada on Sunday.

 LOOKING AHEAD TO CANADA

 Canada defeated Honduras 2-0 on the road on Thursday and will now make the trip back home to face the United States in Hamilton.Once again, the conditions will be tough. While it will be played in the afternoon, the forecast calls for a high of 23 degrees with a chance of snow. On top of that, it will be played on artificial grass. This game won’t be pretty and it will be a grind. Berhalter probably won’t make too many changes. He will probably start either Zardes or Ricardo Pepi up top. It is hard to see Adams or McKennie getting replaced. If there is a change in the midfield, perhaps it is Musah in place of someone used to playing in terrible CONCACAF conditions.The opportunity is there for the United States. A draw would certainly be acceptable but a win would put the U.S. team in an outstanding position – first in the group, playing for a nine-point window that would essentially book a ticket to Qatar. With Panama losing to Costa Rica, the USMNT, CAnada, and Mexico have separated themselves from the pack a bit.

PLAYER RATINGS
THE STARTING LINEUP

Matt Turner: The New England Revolution keeper (for now) didn’t have to make a save but his distribution was actually strong as he connected with 4/6 long balls and twice played Antonee Robinson up the field in a position to make a break. Rating: 6.0

Antonee Robinson: The Fulham left back was the best player on the field for this game. He scored the only goal and was dangerous throughout. Rating: 8.0

Chris Richards: The Hoffenheim central defender was an important part of keeping El Salvador off the board. One tough moment when he failed to close down on Alex Roldan who missed a shot just wide. But Richards was generally steady. Rating: 6.5

Walker Zimmerman: The Nashville central defender was his usual steady self in the back. He had a few effective passes out of the back into the attack, won most of his duels, and contained the middle. He still needs to be a little more of a presence on set pieces because he is one of the team’s main targets. Rating: 7.0

Sergino Dest: The Barcelona right back worked hard on both sides of the ball – winning 12/21 duels, coming up with big tackles, and then with the ball he was always looking to advance it forward. Rating: 6.5

Tyler Adams: Sitting in front of the backline, Adams did a lot of the dirty work and kept El Salvador a bay. He was also effective in possession – getting the ball forward into advanced possessions. He played the defensive midfield position well and avoided a yellow card which would have suspended him against Canada. Rating: 7.5

Weston McKennie: The Juventus midfielder had some tough giveaways but he brought energy to the game that ensured that the U.S. team was in control of the game. Rating: 6.5

Yunus Musah: Musah’s combination play on the night was lacking on the left side and he seemed to lack chemistry with Pulisic. The Valencia midfielder, however, had a few nice individual moments which created danger including a side-footed shot in the second half which forced a save. Rating: 6.0Christian Pulisic: It was a very tough game for the U.S. team’s best player who just didn’t have it. He was dispossessed a lot, lost most of his duels, and his decision making were all not up to his standard. Rating: 4.5

Tim Weah: The Lille winger was a handful to defend and was involved in many of the team’s best chances. His dribbling drew a lot of attention from El Salvador’s defenders. Rating: 6.5

Jesus Ferreira: The FC Dallas attacker missed two chances early in the game – which he helped to create for himself. But he worked well with others and set up chances for Pulisic in the first half and Musah in the second. His hard work paid off in the second half when he assisted on Robinson’s goal. He also wn a big share of his duels (8/12) – which helped in the press and the possession edge and was credited with four key passes. It was a good outing, but he should have finished one of those two chances.  Rating: 6.5

 THE SUBSTITUTES

 Brenden Aaronson: The Salzburg winger came into the game in the 65^th minute. He wasn’t part of anything too dangerous but he helped keep the U.S. on the front foot. Rating: 6.0

Jordan Morris: Was part of a double substitution in the 72^nd minute and had a few nice runs but was mostly quiet. Rating: 5.5

Gyasi Zardes: The forward replaced Pepi. He hit a header over the bar which he should have gotten on frame but he did well in a hold-up situation that played Antonee Robinson into the attack for a chance. Rating: 5.5

Kellyn Acosta: Late cameo. Rating: NR

How Kellyn Acosta’s dirty work is pushing U.S. Men’s National Team forward in World Cup qualifying

Drake HillsNashville Tennessean In the next two months, five matches will determine the U.S men’s national soccer team’s fate for the FIFA World Cup. Midfielder Kellyn Acosta has become essential, yet rarely exalted, in this effort, and U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter knows it.Acosta, 26, played in 21 of 22 USMNT matches last year, the most of any player since 1994. In 2021, he played the full 120 minutes in both victories against Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup, assisting on the winning goal in the latter.Acosta has played in eight of the USMNT’s nine World Cup Qualifiers thus far.“Kellyn’s a competitor, first and foremost,” Berhalter said this week. “We know we need guys on the field that want to compete to win games. We know (they’re) highly competitive fixtures. Every single game has a lot on the line. … To have a guy on the field that is going to compete is valuable. We’re very comfortable with Kellyn.”Comfort with Kellyn often means discomfort for his opponents – on the field in the middle of a melee with Mexico or a shoving match with Canada. Even at the team hotel, mixing skill and banter when playing cards or shooting dice, Acosta doesn’t discriminate when choosing his victim.his competitive nature, Acosta said, has created an edge for the U.S. in qualifiers, creating a “winning mentality where, in each play, it hurts if you don’t prevail.”The U.S. is (5-1-3,18 points) in second place in qualifying and will square off with first-place Canada (5-0-4, 19 points) on Sunday in Hamilton, Ontario (2 p.m., Paramount+).Acosta is part of the engine that the U.S. hopes will get it to the World Cup in Qatar in November, simply by being the unsung leader who’s in love with doing the dirty work.“I may not wear the captain’s armband, but I just try to use my experience to help better my teammates on and off the field,” Acosta told The Tennessean. “I just try to lead by example. Whether that’s just work ethic, whether that’s making plays, whether it’s sticking up for my teammates – different aspects of the game that maybe go unnoticed, but I think it goes a long way and to showing the camaraderie of the team.”As the U.S. prepares for its rematch with Canada on Sunday, what comes to mind is captain and midfielder Tyler Adams’ retaliating shove on Mark Anthony-Kaye, sending the Colorado Rapids midfielder to the grass at Nissan Stadium in September.As boos rang in from the predominantly-U.S. crowd, and Canadian players circled around referee Oshane Nation to suggest a red card should be issued instead of a yellow, in came Acosta, stepping in for Adams – who riled up fullback Richie Laryea just enough to require teammate Samuel Adekugbe and others to hold him back from charging Acosta.Acosta boasts the third-most appearances (46) for the U.S. on this roster with an average age of 24, which includes the midfield of the future in Adams, 22, Weston McKinnie, 23, and Yunus Musah, who is 19. All of them are up for CONCACAF’s toughness, but none more than Acosta.’I’m not saying that the team is soft by any means,” Acosta said. “But I try to add that dimension, that no matter what’s gonna go on, I have your back no matter what.”Acosta is one of four on this roster (along with Christian Pulisic, Paul Arriola and Gyasi Zardes) who tasted World Cup Qualifying failure in 2017 against Trinidad and Tobago. His 13 World Cup Qualifying appearances carry value held in high regard by teammates.“Kellyn, like you mentioned, just the way he battles, the way he helps us to get through this qualifying process and also … just as a mentality, I feel like the team has really stepped up and I like the focus that I’m seeing right now,” Pulisic said.Mentality is a motif for the USMNT, and its ball-winning defensive midfielder preaches it by doing what no one else wants to.“His effort, his work rate … I think he inspires other players, and with his mentality,” Berhalter said.For stories about Nashville SC or Soccer in Tennessee, contact Drake Hills at DHills@gannett.com. Follow Drake on Twitter at @LiveLifeDrake. Connect with Drake on Instagram at @drakehillssoccer and on Facebook.

Not perfect, but task complete: USMNT grind toward Qatar 2022 with El Salvador win

By Charles Boehm @cboehmThursday, Jan 27, 2022, 11:47 PM

After Antonee “Jedi” Robinson finally found the breakthrough, lashing the game’s only goal past Mario González in the 52nd minute to nudge the US men’s national team ahead of El Salvador, the Fulham left back wheeled away towards the corner flag to execute his now-signature backflip as his teammates raced to join him – then suddenly clutched at the back of his leg, the dreaded universal sign of a hamstring injury.But Robinson was just entering the second phase of his celebration, a faux muscle strain segueing into a cheeky little dance delivered with a grin, inspired by the flamboyant footwork of a Kenyan player that went viral a few years ago.“He kind of scared me because I thought he pulled his hammy,” Tim Weah, whose saved shot triggered the goal sequence, admitted postgame. “But you know, it all worked out in the end.”FullscreenThat might just sum up the USMNT’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying win at Columbus’ Lower.com Field.The hosts and favorites controlled most of the possession and created enough scoring chances to stack up an expected-goals number nearly 15 times that of Los Cuscatlecos. Yet time and again they failed to finish, allowing their tenacious, technical guests to hang on and create danger on their efficient forays forward. The US didn’t really seem assured of the victory until the final whistle, while captain and talisman Christian Pulisic turned in one of the most anonymous performances of his USMNT career.With just five Octagonal matches remaining as Qatar 2022 looms ever closer, however, three points will do the Yanks just fine, as a results-centric mindset inevitably outweighs deeper concerns for the time being. They remain second in the Octagonal table, accruing 18 points from nine games (5W-1L-3D record) before a crucial test Sunday at table-leaders Canada (3:05 pm ET | OneSoccer, Paramount+).

“I think we lacked connection in our pressing. There was too often too much space between our lines; we weren’t able to make that next play on the pass and the pressure was broken,” noted manager Gregg Berhalter postgame. “The ambition to play forward and get behind them, what was missing from the 90 minutes – we had it in spurts but overall I think we could have done that much better. The big picture of this game is we’re still in very good position in World Cup qualifying. The three points were vital at home and we achieved that.”

Didn’t always feel this dominant, but… 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/WJz3bfE6Aq

— Paul Carr (@PaulCarr) January 28, 2022

The coach himself injected a new wrinkle into his attack for this occasion, surprising many with his selection of Jesus Ferreira ahead of Ricardo Pepi in the starting No. 9 role, the first career WCQ start for the FC Dallas star and a shift towards his more nuanced interpretation of that position than his former club teammate’s.While Ferreira failed to convert a few inviting looks in the early going that would have dramatically changed the game’s tenor, Berhalter was mostly effusive with his praise.“He had enough chances to score a couple goals. So that’s the most important thing. If he didn’t have any chances in the game, I would have been concerned. But he did have chances, and I think it’s just a matter of him being able to finish those off,” Berhalter said of Ferreira. “Regarding his linkup play, I thought it was excellent. And a number of times he was setting players up, as we expected him to do. So overall, although we might only try to judge No. 9s by their goal production, I still think he had a solid performance.”

🐆 pic.twitter.com/qoagsx88KA

— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) January 27, 2022

Berhalter could afford to lodge quibbles about evaluation metrics for his forward because he once again received key attacking contributions from a very different spot.With Robinson’s second strike of the Ocho, USMNT fullbacks have now scored three goals and notched three assists in this qualification campaign. That’s a crucial quantity, given that the Yanks have still failed to score from a set piece – usually a trump card for the program – in this cycle and no one has scored more goals than Pepi’s three, the most recent of which came back in October against Jamaica.Add that to the tempo-setting muscle of the “MMA” central-midfield combo of Weston McKennie – who was quietly excellent on this night – Yunus Musah and Tyler Adams, and this team’s floor is considerably higher than past vintages.“We call the fullbacks our superpower of our team,” declared Berhalter. “We do that because they produce, they give assists and goals. If you look at World Cup qualifying so far, our fullbacks have contributed heavily. Sergino [Dest] has a goal and assists, Antonee Robinson has goals and assists, DeAndre Yedlin has an assist. Our fullbacks are great for us and they’re a big part of how we play, especially when we’re dropping our midfielders lower. They’re really important.”

Chances to qualify for World Cup 2022 – CONCACAF

🇨🇦 Canada – 99.5%
🇲🇽 Mexico – 99.4%
🇺🇸 USA – 98.8%
🇵🇦 Panama – 58.0%
🇨🇷 Costa Rica – 17.1%
🇯🇲 Jamaica – 3.2%
🇸🇻 El Salvador – 0.3%
🇭🇳 Honduras – 0.0%

— We Global Football (@We_Global) January 28, 2022

Robinson himself tried to keep the balance between pragmatism and self-criticism, nodding to the unique circumstances of this rare winter window and the bigger-picture priority of making one dogged step forward after another.

“It wasn’t the prettiest game. And there was times when we played good football, times when we just had to kind of dig out chances that we didn’t put away. But we got the win and we’re one step closer to our goal of qualifying for the World Cup,” said the English-American dual national.“Everyone’s at different stages, some lads are in preseason, some lads have had a heavy fixture period, myself included. And it’s our first international game since the last window, so it was never going to be [that] we turn up with the short time that we’ve had to prepare and just play an amazing game of football and win 6-0. It was always going to be a tough, tight affair, and they made it difficult for us. They were aggressive, they sat tight,” he continued.

“We had to stay strong, stay resilient to keep a clean sheet, and that’s massive for us going forward. They’re the games that we have to keep winning if we want to qualify.”

The USMNT’s Pulisic Problem, lessons learned from El Salvador & what to expect at Canada

By Matthew Doyle @MattDoyle76Friday, Jan 28, 2022, 01:22 PM

On the pregame Twitter Spaces, ahead of the eventual 1-0 US men’s national team win over El Salvador in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday night, Andrew Wiebe asked me what I wanted to see from the US. What would, in his words, “spark joy”?I said something to the effect of “I want them to show the ability to create repeatable, high-level chances based upon well-drilled and purposeful movement of, and off, the ball.”And I kinda sorta got what I wanted. Lost in all the sturm und drang of the postgame analysis, which rightfully focused on the frustrations that led to a narrower-than-it-should-have-been victory over one of the Octagonal’s minnows (though full credit to Hugo Perez for infusing his side with such confidence and clarity in their principles of play that they never actually play like minnows), is that the US are now showing the ability to create those types of sequences. They really do, for the most part, know how they want to play. Most of them understand the system and apply it.

Here is well-drilled and purposeful movement of, and off, the ball from Weston McKennie, Jesus Ferreira, Sergino Dest and Tim Weah:

It’s just a little bit too slow and a lot too sloppy, and there is one run missing (more on that in a bit), but the ideas are there.

Here is a similar sequence in the second half:

The difference is that Weah makes an early run to create both width and depth – those clipped balls over the top were a nightmare for La Selecta all night, and I’m mad the US didn’t hit more of them – but it still results with the US getting the match-up they want in the channel they want, and this time it has a happy ending because the extra run, the one that was missing in the above sequence, was made.

If you think this can only work against El Salvador, here is a fun sequence vs. Mexico:

It was, once again, something similar on the first goal vs. El Tri:

This is how the US want to play, and how they are quite often playing these days. They have, for the most part, bought into how Gregg Berhalter sees the game, even if they don’t always execute on it.It has only rarely sparked true joy for me, though, and almost not at all on Thursday. Let’s go back to my answer above: “I want them to show the ability to create repeatable, high-level chances based upon well-drilled and purposeful movement of, and off, the ball.”That is the right answer, but it is not the complete answer. The complete answer is “I want them to show the ability to create repeatable, high-level chances based upon well-drilled and purposeful movement of, and off, the ball, and to do so at pace.”The US, for whatever reason, often progress the ball at a walk and are slow to exploit advantages even when they’re right there for the taking. Berhalter said as much at halftime, telling ESPN’s Sam Borden: “We need to play forward a little bit quicker – we win the ball, there’s space. Second thing is we need to threaten their backline. Every time we do that we’re dangerous. We just haven’t done that enough.”Berhalter is uncannily good and honest in those halftime interviews. He always nails the exact issues the US were struggling with during the first half, and almost always fixes it for the second half.

I do not think he’s saving this wisdom for the players for halftime. I’m certain he wants them to execute the above at pace from the whistle, and to be fair, the game’s best chance (Ferreira’s missed tap-in) came from a very good, very familiar sequence. They really can do it before the clock hits the hour mark.But usually, they don’t. And almost never for the full 90. It is weird, and it is frustrating, but perhaps this is just the mark of a young, inexperienced team that’s had to battle more injuries and absences than the vast majority of the competition over the past six months.Anyway, three points are three points, and the parts are in place to collect more over the next couple of games. They just have to do what they’ve already been doing, except faster.

The Pulisic Problem

I have made this point over and over again: When Christian Pulisic plays on the left wing of the 4-3-3, he never stretches the field. His first, last and at times only instinct is to come back to the ball, point at his feet, go inverted and try to dribble three guys. It’s like the weight of that No. 10 makes him think he’s got to be Messi out there. So he turns the ball over a frankly unacceptable percentage of the time – 15 turnovers on 30 touches in the first half on Thursday.Worse than that, though, is that he clogs the middle and makes it harder for the US to build through the zones where they should be at an advantage. Here is the network passing graphic from the first hour of the game, just before Pulisic was subbed off:

He’s added nothing when playing inverted like that, and actually ends up breaking the US shape in build-up by making the field smaller and pushing at least one (and sometimes two) of the US central midfielders out of the middle. El Salvador were playing a diamond, and with Pulisic checking deep like that, and Ferreira playing as a false 9, Yunus Musah had basically no choice but to drop deep and wide, basically outside of La Selecta’s defensive shape.

That renders Musah – the best US ball-progressor – ineffective by creating an overload in a pretty useless spot of the field, and puts Pulisic in a position where he’s just going to go into the hurt locker again and again and again. He’ll draw some fouls that way, but he’ll also turn the ball over a ton and what he’ll never do is create useful width or depth of the sort that Weah’s excelled at.

So above, when I said that “most of them understand the system and apply it,” there’s one guy I’m thinking of who just doesn’t seem to get it.

Here is the other concern from this night: Even when Pulisic was supposed to be inverted, he was slow to recognize patterns developing and thus didn’t threaten the El Salvador defense.

Let’s go back to the first clip above. Here is Ferreira dropping all the way off to help the build-up sequence and open space for Pulisic to attack the backline:

You know that the US are about to create a 2-v-1 with Weah and Dest, and that the left-sided center back is going to be pulled out. There is an opportunity here to get at a dead sprint against a backpedaling defense and just annihilate them.

He does not see it:

Everybody else in the US attack is sprinting, but Pulisic is standing still. Weah, McKennie, Dest and Antonee Robinson all get to the box before Pulisic does.

That is bad. This whole sequence is designed for Pulisic to get into the box and score the type of goal he scored vs. El Tri, but it just didn’t click for him. And while Dest’s touch was sloppy (scroll back up and watch the play again), I actually think that if Pulisic is making a hard run to either the near or far post, Dest would’ve just one-timed a low, early cross to him. There would’ve been no need for the extra touch that led to the turnover in the first place.

Go back and watch the goal sequence and you’ll see that Pulisic did better in his second-half cameo, and was in the six-yard box ready to pounce, having taken the space that Ferreira and Weah’s movement created.

But even if he’d scored there instead of Robinson, it would not have gone down as a good game from the guy who’s supposed to be the USMNT’s best player. And I really do think the solution can be as simple as having him and Weah (or Brenden Aaronson, or Jordan Morris) swap sides.

1. Pulisic’s been more consistently dangerous throughout his career as a right winger. He can stretch the field just like Weah does, and is better 1v1 when getting the edge.
2. Putting him on the right means that he can combine more with Dest, who is more inventive in attacking combination play than Robinson.
3. Robinson always gets to the endline and loves to hit crosses to the far post. Pulisic is wonderful at attacking those exact types of crosses if that’s his main job out there.
4. Weah has straight-up said that he prefers left wing to right wing, and while he will certainly come inside more than he has when playing on the right, I don’t think he’d ever do it to the gum-up-the-whole-works extent that Pulisic has.

So in the end it’s an argument for simplifying things for a guy who’s clearly one of the most talented players in the pool (I still think he’s the most talented player in the pool), but who also happens to be struggling with the system as a whole. Flip him to the right, flip one of the other guys to the left, and get him in front of goal.

I’m choosing to believe, from Berhalter’s postgame presser, that he’s seeing the same things I am:

“We put Brenden in, a guy who we know can repeat high-speed runs and really is relentless attacking their backline,” Berhalter said about subbing Aaronson on for Pulisic in the 65th minute. “So we thought it was a sub that was going to give us some help. Regarding Christain, it’s just about him finding his top form and really finding ways to get him in front of goal because that’s where he really shines. When he’s in front of the penalty box is when he does his best work.”

Amen. Move what pieces need to be moved in order to get him there.

A few more notes

• McKennie’s first half was maybe as good as I’ve ever seen him play, but his second half was sloppy as hell. A whole lot of El Salvador being on the front foot over the final 20 minutes came from McKennie just no longer commanding the game and giving the ball away too cheaply.

• Chris Richards really struggled with his decision-making over the first half-hour, repeatedly dribbling into traffic and failing to quickly see progressive outlets.

• I’d almost never choose to play with a false 9, and I think both Berhalter and Ferreira would quibble with designating Jesus as a “false 9” instead of just a regular No. 9 who has distinct attributes in this pool. But regardless, I do think the gambit showed promise. Ferreira dragged players around, was crisp in his passing and found two great chances.

Of course, it would’ve been nice if he’d finished one of those.

The downside to having Ferreira out there is that the US crossed the ball 23 times, and he is 5-foot-8. Ferreira’s good, but both from open play and especially on restarts, he is not an aerial threat. Even against El Salvador.

• Speaking of restarts, Pulisic’s dead-ball delivery was superb. The best the US have had it on set pieces in any of the qualifiers thus far.

• Tyler Adams was weirdly hesitant to be aggressive playing the ball forward. I can’t believe he didn’t release this pass as soon as it was presented, instead of holding on an extra beat and putting Aaronson in an offside position:

• StatsPerform clocked the xG on the night at 2.98-to-0.2 in favor of the US. That’s a paddlin’, and if Ferreira had finished either of his early chances, maybe the scoreline and overall feel of the game would’ve better reflected the underlying numbers.

But they didn’t, and this is not the first time that’s happened in qualifying. I’m not sure yet what this kind of consistent underperformance means, or if it means anything at all.

What does it mean at Canada?

The Canadians will likely do something close to what they did against Mexico two months ago, constantly threatening in behind from both the wide areas and with balls over the top to either Cyle Larin or Jonathan David. This is also similar to how they played at the US back in September, though in that game they were much more content to play against the ball (they had just 25% possession) than I suspect they will be on Sunday.

The US should adjust almost nothing except making a few personnel changes. Miles Robinson in for Richards and either Reggie Cannon or DeAndre Yedlin for Dest. I’d start Pulisic on the right and Morris tucked in on the left, with Pepi in for Ferreira up top.Just that and tell them to do what they’ve been doing for a while now. And remind them to do it at pace. 

USMNT, with another surging second half, takes another step toward 2022 World Cup

Henry Bushnell  Thu, January 27, 2022, 8:55 PM

If soccer games lasted only 45 minutes, the U.S. men’s national team would be on the brink of missing another World Cup. And no, that isn’t an exaggeration. Not after Thursday night, after another frustrating first half, another 45-minute stalemate against a country one-fiftieth the United States’ size.It was Game 9 of a 14-round qualifying gauntlet. It was also the ninth time the USMNT trudged into a locker room at halftime without a lead. And it was the ninth time that, within a panic-prone fan base, there was something between horror and unease.Then, as there so often hs been since the cycle began in September, there was a response. A second-half surge. And a significant step toward the 2022 World Cup.Antonee Robinson lashed home a 51st-minute winner. The U.S. beat El Salvador, 1-0. It momentarily jumped to the top of North and Central America’s qualifying table. The Americans likely won’t end the night there — Canada will reclaim pole position if it hangs on to beat Honduras — but they are well on their way to Qatar.In reality, they have been for months. But sluggish first halves have made the campaign more tense and trying than a simple list of results would make it seem. The U.S. has scored just twice before halftime. If games ended there, its record would be 0-8-1.But four months ago, there was the comeback in Honduras. In the months that followed, there were second-half breakthroughs against Jamaica, Costa Rica and Mexico. On Thursday, there was another one, courtesy of the man, Robinson, who initiated the turnaround way back in San Pedro Sula.Now there are just five games remaining, and perhaps as few as two more victories necessary, and very little doubt the U.S. will get them.There was, though, at halftime in Columbus, some doubt about Thursday’s result. By the end of Thursday’s 90 minutes, the performance looked dominant on paper, but for a while, it was anything but.There were chances in the first half — most notably for U.S. striker Jesus Ferreira — but only chances wasted. There was an out-of-sync press, and Christian Pulisic giveaways, and simmering frustration.But then came the goal, and American attackers streaming forward, and a breather for Pulisic, with Canada up next on Sunday and Honduras next week.The gauntlet concludes in March, with trips to Mexico and Costa Rica, and a home date with Panama. The worst-case scenario, at this point, seems to be a fourth-place finish and an intercontinental playoff against New Zealand. The far more likely outcome is a top-three finish and a plane ticket to Qatar in November.

Arsenal, USMNT keeper Matt Turner agree to terms – sources

Jan 27, 2022Jeff CarlisleU.S. soccer correspondent

Arsenal has agreed to terms with the New England Revolution on the transfer of United States international goalkeeper Matt Turner, sources tell ESPN’s Taylor Twellman.

A source with knowledge of the discussions told ESPN that the fee for Turner’s transfer is $6 million up front and could be as much as $10m with add-ons. The Revs also get 10% sell-on percentage if Turner moves on from Arsenal. The upfront fee is lower than the $7.5 million Manchester City paid for Zack Steffen‘s transfer from the Columbus Crew in 2019, a deal that also potentially reached $10m with add-ons.Twellman added that Turner will join the Gunners in the summer, allowing him to remain with the Revs for the start of the 2022 MLS regular season. It will also keep travel to a minimum for Turner for the remainder of World Cup qualifying. With Steffen currently suffering from a back injury, Turner is almost certain to start for the U.S. in Thursday’s World Cup qualifier against El Salvador in Columbus, Ohio (7 p.m. ET; stream LIVE The move also points to backup keeper Bernd Leno remaining with Arsenal for the rest of this season, though it’s been reported that Newcastle United is interested in acquiring the Germany international. The move, assuming it is completed, amounts to the latest in a series of giant steps Turner has enjoyed in the past several years. In 2016, he went undrafted by MLS clubs, then signed as a free agent with the Revs after a successful trial. Following a pair of loan stints with second-tier side the Richmond Kickers, he took over the starting spot in 2018 and has been a mainstay ever since, making 107 league, cup and playoff appearances. He was named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2021, a campaign in which he was also named the MVP of the MLS All-Star Game.Turner has enjoyed a similar rise at the international level, making 13 appearances for the U.S. — all in 2021 — and backstopping the U.S. to the Gold Cup title, while winning the Golden Glove award as the tournament’s best goalkeeper.

Earn your Degree While You Watch Your Kids Soccer Practice – ½ the time and cost of Traditional Schools

Proud Member of Indy’s Brick Yard Battalion – http://www.brickyardbattalion.com – CLICK HERE FOR BYBTIX

Sam’s Army- http://www.sams-army.com , American Outlaws  http://www.facebook.com/IndyAOUnite

 

Attend a Free 20-Minute Webinar on Nursing Bridge Programs

USA vs El Salvador Thurs 7 pm ESPN2 in Columbus (hype video)

So the next round of Qualification is here – and they include at home Thur, Jan 27-  7 pm on ESPN 2 vs El Salvador in Columbus (we are heading that way around 2:15 Thurs!!  So a couple of things to discuss – its going to be cold folks – GET OVER IT !! Heck don’t worry I will dress warm. The dang fields at Columbus and Minn are both heated grass fields.  They have heated benches – no one is going to die of frost bite.  Yes it might be 20 degrees in Columbus and even colder in Minneapolis but heck  ½ our guys play in England where its cold by the way.  Either way the US will be MUCH better at adapting to the cold weather than either El Salvador or Honduras will be?  PERIOD!  And all the idiots questioning US Soccer’s decision to play to in cold weather around our frozen visit to Canada where we can basically send them back to 3^rd with a win can just BITE IT if the US actually gets 9 points like I think they will in this 3 game window.  Listen El Salvador will be missing their top center back in Westfield’s Eriq Zavaleta and we are simply better player by player than El Salador and we are home.  My starters are below with Jordan Morris and Weah/Aaronson coming off the bench mid 2^nd half. I think Adams will also be an early subout if we get a lead (Acosta will come in to replace Adams who is on a yellow.)  Same for Dest and perhaps a center back with Chris Richards coming in.  Listen Christian Pulisic (see his press conference) is gonna be pissed coming from Chelsea (where he has been benched again) he’s going to score vs El Salvador and Canada if I had to guess. Also McKennie is on fire at Juve and Musah just scored last week, Aaronson is on fire at Salzburg and Adams is back starting for Leipzig.  We should kill El Salvador – at least 2 -0.  My official prediction 2-0 USA.  (Dos a Cero)    

(behind the Crest video)  (US last time out)   (American Outlaws – We will Fill the Stadium – we ask you to watch !!)

My pick for Starters vs El Salvador Thurs

Pulisic/Pepi/Aaronson or Weah

McKinney/Musah

Adams

Antonee R/M Robinson/Zimmerman/Dest

Turner (Steffan didn’t travel he’s hurt)

For those going to Columbus, join us with the American Outlaws Thursday pre-game at Brother’s Bar & Grill – we are leaving for CBus Around 2:15 pm. 

@ Canada Sun 3 pm on Paramount+. 

As for at Canada on Sunday in a half empty stadium due to covid, they are missing their best player in Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies (out for 4 to 6 weeks) and perhaps without their best forward as well – they are ripe for the picking.   We are better than Canada with those players – we should beat them without them – even in Canada.  It will be interesting to see if Pulisic and Weah start here or if one of them is replaced by Aaronson in this 2^nd game or even Jordan Morris if he plays well as a sub Thursday night.  I think the defense and midfield stays the same however assuming we play well Thurs night.  Maybe a switch at right back?  Or at least early subs. 

If the US can secure 2 wins and tie at Canada – qualification will all but be assured.  Two wins and loss in Canada will keep things interesting as Canada (16), US (15), Mexico (14) and Panama (14), Costa Rica (9) lead the way in World Cup Qualifying.  Anything less and things will get interesting – as only the top 3 teams qualify with the 4^th team having a playoff to advance. 

US ROSTER BY POSITION (CLUB)

GOALKEEPERS (4): Sean Johnson (New York City FC), Gabriel Slonina (Chicago Fire), Zack Steffen (Manchester City) ARRIVING LATE FROM ENGLAND, Matt Turner (New England Revolution)

DEFENDERS (9): Reggie Cannon (Boavista), Sergiño Dest (FC Barcelona), Brooks Lennon (Atlanta United), Mark McKenzie (Genk), Chris Richards (Hoffenheim), Antonee Robinson (Fulham FC), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United), DeAndre Yedlin ARRIVING LATE FROM EUROPE  (Galatasaray), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC)

MIDFIELDERS (7): Kellyn Acosta (LAFC), Tyler Adams (RB Leipzig), Luca de la Torre (Heracles), Sebastian Lletget (New England Revolution), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Yunus Musah (Valencia), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders)

FORWARDS (8): Brenden Aaronson (Red Bull Salzburg), Paul Arriola (D.C. United), Jesús Ferreira (FC Dallas), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders), Ricardo Pepi (Augsburg), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea FC), Tim Weah (Lille), Gyasi Zardes (Columbus Crew)

Lay off of Coach Berhalter

Finally I am getting sick of the US fans screaming about all of the MLS guys on the roster this time.  This is a big roster – there are covid concerns and concerns with our US players trying to fight for playing time at the home clubs in Europe to consider.  Sure I am not thrilled with Zardes – but hey he has scored-in a US Jersey something Dike (now out 8 weeks with West Brom),  and Josh Sargent (finally scored his 1^st 2  goals for Norwich last week) have not done in forever.  Now I am confused about not having Jordan Pfok but word is he flirting with a club change in Europe.  As for say Jordan Morris – he ws our starter at right wing before he got hurt a year ago – we need to know if he is back and can hang with this group again.  Acosta – no he should never be an 8 again – but he is our 2^nd best #6 right now – and he won the US vs Mexico game in the Gold Cup as Captain.  He will be needed in case Adams gets a yellow.  And I am sorry Busio is not as good at the 6 as Acosta and he’s not an 8 (attacking mid) in this lineup.  As for Lletget, Arriola and Roldan some guys are here because they are good locker room guys and if they don’t play – hey its ok – they didn’t fly all the way over from Europe to be here.  Roldan is a good late sub and doesn’t mind coming off the bench late – and this summer he proved he could unlock stacked CONCACAF defenses with his guile and his pinpoint passing sometimes.  Lletget and Arriola give 150% every time they play – they are old school US players – not skilled enough but all heart.  There is roon for that especially with this big a roster.  So sorry US Soccer Whiners – I don’t want to hear it.  Listen Berhalter is 2^nd in Qualifying and has beaten Mexico 3 TIMES IN A ROW – so JUST SHUTUP already.  I know he’s an American – which means he must stink – but for me as a former US player who played in Europe – I think he is getting things right.  If this team qualifies first in the group – even 2^nd – I think folks will just have to put up with it!  I for one am enjoying the ride.  Go USA !!   (behind the Crest video)  (US last time out) American Outlaws – We will Fill the Stadium – we ask you to watch !!

 Indy 11 Open Tryouts

Think you have to what it takes to play professional soccer?  Indy 11 is holding open Tryouts this Thurs and Fri Jan 27 & 28 with representatives from Indy 11 and 5 other professional and semi-pro clubs at Grand Park.   The 11 have unveiled their schedule with season tickets available for purchase.  The Indy Eleven tandem of midfielder Neveal Hackshaw and defender Noah Powder have been called up to the Trinidad & Tobago Men’s National Team ahead of its first international exhibition of the year against Bolivia. The friendly is set to take place this Friday, January 21, at 4:00 p.m. ET in the Bolivian capital of Sucre.

Congrats to former Indy 11 GK Jordan Farr who has caught on with San Antonio (after helping them reach the Western Conference finals last year)

BIG GAMES TO WATCH

Thurs,  Jan 27

9:30 am Para+                    Iran vs Iraq

7 pm ESPN2                         USMNT vs El Salvador (Columbus) WCQ

7 pm Para+                          Jamaica vs Mexico WcQ

7:15 pm fubotv                  Chile vs Argentina

8 pm Para+                          Honduras vs Canada

9 pm Para+                          Costa  Rica vs Panama

Sat Jan 29

10 am ESPN+                       Fulham vs Blackpool

11 am fubo tv                     African Cup Quarters – Game 1 Gambia vs Cameroon 

2 pm fubo tv                        African Cup Quarters – Game 2 Tunisia vs Burkina Faso

Sun,  Jan 30

11 am fubo tv                     African Cup Quarters – Game 3

2 pm fubo tv                        African Cup Quarters – Game 4

3 pm Paramount+/Telemundo    USMNT @ Canada

6 pm Para+                          Mexico vs Costa Rica

6 pm Para+                          Panama vs Jamaica

7 pm Para+                          Honduras vs El Salvador

Tues,  Feb 1

9:30 am Para+                    Iran vs United Emirates

6:30 pm fubotv                  Argentina vs Colombia

7:30 pm fubotv                  Brazil vs Parguay

Weds,  Feb 2

2 pm beIn Sport                 African Cup Semi

7:30 pm FS1                        USMNT vs Honduras

9 pm Para+                          El Salvador vs Canada

10 pm Para +                       Mexico vs Panama

Thurs,  Feb 3

2 pm beIn Sport                 African Cup Semi  2

Sat, Feb 5

7:30 am ESPN+                   Chelsea (Pulisic) vs Plymouth Argyle  FA Cup

10 am ESPN+                       Man City vs Fulham (Robinson, Ream)  FA Cup

12 noon Para+                    Inter vs Milan Milan Derby 

12:30 pm ESNP+                Bayern Munich vs RB Liepzig (Adams)

3 pm ESPN+                        tottenham vs Brighton FA Cup

Sun, Feb 6

9:30 am ESPN+                   Dortmund vs Bayer Leverkusen

10:!5 am ESPN+                 Barcelona (Dest) vs Atletico Madrid 

2:45 pm Para+                    Juve (Mckinney) vs Hellas Verona

3 pm ESPN+                         Real Madrid vs Granada

2022 SheBelieves Cup schedule

Feb. 17 in Carson, Calif.
#16 Iceland vs #22 New Zealand, 8pm ET – ESPN
#1 USWNT vs #24 Czech Republic, 11pm ET

Feb. 20 in Carson, Calif.
USWNT vs New Zealand, 3pm ET – ABC
Czech Republic vs Iceland, 6pm ET

Feb. 23 in Frisco, Texas
New Zealand vs Czech Republic, 6pm ET
USWNT vs Iceland, 9pm ET – ESPN

USMNT tomorrow vs El Salvador 7 pm ESPN2

USA vs. El Salvador, 2022 World Cup qualifying: What to watch for By Donald Wine II S&S

How should the USMNT rotate for January WCQ? By Justin Moran S&S

USMNT favors frigid forecast, but will it yield home-field advantage?  Jeff Carlisle  ESPN

Adversity isn’t Limited to USMNT in this WCQ Window – SI Avi Creditor  

Tyler Adams: USMNT midfield can “dominate games” with Weston McKennie & Yunus Musah NATIONAL WRITER: CHARLES BOEHM MLS.com   

What shaped USMNT’s latest Octagonal roster? Gregg Berhalter on fitness, conditions & COVID

 “It’s mind over matter”: USMNT embrace ice-cold conditions for winter World Cup Qualifiers

 What If The USMNT Isn’t Actually Embracing The Cold And…  the 18 Conner Flemming

How Many Points Do the US Need to Qualify – the 18

FORTRESS COLUMBUS: Detailing the USMNT’s History of Success in Central Ohio

READY TO PLAY: How Lower.com Field and Allianz Field Have Prepped for USMNT’s Winter World Cup Qualifiers

Five Things to Know About 2022 World Cup Qualifying in Concacaf

Five Things to Know About El Salvador

DETAILED EL SALVADOR ROSTER BY POSITION (CLUB; CAPS/GOALS):

GOALKEEPERS (2): Kevin Carabantes (FAS; 4/0), Mario González (Alianza; 19/0)

DEFENDERS (7): Roberto Domínguez (Chalatenango; 48/1), Alexander Larin (Comunicaiones/GUA; 70/4), Ronaldo Rodriguez (FC Tulsa/USA; 18/0), Bryan Tamacas (Alianza; 52/1), Eduardo Vigil (Firpo; 7/0), Romulo Villalobos (Municipal Limeno; 5/1), Eriq Zavaleta (Unattached; 13/1)

MIDFIELDERS (9): Eric Calvillo (El Paso Locomotiv/USA; 3/0), Darwin Cerén (Houston Dynamo/USA; 81/4), Enrico Hernández (Vitesse/NED; 8/1), Bryan Landaverde (FAS; 5/0), Christian Martinez Mena (San Carlos/CRC; 7/0), Marvin Monterroza (Alianza; 40/2), Narciso Orellana (Alianza; 44/1), Kevin Reyes (FAS; 4/0), Alex Roldan (Seattle Sounders/USA; 12/2)

FORWARDS (5): Nelson Bonilla (Port FC/THA; 49/16), Cristian Gil (Metapan; 1/0), Jairo Henríquez (Aguila; 23/3), Walmer Martinez (Monterey Bay; 18/2), Joaquín Rivas (FC Tulsa/USA; 24/4)

USA

What next for Christian Pulisic at Chelsea?

Save of the Year – American Outlaws
VIDEO: USMNT midfielder Musah gives Valencia lead with superb goal

Josh Sargent ridiculous goal

Sargent, Ramirez, & Musah score while Tessmann & De la Torre impress ASN

USWNT Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher Fully Recovered From Knee Injury…
USWNT’s Tobin Heath scores key equalizer for Arsenal (video)

Indy 11       

https://www.indyeleven.com/opentryout 

SEason Tickets for Sale

  INDY ELEVEN’S 2022 USL CHAMPIONSHIP REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE UNVEILED

Indy 11 Roster

NEVEAL HACKSHAW, NOAH POWDER TO REPRESENT TRINIDAD & TOBAGO NATIONAL TEAM IN INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION

INDY ELEVEN ADDS MIDFIELDER RAUL AGUILERA TO ROSTER

Trio of Technical Staff Hires Support Indy Eleven’s On-field Growth

EPL

Three talking points from the Premier League
Thomas Tuchel reaction on Ziyech goal, Lukaku work, first year at 
Claudio Ranieri fired as Watford head coach
Klopp relieved ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ Liverpool ride out January
Antonio Conte reaction on losing to Chelsea, January transfer update
Jurgen Klopp: Alisson ‘saved our backside again’ in Liverpool win at Palace

Alisson’s 10/10 performance secures Liverpool win at Palace  Adam Brown

Man United’s progress has been slow and painful, but it’s clear after win over West Ham Mark Ogden

Roy Hodgson takes charge at Watford, replacing Claudio Ranieri

World

Mane ends goal drought as Senegal overcome nine-man Cape Verde
African football boss blames closed gate for Cup of Nations tragedy

Morocco Overcomes 40-Yard Malawi Blast To Advance To AFCON QF
AFCON hosts Cameroon labour to beat Comoros side deprived of goalkeeper
Tunisia shock Nigeria, Comoros to use outfield player as goalkeeper
Deadly stampede overshadows Cameroon’s African Cup progress
Nigeria to meet Ghana in African World Cup play-offs

South Korea, Iran set to qualify for soccer World Cup

Which CONMEBOL giant will miss out on the World Cup? Tim Vickery

Weekend Review: Real Madrid’s comeback, Rashford’s redemption, Alisson MVP for Liverpool ESPN

Milan lose ground in title race after Juve stalemate
Chiesa out for seven months after ‘perfect’ knee operation    
Insigne matches Maradona as Napoli stay on Inter’s trail
De Jong strikes late for Barca after Real Madrid pinned back by Elche
Messi returns, Ramos scores and PSG cruise

 

USA vs. El Salvador, 2022 World Cup qualifying: What to watch for

It’s an opportunity to take care of business as a new window opens.By Donald Wine II@blazindw  Jan 26, 2022, 7:00am PST Stars and Stripes

a unique international window by resuming World Cup qualifying against El Salvador tomorrow at Lower.com Field in Columbus. The USMNT enter the match in 2nd place in the Octagonal standings with 3 more points in sight against La Selecta, who sit in 7th place in the table and in desperation mode. For the Americans, it’s a chance to take care of business at home and hopefully making the environment a cold and unwelcoming one for El Salvador. La Selecta is there to spoil the party, and they still are dangerous enough where they can have a moment that allows them to steal a result on the road.

Latest Form

USA

W (1-0) – Bosnia & Herzegovina – Friendly

D (1-1) – Jamaica – World Cup Qualifying

W (2-0) – Mexico – World Cup Qualifying

W (2-1) – Costa Rica – World Cup Qualifying

L (0-1) – Panama World Cup Qualifying

El Salvador

L (0-1) – Chile – Friendly

D (1-1) – Ecuador – Friendly

L (1-2) – Panama – World Cup Qualifying

D (1-1) – Jamaica – World Cup Qualifying

L (0-1) – Bolivia – Friendly

What To Watch For

Embrace the environment. The sooner the team realizes that they have to play in the bitter cold, the better. They have to generate the energy out on the field in a different way, and they have to show they have the advantage early on. Make it a long night for El Salvador by punching them in the mouth with a cold fist from the opening kick.

Play power football. There will likely not be as many opportunities to get creative, and the elements may not allow for it at times. So, the next option is to just push the ball forward. The USMNT should prepare to be physical with El Salvador and use that muscle to get the ball going downfield and towards goal.

The midfield should be the best unit on the field. If the USMNT’s midfield can control the pace and the tempo of the game, the team will be very effective. They have to be the engine and set the tone for everyone on the field.

Lineup Prediction

The USMNT are thin at a couple of positions while loaded at others, so it means that Gregg Berhalter will likely begin with what he thinks is his best lineup. This is what we predict Berhalter will list as his starting XI against El Salvador:When it comes to Zack Steffen’s competition with Matt Turner for starting goalkeeper, Steffen appears to have held onto the #1 job in Berhalter’s eyes. However, since he is listed as day-to-day due to back tightness, it’s Turner that gets the start in Columbus. Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest begin the match at left and right back, but don’t be surprised to see Robinson come off early in an effort to rest him for Canada, while Dest moves to the left side. In the middle, Walker Zimmerman and Miles Robinson have proved to be a terrific partnership, and they’re the starting centerbacks.In the middle, It’s M-M-A time, as Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, and Tyler Adams form that core. Adams will operate more defensively, leaving McKennie and Musah to be able to stretch forward or fall back where needed.Up front, Christian Pulisic will occupy his normal position of left wing, with Tim Weah back and giving the USMNT some speed on the right wing. Ricardo Pepi gets the start up front, but we should expect to see Brenden Aaronson, Gyasi Zardes, and possibly Paul Arriola to come on as substitutes depending on how the match progresses.

Prediction

It’s a cold night in Columbus, but the team gets to light some fireworks on the field. It’s a 2-0 victory that is hard earned but well deserved.

How should the USMNT rotate for January WCQ?

The roster is out, and we’re past the halfway point in qualifying. Let’s discuss potential approaches.By Justin Moran@kickswish  Jan 25, 2022, 8:00am PST

Gregg Berhalter’s 28-man USMNT roster has been revealed for the penultimate 2022 World Cup qualifying window. Here’s the schedule:

• El Salvador at home Thu, Jan 27 in Columbus, OH
• Canada away Sun, Jan 30 in Hamilton, Ontario
• Honduras at home Wed, Feb 2 in St. Paul, MN

Berhalter has said that since travel is less severe this window, it’s possible some players may be able to start all three games, which limits the need for rotation.

Approaches

There are two major questions that essentially determine how you line up this window:

• Can we afford to rotate somewhat for the home games? If you think we can comfortably beat Honduras and/or El Salvador at home without our best players, that frees us up to go strong vs Canada. However, if you go strong and leave nothing to chance at home, you have to rotate at least a little for Canada.
• Do you play an “iceball” lineup in any of the games? Weather could be a huge factor both in Hamilton and St. Paul. If you choose to start a lineup specifically geared to playing a completely different style, that likely frees you up to use stronger lineup(s) in the other game(s).

Tyler Adams and the Yellow Card

Tyler Adams is carrying a yellow card. Next time he receives a yellow card, he will be suspended for the following match. There’s been a lot of game theory going around about whether Tyler should be rested to prevent missing an important game, or pick up a yellow on purpose in order to time his potential suspension optimally.

Resting Adams to avoid him missing a match is illogical. By sitting him on the bench, you’re doing exactly what the suspension would do, with the threat of future suspension unchanged. Having him take a yellow on purpose makes a little more sense, but then you could run into issues if he picks up any more yellows the rest of qualifying. Having him miss multiple games due to card accumulation is the worst possible scenario.

Weah’s fitness and vulnerability

Tim Weah returned to play just in time to make this roster. He has 89’ under his belt: a 22’ sub appearance, and a 67’ start. So he’s fit to play at least 60’. However, the weather may also be a limiting factor for young Timothy. Exposing a player who just recovered from a muscle injury to extended minutes in freezing-cold temps is a great way to re-injure him. Berhalter will need to be judicious in his use of the budding star attacker.

Summary

With all that said, here’s my approach. The home games are absolutely critical. They MUST be 3 points each. With that in mind, I start the strongest possible lineup in games 1 and 3. If El Salvador is completely overmatched in the first game, that allows substitutions to rest key players like Pulisic, Dest, and the MMA midfield trio, enabling them to play a larger role vs Canada, perhaps even starting.

Perhaps nearly the entire team will be able to start all 3 games without performances suffering. That would be fantastic, but I have my doubts. So I’m laying out a heavily rotated squad for Canada, with hopes of more of the A-team being fit and available. I don’t go with a full “iceball” lineup for Canada, but it is a different approach.

What do you think? How would you rotate the squad this window? Let us know in the comments.

 

USMNT favors World Cup qualifiers in frigid temperatures, but will chilly climate yield home-field advantage?

2:14 PM ET  Jeff CarlisleU.S. soccer correspondent  ESPN

Every run-up to a World Cup qualifying window has its area of focus. Usually it centers on player availability, or the opponent. But the upcoming trio of games for the United States men’s national team against El Salvador in Columbus, Ohio; Canada in Hamilton, Ontario; and Honduras in St. Paul, Minnesota, has a special point of emphasis.The weather, and just how much of an advantage it might provide for the U.S. team.To the surprise of no one, it will be cold. It is late January (and early February), after all. According to Accuweather.com, the forecast for Thursday’s match (7 p.m. ET, watch LIVE on ESPN2) against the Cuscatlecos is expected to be in the low 20s with light winds and a chance of intermittent snow. Slightly colder but dry conditions are expected for the Canada match. The encounter with Honduras is forecast to have temperatures go down to 9 degrees, with wind gusts up to 17 mph and a 94% chance of snow, although obviously much can change between now and then.With those conditions come questions. How will preparation be affected? Will the players be negatively impacted? How well will the respective fields — at least in those venues where the U.S. has control — hold up?The reality is that any time it comes to selecting venues for World Cup qualifiers, there are innumerable moving parts. There’s venue availability, the state of the field, the impact of travel and yes, the weather.

Mind games in venue selection

That travel issue is one of special importance to U.S. manager Gregg Berhalter. Berhalter is well known for wanting to keep travel time to an absolute minimum, whether it be flight times or bus rides to and from practice. And yes, Berhalter has considerable say as to where the U.S. ends up playing.”If we were the Senate, the manager would have 51% of the vote,” U.S. Soccer’s director of events, Paul Marstellar, said in October.In this case, with Canada hosting the middle match of the window, the U.S. team’s choice of venues was dependent on where that game was held. When it looked as if Canada might opt for Vancouver, the U.S. Soccer Federation had San Jose, California, and Portland, Oregon, lined up.But when the Canada Soccer Association opted for Tim Hortons Field — 42 miles southwest of Toronto — the calculus changed and Columbus and St. Paul were selected because of their proximity to Hamilton.Major East Coast metropolitan areas have been precluded from World Cup qualifying matches despite being closer to travel for the European-based players, which lends credence to the notion that the U.S. venue selection process looks like a bit of overthinking. But Marstellar adds that the demographics and the popularity of rival teams in those areas inhibit a pro-USMNT atmosphere. “Between [Mexico and] Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, those are also games that are challenging in terms of venue selection. Given the number of folks that they have throughout the country, which is why all the games against those teams end up being in, you know 20,000-seat MLS-specific venues,” Marstellar added.And while New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., all have newer soccer-specific stadiums, the experience of some home qualifiers from years past seems to stick in the collective memory. Honduras fans have a history of showing up in droves, with the 2001 win at RFK Stadium for the Catrachos as well as a narrow defeat in 2009 at Chicago’s Soldier Field being the most prominent examples.And then there was the 2-0 loss to Costa Rica during the doomed 2018 qualifying campaign. That result at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, has also taken on outsized importance in the discussions about venue selection. Then-manager Bruce Arena criticized the choice, even though it was a night when the U.S. had considerable home support in terms of fans but the team performed so poorly it only sounded as if the crowd was being shouted down by the Ticos‘ faithful.

‘Feels like extra weight’

Yet the U.S. obviously feels it isn’t in the position to be taking any chances. The limited number of seats in Columbus and St. Paul should guarantee a pro-U.S. crowd, and Berhalter has continually talked up the perceived advantage of playing in the cold. Many of the U.S. players perform for European clubs, while the vast majority of Salvadoran and Honduran players play for teams in warm-weather climates.”This is an opportunity for us to gain an advantage on our opponents,” he said during a Zoom call with reporters. “They’re all coming from the equator, and it’s going to be really difficult for them to deal with these conditions.”There haven’t been all that many occasions when the U.S. could play the cold-weather card. Since 2000, only four U.S-hosted World Cup qualifiers have seen the temperature hit 40 or lower. Included in that quartet are a pair of iconic games: the 2001 encounter in Columbus with Mexico (the first installment of the Dos a Cero chronicles), and the “Snow-clasico” against Costa Rica at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado, in 2013. The temperature at kickoff of both of those games was 29.USMNT and World Cup veterans Jermaine Jones and Herculez Gomez, who both took part in that match against Costa Rica, had differing responses to playing in the cold. “If you come out to warm up, or you walk out to check the field, it feels cold,” Jones said. “But then if you really got into just getting warm, and doing the warm-up and do all that stuff, then I think it’s just getting your body up to temperature. Your body gets ready, you’re ready to play.”Gomez felt the impact to a greater degree.”You feel it in your lungs. You feel it in your face. It feels like you have something on you,” he said. “It feels like there’s extra weight.”Yet both agreed that the challenge is more mental than physical,”If you’ve never experienced it, it’s a grind,” Gomez said. “Athletes being creatures of habit, a lot of athletes are superstitious. A lot of athletes have routines. A lot of athletes do the same thing, repetition. And when you change something like that, it’s an adjustment period. it’s definitely something that on the fly is very difficult to handle.”

Preventing another Snow-clasico?

The USSF’s own Recognize to Recover guidelines for playing in cold weather, combined with the forecast, indicate there is a “high risk of cold-related illness”. But USSF Chief Medical Officer Dr. George Chiampas is confident that the conditions can be managed, and that things could be a lot worse. From his vantage point, dealing with cold, dry conditions with light winds is easier than coping with altitude or the twin obstacles of heat and humidity. In the upcoming matches, the players will be constantly moving, and there are ways to mitigate the cold, be it layers or Vaseline on the feet. Staying hydrated is key as well.”These are all things we can manage,” Chiampas said of the cold.There is an impulse to think that players are more susceptible to muscle pulls in cold weather, but Chiampas said, “I don’t think the data is there to support that. I think what we always get worried about is probably getting cleated, getting stepped on, a tackle. Those collisions in colder temperatures are probably going to be a little bit more painful.”The biggest challenge might be keeping the players on the bench warm. While there will be layers and blankets, the key is making sure the players get a proper warm-up and get their body temperature raised. Do those two things and any concerns about muscle pulls are drastically reduced.”We’re going to obviously have to adjust a little bit and think through our warm-ups,” Chiampas said. “Obviously, we’re limited with the number of people we can warm up at a time, so you may have to see them get up multiple times. Traditionally, you see one group and then a second group. So you may see a little bit more frequency there.”Given the U.S. team’s confidence in managing the temperature, focus is shifting to field conditions. The impulse is to think that the game won’t be pretty, which would seem to play into El Salvador’s blue-collar approach.”I don’t think you want to dirty the game against a team like El Salvador,” Gomez said. “I think you want the elements to be favorable for both because that means it’s favorable for [the U.S.]. I really don’t think taking El Salvador to Columbus is an advantage for the US. men’s national team. If anything, you dirty the playing field for them.”This is where the undersoil heating systems at Lower.com Field and Allianz Field will give the U.S. an advantage, or so the thinking goes. The idea is that as long as the field isn’t frozen, then the U.S.’s technical advantage should still be in force. The system at Lower.com Field consists of three boilers that pump a mixture of water and glycol through 10 miles of what is called PEX piping that lies about 10 inches beneath the surface of the field. Ben Jackson, the director of grounds at Lower.com Field, said that while the stadium only opened last July, the undersoil heating system has been running continually since late October.

“If we didn’t have that [system], right now the field would be frozen,” Jackson said. He added, “We were able to raise the temperature up and push growth and recover and get everything back to a really good spot by the end of December. I think it’s probably going to be in the best state that it’s been throughout the year.”One potential wrinkle is that snow is expected to fall in the Columbus area through Monday evening, up to several inches. Jackon anticipates that while much of the snow will melt off, some kind of removal — be it mechanical or manual — will be required.

“We can just take some shovels out there, just do kind of an all hands on deck and throw a bunch of people at it to shovel stuff off,” he said.Snow on game day — which is what is forecast for the Honduras game — would be a different story. Although the heating system would help, it wouldn’t necessarily be enough to prevent snow from collecting on the playing surface.”[Dick’s Sporting Goods Park] had the same thing and look what happened in the Snow-clasico,” said Gomez about undersoil heating systems.Adding precipitation to the equation wouldn’t be beneficial to the players in that adding damp conditions would make it more difficult for them to maintain their body temperature. If the Snow-clasico is anything to go by, a slugfest would likely ensue. Not exactly the perfct recipe for a match the U.S. is heavily favored to win.”It’s concentration at the utmost. It’s not easy,” Gomez said.The current crop of U.S. players, for its part, is embracing the challenge. Defender Walker Zimmerman spoke of wanting to play in something “iconic.” Securing maximum points, and moving closer to World Cup qualification, will no doubt suffice.

Tyler Adams: USMNT midfield can “dominate games” with Weston McKennie & Yunus Musah

By Charles Boehm @cboehm MLS/com Tuesday, Jan 25, 2022, 04:56 PM

When the US men’s national team gathered in Nashville for the start of the Concacaf Octagonal World Cup qualifying round nearly five months ago, influential midfielder Tyler Adams set what seemed like logical expectations for his talented side’s opening matches – visits to El Salvador and Honduras sandwiched around a home date with Canada.“We’re looking for a nine-point week, bottom line,” said Adams. “We want to set the standard.”

That trio of games turned out to be tricky, with a frustrated USMNT forced to settle for draws in the first two matches before requiring a ferocious second-half comeback to beat Honduras and instead come away with five points.

Perhaps head coach Gregg Berhalter thought Adams’ honesty backfired, because he and his players have constantly, insistently repeated variations on the phrase “one game at a time” ever since. That mantra has returned in force this week as the Yanks prepare to meet that same trio of opponents in the reverse fixtures, starting with Thursday’s clash with Los Cuscatlecos at Lower.com Field in Columbus (7 pm ET | ESPN2, UniMas, TUDN,).

“I mean, I will tell you right away, I don’t ever go into a game and say I want to tie or not get maximum points. For me, the whole point of playing and competing is you want to win and get three points,” Adams told reporters in a Tuesday afternoon media availability.“[But] when you start to look too far ahead, and I’m already thinking about playing in a game against Canada, that’s overlooking a good opponent in El Salvador, where we went to El Salvador and drew. So I don’t want to have the mindset of looking too far ahead and creating a distraction for myself. I want to stay focused on exactly what’s in front of me and what the aim of the target is.”El Salvador and Honduras are currently stuck at the bottom of the Ocho standings and Sunday’s visit to Canada at Tim Horton’s Field in Hamilton is a much-anticipated meeting of the eight-team group’s current leaders. But taking maximum points at home has long been considered central to the recipe for successful qualification, making the game-by-game mindset a must in the USMNT’s eyes.Nonetheless, the squad is riding a strong undercurrent of optimism and belief, thanks in large part to the performances and playing time many key contributors are enjoying at club level.

Antonee Robinson is a regular contributor for a surging Fulham side currently five points clear atop the English Championship. Chris Richards (Hoffenheim), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea) and Brenden Aaronson (RB Salzburg) have racked up quality minutes for prominent European clubs this season and many among the United States’ MLS-based contingent are coming off career years.“The expectations are different with the league we’re [Fulham] in at the moment, but playing in a winning team that goes on and feels like they should be winning every game, dominating every game, you do have a different mindset and it’s definitely a confidence booster,” said Robinson on Monday. “And that is similar to how I feel with the US, because I’ll back the team that we have against any other team that we’re going to play against. So the confidence I have in everyone else and myself on the pitch is a lot higher.”Perhaps none are flying as high as the “MMA” central-midfield of Adams, Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah.Adams has earned the trust of Dominico Tedesco since the Italian-German manager took charge of RB Leipzig in the wake of Jesse Marsch’s departure. McKennie is “probably in the form of his life,” in Berhalter’s words, doing a bit of everything – including some clutch goals – for Juventus. And Musah has clambered his way up the pecking order at CF Valencia, starting in their last three La Liga matches and scoring his first goal of the season at Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

“Right now Weston is scoring goals for fun, so I’m going to hold him to it and put a little bit of extra pressure on him that he needs to score some goals now,” said Adams with a smile. “So every time we get a set piece and there’s a good delivery, I’m thinking that he’s going to score. And as far as Yunus, obviously, he’s had a great performance and a big game for his club and to see him playing regularly now at Valencia is super important as well.

“I think form coming into competitions like this is always super important because you come in with this confidence and a little bit of swagger and you help dictate games at the end of the day. And being a young team, I think it’s important that all of our players have confidence.”The MMA trio have been ferociously effective when all are fit and available for Berhalter’s selection, though that probably hasn’t been the case often enough for the coach’s liking during Ocho play.

When unveiling the current roster last week, Berhalter suggested that the circumstances of this winter window might allow players to start in all three qualifiers, a heavy level of use both Robinson and Adams said they would welcome – even in the heart of a heavily congested club calendar.“I think when the three of us are out on the field, we feel like we have a strong chemistry and we’re able to dominate games and that’s important,” said the New York Red Bulls product of his engine-room partnership.

“But exactly like Antonee said, we have great confidence in our group when we’re playing at a high level and we’re all focused on that one goal, and what we need to do, and not looking too far ahead is when we’ve always achieved our best results.”

“It’s mind over matter”: USMNT embrace ice-cold conditions for winter World Cup Qualifiers

By Charles Boehm @cboehm Monday, Jan 24, 2022, 05:37 PM

The pictures speak for themselves, driving home both the extreme conditions and historical symmetry.On their first full day of an enormous week-plus of three crucial Concacaf World Cup qualifiers in seven days, the US men’s national team frolicked on a snow-shrouded pitch at the Columbus Crew’s OhioHealth Performance Center, just a stone’s throw west of the field where the program’s “La Guerra Fria” and “Dos a Cero” legends were born at Historic Crew Stadium.As the white stuff fell, the mercury scarcely climbed above the freezing point all day in the Ohio state capital. Similar temperatures are forecast for Thursday, when the USMNT host El Salvador at Lower.com Field (7:30 pm ET | ESPN2, UniMas, TUDN). Over the next few nights, the lows are slated to dip deep into the single digits in Fahrenheit.But the Yanks are here by choice, and they insist there’s nowhere they’d rather be. It’s the start of a rare midwinter window of qualifying action, and in pursuit of any possible psychological or climatological advantage whatsoever, the USMNT are leaning into the theme. Way, way in.“I was just outside today training and it’s really cold, and my feet felt cold,” said Austria-based midfielder and Philadelphia Union product Brenden Aaronson in a Monday afternoon media availability. “But listen, I’m used to it, I just got back from where it was snowing last game. So I think a lot of these guys are used to it, playing in Europe, and most of the MLS guys, I would imagine. So yeah, I think we’re ready to go.”Gregg Berhalter’s squad wants to be prepared for the icy conditions awaiting them in Sunday’s visit to Hamilton, Ontario to face Canada at Tim Horton’s Field, a clash of the Octagonal’s top two sides at the moment. But their bigger priority is making El Salvador and Honduras, next Tuesday’s adversaries at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota, as uncomfortable as possible in pursuit of a full six points from this window’s two home dates.

“It’s just about embracing the cold. Get ready, understand that mentality and what it takes to succeed in those moments,” goalkeeper Matt Turner, a New Jersey native who’s familiar with the chill as a longtime regular for the New England Revolution, said on Friday. “And just have fun with it. I mean, this is America. This is the beauty. We could play in 90 degrees and we can play in 0 degrees in the same time of year. It’s a pretty cool thing. So we’re excited. We’re looking forward to embracing it.”

That’s pretty clearly become a chief talking point for the USMNT.“I look back at some of my first times watching the men’s national team, and seeing that [2013 Snow Clasico] game in Colorado against Costa Rica sticks out in my head. I was even talking to my wife over the break. I was like, ‘I want it to be freezing. I want it to be cold. I want it to snow,’” said defender Walker Zimmerman. “I want to be a part of something so iconic that I saw and really remember growing up. That’s exciting to me.”

On Monday English-American fullback Antonee “Jedi” Robinson harked back to fond memories from the festive seasons of his youth.“It’s something I think everyone’s looking forward to. Growing up in England, I’m not a stranger to snow,” said the Fulham standout. “Kind of takes me back to when I was younger, I remember Boxing Day, it was a big thing in my Sunday league team, we used to play ‘dads vs. lads,’ so all the sons would be playing against the dads on a snowy pitch. That’s some of the happiest football I have ever played.”The natural rejoinder to this framing is to point out that the United States possess deeper player pools and superior talent to their winter guests, and risk shrinking that gap by flirting with conditions that could slow play or hamper peak performance. A hint of that possibility briefly crept into view when Aaronson was asked about his tactics for managing the temperatures.“There’s no real way of getting around how cold you’re going to be,” he said. “I think just kind of coming to terms with it and having little thingsyou can do, like getting hand warmers or maybe wearing double socks in the game, maybe little things you can do. But there’s no, really, way of getting past that. I think it’s just you got to get warm as fast as you can on the field and all the adrenaline starts to kick in, and then you’re ready to go in the game.”Berhalter has said he’s been assured that the heated pitches in Columbus and Saint Paul will ensure good field conditions, plus that his players are familiar with the cold. And on this region’s road to the World Cup, gamesmanship is widely perceived as a near-necessity, a box to be checked, and slyly.After weathering myriad forms of it on trips to trips south over the decades, from sweltering tropical heat to pulled fire alarms and fireworks and loud all-night parties in hotel parking lots, the USMNT consider situations like this to be a rare chance for them to return the favor.“It’s mind over matter,” said Berhalter on Friday upon naming his 28-man roster.

“This is an opportunity for us to gain an advantage on our opponents. They’re all coming from the equator, and it’s going to be really difficult for them to deal with these conditions. They’re going to take a couple breaths in and it’s going to hit them like they’d never been before. And our guys who have been playing in Europe, in cooler temperatures, and most of the guys here have played in cool temperatures, will be ready to go.”

What shaped USMNT’s latest Octagonal roster? Gregg Berhalter on fitness, conditions & COVID

By Charles Boehm @cboehm

The US men’s national team are about to immerse themselves in deep-winter conditions for three massive World Cup qualifiers as a global pandemic continues to rage, and their head coach has picked a large squad he believes can embrace that environment and push the program to the doorstep of Qatar 2022.

Hosting El Salvador in Columbus (Jan. 27) and Honduras in St. Paul, Minnesota (Feb. 2) on either side of a top-of-the-table clash with Canada in Hamilton, Ontario (Jan. 30), the USMNT will spend the next week and a half in what’s forecast to be bone-chilling cold. But for Gregg Berhalter, that’s something to celebrate, not dread.

“Thinking about the weather conditions, this is when I think about historic World Cup qualifiers in our history. And certainly the two that come to mind are the game in 2001 against Mexico in Columbus [dubbed “La Guerra Fria”], and then the [2013 “Snow Clasico”] game in Denver against Costa Rica, where the weather is playing a key role in really giving us the upper hand,” said Berhalter on Friday afternoon as he named his 28-player roster for the Concacaf Octagonal matches.

“So we expect to embrace the conditions, enjoy the conditions and really be able to take it to our opponents in this.”

The former center back continues to wave off concerns about dangerously low temperatures, preferring to emphasize the home-field advantage it can offer against adversaries from tropical locales.

“It’s a mindset, it really is,” Berhalter declared. “I played in Germany when it was -15 Celsius, -20 Celsius, and I played with short sleeves. And the reason why I did that is because it’s a mindset. It’s mind over matter in this case, once you get running, once you get sweating, I think you’re good to go.

“Just as all the times we go down to Central America and we’re playing in the humidity and the heat and sometimes the smog and the altitude at times, this is an opportunity for us to gain an advantage on our opponents. They’re all coming from the equator, and it’s going to be really difficult for them to deal with these conditions.”

COVID concerns loom

Despite US and Canadian leagues being in their offseason, nearly half of the rostered players (13, to be precise) are MLS-based standouts already in the January camp that just concluded in Phoenix, Arizona. That decision reflects the coaching staff’s confidence in the work that group has put in, as well as concerns about others being exposed to the highly-infectious Omicron variant of COVID-19 on their trans-Atlantic travels.

Berhalter revealed that one player, Venezia midfielder Gianluca Busio, has already had to bow out of this month’s action due to a case of COVID, and he says he expects more positive tests to crop up in the coming days; additional players are on standby to join the team in mid-window if needed. Further, regular starters Tyler Adams, Zack Steffen and DeAndre Yedlin are carrying yellow cards that mean their next such caution will trigger a one-game suspension.

“When I look at the threat of COVID and how quickly this new variant has been spreading, we can expect guys to come into camp and test positive, that’s just the nature of it,” said the coach. “So we need some protection on that. When we think about the potential of playing three games in seven days, that’s enough right there to need a bigger squad. We think about yellow-card accumulation, we can be missing some guys from that; potential for injuries.

“And then finally, any potential wear and tear that the [artificial] turf in Hamilton can bring. So that’s exactly why we increased the roster size a little bit and we feel that we’ll have enough cover no matter what happens in this window … We think fitness won’t be an issue in this camp.”

Rotation calculation

Berhalter offered nuanced answers on the topic of lineup rotation, noting that the roster is heavy in certain areas, namely winger and right back, in order to provide ample options where key contributors may not be at maximum fitness.

“There’s some positions that we purposely are loaded in for,” he said, “that we don’t expect the players to be 90 minutes fit, we expect to be approaching it in a platoon type of method where we put guys on, we take guys off and we work that way. As long as they can go, they can play, when they can’t give any more, then sub them out. When I look at the winger position in particular, we have Christian [Pulisic], Brenden [Aaronson], Timmy [Weah], Paul [Arriola] and Jordan Morris, who are more than capable of playing that position.”Yet he also contended that the circumstances allow for key players to log heavy minutes in all three games. And he confirmed that the entire group is eligible to travel to the Canada match, a signal that everyone is fully vaccinated and able to pass border regulations.“I’m not sure you can’t play all three games. If you think about this, our travel’s minimized, we have a 50-minute flight up into Canada, then another two-hour flight to Minnesota,” said Berhalter. “It’s no different than a player performing for his club three games in a week, so I’m not ruling out a guy being able to play three games in a week.”

Should the USMNT boss’ words prove decisive, they could move atop the Octagonal this window. The Yanks sit second 15 points from eight games, a chance to prove adverse conditions can provide an upper hand.

How Many Points The USMNT Needs To Qualify For The 2022 World Cup

TRAVIS YOESTINGJ ANUARY 24, 2022  the `18

WITH CONCACAF WORLD CUP QUALIFYING REACHING ITS CLIMAX, WE ENUMERATE WHAT THE U.S. NEEDS TO BOOK A TRIP TO QATAR.

After the debacle of failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, the focus and attention on the U.S. men’s national team’s qualification efforts for Qatar 2022 have been greater than ever. What was once taken for granted is now the source of constant anxiety. As we near the end of Concacaf qualifying, we explain exactly what USMNT needs to qualify for World Cup 2022. Concacaf 2022 World Cup qualifying — at least for the U.S. — consists of a single round-robin group stage against seven other Concacaf nations. The USMNT plays seven home games and seven away games over the course of seven months, a schedule condensed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The top three teams qualify for the Qatar World Cup while the fourth-place team enters single-match playoff against the top team from Oceania.Here’s the latest on what USMNT needs to qualify for World Cup 2022, which we’ll update throughout the qualification process.

What USMNT Needs To Qualify For World Cup 2022

Through Jan. 26

Currently the U.S. is in second place in the eight-team group with 15 points, one behind Canada. Mexico and Panama are right behind at 14 points before a considerable drop to fifth-place Costa Rica at nine. We are back! More #CWCQ Final Round action coming our way this week, and this is where every national team stands.-. While there are countless permutations in play, the USMNT can qualify outright for Qatar 2022 in this window — if everything goes perfectly. If the USMNT won all three of its matches, it would reach 24 points. That would be enough to qualify if Panama loses all three of its matches and Costa Rica gets five or fewer points in this window and Jamaica fails to win all three of its matches. That would leave fourth place at 14 points, 10 behind the U.S., which at that point would be ensured of a top-three finish. The same could be true if Mexico loses all three of its matches, but because Mexico and Panama play each other on Feb. 2, it’s impossible for both nations to lose all three matches. Los Canaleros have a hugely important window with matches against the two teams right behind them (Costa Rica on nine, Jamaica with seven) and the showdown with Mexico.Intensity keeps rising as the #CWCQ Final Round reaches its boiling point. Here are the upcoming matches in our triple game week:It’s more likely the USMNT will head into the qualifiers on March 24, 27 and 30 still needing results. Here’s a rundown on what the USMNT needs to qualify for World Cup 2022 regardless of other results.

How Many Points USMNT Needs To Qualify For World Cup 2022

If the USMNT wins out, it’s going to Qatar, as simple as that. Of course, that’s easier said than done. How many points the USMNT needs to qualify is a trickier question to answer. Because teams behind the U.S. play each other, it’s impossible for all of them to win every match. The U.S. has a little bit of breathing room, currently six points ahead of fifth place, the first spot that goes home. Even fourth place is almost as good as qualifying this year because even Oceania’s best team, New Zealand, is ranked 110th in the world, while the lowest-ranked team in this Concacaf qualifying stage is Honduras at 76th (the U.S. is currently 11th). In October, I calculated the estimated total points that would be needed to qualify outright to be 21.2, with 18.4 needed to finish fourth. By those computations, the USMNT needs just two more wins to feel good about qualifying for Qatar, which is certainly attainable with two home matches this window. If the U.S. can beat El Salvador and Honduras in Ohio and Minnesota, respectively, even a defeat to Canada would leave it with 21 points. But those calculations were based on historical results. There has been an inordinate number of draws this time and the entire table is clumped more closely together; Panama’s impressive start has created a large gap between fourth and fifth while making the gap from first to fourth just two points. This means two wins could be more than enough or it could be not nearly enough. Currently, the pace for the top four is as follows with points per game and estimated total points based on results so far. 

Concacaf World Cup Qualifying Points Per Game (Extrapolated Total Points)

1. Canada — 2.0 (28)
2. United States — 1.875 (26.25)
3. Mexico — 1.75 (24.5)
4. Panama — 1.75 (24.5)
5. Costa Rica — 1.125 (15.75)
6. Jamaica — 0.875 (12.25)
7. El Salvador — 0.75 (10.5)
8. Honduras — 0.375 (5.25)

Based on this, the USMNT must do better than Costa Rica’s pace of 1.125, which would extrapolate to 16 points. To qualify outright (top 3) the U.S. would need 24.5 points. By that quotient, the U.S. needs just one more draw to ensure a top-four place and three more wins plus a draw to ensure a top-three place. Again, this is all based on teams following their current form. If we did that the rest of the way, there’d be no need to continue the qualifiers. Things will change, so it’s impossible to say this early exactly how many points the USMNT will need, especially with the U.S. still to play every team except Jamaica once more.Definitively, we can estimate the number of points needed based on potential results, as shown below. The “at most” category represents the most possible points needed based on a worst-case scenario of results for the U.S. elsewhere; the “at least” category represents the best-case scenario, which is highly unlikely to transpire with six matches left but could technically happen. 

What USMNT Needs To Qualify For World Cup 2022 (At Most)

• Games Remaining: 6
• Points Available: 18
• Points Needed For Top 3: 16
• Points Needed For Top 4: 12

What USMNT Needs To Qualify For World Cup 2022 (At Least)

• Games Remaining: 6
• Points Available: 18
• Points Needed For Top 3: 3
• Points Needed For Top 4: 0

The exact number of points the USMNT will need is somewhere in between all the aforementioned scenarios, somewhere in between three and 16 points, probably closer to 10 points for top three and three points for top four, as suggested initially. If Costa Rica or Jamaica make a surge, as many expect they might given their talent, and if Panama struggles, as many expect it might given its talent, these numbers will fluctuate over the coming weeks. What we do know is the USMNT doesn’t want to go into its final match needing a result, as World Cup qualifying ends with a trip to Costa Rica, a place where the U.S. has never gotten a point from a final-round World Cup qualifying match.Check back here throughout the Concacaf World Cup qualifying process as we explain what USMNT needs to qualify for World Cup 2022. And if you spot any errors in our calculations, feel free to let us know and we’ll get it corrected, because we were nerdy liberal arts majors, not nerdy math majors.For more on how to watch the USMNT’s Concacaf World Cup qualifiers, click here.

What If The USMNT Isn’t Actually Embracing The Cold And This Was All A Terrible Idea?

CONNOR FLEMINGJANUARY 25, 2022  AS QUALIFYING BEGINS AGAIN I FIND MYSELF WORRYING ABOUT THE WEATHER.

It is, we’re learning, a question that can be framed in countless ways — “Will it be an advantage? But will it really be an advantage? How will you prepare? How will you mentally prepare? Will you put hot chicken broth in your water bottle so it doesn’t freeze?” — but really only ever has one definitive plan of action: Deal with it. n Sunday, the USMNT started arriving in Columbus, Ohio, to collectively grow an extra layer of skin ahead of Thursday night’s World Cup qualifier against El Salvador at Lower.com Field, where the forecast calls for a pleasant day of partly cloudy skies and a high of 34° F.The squad and its legion of The Athletic writers, however, are seemingly preparing to discover the Northwest Passage. Brenden Aaronson said Monday that his feet felt cold, leading him to consider wearing two socks — great for warmth, not so great for feeling the ball at your feet. Antonee Robinson said it was going to be like “Dads vs. Lads,” so it’s possible that he’s not really up to speed on anything right now. Meanwhile Gregg Berhalter is proposing that he rub down the entire squad’s feet with Vaseline like a sort of CONCACAF Christ figure.  

It’s a mentality. The hype for the weather in Columbus, Ontario and Saint Paul has become absurd, to the point where the mythos of it all has clouded the fact that horrible weather usually produces horrible results. The earliest recorded uses of the winter home-field advantage come from warfare, where a superior, aggressive force is brought to its knees by a ragtag band of defenders and the weather. Perhaps the most famous example is the French invasion of Russia in 1812, when 500,000 soldiers under the command of Napoleon were routed by the Generals Janvier and Février (January and February), amounting to losses of around 380,000.  But why is the USMNT — second in the Octagonal — taking on the role of the besieged underdog against the nations in seventh (El Salvador) and eighth (Honduras)? Our players are more used to it, sure, but our players are also much better than those representing La Selecta and Los Catrachos. Shouldn’t we be looking to emphasize our technical quality rather than looking to play with a depressurized ball that’s assumed all the qualities of a rock? When we look back on the most famous of cold-weather games — the Snow Clasico in Colorado — one point that’s largely forgotten in the romanticism of playing without lines and the dusting of Jermaine Jones’ afro is that it was a good call because Costa Rica was better than us. They knew it, we knew it. That Ticos squad went on to the 2014 World Cup and never lost a match despite playing Italy, England, Uruguay, Greece and the Netherlands (losing to the Oranje in a shootout), so staging the match in unplayable conditions was a stroke of genius. But do we really fear Alex Roldan and Alberth Elis that much? Do we really think that Sergiño Dest is going to be enjoying life in the frozen tundra? This is such a massive window against relatively easy opponents, and getting nine points would effectively book America’s place in Qatar, but have we made it more difficult on ourselves?These are my musings as I prepare to attend the match in Minnesota, where the current forecast is for 12° F and snow showers, and I’d be lying if I didn’t personally agree entirely with Walker Zimmerman’s sentiment: “I want it to be freezing. I want it to be cold. I want it to snow.”I just don’t want to have to go to the Azteca and San José next window needing positive results.

Adversity Isn’t Limited to USMNT in World Cup Qualifying Window

The conditions that both are and are not under the U.S.’s control aren’t optimal, but then again, its opponents are dealing with plenty to overcome, too.

• AVI CREDITOR  SI 1/26/21

It has been established quite emphatically that it’s going to be cold. Nearly half of the squad is out of season. Some key players are hurt. Others have their club careers in the balance, with MLS trades and potential European transfers swirling. One player has had travel issues just getting to camp. Generally speaking, the conditions are not ideal for the U.S. men’s national team entering the penultimate World Cup qualifying window. It’s not a vacuum, though. The U.S.’s fortunes over the course of the next three matches are tied to those of their opponents as well. And those opponents are not exactly operating under optimum circumstances, either.Take Thursday’s opponent El Salvador, for instance, a team that held the U.S. to a scoreless draw in the opening match of World Cup qualifying but has only five points since and has been all but reduced to playing spoiler. It’s not going to be accustomed to the frigid temperatures of Ohio, nor is it slated to be entirely at full strength (El Gráfico reports the two center backs who started vs. the U.S. in September may not be available Thursday). Last-place Honduras, which the U.S. will play to close the window, is also all but eliminated, is on its second coach of the Concacaf Octagonal and, like its fellow Central American nation, should not be playing at its peak in the Minnesota cold. That’s the logic from the USMNT side, which systematically chose its two home locations for this window by prioritizing shorter travel for the middle match—at first-place Canada, in Hamilton, Ontario—while creating layers of complications for its other opponents and ensuring a partisan crowd. “We know a large portion of our guys are playing in Europe. They’re playing in cold weather right now,” U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter said last month. “They should be able to adapt pretty nicely.”If it’s tough for us, and we have guys playing in Europe in cold weather, what’s it going to be like for Honduras, who’s coming from Honduras midweek, coming from 85-, 90-degree temperatures?”

There’s an acknowledgement that forcing the U.S. players to also contend with the cold isn’t ideal, either. But then again, braving and taming the elements while subjecting opponents from warmer climates to them has traditionally been a badge of honor for this team, a rite of passage of sorts. Welcoming Mexico to Columbus in the cold months began with “La Guerra Fria” over 20 years ago, and playing Costa Rica through a Colorado blizzard set the stage for the famous “Snowclasico” of the 2014 qualifying cycle. These are the games that can strengthen a team’s bond if things go right, and while it’s rare to find a player who will admit to preferring elements like that if given the choice, it’s not exactly a foreign concept for some in U.S. camp.“It’s obviously cold out here, but something that I’ve been used to growing up in New York and playing academy games throughout the winter on turf fields,” U.S. star midfielder Tyler Adams said from Columbus, where the temperature at first kick Thursday is slated to be in the high 20s. “You’re used to this, pushing the snow to the side and being able to play and enjoy it. The cold is not going to stop us from doing what we do. If anything, it’s just going to cause us to run a little bit more to stay warm.”Added center back Walker Zimmerman: “I was even talking to my wife over the break. I was like, you know what? I want it to be freezing. I want it to be cold. I want the snow. I want to be a part of something so iconic that I saw and I really remember growing up. And that’s exciting to me. So I think the guys are ready to embrace it, embrace the cold. And it will be a really good environment for us fan-wise, as well.”The cold is no obstacle for Canada, which enjoyed a famous win over Mexico in frigid Edmonton at a stadium that was, temporarily anyway, renamed the “Iceteca” as a nod to Mexico’s Estadio Azteca. But the current first-place side will be missing its top attraction, with Bayern Munich left back Alphonso Davies out as he recovers from myocarditis following a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. The coronavirus has impacted another key cog for the Canadians as well, with midfielder Stephen Eustáquio recently testing positive. His availability for Canada this window remains in question. Nine of Canada’s 25 players are based in MLS and thus facing the same out-of-season dilemma that 13 of the U.S. players have been combatting. Two key components out wide, Tajon Buchanan and Richie Laryea, just completed transfers to new clubs overseas and are in the midst of that transition. There’s also the matter of Canada’s home-field advantage. The crowd surrounding the turf field at Hamilton’s Tim Hortons Stadium has been limited to 50% capacity due to COVID-19 protocols, with the Canadian Soccer Association canceling and refunding all of the 24,000 tickets it had sold before reselling 12,000. It’ll be loud and partisan, just not as much as initially planned.This entire qualifying process has been about navigating through adversity. The three-game windows have put more stress on squads than any previous qualifying campaigns. For the U.S., specifically, it has never had what most would consider its ideal XI all on the field together, not during qualifying or before it. You’ll often hear coaches talking about how their teams need to suffer to find success. There will be plenty of suffering over the course of the next week, physically and psychologically. The U.S. is banking on the fact that its ability to absorb all of that exceeds that of its three opponents, and by doing so takes the Americans that much closer to the hotter locale that has been its target destination all this time: the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.“Understand that mentality and what it takes to succeed in those moments,” said goalkeeper Matt Turner, who is in line to start with Zack Steffen suffering from back tightness and yet to join the team from Man City. “So for me, it’s embracing the cold. It’s keep up my focus sharp for the moments when I’m called into action and just have fun with it. I mean, this is America. This is the beauty. We could play in 90 degrees and we can play in zero degrees in the same time of year. It’s a pretty cool thing.”

READY TO PLAY: HOW LOWER.COM FIELD AND ALLIANZ FIELD HAVE PREPPED FOR USMNT’S WINTER WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS

EXPERT GROUNDSKEEPERS HAVE WORKED FOR MONTHS TO ENSURE FIELDS WILL BE IN GREAT SHAPE FOR THE WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS IN COLUMBUS AND ST. PAUL

JANUARY 25 2022

Qualification for the World Cup in Concacaf is always a difficult gauntlet. Each of the region’s top teams use whatever edge they can to create a unique home field advantage. Mexico plays nearly every home game at Estadio Azteca, a legendary venue that sits more than 7,000 feet above sea level and requires teams to deal with the effects of altitude. Central American squads like Honduras and Panama host games in the middle of the day amidst sweltering tropical heat and humidity. 

This month, the same gamesmanship will be deployed by the United States. While the U.S. Men’s National Team has enjoyed raucous home crowds through the first eight games of the Octagonal, the new January international window provides opportunity for another edge: winter weather in the middle of the country.The USA will play both its home games this slate in the bitter cold of Columbus, Ohio — a familiar fortress with plenty of history — and St. Paul, Minn. — a potential new polar stronghold. “We expect to embrace the conditions, enjoy the conditions, and really be able to take it to our opponents in the big picture of this window,” said USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter during his press conference following last week’s roster announcement.While the air above may dip into the single digits, the field below the players feet should be in great shape thanks to the well-seasoned grounds crews at Lower.com Field in Ohio and Allianz Field in Minnesota. Their extensive efforts will make these chilly contests possible as they maintain a quality surface in the face of potential inclement winter weather. “For Thursday’s match against El Salvador, you can expect a uniform surface when it comes to playability, especially during winter in Ohio,” said Ben Jackson, Director of Grounds for Columbus Crew. “The field will not look as aesthetically pleasing this time of year. However, the pitch and subsurface should have good lateral and vertical strength as a result of the heating system. Air temperature shouldn’t have a significant effect on the field quality.” Special underground heating systems at the venues in Columbus and Minnesota will ensure that the grass stays high-quality and playable for matches of this caliber. At Lower.com Field, the underground heat has ensured a field temperature in the mid-50s since early December and U.S. Soccer has rented out additional grow lamps ahead of Thursday’s match. The Twin Cities’ underground heat and grow lights have kept its playing surface warm, growing and free of snow for almost all of the new year. In fact, the technology ensures that both fields have a “just watered” type of play due to the condensation of the warm field and cool air. “No matter how much snow we get in the lead-up to the game, our underground heat and lamps can melt it,” said Allianz Field Groundskeeper Mitch Ronning. “We’ve dealt with plenty of snow before here. “We are utilizing our hydronic field heat system to warm up the subsurface temperatures to help ‘wake up’ the plant from the winter and also the field heat is helping melt some of the snow that is on the field.“We will also be using field covers to cover the playing surface once snow is removed to help trap some of that heat for the plant and more so give the field protection from the cold temps.” Ronning described the process of trapping the heat as “similar to that of a human using a blanket in bed at night to keep them warm” and is confident the process will help ensure the field is as good as possible.

 Cold temperatures provide one challenge for field maintenance, but snow brings another wrinkle. While fans may dream of winter wonderlands akin to the 2013 Snowclasico game in Commerce City, Colo., the grounds crews have measures in place to keep the playing field clear of any kind of wintry mix.Heating technology will keep the fields snow-free in the run-up to the game and can easily melt matchday dustings. With any kind of accumulation as kickoff draws closer, both crews prefer to avoid using plows in order to avoid potential damage to the field. While shovels serve as the main tool for heavy snowfall when game time looms, Minnesota also employs a thick cover to lay over and protect the field that a plow can drive over. If it really starts to come down, both stadiums have red paint on reserve to mark out more visible field lines.Fans should enjoy cover from the elements as most seating at Lower.com Field and Allianz Field falls under the protection of overhangs. U.S. players will have the comfort of specially purchased heated seat cushions on the bench, but the squad stands more than ready to take on the arctic elements.

“You know what? I want it to be freezing. I want it to be cold,” said USMNT defender Walker Zimmerman. “I want the snow. I want to be a part of something so iconic that I saw and I really remember growing up. And that’s exciting to me. So, I think the guys are ready to embrace it, and it will be a really good environment for us fan-wise as well.”

FORTRESS COLUMBUS: DETAILING THE USMNT’S HISTORY OF SUCCESS IN CENTRAL OHIO

THE USMNT RETURNS TO COLUMBUS’S LOWER.COM FIELD FOR USA-EL SALVADOR, PRESENTED BY VOLKSWAGEN, ON JAN. 27 (7 P.M. ET ON ESPN2, UNIMÁS AND TUDN)

MICHAEL LEWISJANUARY 24 2022

When the U.S. Men’s National Team hosts El Salvador in Columbus in a FIFA World Cup Qualifier on Jan. 27 (7 p.m. ET; ESPN2, UniMás, TUDN), the visitors must overcome more than the wintry weather expected for the Concacaf Octagonal match.Los Cuscatlecos will be challenged by the USMNT’s tradition of success in the central Ohio city.Welcome to Fortress Columbus.A place the USMNT loves to call home, no U.S. city comes close to the record 11 qualifying matches hosted there, and the team’s record speaks for itself.Since playing its first WCQ match in Columbus back in 2000, the USMNT hold a 8-1-2 record including the four memorable “Dos a Cero” victories against Mexico that have largely defined the team’s dominance against El Trí on home soil since the turn of the century. In those 10 games, the USA has outscored its foes, 16-4, while registering seven shutouts.A fortress indeed, according to USMNT legend Landon Donovan.”I think people may need to make sure they don’t conflate the stadium with what was really the successful piece of it, which is the people in Columbus and people who traveled into Columbus,” Donovan, who enjoyed his share of victories in Columbus, told ussoccer.com recently.”For the longest time, we didn’t have a place in our country where we knew we were going to have a home field advantage. Forget about location. The home field advantage is dictated by the people in the stands. The people of Columbus and of Ohio and whoever would travel in made those games what they were and gave us a true homefield advantage, certainly for the first time in my playing history. I think most players even before me would agree.”A former assistant of Gregg Berhalter with both the Columbus Crew and U.S. Men’s National Team, current Austin FC head coach Josh Wolff — whose heroics as a substitute made the first 2-0 win against Mexico possible back in 2001 — also has fed on and soaked in the high-energy atmosphere.”The history of the game against Mexico and that turning point originated right there in Columbus,” he said. “I’ve been at some of these other matches in Columbus. It’s full of energy. The fans understand what role they play, and they understand the history of the game. That’s continued to resonate with the fan base in Columbus. When the national team is in your city, it’s important to carry the message, to carry the weight, to carry the energy, because you’re playing for a lot.”

A TRADITION IS BORN
After playing Costa Rica to a scoreless draw in the first qualifier on Oct. 11, 2000, the USMNT found their footing on Feb. 28, 2001, in a 2-0 triumph over El Trí in a match played in frigid, 29-degree temperatures that are likely to be replicated in Thursday’s match against El Salvador.Wolff, who had just four caps and one goal under his belt entering the match, replaced an injured Brian McBride in the 15th minute. After latching onto a Clint Mathis long ball, Wolff scored one of the most important goals in USMNT history two minutes into the second half when he rounded Jorge Campos before slotting home into the empty net.He turned playmaker in the 88th minute, beating defenders Claudio Suarez and Alberto Macias on the right side of the box and before finding Earnie Stewart, who put the ball home from 12 yards.Wolff said that coming on as a substitute helped him. “Really having not to think much probably was a good thing because you just go in react, rely on instincts,” he said. “I was fortunate enough to play against Mexico in Los Angeles at the end of at the end of 2000. So, there was some familiarity there. Certainly, competing against Mexico, whether it was a hostile crowd or a home crowd.”

WATCH: USMNT BEGINS “DOS A CERO TRADITION IN COLUMBUS | FEB. 28, 2001

Donovan, 18 at the time, had a front row seat on the U.S. bench to the proceedings, witnessing one of the signature moments in USMNT history. The atmosphere left an indelible impression with him.”I had never seen a crowd like that rooting for an American team,” he said. “It was just so eye opening for me at a young age. That certainly holds a special place in my heart even though I wasn’t even on the field that day.”Four years later, Steve Ralston and DaMarcus Beasley’s tallies lifted the USA to another 2-0 win against Mexico, a result that came with the added bonus of clinching qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. In 2009, Michael Bradley’s brace helped the USA to a third-consecutive “Dos a Cero” home qualifying win against Mexico to open the final round of qualifying with another 2-0 victory.The “Dos a Cero” tradition against El Trí continued in 2013 as the USMNT again booked a spot at the World Cup with a 2-0 triumph against their rivals. Donovan had a big say in that match as his corner kick set up the first goal by Eddie Johnson in the 49th minute before he celebrated his own in the 78th minute. Goalkeeper Tim Howard produced some stellar saves late in the first half when it was still scoreless. 

WATCH: USA BOOKS 2014 FIFA WORLD CUP TICKET | SEPT. 10, 2013

 “Anytime you win a game to qualify for the World Cup, and it happens to be against Mexico, it’s hard to top that,” Donovan said. “That was a very memorable night.”In 2016, Mexico broke the streak, using a last-minute header by Rafa Marquez to earn a 2-1 win against the USA in the opening match of the final round of 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying.Beyond the wins against Mexico, Columbus has also served as a welcoming place for the team to recover after difficult road results.Only four days after losing an early lead and suffering a 2-1 semifinal round defeat at Jamaica on Sept. 7, 2012, the USMNT returned to Historic Crew Stadium, using Herculez Gomez’s 55^th minute free kick to earn an emotional 1-0 win on the 11^th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.The team faced a similar scenario during the semifinal round in 2016. A poor performance led to a disappointing 2-0 defeat in Guatemala, pushing the team’s back against the wall for advancement when it faced Los Chapines again four days later in Columbus.The home crowd again provided the perfect backdrop to the USA’s resounding 4-0 thumping of Guatemala on March 29, 2016, a match that also marked then 17-year-old Christian Pulisic’s senior team debut. 

 A NEW VENUE

While the streak against Mexico ended, Columbus’s importance to the USMNT continued last fall as the team hosted Costa Rica in its first match at brand-new Lower.com Field on Oct. 13In a similar situation to the 2012 matches against Jamaica, the USMNT landed in Ohio on the back of a 1-0 defeat at PanamThough the side surrendered a first-minute goal to Keysher Fuller, the boisterous Columbus crowd willed a thrilling comeback. The USMNT equalized behind Sergiño Dest’s 25th-minute wonder strike  before the right back set up the game-winner in the 66th minute. The Barcelona defender sent a short pass to Tim Weah on the right side of the penalty area, where the Lille forward drilled a shot that hit the right post, then caromed off goalkeeper Leonel Moreira before entering the net.The tally went into the record books as an own goal by the keeper. Moreover, it gave the USA the win and three more important points on the Road to Qatar.On Thursday against El Salvador, the USMNT will be prepared to build on their winning tradition at Fortress Columbus.

Scouting El Salvador

The USMNT heads into its second match against La Selecta. By Brendan Joseph  Jan 25, 2022, 7:00am PST  S&S

The United States Men’s National Team churned through 2022 World Cup qualifying, and is now in the back half of the schedule. Carrying 15 points from eight matches, Gregg Berhalter has his squad on pace to claim a spot in Qatar, although any stumble could result in a ticket to the inter-confederation playoffs. The upcoming fixture against El Salvador will be contested at Lower.com Field in the historically significant city of Columbus, Ohio.This is the 26^th meeting between the two nations, with the USMNT holding an 18-1-6 advantage. The last match-up occurred in September at the start of qualifying, ending in a scoreless draw. El Salvador is at seventh place in the eight-team CONCACAF table with a 1-4-3 record, eight points out of the playoff spot. Despite an impressive 1-0 win over Panama and the aforementioned opening result, the lack of victories has made a spot in Qatar all but out of reach.La Selecta is led by former U.S. international Hugo Pérez, who was appointed to the manager role in April of 2020. The 58-year-old has compiled a 7-9-6 record while in charge. His focus appears centered on turning over the player pool, giving experience to younger talents, and building toward the future. The team prepared for the upcoming match with December friendlies against Ecuador and Chile, as well as three closed-door scrimmages against local club sides.Pérez named a 23-player squad for the upcoming international window. Joshua Pérez, a former U.S. youth international, is absent. The manager is attempting to find a balance between talents both from abroad and within the domestic Primera División, continuing to add new talents at a steady rate.

***

GOALKEEPERS (2): Kevin Carabantes (FAS), Mario González (Alianza)

DEFENDERS (7): Roberto Domínguez (Chalatenango), Alexander Larín (Comunicaciones), Ronald Rodríguez (FC Tulsa), Bryan Tamacas (Alianza), Eduardo Vigil (Firpo), Rómulo Villalobos (Municipal), Eriq Zavaleta (Toronto FC)

MIDFIELDERS (9): Eric Calvillo (El Paso Locomotive), Darwin Cerén (Houston Dynamo), Enrico Dueñas Hernández (Vitesse), Bryan Landaverde (FAS), Christian Martinez (San Carlos), Marvin Monterroza (Alianza), Narciso Orellana (Alianza), Kevin Reyes (FAS), Alex Roldan (Seattle Sounders)

FORWARDS (5): Nelson Bonilla (Port), Cristian Gil (Metapán), Jairo Henríquez (Aguila), Walmer Martinez (Monterey Bay), Joaquín Rivas (Tulsa Roughnecks)

***

Pérez alternates between various forms of the 4-4-2 and 4-5-1 formations, preferring the former during the Octagonal. Outside of a few fixtures, he has stuck to the same lineups, a healthy mix of veterans and recent introductions to the program. Over the past few matches, the strategy has involved long balls, crosses, and shots from distance. The defense has demonstrated a susceptibility to commits fouls in less than desirable areas and on set pieces.

Projected El Salvador Starting XI (via LineupBuilder.com)

Mario González has started at goalkeeper for every match during the Octagonal, a trend that appears unlikely to change. The 24-year-old made his senior international debut last June and became established as the number one with a wide array of acrobatic saves. A touch undersized at 6’0”, his tendency is to stay on the line, avoiding challenging for crosses and fast breaks. In a recent interview, he expressed little pressure for the upcoming fixture and is unbothered by the potential of a cold Ohio winter.Described “as one of the top young center backs in CONCACAF,” Ronald Rodriguez is a relatively new member of the squad, starting in five qualifiers since debuting for the squad last summer. A few days ago, the 23-year-old secured a move from Club Deportivo Águila to FC Tulsa. He is a dangerous target on set pieces and drills the ball around the field. His partner should be Eriq Zavaleta, another recent addition to the squad. The former U.S. youth international had an up-and-down season for a struggling Toronto FC but can be an asset in a possession-based build-up.Alexander Larín should start at left back, a consistent lineup presence for Pérez. He is an attack-minded player and has a tendency to shoot, while also serving as the designated free kick taker. On the opposite side of the formation is Bryan Tamacas, a 26-year-old on the books at domestic Alianza. His specialty is making bombing runs into the final third, picking out a cross or cutting inside with a sharp dribble.Midfield is the strongest group in the El Salvador formation. In a curious case, Christian Martínez had his senior international debut in March of 2021, suiting up for Costa Rica. A few months later, he switched to La Selecta and has made several appearances at the six. His full-body tackles are complemented by steadiness in the build-up and incisive long balls that open up opposing defenses. If Pérez opts for a more defensive posture, Darwin Ceren is the logical inclusion for anempty bucket. The 32-year-old is responsible for jump-starting the attack, facilitating possession and funneling the ball up the field. If a more advanced player is required, Marvin Monterroza fits the bill and provides quick combination with teammates.Vitesse winger Enrico Duenas Hernandez has appeared in every qualifier. The 20-year-old former Dutch youth international is a methodical mover of the ball, waiting and spinning until selecting the correct pass. The other side of the field features Alex Roldan, who has served as captain in recent matches. His ability to play a diagonal ball to the back post is dangerous, while also sneaking into the box for the occasional finish.Proving that formations are fluid and positions are mere suggestion, Águila winger Jairo Henríquez has slotted into a striker role. He contributed three goals and three assists in 2021, while also facilitating possession with constant movement. Joaquín Rivas has been his main partner during qualifying but is scoreless thus far, a disappointing run after scintillating form at the recent Gold Cup. The 29-year-old has a tendency to drift behind defenders, find empty space, and claim more than his share of headers.El Salvador achieved an impressive result in the first Octagonal fixture, holding the USMNT to a scoreless draw at home. Since then, the two nations have moved in different directions, with World Cup qualification appearing a distant dream for La Selecta. This is an important match for Gregg Berhalter, as anything less than three points would be seen as the true squandering of an opportunity.The match is scheduled for Thursday, January 27^th at 7:00 p.m. Eastern, 4:00 p.m. Pacific. Viewing options include ESPN2, TUDN USA, UniMás, and FUBO TV (free trial).

What next for Christian Pulisic at Chelsea?

Joe Prince-WrightMon, January 24, 2022, 3:00 PM

LONDON — It feels like USMNT star Christian Pulisic is truly at a pivotal stage of his career with Chelsea in the Premier League.Deep into his third season at Chelsea, Pulisic, 23, has been an unused substitute in their last two Premier League games.He could have been rested after he started six Premier League games in a row over the busy festive period and played at wing-back, as a false nine and in his usual left-wing spot as Chelsea’s squad was decimated by injuries and illness.But there’s also a growing sense that it could mean playing second fiddle is his role at Chelsea as long as Thomas Tuchel is in charge. Tuchel has recently criticized his attacking unit for lackluster displays and Christian Pulisic hasn’t played since his own lackluster outing at Manchester City.There are also growing whispers that Pulisic may be thinking about leaving Chelsea this summer to go elsewhere and be ‘the main man’ at another European giant, as reports consistently link him with a move to Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and others.

Is Pulisic at the right club at the wrong time?

Right off the bat, let me say this: Pulisic could easily stay at Chelsea for a few years under Tuchel (who seems likely to stay at Stamford Bridge longer than most Chelsea managers…) and be just fine.But is just fine enough?Christian Pulisic is a generational talent for the USMNT. In a World Cup year, does he want to go into Qatar in December (assuming the USMNT qualify…) with 10 starts, two goals and one assist to his name in the 2022-23 Premier League season?No. He doesn’t. He is ambitious and looked annoyed (who wouldn’t be?) at not coming off the bench in Chelsea’s 2-0 win at home against Tottenham on Sunday.It is not the first time Pulisic has battled with being out of the squad at Chelsea. But the other battles mostly happened when he was much younger and just settling in.Frank Lampardtook a while to warm to him and Tuchel has admitted openly that he loves having Pulisic as an option off the bench to make an impact. Pulisic should (and definitely does) want more than that.Now he is back fully fit, everything seems to be right for Pulisic at Chelsea. Except for the style of play and his playing time. Those are two big factors.

Is now the right time to move on?

In Tuchel’s usual 3-4-2-1 system it is all about the wing backs providing the width and wide attackers cutting inside to get on the ball. Pulisic loves to stay wide and dribble inside with the ball. He isn’t able to do that often at Chelsea due to their playing style.With the 4-1-4-1 system Tuchel used against Tottenham he may be able to do that more off the left, but then he has to get past Callum Hudson-Odoi, Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Mason Mount just to get into the starting lineup.Those star names, and even Romelu Lukaku, have been criticized heavily by Tuchel in recent weeks for not producing enough in attack. But Christian Pulisic is the only one of them who hasn’t played a single second of action since Tuchel spoke those harsh words following their defeat at Man City on Jan. 15.

As long as Tuchel is around it feels like playing time will continue to be a battle for Pulisic at Chelsea. It’s not that Pulisic isn’t rated at the club. It’s that his output has been impacted by injuries and he has scored 20 goals and added 10 assists in 96 appearances. That averages out to one goal involvement in just over every three games.Is that enough? Has Pulisic been given enough of a chance by Tuchel, in his preferred position? There are other questions we should look into around how well his style of play suits the Premier League.Pulisic’s name is massive in the global game. His potential is massive. Chelsea are a massive club in the best and most-watched league on the planet. All of this should add up. He has shown glimpses of his brilliance, as recently as his superb lobbed finished against Liverpool on Jan. 2, and especially in games against Real Madrid and Porto in Chelsea’s run to UEFA Champions League glory last seasonIt just hasn’t been exactly what all parties wished for. And that’s okay.But it makes you wonder if, after three seasons at Chelsea, he may move on this summer in search of somewhere where he will truly become a global superstar. Bayern Munich? Barcelona? Liverpool? Will he have the same issues there? Or maybe he moves to the next group of clubs down to be a true star on a team that really, truly needs him?With two years left on his contract this June, Chelsea know they will be able to demand top dollar for the USMNT star this summer and then his transfer value will diminish if he doesn’t sign a new deal.These next few months feel huge in determining whether or not Christian Pulisic’s future remains at Chelsea.

I think the game play, and the sharpness, and things like that are always going to come a little bit later. So coming to this camp, I’ve actually felt really, really good. I feel like there’s definitely still some things that are a little bit fast and things that I want to continue to work on. Continuing to get sharp in front of goal is obviously, a big one for myself. That’s a big part of my game. So I’m definitely not quite at a hundred percent where I was before the injury, but I’m feeling really, really good.

Earn your Degree While You Watch Your Kids Soccer Practice – ½ the time and cost of Traditional Schools

Proud Member of Indy’s Brick Yard Battalion – http://www.brickyardbattalion.com – CLICK HERE FOR BYBTIX

Sam’s Army- http://www.sams-army.com , American Outlaws  http://www.facebook.com/IndyAOUnite

 

Attend a Free 20-Minute Webinar on Nursing Bridge Programs

US vs El Salvador Thurs 7 pm ESPN2, @ Canada Sun 3 pm on Paramount+. 

So the next round of Qualification is here – and they include at home Thur, Jan 27-  7 pm on ESPN 2 vs El Salvador and former Westfield/Indiana U star Eriq Zavaleta in Columbus (we going!), Sun Jan 30 at 3:30 pm on Paramount+ @ Canada (coverage starts at 2 pm I think) and Tues, Feb 2 at 7:30 pm on FS 1 vs Honduras.  If the US can secure 2 wins and tie at Canada – qualification will all but be assured.  Two wins and loss in Canada will keep things interesting as Canada (16), US (15), Mexico (14) and Panama (14), Costa Rica (9) lead the way in World Cup Qualifying.  Anything less and things will get interesting – as only the top 3 teams qualify with the 4^th team having a playoff to advance.  For those going to Columbus, join us with the American Outlaws Thursday pre-game at Brother’s Bar & Grill – we are headed that way around 2:15 pm.  

My pick for Starters vs El Salvador Thurs

Pulisic/Pepi/Aaronson

McKinney/Musah

Adams

Antonee R/M Robinson/Zimmerman/Dest

Steffan  (I start Turner vs Canada though-used to the cold)

US Full Roster for Qualifiers

GOALKEEPERS (4): Sean Johnson (New York City FC; 9/0), Gabriel Slonina (Chicago Fire; 0/0), Zack Steffen (Manchester City/ENG; 26/0), Matt Turner (New England Revolution; 13/0)

DEFENDERS (9): Reggie Cannon (Boavista/POR; 22/1), Sergino Dest (Barcelona/ESP; 15/2), Brooks Lennon (Atlanta United; 1/0), Mark McKenzie (Genk/BEL; 8/0), Chris Richards (Hoffenheim/GER; 6/0), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG; 15/3), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United; 15/3), DeAndre Yedlin (Galatasaray/TUR; 71/0), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC; 23/2)

MIDFIELDERS (7): Kellyn Acosta (LAFC; 45/2), Tyler Adams (RB Leipzig/GER; 22/1), Luca De la Torre (Heracles/NED; 4/0), Sebastian Lletget (New England Revolution; 33/8), Weston McKennie (Juventus/ITA; 28/8), Yunus Musah (Valencia/ESP; 11/0), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders; 30/0)

FORWARDS (8): Brenden Aaronson (Red Bull Salzburg/AUT; 15/5), Paul Arriola (DC United; 42/8), Jesus Ferreira (FC Dallas; 5/2), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders; 40/10), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea/ENG; 42/17), Timothy Weah (Lille/FRA; 18/2), Gyasi Zardes (Columbus Crew; 66/14)

 US Goalkeeper Matt Turner to Arsenal? 

Huge news that American Goalkeeper Matt Turner is being wooed by Arsenal to be a backup and perhaps challenge for the top spot (man that would bring me full scale into being a Gunner).  Honestly I know this is a World Cup year and we don’t want to take a chance that both of our keepers (Turner and Steffan) are backups in the EPL. But Turner has to take the chance if he wants to make it big-time. Its been amazing that after years of having 2 to 3 starters in the EPL in between the pipes over the past 2 decades – that we can’t seem to place a starter in the EPL since Guzan left Villa. Perhaps it’s the requirement that keepers use their feet more than being great shot stoppers these days.  I happen to disagree with that – but that’s the way of the soccer world right now.  Let’s hope Turner can take this chance and work his way into the starting line-up soon.  Here he talks about how he feels at camp for the US.

Sad news that Pete DuPre, a World War II vet affectionally known as “Harmonica Pete” for playing the National Anthem at numerous US games passed away this week (read more) about this great veteran and huge US soccer supporter (here he was with the US ladies in 2019).  In Europe, McKinney scored again as he could arguably be Juventus’s best player over the past week even the past few weeks, and in the Championship

Antonee Robison scores for Fulham in 6-2 win – he and Tim Ream are playing 90 every game for the top team in the Championship by a mile.  Oh and Josh Sargent has scored his first 2 goals in the EPL today for Norwich @ Watford. Goal #1  (Wait Coach B somebody call up Josh and Bring him in for this next week).   Where the US Players are playing this weekend is in The Ole Ballcoach.    

Games to Watch this Weekend

Man United vs West Ham leads the weekend games on Saturday at 10 am on Peacock of course while they show New Castle vs Leads (who cares) on USA Network.  Everton’s free fall will probably continue as they host Aston Vila at 7:30 am on USA and Man City will certainly kill Southampton on NBC at 12:30 pm..  In Germany at 10 am Hoffenheim and American’s Chris Richards and newly Signed 18 year old Dallas right back Justin Che will host Dortmund (Reyna still  hurt).  Sunday Arsenal host Burnley at 9 am on USA before moving the good game Chelsea and Pulisic maybe? Hosting Tottenham in a top 4 Battle on Peacock!!  Germany gives us the All American line up with RB Leipzig and Tyler Adams hosting Wolfsburg and center back John Brooks at 9:30 am on ESPN+.   The African Cup Sweet 16 also starts up Sunday at 11 am and 2 pm on FuboTV, I hear, and finally American superstar midfielder Weston McKinney and Juventus travel to Milan at 2:45 on Paramount+. 

(See where all the American’s overseas are playing below). 

BIG GAMES TO WATCH

(American’s in parenthesis)

Fri,  Jan 21

3 pm  USA                            Watford vs Norwich (Stewart)

Sat, Jan 22 

7:30 am  USA                      Everton vs Aston Villa

9:30 am ESPN+                   Hoffenheim vs Dortmund

10 am USA                           Newcastle vs Leeds

10 am Peacock                   Man United vs West Ham

12:30 pm NBC                     Southampton vs Man City

Sun, Jan 23

9 am  USA                             Arsenal vs Burnley 

9 am  Peacock                     Cyrstal Palace vs Liverpool

9:30 am ESPN+                   RB Leipzig (Adams) vs Wolfsburg (Brooks) 

11 am fubo tv                     African Cup Sweet 16 – Game 1

11:30 Peacock?                  Chelsea (Pulisic) vs Tottenham 

2 pm fubo tv                        African Cup Sweet 16 – Game 2

2:45 pm Para+                    Milan vs  Juventus (McKennie)

Thurs,  Jan 27

7 pm ESPN2                         USMNT vs El Salvador (Columbus) WCQ

7 pm Para+                          Jamaica vs Mexico WcQ

8 pm Para+                          Honduras vs Canada

Sun,  Jan 30

11 am fubo tv                     African Cup Quarters – Game 3

2 pm fubo tv                        African Cup Quarters – Game 4

3 pm Paramount+/Telemundo    USMNT @ Canada

Tues,  Feb 2

7:30 pm FS1                        USMNT vs Honduras

2022 SheBelieves Cup schedule

Feb. 17 in Carson, Calif.
#16 Iceland vs #22 New Zealand, 8pm ET – ESPN
#1 USWNT vs #24 Czech Republic, 11pm ET

Feb. 20 in Carson, Calif.
USWNT vs New Zealand, 3pm ET – ABC
Czech Republic vs Iceland, 6pm ET

Feb. 23 in Frisco, Texas
New Zealand vs Czech Republic, 6pm ET
USWNT vs Iceland, 9pm ET – ESPN

USA 

Weekend Guide to US Players overseas Viewing

Who Starts Thurs?  – S&S

USMNT January qualifying roster: questions and possible solutions ASN

US Roster – SBI Soccer

Sources: Arsenal keen on USMNT’s Turner

Chill index could be ‘high risk’ for USMNT game

USMNT progress report: How McKennie, Pulisic and European stars measure up

McKennie continues strong run, Pepi starts, EPB impresses and much more

Orlando to host USMNT’s March WC qualifier

Capacity cut in half for USMNT trip to Canada
WWII veteran ‘Harmonica Pete’ DuPre dies at 98; USWNT pays tribute to ‘dear friend’

VAR added for CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers

LAFC trade for USMNT’s Acosta from Rapids

Leeds United reportedly have £15 million offer for USMNT attacker Brenden Aaronson rejected
Sources: Belgian side Brugge eyes Chicago GK  Jeff Carlisle

James Sands “gelled quick” in positive Rangers debut SBI

Antonee Robinson caps off latest Fulham rout with sublime strike

Hoffenheim signs Dallas’ Che on 18-month loan

State of the USMNT Ahead of Next World Cup Qualifiers

USWNT great Michelle Akers hopes NWSL coaching gig opens doors

 EPL

Chelsea vs Tottenham live: How to watch, stream link, team news, 

Liverpool beat Arsenal, get Chelsea in Cup final
Jota, Liverpool’s depth shows Arsenal how far they have to go James Olley
Unvaxxed Madrid, Chelsea stars face UCL exile  James Olley
Dropping points becoming the new normal for Chelsea  ames Olley
Ralf Rangnick reaction: De Gea heroics, Ronaldo sub anger, Man Utd 
Antonio Conte: Tottenham’s only season target is to ‘fight’, give 

WORLD

Ivory Coast send reigning champions Algeria crashing out of Africa Cup of Nations
Aubameyang ‘completely healthy’ after heart scare
FIFA set to enforce limits on player loan transfer system
Abraham puts Roma in Italian Cup quarters after Lecce scare
‘I won’t give in to blackmail’ – Dembele responds to Barca

Athletic Bilbao stuns Barcelona in extra time
Messi left out of upcoming Argentina squad Adriana Garcia

Arsenal eye USMNT, New England Revolution keeper Matt Turner — sources

12:18 PM ET  Jeff Carlisle James Olley

Arsenal has submitted an offer to the New England Revolution for United States men’s national team goalkeeper Matt Turner, sources confirmed to ESPN.

ESPN television analyst Taylor Twellman first reported on the potential deal Thursday.

A second source with knowledge of the discussions added that the proposed transfer fee is comparable to the £5.5 million ($7.5 millon) Manchester City paid for Zack Steffen back in 2019, a deal that potentially reached £7.3m ($10m) with add-ons.MLSSoccer.com first reported the proposed fee for Turner.If the deal is consummated, Arsenal anticipates Turner having a “significant role” with club, a key factor ahead of the current New England keeper’s expected participation in the 2022 World Cup.

The expectation is that current backup goalkeeper Bernd Leno will depart at some stage, potentially leaving Turner to compete with Aaron Ramsdale for the starting spot. A deal for Turner would enable Arsenal to allow Leno to depart this month. Leno lost his place to Ramsdale, a £32m ($43.6m) summer signing from Sheffield United, earlier in the season and has made just four appearances since Aug. 28, all in cup competitions.

However, sources have told ESPN that a combination of Leno being overlooked for Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semifinal against Liverpool and the club’s third-round exit from the FA Cup has led to the German pushing for a move away from Arsenal this month. Sources have told ESPN that Newcastle United could be a possible destination for the 29-year-old, while Inter Milan has previously expressed an interest, and Leno has also been linked with a move back to Germany.

Arsenal has three promising young goalkeepers on their books in Arthur Okonkwo, James Hillson and Karl Hein but views Turner as someone with more experience who is ready to be a competitive understudy to Ramsdale.

Turner has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the last several years. In 2016, he went undrafted and signed as a free agent following a successful trial. Following a pair of loan stints with second-tier side Richmond Kickers, he took over New England’s starting spot in 2018 and has been a mainstay ever since, making 107 league, cup and playoff appearances. He was named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2021, a campaign in which he was also named the MVP of the MLS All-Star Game.Turner has 13 appearances for the U.S. national team — all in 2021 — and backstopped the U.S. to the Gold Cup title while winning the Golden Glove award as the tournament’s best goalkeeper.

USMNT weekend viewing guide: Gearing up for international work

Last weekend before the “real” matches start.  By jcksnftsn  Jan 21, 2022, 9:28am PST

It’s the last weekend prior to the international break, the USMNT roster should be released shortly, and there are a good number of games to keep an eye on this weekend for players who are being called in, as well as some of those who might be on the fringes. Here’s what the weekend has in store:

Saturday

Brest v Lille – 11a on beIN Sports

The best news of the week for the USMNT might have been the return of Tim Weah to the field on Wednesday. Weah saw 22 minutes as a sub off the bench in his first action in six weeks. His return to the field was a welcome sight for fans of the USMNT heading into the upcoming matches. Weah has been a key contributor for the team recently, including scoring the team’s only goal against Jamaica and picking up the assist in the opening goal for the team’s 2-0 win over Mexico. Weah was being used heavily by his club prior to injury and while it looks like they are taking the prudent approach of easing him back in, their transfer activity would seem to indicate that they have plans for him to fill a significant role.

Other notes:

• Pellegrino Matarazzo’s Stuttgart are in a tight relegation battle, with just five points separating their current 17th place position (and automatic relegation) and 11th place Bochum. This weekend at 9:30a on ESPN+, they will face 6th place Freiburg, who are coming off a 4-1 win over Hoffenheim.
• Julian Green and Greuther Fürth are in serious relegation trouble, though they have drawn three straight matches to jump from four to seven points. This weekend, they face Mainz, who are solidly mid-table with 27 points. The match will be played at 9:30a on ESPN+.
• Ricardo Pepi picked up his first start last weekend and while it wasn’t exactly what he would’ve hoped, Augsburg did pick up a point against Frankfurt. The task gets a bit tougher against third place Bayer Leverkusen at 9:30a on ESPN+.
• Indications are that Borussia Dortmund plan to hold Gio Reyna out through the international window, but Chris Richards has started five of the past six matches for Hoffenheim. The two teams face off at 9:30a on EPSN+.
• Joe Scally has returned for Borussia Mönchengladbach, who are themselves dangerously close to the relegation zone and gave up three goals as they were eliminated from the DFB-Pokal by Hannover on Wednesday. ‘Gladbach now face a Union Berlin side that has a top four finish in their sights. This match will also be on ESPN+ at 9:30a.
• Matthew Hoppe has a handful of minutes from Mallorca’s past two matches amidst rumors that the club would like to send him out on loan to get more playing time, but they apparently are having trouble finding a taker in the Spanish second tier. Mallorca face Villarreal at 10:15 on ESPN+.
• Tanner Tessmann and Gianluca Busio have done a bit of a switch, with Tessmann now seeing more minutes as Busio’s have been reduced. Venezia face Inter Milan at noon on Paramount+.
• Konrad de la Fuente’s Olympique de Marseille side face Lens at 3p on beIN sports. Konrad missed the clubs last match with a “knock” and his return is unknown.
• Yunus Musah has seen an uptick in minutes recently with four straight starts across all competitions. Valencia face Atletico Madrid at 3p on ESPN+.

Sunday

RB Leipzig v Wolfsburg – 9:30a on ESPN+

Tyler Adams and RB Leipzig face off against John Brooks and Wolfsburg in a matchup that features two Americans and perhaps the two most disappointing Bundesliga sides this season. Wolfsburg came into the season off a 2020-21 campaign that saw them qualify for Champions League action, but have stumbled mightily. They fired their manager in late October and replaced him with Florian Kohfeldt. Shockingly, Kohfeldt hasn’t seemed to be the answer either. Wolfsburg won their first two fixtures after he replaced Mark van Bommel, but haven’t won a match since and they currently sit dangerously close to the relegation zone. The club snapped a six-game losing streak when they drew with Hertha Berlin last weekend, but failed to find the back of the net yet again in the scoreless draw. They have scored just three goals in their past seven matches.

While Wolfsburg’s season has been bad, it’s possible that Leipzig’s has been even more disappointing. The club had dreams of challenging Bayern Munich for the league title, but halfway through the year that dream is over, and they now must work themselves back into a Champions League qualifying position. The team has won their past two league matches and currently sit in seventh place, three points back of Hoffenheim for that final Champions League spot.

Other notes:

• Richy Ledezma and PSV take on Ajax at 8:30a on ESPN+ in some top of the table Eredivisie action Sunday morning. Currently, PSV hold a one point lead in the standings.
• Nicholas Gioacchini and Montpellier face Monaco at 11:05 on beIN Sports. Gioacchini continues to see substitute minutes on a regular basis for his club.
• Chelsea FC have seen their dreams of a league title disappear with their loss to Manchester City last weekend, but can put some ground between themselves and Tottenham for Champions League positioning when the two clubs meet in a top five matchup at 11:30a on Peacock. Christian Pulisic was an unused sub in the team’s 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion on Tuesday and should be fresh and ready to go against Spurs.
• Weston McKennie remains the most in form US player, and his Juventus side have a crucial matchup with second place AC Milan on Sunday at 2:45p on ESPN+. Currently, Juventus trail Atalanta by a point for fourth place.
• There is the opportunity for a US v US matchup in La Liga on Sunday afternoon when Deportivo Alavés face FC Barcelona at 3p on ESPN+. However, Matt Miazga could be in trouble after his awful gift to Real Betis on Tuesday, and Sergiño Dest needed Barcelona to go into extra time before he was able to see the field as a left winger.

USMNT January qualifying roster: questions and possible solutions

The USMNT January qualifying roster probably won’t contian many surprises but there are complicated questions regarding the form and fitness of players as well as COVID concerns. ASN’s Brian Sciaretta looks at the issues in various areas of the field and looks at what he thinks will be the roster. 

BY BRIAN SCIARETTA  JANUARY 19, 2022

IN A FEW DAYS, United States national team manager Gregg Berhalter will announce his roster for the upcoming January World Cup qualifiers. Not too many surprises are expected and the roster should be based heavily on the October and November windows along with possible inclusions from the December and January camps.There is also a contingent COVID plan that the team has to have in the event that a number of players test positive. Late inclusions into the squad will probably have to be domestically based given the geographic proximity.With the format reverting to a three-game window, a roster size between 26-29 is what I am expecting. Here is a look at the considerations with the roster fast approaching

GOALKEEPERS
Unless there are late injuries or COVID issues, this area of the field seems rather set as Matt Turner, Zack Steffen, and Sean Johnson should be the call-ups.The standby list could include U.S. U-20 standout Gaga Slonina, Ethan Horvath, and even veteran Brad Guzan should be on the list if a late keeper is needed (although Horvath might be available to be added late given that he’s based abroad).

 FULLBACKS

 Sergino Dest and Antonee Robinson are the likely starters. Robinson is in outstanding form for Fulham and is a lock. Dest is in a murky time with Barcelona but has played well for the U.S. national team and has a big role under Berhalter. It seems very unlikely he is dropped.The backup positions seem less clear and there are concerns over a bunch of options. Also, Berhalter might call more than four fullbacks – opening the door for other options.
On the right side, DeAndre Yedlin has lost his starting spot at Galatasaray  but still boasts a ton of experience. Meanwhile Reggie Cannon is playing for Boavista but as a right central defender in a 3-4-3 formation. The one other option that is in the mix on the right side is Brooks Lennon who started in December and is involved in the January camp.n the left after Robinson is very much up in the air – as Berhalter recently said there is an opening. Sam Vines has been ahead of George Bello since the start of the Gold Cup and it’s hard to see that being changed. Vines has enough experience with the team and is playing regularly enough to predict he will go.Uncapped Joe Scally seems like a safe bet given that he is playing and the experienced veterans are not. He should be added as cover on both the left and the right side.With Dest, Robinson, Vines, and Scally that makes four I feel good about. There is a bit of a battle between Yedlin and Lennon, but Yedlin should probably make it due to his experience and that makes five.The wild card here is DeJuan Jones. Berhalter singled out the athletic New England Revolution fullback as having a strong camp so far. That comes on the heels of a great season. Jones is right-footed but typically plays on the left side.Could Jones replace Vines? It is entirely possible. Jones also seems like a guy who could be added if there is a positive COVID-19 test among the fullbacks. I don’t have him in right now (with the above mentioned five making it) but it will not surprise me at all if he sneaks into the roster – either initially, or if there is a need for an addition during camp.

 CENTRAL DEFENDERS

 There are a lot of questions in central defense – both in terms of the number of players Berhalter will take and the players Berhalter will take.Chris Richards, Walker Zimmerman, and Miles Robinson have been starters in key games for this team since October. It’s hard to see that changing despite MLS being in offseason.The big question is whether John Brooks will return to the team. Berhalter cited his tough run of form for being left off the November. While Wolfsburg’s is in a nosedive, Brooks has actually played decently – not great, but a slight improvement. I think given that Brooks is in-season, he will probably be called back.In terms of other possibilities, Mark McKenzie and Tim Ream are probably the next two out. If Berhalter goes with five central defenders, Ream makes the most sense now since he’s playing regularly right now and playing regularly. McKenzie’s playing time has been too inconsistent lately.This will probably chance in the months ahead. Erik Palmer-Brown is having a resurgence in France. Aarn Long is near his comeback. James Sands is in the mix too although it looks as if he is a midfielder for Rangers at the moment. Cameron Carter-Vickers continues to be steady in Scotland.For now, we’re saying Brooks, Zimmerman, Robinson, and Richards get the call for January.In terms of COVID contingency, I think Henry Kessler and Austin Trusty are on standby as both are domestically based and have been with the team recently.

 MIDFIELD

 First, how many midfielders will Berhalter take? The best guess is seven or eight. The first three are very easy to nail down.Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, and Yunus Musah are locks if healthy. McKennie has been the best American player in the game since Pulisic lifted the Champions League trophy and he’s responded very well to adversity after being dismissed from the U.S. camp in September.

Acosta is a logical backup for the No. 6 or No. 8 and if he is playing well in camp, he will go. Gianluca Busio has also had his stock rise this year, even before joining Venezia from Sporting Kansas City. His minutes might be on the decline at Venezia lately but he’s in the mix.That brings us to five. The remaining spots are tougher to predict. We also don’t think Gio Reyna will make this roster and be an option.There is always a debate over Luca de la Torre, who is starting and playing well for a Heracles team that is hoping to avoid a relegation battle. For this camp, given the season, we think he’s in.Even when the U.S. team was playing with many backups at the Gold Cup, Roldan was typically coming off the bench (he didn’t start vs. Canada, Jamaica, Qatar, or Mexico). In World Cup qualifying, he’s a bench option too. He has a defined role of being an energy sub off the bench – no matter the situation. It’s a well-defined role and one he’s embraced. I think he’s in.If Berhalter wants to take one more midfielder, will he take Sebastian Lletget? Possibly although his role has been declining (he was an unused sub in November and wasn’t in the squad vs. Costa Rica in October) and we’ve seen with Berhalter that players slowly fade out.If it isn’t Lletget and Berhalter wants to take one more midfielder, who are the other options? Maybe Cole Bassett who scored in December and just made the move from Colorado to Feyenoord. If he wants more of a deeper midfielder (which might be smart given that Adams is playing on a yellow) he could bring in Yueill, Sands, Tanner Tessmann, or even Johnny Cardoso.For now, we think Lletget has the position albeit with a declining grip. In the months ahead, there will be increased competition from players based both domestically and abroad.I’ll predict eight midfielders on this roster: Adams, McKennie, Musah, Acosta, Roldan, de la Torre, and Lletget.In terms of a COVID contingency of domestic-based players who can be added last minute, I think Yueill and Djordje Mihailovic are on standby.

 FORWARDS/WINGERS

 Right now, I think nine attackers rounds out the team. This is on the larger side given the uncertainty of some players.The locks are Christian Pulisic and Brenden Aaronson on the wings and Ricardo Pepi at the No. 9.Regarding the other wing options, I think it will be Paul Arriola, Tim Weah, and Jordan Morris – all are on the bubble. Weah only just returned from a six-week injury but could be a bench option. Jordan Morris is back in the mix and healthy, albeit rusty.In terms of the No. 9 options after Pepi, the mostly likely call-ups seem to favor Gyasi Zardes and Jesus Ferreira (who can also help on the wing). Daryl Dike has only recently joined a new club and Jordan Pefok has been out of the team since September. Pefok was playing well in December but has been only playing friendlies since then. Matthew Hoppe was on the Gold Cup and October qualifying roster but has only just returned for Mallorca.

The U.S. men’s national team returns to World Cup qualifying action in less than two weeks, and the trio of upcoming matches will give the Americans a golden opportunity to climb within striking distance of the World Cup berth they so desperately crave.

Two home games against two of the teams near the bottom of the Octagonal standings gives Gregg Berhalter a great chance to help his team secure at least six points in the next window, with seven or nine points also possible if the Americans can knock off current Octagonal leaders Canada.

There are challenges in the upcoming window, though, including the reality that the USMNT’s MLS-based contingent isn’t in-season, which will give Berhalter some difficult decisions to make.

It is a safe bet the USMNT will continue to lean on its European-based contingent, but we shouldn’t expect the MLS-based players to suddenly be put on the bench. At least not all of them.

There is also the matter of squad rotation, and while the memories of the disappointing loss in Panama in October will surely resonate as Berhalter plots out his plan for personnel across three matches, we are still very likely to see major changes at some point in the three-match window.

Before we can get into discussions about which players will start in which games, we have to consider which players will actually get the call for the upcoming qualifiers. The current USMNT camp featuring MLS-based players will have some

Here is the 27-player roster we could see Berhalter calling up for the January/February World Cup qualifiers:

---

Projected USMNT World Cup Qualifying Roster SBI Ives Galarcep

Goalkeepers

Matt Turner, Zack Steffen, Sean Johnson

No change to this group, with Ethan Horvath still not earning minutes at Nottingham Forest. Zack Steffen’s hold on the starting spot should remain secure, though you wonder if Berhalter will consider starting Turner for one of the three matches.

Missed the Cut: Ethan Horvath, Gabriel Slonina, Bill Hamid

Defenders

Sergiño Dest, Miles Robinson, Walker Zimmerman, Antonee Robinson, Reggie Cannon, Chris Richards, John Brooks, Sam Vines, James Sands

Will John Brooks make his return to the USMNT fold? Based on form, the Wolfsburg defender absolutely should be one of the four or five central defenders called in, but only Berhalter knows what he has planned for the upcoming window. MLS not being in-season should lead to a limiting of MLS central defenders to Miles Robinson and Walker Zimmerman, with Aaron Long unlikely to be ready to contribute just yet.We include James Sands in this group due to his versatility, and with the caveat that he only earns the call if Berhalter brings in a larger-than-normal squad into camp. Sands has joined Scottish giants Rangers, so he should be fit and ready to go for the upcoming qualifiers if he gets the call.At fullback, Sergiño Dest hasn’t played in more than a month, but Berhalter has gone on record saying he isn’t worried about the Barcelona fullback’s availability. DeAndre Yedlin has fallen out of favor at Galatasaray and hasn’t played in a month either, which opens the door for Reggie Cannon to return. Cannon is starting regularly for Boavista, andJoe Scally is coming off a bout with COVID-19 and only recently returned to action for Borussia Moenchengladbach, which will likely keep him behind the established veterans already in the fullback mix, but if Berhalter decides to bring a fifth fullback, Scally’s versatility could earn him a spot.Missed the Cut: Aaron Long, Matt Miazga, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Joe Scally, DeAndre Yedlin, Brooks Lennon, Shaq Moore, Cameron Carter-Vickers, George Bello, DeJuan Jones

Midfielders

Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Yunus Musah, Sebastian Lletget, Gianluca Busio, Cristian Roldan, Kellyn Acosta

The usual suspects should get the call in midfield, though you wonder whether Berhalter will consider going with fewer than three MLS-based central midfielders and turning to someone like Luca De La Torre, who is currently in the middle of his season and more match-fit than someone like Cristian Roldan.Tanner Tessmann is an interesting option. He has seen his playing time increase at Venezia, and his qualities as defensive midfielder make him a good alternative if Tyler Adams or Kellyn Acosta were not available. Acosta’s experience edge keeps him in the squad even though he isn’t in-season.

Missed the Cut: Luca De La Torre, Djordje Mihailovic, Tanner Tessmann,  Christian Cappis, Jackson Yueill

Forwards

Christian Pulisic, Brenden Aaronson, Ricardo Pepi, Jordan Morris, Paul Arriola, Tim Weah, Daryl Dike, Josh Sargent

The big questions here are whether Gio Reyna makes the trio and which striker/strikers will join Ricardo Pepi in camp. The Reyna decision isn’t an easy one because he hasn’t played in more than four months, and Berhalter couldn’t be blamed for not wanting to rush him back. Bringing him into camp to be around the squad and to continue his rehabilitation wouldn’t be a bad move, but actually playing him in the upcoming qualifiers when he will not have featured yet for Borussia Dortmund would be a questionable move.Another question to ponder is whether Tim Weah will be ready to contribute in the upcoming qualifiers. He only recently returned to action for Lille after missing more than a month with a thigh injury, and while we didn’t initially have Weah listed, his return to the field this week would give him time to be part of Berhalter’s setup so we have added him as a 27th player.As for as striker goes, Daryl Dike has completed his move to West Brom and is in-season, making him a good option to pair with Pepi, but will Berhalter take the opportunity to bring Josh Sargent back into the fold? Sargent has been earning regular playing time for Norwich City, but he is still searching for his first Premier League goal. It wouldn’t be a bad time to bring him back into the mix.

Missed the Cut: Gio Reyna, Paul Arriola, Gyasi Zardes, Jordan Pefok, Matthew Hoppe, Konrad De La Fuente, Nicholas Gioacchini, Jesus Ferreira

Chill index could be ‘high risk’ for USMNT World Cup qualifying match vs. El Salvador

Jan 19, 2022ssociated Press

A kickoff temperature of about 25 degrees is forecast for the United States‘ World Cup qualifier against El Salvador at Columbus, Ohio, on Jan. 27, with a wind chill index approaching what the U.S. Soccer Federation’s health guidelines call “high risk for cold-related illness.”

Walker Zimmerman views winter weather as a prime opportunity for himself and his American teammates. He remembered back to March 2013, when he viewed on television the infamous Snow Clasico, a 1-0 victory over Costa Rica during a blizzard at Commerce City, Colorado.”I was even talking to my wife over the break,” the 28-year-old defender said Wednesday. “I was like, you know what? I want it to be freezing. I want it to be cold. I want the snow. I want to be a part of something so iconic that I saw and I really remember growing up. And that’s exciting to me. So I think the guys are ready to embrace it, embrace the cold. And it will be a really good environment for us fan-wise, as well.”AccuWeather forecast the 7 p.m. temperature in Columbus next Thursday will be 24 to 26 degrees with winds from the west at 4 to 14 mph and a 40% chance of snow showers. The forecast for the Jan. 30 qualifier against Canada at Hamilton, Ontario, calls for temperatures from 22 to 24 and winds at 5-10 mph for the 3 p.m. start, with a 10% chance of snow flurries.

The forecast for the Feb. 2 qualifier against Honduras at St. Paul, Minnesota, which starts at 6:30 p.m. CST, is for 18-20 degrees, winds of 7-14 mph and a 30% chance of snow flurries.

“The staff on the national team do a tremendous job, and we have full confidence in them to prepare us,” winger Paul Arriola said after training in Phoenix, where Wednesday’s high temperature was 70.”Obviously, we have our duties as professional players and players on the national team to be as ready as possible for every condition. I’ve done it before and I think most of most of the players on this team have, and I think it’s an opportunity for us.”

CONCACAF Table

	GP	PTS	GD
1 – Canada	8	16	+8
2 – USA	8	15	+7
3 – Mexico	8	14	+4
4 – Panama	8	14	+2
5 – Costa Rica	8	9	-1
6 – Jamaica	8	7	-4
7 – El Salvador	8	6	-6
8 – Honduras	8	3	-10
1-3 qualifies; 4 into playoff

U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter, who plans to announce his roster Saturday, expects a home-field advantage.”If it’s tough for us, and we have guys playing in Europe in cold weather,” he said, “what’s it going to be like for Honduras, who’s coming from Honduras midweek, coming from 85-, 90-degree temperatures?”Under Recognize to Recover, announced by the USSF in December 2015 as a “comprehensive player health and safety program,” a wind chill temperature index of the type forecast includes a “recommended action” to “consider modifying activity to limit exposure and allow for more frequent chances to re-warm.”A 25-degree temperature with a 5 mph wind produces a 19 wind chill, which is orange on the USSF index and termed “moderate risk for cold-related illness.”The USSF recommends to “provide additional clothing, cover as much exposed skin as practical, and provide opportunities and facilities for re-warming.”If the wind increases to 10 mph and the wind chill drops to 15, the index would be in the red zone, calling for modified activity. A drop to 15 degrees and a wind increase to 10 mph would move the alert level to black, which is termed as “extreme conditions.”The recommendation for that level is “cancel or attempt to move activities indoors.”Federations pick sites of home qualifiers. Nicholas Noble, spokesman for the regional governing body of North and Central America and Caribbean Association Football, when asked about World Cup qualifying in September responded: “CONCACAF does not manage or run these matches, FIFA does, along with the individual federations.”FIFA spokesman Bryan Swanson did not respond to an email seeking comment.”Our event staff and coaching staff worked hand in hand on the venue selection,” USSF CEO Will Wilson said. “Obviously the venues that are coming up, we’re comfortable with their mitigation processes.”The fields in Columbus and St. Paul are heated, and the USSF said it is confident players will be protected from the elements. Hamilton’s Tim Hortons Field has artificial turf.Dr. George Chiampas, the USSF’s chief medical officer and a member of FIFA’s medical committee, said cold is easier to acclimate to than heat and humidity. Mitigation will include heated benches and hand warmers.Midfielder Sebastian Lletget, a California native traded from the LA Galaxy to the New England Revolution last month, thinks the qualifiers are “going to help me kind of get accustomed.”

Preparing for Major League Soccer’s playoffs with the Revolution in November was beneficial for goalkeeper Matt Turner, who started the first five U.S. qualifiers.

“Understand that mentality and what it takes to succeed in those moments,” he said. “So for me, it’s embracing the cold. It’s keep up my focus sharp for the moments when I’m called into action and just have fun with it. I mean, this is America. This is the beauty. We could play in 90 degrees and we can play in zero degrees in the same time of year. It’s a pretty cool thing.”

USMNT’s European stars: How McKennie, Pulisic, Scally & Co. measure up in 2021-22

1:36 PM ET  Bill Connelly   ESPN Staff Writer

In 1990, after the United States‘ first appearance in the FIFA World Cup in 40 years, forward John Harkes signed with Sheffield Wednesday, a second-division English club. That was a big deal. While the U.S. player pool had growing promise, Europe wasn’t really taking notice. Tab Ramos would play for Real Betis for a couple of years in the mid-1990s, Eric Wynalda for FC Saarbrucken and Bochum, and Claudio Reyna for Bayer Leverkusen and Manchester City (among others). But the signings were few and far between. It was pretty easy to keep track of all of them.

A generation later, in the “good problems to have” category, fans of American men’s soccer officially have far too many players to track in Europe. With the World Cup in Qatar less than a year away, and with the qualification process entering the home stretch — six matches remain for the USMNT, beginning with a match next Thursday against El Salvador in Columbus, Ohio — let’s look at which Americans are thriving overseas, which are battling a tough stretch and who’s in form with the World Cup on the horizon.

Heat check: How’s the core doing?

Gregg Berhalter’s team has been far from perfect in qualifying to date, playing mostly exciting ball at home but showing an abundance of caution on the road, losing at Panama and drawing at El Salvador and Jamaica. The U.S. is sitting in second place and, barring a total collapse, is in good shape to either qualify with a top-three finish or, if it finishes fourth, play in June’s inter-confederation playoff against the Oceania champion, likely New Zealand.

That’s not terrible considering Berhalter hasn’t actually seen his core lineup on the pitch even once. Primarily because of ill-timed injuries, the quintet of attackers Christian Pulisic and Gio Reyna, midfielders Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams, and fullback Sergino Dest have yet to play together in qualifying. Might that change soon?for the USMNT in qualifying, both because of how much he has controlled the midfield and because of how frequently he’s been out: he’s been available for only four of eight matches. The 23-year old has also been in incredible form of late for Juve, scoring four goals (two in the past week), creating 18 chances and recording 73 ball recoveries over his past 15 matches. After a rough patch in October and November, Juve has gained steam alongside him, taking 20 points from its past eight league matches and losing only to Inter in the Italian Super Cup.

Christian Pulisic, Chelsea. Good news: Pulisic is playing regularly again. Injuries and form issues rendered him a minimal part of the Chelsea rotation for a while — and limited him to 197 minutes in World Cup qualifying — but over the past two months he has played 879 minutes in 15 matches for the Blues, and with the club battling some severe injury issues, he has proved versatile, logging minutes everywhere from center-forward to right wingback.

The less good news: Perhaps in part because of the lack of a stable role, he’s not producing a ton, scoring just twice with two assists in these 879 minutes. But his underlying numbers are encouraging: after a slow start to the season, he is averaging 0.46 xG+xA (expected goals plus expected assists) per 90, nearly equal to last season’s 0.48, though still inferior to the 0.63 he produced during an ultra-promising 2019-20 campaign. Things are trending in the right direction, but he’s not in his best-ever form just yet.Tyler Adams, RB Leipzig. It says something about how young the USMNT is that Adams, 22 years old, feels like the steady, stalwart veteran. He has logged 93% of minutes so far in qualifying and has shown a proclivity for putting out fires. At Leipzig, however, he has had a ton of fires to put out. RBL has struggled mightily in transition defense despite his steadiness in winning duels and intercepting passes.

Sergino Dest, Barcelona. The 21-year old’s second season at Barca has been an odd one. On the pitch, Dest has produced: 22 chances and 5.2 xG+xA in 1,414 minutes in all competitions from an offense-friendly right-back role. But he has battled a number of injuries and missed time with a positive COVID-19 test in early January, and Barca’s new manager, Xavi, doesn’t appear sold on the youngster. The club recently welcomed 38-year-old Dani Alves back, all while Dest has been the subject of transfer rumors. If healthy, he remains a torrid and dangerous player for the USMNT in attack, but his club future might be in doubt.

Gio Reyna, Borussia Dortmund. The wait continues. The 19-year-old was in outstanding form before suffering a hamstring injury in the first World Cup qualification match, and he has yet to play since.

Brenden Aaronson, Red Bull Salzburg. Injuries to Pulisic and Reyna opened a door for Aaronson at the national team level, and he has taken advantage. Only Adams has played more minutes for the U.S. in World Cup qualification, and Aaronson has scored twice. He also has produced strong form for Salzburg despite a finishing funk, scoring twice in Champions League qualification, dishing the ball for four assists in league play and recording monstrous levels of pressure. The 21-year-old has found himself in the Red Bull system — a good incubator for developing talent — and his performance for the U.S. has eased the burden created by key injuries.

Antonee Robinson, Fulham. The 24-year-old left-back has recorded 521 minutes in World Cup qualification and leads the U.S. with nine chances created thus far; he also scored a key goal against Honduras. At the club level, he’s playing a key role for Fulham in buildup and in transition. He’s got two goals (including one on Tuesday) and four assists for by far the best attack in England‘s second division, and his 139 ball recoveries is by far the most of any fullback in the Championship. It appears Fulham’s stay in the second division might be a short one, and he’s a major reason why.

Zack Steffen, Manchester City. Steffen remains in a battle with Matt Turner for first-choice U.S. keeper, and he remains Pep Guardiola’s second choice at Manchester City. He has done well when given the chance: in six matches in all competitions for City, he has recorded 1.6 goals prevented (xG for shots on target conceded minus actual goals conceded) with a 76% save percentage. He has given up two goals in three World Cup qualification matches, but one was an absolute screamer from Jamaica’s (and West Ham United‘s) Michail Antonio.

Grade: Incomplete

Compared with other positions, center-forward is not one of great depth for the U.S., but two promising youngsters have made January moves overseas.

Ricardo Pepi, Augsburg, and Daryl Dike, West Bromwich Albion. Pepi (19) and Dike (21) are only getting started with their new clubs — they’ve combined for only three matches, 145 minutes, three shots, zero goals and two chances created thus far. The two have shown similar strengths and weaknesses: They position themselves well and finish with aplomb, but they still have work to do when it comes to link-up play and shot creation. Both now have excellent opportunities to make headway in that regard.Pepi and Dike aren’t the only Americans getting their footing with new clubs. Defender/midfielder James Sands made his Rangers debut on Tuesday, midfielder and recent Hermann Trophy winner (given to the best college player in America) Dante Polvara signed with Scotland‘s Aberdeen, winger Chris Mueller just moved from Orlando City to Scotland’s Hibernian, and 18-year-old FC Dallas defender Justin Che is moving to the Bundesliga’s Hoffenheim on a loan-to-buy deal.

Stock rising

Things change quickly in the American player pool. Pepi, for instance, went from making his USMNT debut in September 2021 to becoming the first-choice forward by October and joining the Bundesliga in January — a year ago, that turn of events wouldn’t have seemed even remotely plausible. But his name isn’t the only one on the rise. Quite a few young Americans have made the most of European moves, and some now seem like much more realistic options for a Qatar trip than they did not too long ago.

Joe Scally, Borussia Monchengladbach. After making just four appearances for NYCFC, the full-back moved to Gladbach in 2021; he not only made his first-team debut this fall at age 18 but also became a regular presence in the lineup. He has made 21 appearances in all competitions, scoring once, creating 18 chances, winning 54% of his duels and proving solid on both the left and right. He has yet to appear in World Cup qualification, but he’s making himself awfully hard to ignore.

Gianluca Busio, Venezia. Listed at 5-foot-6 and 143 pounds, the 19-year-old seemed like the type who might need to bulk up and ease his way in when he was acquired by Venezia in August. Nope! The midfielder has already made 20 Serie A appearances, and although he still has some catching up to do physically — he isn’t a duels-heavy player and doesn’t draw a lot of contact — he is a safe ball-progressor who steps well into opposing passing lanes. If he can hang in Serie A, he can hang in CONCACAF and Qatar.

Chris Richards, Hoffenheim (via Bayern Munich). After making a handful of appearances with Bayern, the 21-year-old spent most of the 2021 calendar year with Hoffenheim in search of playing time. It seems to be paying off. Hoffenheim is a surprising fourth in the Bundesliga, and Richards has been a major component, showing major aerial prowess and winning 61% of his duels. His buildup play is fine, and he has recorded 181 minutes over three World Cup qualification matches as well.

The U.S. is blessed with quite a few solid center-backs, but Richards could play himself into a spot in the World Cup (assuming, of course, that the U.S. qualifies).

STREAM ESPN FC DAILY ON ESPN+

Mark McKenzie, Genk. A 22-year old former Philadelphia Union star, McKenzie has played 180 minutes in qualification thus far — 90 at left-back, 90 at center-back — and both his versatility and his league form could keep him in the rotation. His play for Belgian heavyweight Genk has been a bright spot; his team has disappointed a bit (it’s all the way down in eighth place), but he has proved integral from an intervention standpoint and in buildup play.

A few others are in strong form in 2021-22 as well. Among them: Luca de la Torre (13 minutes in qualifying) has recorded 143 ball recoveries and created 18 chances in midfield for the Eredivisie’s Heracles; left-back Sam Vines is establishing strong defensive bona fides for Royal Antwerp (currently third in Belgium); and although Greuther Furth is having a rough first season in the Bundesliga, midfielder Timothy Tillman has been a bright spot, scoring once and creating 14 chances.

Stock falling (or at least not rising)

Josh Sargent, Norwich City. The rise of Pepi and Dike seems to have coincided with a fall of sorts for 22-year-old Sargent, who moved from relegated Werder Bremen to potentially soon-to-be-relegated Norwich City in the Premier League. After managing just five goals and two assists in 2,518 Bundesliga minutes last season, he has yet to record either in 985 EPL minutes. (He did score twice against Bournemouth in the League Cup, at least.) He’s getting plenty of reps and could still make this move work, but it hasn’t just yet.

Julian Green, Greuther Furth. One of the major components of Furth’s promotion run last season — the 26-year old midfielder scored nine goals with 36 chances created — Green was in position to potentially force himself into the American rotation with a strong Bundesliga campaign. Instead, he has played in only 11 of Furth’s league matches and created only nine chances. (Like Sargent, he did score in cup play.)

Green’s role as a steady, possession-based ball-progressor was negated by the fact that Furth never had the ball to progress, and he has played only 27 minutes since the start of December.

Yunus Musah, Valencia. Musah’s story has been an interesting one. He has made 54 cup and league appearances for Valencia since his September 2020 debut, but although he’s thrilling to watch on the ball, he hasn’t produced a ton, and in 461 league minutes this season he has zero goals and just four chances created. But he has created eight chances with two assists in nine national team appearances over the past year. He pairs well with the physical McKennie, and one assumes he’s still high on the priority list for Berhalter. It’s just that his league form makes that a bit of a leap of faith.

Tim Weah, Lille. Like Musah, 21-year old Weah has made more of an impression with country than club this season. He was brilliant against both Mexico and Jamaica in November’s qualification window, recording a goal and an assist and seemingly playing at a different speed from everyone else on the pitch. He hasn’t scored for Lille since last February, however. He is creating a decent number of chances (12 in 966 league and Champions League minutes), so his stock isn’t really down down, but after having been given extra minutes and responsibility with the defending French champions, he hasn’t made the most of it just yet.

In France, a couple more young Americans have struggled to stand out. Forward Nicholas Gioacchini (21) has contributed a couple of assists in 295 minutes as a Montpellier sub but has yet to score in six shots, and while 20-year-old Konrad De La Fuente (72 minutes in World Cup qualification) started out well at Marseille (two assists in August), he hasn’t contributed a goal or assist since.

Midfielder Alex Mendez moved from Ajax to Portugal‘s Vizela last summer and has created 12 chances, but with zero goals or assists, in 764 minutes thus far. Meanwhile, Tanner Tessmann, teammates with Busio at Venezia, has provided a few pressures but not a ton of other contributions in 630 minutes in Serie A and the Coppa Italia.

Serviceable veterans

While the USMNT is enjoying a wave of contributions from younger players, there are still some veterans who are both putting together decent seasons and holding out hope for inclusion in a theoretical World Cup squad later this year.

John Brooks, Wolfsburg. Long an assumed member of the roster, Brooks has played only 135 minutes in World Cup qualification because of iffy form. But while Wolfsburg as a whole has been terribly disappointing this season — it finished fourth in its Champions League group and pulled just one point from its past seven Bundesliga matches, falling to 14th in the table — Brooks has still been, well, Brooks. He’s still solid in the air (61% aerial success rate), good at stepping in front of progressive passes, good at being physical but avoiding fouls, and, yes, a little heavy of foot and vulnerable to quick transitions at times.

Berhalter has a ton of interesting center-backs to consider, but Brooks will likely remain a solid option throughout 2022.the 2014 World Cup among the talent pool. Massimo Insabato/Archivio Massimo Insabato/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images

DeAndre Yedlin, Galatasaray. With Dest limited by injury, Yedlin has played a larger role than many expected in World Cup qualification, recording 361 minutes in seven matches. The 28-year-old also remains a speedy option for Galatasaray. He is something of an anti-Dest — he contributes more in the defensive portions of the right-back position but is far less effective in ball progression. But Berhalter clearly still appreciates him, and he remains solid enough to play regularly for the Turkish heavyweight.

Jordan Pefok, Young Boys. After making a number of appearances for the U.S. in the spring of 2021, Pefok evidently fell down Berhalter’s pecking order. He played 109 minutes in the first two qualification matches (zero goals, three shots) but hasn’t been called up since. He’s maintaining strong club form, however, scoring twice for Young Boys in Champions League play and scoring 11 times in 17 matches in the Swiss Super League.

If Pepi and Dike both do well in their new clubs this spring, it might be difficult for Pefok to work too far up the pecking order in 2022, but he remains sturdy and sound.

There are quite a few other veterans still carving out solid roles in Europe, including defenders Matt Miazga (Deportivo Alaves via Chelsea) and Shaq Moore (Tenerife); fullbacks Timmy Chandler (Eintracht Frankfurt) and Reggie Cannon (Boavista); midfielders Duane Holmes (Huddersfield Town) and Ian Harkes (Dundee United); and forward Christian Ramirez (Aberdeen). Thus far, only Moore has seen time in World Cup qualification play.

Still waiting for a shot

It doesn’t always immediately work out for a young player at a new club. Many are waiting their turn, from PSV Eindhoven‘s Richy Ledezma to Caen-via-Manchester City’s Erik Palmer-Brown, but let’s focus on two in particular:

Matthew Hoppe, Mallorca. On Jan. 9 last year, Hoppe came out of nowhere to score a hat trick and lead Schalke 04 to the victory that ended its 30-match league winless streak. He suddenly landed on the USMNT radar and soon scored his first goal for his country, at age 20, against Jamaica in the summer’s Gold Cup. By September, he was joining a LaLiga club. It was a bit of a whirlwind, but all momentum has ground to a halt since. He has made only four appearances, for a total of 112 minutes, for Mallorca. He has created three chances and attempted two shots in those minutes, but he’s still waiting to make an impression.

Bryan Reynolds, Roma. Jose Mourinho is not known for leaning heavily on young players, so it wasn’t necessarily a good omen for Reynolds when Mourinho took over at Roma this year. Sure enough, after playing 285 minutes in the 2020-21 Serie A season, the 20-year-old has played just one in 2021-22. He’s been the subject of many potential loan deals this January, but none has come to fruition yet. He could certainly use the action, though — after debuting for the USMNT in a March 2021 friendly, he didn’t play again until he was made available for December’s friendly against Bosnia & Herzegovina.

State of the USMNT Player Pool Entering the Next World Cup Qualifiers

A big three-match window is on the horizon for the U.S. as it attempts to qualify for the World Cup, and a number of variables surround the available players to be called in.

• AVI CREDITORJAN 18, 2022

It’s almost that time again for the U.S. men’s national team.When we last saw the Americans—at least the first-choice batch—they were wrapping up a four-point November World Cup qualifying window, which included a familiar 2–0 home win over Mexico before a satisfactory if not unimpressive 1–1 draw at Jamaica. That left the U.S. in second place in Concacaf’s eight-team table, where the top three automatically go to the World Cup and the fourth-place finisher goes to Qatar in June for a one-game playoff against Oceania’s representative for a final spot in the 32-team field.There’s plenty at stake when qualifying resumes next week, with the U.S. continuing its second lap through the regional pool by hosting El Salvador in Columbus, Ohio, facing Canada in Hamilton, Ontario, and then returning home to St. Paul, Minn., for a date vs. Honduras. It’s the reverse fixtures of the opening three-game window of qualifying in September, and the points that could nudge the U.S. closer to Qatar are there for the taking, with the two home matches coming against the worst two teams in the table. First-place Canada will be weakened some following the word that Alphonso Davies is out while recovering from a case of myocarditis discovered following his recent experience with COVID-19.But what about the state of the U.S.? For the last 10 days, 20 MLS-based players have been training in Phoenix, where they’ll wrap up the first portion of camp Jan. 21. Some of that group will stay on and move to Columbus, where they’ll be joined by the U.S.’s abroad-based contingent. Given the time of year on the club calendar, all are in a different place when it comes to form and fitness. Winter breaks or offseasons for some leagues coupled with recent injuries, fresh transfers, the omicron coronavirus variant and other variables make for one unique set of player circumstances.“What we’ve learned is expect the unexpected,” U.S. manager Gregg Berhalter said recently. “You never know who is going to be available to play in each game. You have to be willing to adapt.” With a roster reveal for the looming matches in the offing, here’s a positional look at the U.S. player pool and where things currently stand:

GOALKEEPERS

Zack Steffen may still be second choice at Man City and relegated to domestic cup duty, but he’ll enter this camp finding himself in a rare position: having played a competitive match more recently than Matt Turner. Not like it has mattered even when Turner was in season with the New England Revolution. After watching the reigning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year start the first five qualifiers, Steffen has gotten the call ever since and should be expected in goal vs. El Salvador. NYCFC’s Sean Johnson appears to be in the lead for the third GK spot, though that’s not set in stone for the long haul; it’s just a product of the current state of the competition. Nations League final hero Ethan Horvath hasn’t played a minute for Nottingham Forest since Sept. 15, while 17-year-old Gabriel Slonina projects as a longer-term prospect. Including the Chicago Fire youngster as part of the team going to qualifiers could be a chip to play as he weighs his options between the U.S. and Poland, but Berhalter hasn’t typically dangled roster spots in that way and would keep Slonina for the trio of qualifiers only if he earns it through his play in camp—where he’s been with Turner and Johnson—over the last couple of weeks.

DEFENDERS

In the center, Miles Robinson and Walker Zimmerman were the big winners of the fall, emerging as the top-choice tandem as John Brooks struggled for form at Wolfsburg. But the former two have been out of season since their teams were eliminated from the MLS playoffs in November, and Brooks could find himself back in the mix—even if it’s not a starting role—along with Chris Richards and Mark McKenzie from the Europe-based contingent.The accelerated return of Aaron Long is another piece of the puzzle. Brought into camp in November and December to continue his rehab from a torn Achilles suffered last May, Long seems to think he’ll be ready to contribute as soon as next week.“I feel great. I mean, I’m not even eight months out yet, but I feel really good,” Long said late last week. “Just got to keep getting fit and hopefully—and I got [two] more weeks until the qualifier, so yeah, should be good to go.” “Good to go” might be overstating it, especially with Berhalter indicating earlier last week that Long was more likely to be match-fit for the three final qualifiers in March, but if he really is back and can feature at his previous level, it’s an unexpected bonus.Out wide, things may be ironically more settled on the left than the right. Antonee Robinson is a lineup fixture again for Fulham—he had a goal and an assist on Tuesday—which is in first place in England’s second tier and chasing promotion. Sam Vines has made 10 starts for Antwerp since making the move to Belgium, while the versatile Joe Scally and George Bello are the other alternatives. Vines and Scally took part in camp for the last two qualifiers but did not play.On the right, Sergiño Dest hasn’t been playing for Barcelona, which presents a bit of a problem. Dest’s last minutes were in the first half of Barça’s Champions League group finale against Bayern Munich on Dec. 8. He’s been hurt and had a case of COVID-19, which hasn’t helped his cause, but it adds a wrinkle for Berhalter as he considers how—and whether—to use one of his most dynamic players entering the final third. Behind Dest, dependable veteran DeAndre Yedlin hasn’t gotten off the bench in Galatasaray’s last four games, while Reggie Cannon, on the flip side, has reemerged as a starter at Boavista but has yet to play a minute in qualifying.Brooks’s and Yedlin’s carrying yellow cards into the three-match window also necessitates more depth at their respective positions, given that one more yellow for either would mean a one-match suspension.

MIDFIELDERS

Weston McKennie is in his best form of the season for Juventus, with goals in consecutive games and Tottenham transfer rumors swirling as the January window hits its second half. He, Yunus Musah and Tyler Adams are in line to command the midfield, though Adams needs to be wary of missing any time given his yellow-card status.

Beyond them, of the reliable MLS trio of Sebastian Lletget, Kellyn Acosta and Cristian Roldan, two have been traded (Lletget to the New England Revolution, Acosta to LAFC), and, digging a little deeper, James Sands secured a loan from NYCFC to Rangers. Save for Sands, who made his debut for Rangers on Tuesday, all have been inactive since their clubs’ seasons ended, leaving them with only U.S. camp time to stay fit.Gianluca Busio came on strong in the fall but has made just one start in Venezia’s last four matches in all competitions. Luca de la Torre remains a lineup fixture for midtable Dutch side Heracles, but Berhalter hasn’t shown much of an affinity for him during qualifying. Perhaps that will change with the second line of central midfielders out of season.

https://b7115208cbb636629166a834f33175ab.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html FORWARDS

There’s a lot to unpack here, especially in the wide areas. Christian Pulisic is fit, but he has recently been spending time on the field for Chelsea pigeonholed into wingback and false-nine roles instead of operating more exclusively in his accustomed attacking spot on the wing. Gio Reyna, who hasn’t played for club or country since the U.S.’s first qualifier, on Sept. 2, is likely to be held out until the international break, according to Dortmund coach Marco Rose. Tim Weah has also been out injured for Lille—though he returned to full training Tuesday—and is an injury doubt for the upcoming camp as well. Brenden Aaronson isn’t hurt, but Salzburg has been off since Dec. 11 for the Austrian Bundesliga’s winter break, and save for club friendlies, he won’t have had any match time in the six weeks leading into the El Salvador game. (The Athletic reported Tuesday that Leeds United is looking to buy him during the transfer window and had a $20 million bid rejected.)

Those are the U.S.’s four top attacking talents out wide, and there are questions of a varying nature about all of them and their readiness for the intense matches to come. A wild card to watch is Konrad de la Fuente, the Marseille winger who started in El Salvador in the first qualifier but hasn’t returned for either of the subsequent windows. https://b7115208cbb636629166a834f33175ab.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html In the center, Ricardo Pepi is getting settled at Augsburg, where he has looked rather comfortable in his first matches in Germany, even if he hasn’t scored just yet (and hasn’t scored for anyone since his stellar fall for the U.S. and goal vs. Jamaica). The competition there isn’t all that fierce at the moment. Josh Sargent continues to struggle for Norwich City, while Daryl Dike just moved to West Brom and is getting acclimated. Jordan Pefok, like Aaronson, has his club on winter break, though his final impression before the stoppage was a four-goal performance for Young Boys in Switzerland. Matthew Hoppe just returned from a long-term injury for Mallorca, earning his first minutes since Sept. 22 in back-to-back brief stints off the bench. It remains Pepi’s place to lose. 

The four MLS forwards currently in camp—Jordan Morris, Paul Arriola, Jesús Ferreira and Gyasi Zardes—could all proceed to the next phase, especially considering the expectation of an expanded squad and the need for more options. Arriola, for what it’s worth, has been linked with a move from D.C. United to Mexico’s Club América.

Written Q&A: Jordan Morris

The USMNT and Seattle Winger Opens Up on a Big 2022 Ahead with the USMNT and Seattle	Grant Wahl Jan 18

Grant Wahl:

Our guest now is Jordan Morris, the Seattle Sounders winger who’s in the U.S. men’s national team’s January camp ahead of three big World Cup qualifiers starting at the end of the month. Jordan, it’s great to see you. Thanks for coming on the show.

Jordan Morris:

Yeah, of course. No worries. No problem.

Grant Wahl:

Lots to talk about here. You’ve been in both the December and January U.S. camps after coming back from your ACL injury. One thing I always like to ask players is, how has this camp been so far? And are there any players that have stood out to you in a good way so far?

Jordan Morris:

Yeah, it’s been a great camp so far. Good to get back with the group. And I think it’s always, obviously, important before these big games coming up to get together, to get the fitness in. I think that’s been a big component of this camp is since this group isn’t playing games, getting that fitness component in and hopefully putting ourselves in a good spot to make that qualifying roster. 

But I think a lot of players have been doing really well. DeJuan [Jones] has come in. He’s kind of the newer face that I haven’t seen quite as much of. And I’ve been really impressed with him. I think he’s done a really good job. So everyone’s doing well and working hard.

---

Fútbol with Grant Wahl is a reader-supported soccer newsletter. You can sign up (free or paid) to get my posts in your inbox. The best way to support my work is by taking out a paid subscription.

Subscribe now

Give a gift subscription

---

Grant Wahl:

I realize it’s not guaranteed that you’ll be on the roster for the World Cup qualifiers, but if you do make it, what kind of role would you be hoping to have?

Jordan Morris:

Any role. Of course, the goal is to be part of that group. And I think throughout my whole recovery, throughout these last two camps, I’ve just been trying to work really hard to get my fitness levels back up, to get my sharpness back up coming out of a long-term injury and, of course, wanting to be a part of that qualifying group at the end of the month. 

But whatever role I’m asked to play, if I do make that team, I’ll of course play happily. I know having been out for a while that things might not be going perfectly for me now. I know there’s things I need to continue to work on. I’m actually feeling really sharp this camp, feeling fit, feeling like my touch on the ball has gotten a lot better. But whatever role that I’m asked to play, if I do end up making the squad, I will, of course, happily play. And that’s what I love about this group is it’s just guys fighting and working for each other.

“When you have [being able to play] taken from you, you just realize how much you love the game, how much you truly appreciate it. And when I came back again, it just made that so much more clear. Not that I did this before, but you don’t ever take a day for granted. And I’m just grateful for the opportunity to be playing again.” — Jordan Morris

Grant Wahl:

I’m sure you’ve had discussions with Coach Gregg Berhalter. What has he told you about what he wants from you right now?

Jordan Morris:

Before the December camp I had a discussion with him that, like I mentioned, just getting my fitness and my sharpness back up, because I was fortunate enough to come back this year. And that was my goal was to try to get back and play at the end of the season with the Sounders. But we lost pretty quick there in the playoffs, so I didn’t get too much game time. 

And so just getting back and being able to take part in the friendly in December and just getting that fitness and that sharpness back is really important. And in terms of on the field, I think it’s similar to before the injury, what I felt like I could bring was stretching teams, getting in behind, using my pace to disorganize the opponent. And so I think it’s more of the same in terms of what I can bring to the table.

Grant Wahl:

At this moment, how close do you feel like you are to being back at your best?

Jordan Morris:

I think there’s definitely a little ways to go. I actually feel really, really good this camp. I felt like it’s been a big step up from even December fitness-wise, sharpness, touches on the ball. I think, of course, when you’re going through a rehab, and I’m super grateful for the staff in Seattle. They pushed me really, really hard. So the fitness level, when I came back, I actually felt really good. 

I think the game play, and the sharpness, and things like that are always going to come a little bit later. So coming to this camp, I’ve actually felt really, really good. I feel like there’s definitely still some things that are a little bit fast and things that I want to continue to work on. Continuing to get sharp in front of goal is obviously, a big one for myself. That’s a big part of my game. So I’m definitely not quite at a hundred percent where I was before the injury, but I’m feeling really, really good.

Earn your Degree While You Watch Your Kids Soccer Practice – ½ the time and cost of Traditional Schools

Proud Member of Indy’s Brick Yard Battalion – http://www.brickyardbattalion.com – CLICK HERE FOR BYBTIX

Sam’s Army- http://www.sams-army.com , American Outlaws  http://www.facebook.com/IndyAOUnite

 

Attend a Free 20-Minute Webinar on Nursing Bridge Programs

US Men Prepare for Most Important Round of Qualifiers

The MLS based contingent of players is training in LA – battling for a spot in this next round of qualifications in late January.   Huge games include at home Thur, Jan 27-  7 pm on ESPN 2 vs El Salvador and former Westfield/Indiana U star Eriq Zavaleta in Cincy (we going!), Sun Jan 30 at 3:30 pm on Paramount+ @ Canada and Tues, Feb 2 at 7:30 pm on FS 1 vs Honduras.  If the US can secure 2 wins and tie at Canada – qualification will all but be assured.  Two wins and loss in Canada will keep things interesting as Canada (16), US (15), Mexico (14) and Panama (14), Costa Rica (9) lead the way in World Cup Qualifying.  Anything less and things will get interesting – as only the top 3 teams qualify with the 4^th team having a playoff to advance.  Berhalter is still evaluating the ever changing group of European based US stars to determine who will be ready.  Word is Right Wingers Gio Reyna and Tim Weah will both probably not be ready – while Serginio Dest and Tyler Adams haven’t been seeing much playing time lately.   Of course both McKennie at Juventus (here he is scoring in the Cup Final loss for Juve), and Pulisic are returning to form for Chelsea (see this tying goal vs Liverpool).  Of course our 18 year old new #9  –Pepi just signed with FC Ausberg in Germany which might keep him off the roster – with fellow #9 Jordan Pefok rotating back in from Young Boys.  Fellow forward Daryl Dike signed with West Brom and it will be interesting to see if that prepares him for a WC roster spot later.  Interesting news out of Bayern Munich that Canada’s superstar Alphonso Davies is out with “a slight myocarditis,” or a heart inflammation, after he contracted COVID-19.  That leaves his status for hugely important qualifiers later this month, including the home game against the US, up in the air. 

 What Countries Have Already Qualified For The World Cup this November? 

1. Qatar
2. Germany
3. Denmark
4. Brazil
5. France
6. Belgium
7. Croatia
8. Spain
9. Serbia
10. England
11. Switzerland
12. Netherlands
13. Argentina

US Women Bring Young Group to Camp for She Believes Cup

U.S. women’s national team coach Vlatko Andonovski has called in 25 players for the team’s first training camp of the year, a group that includes Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman.  Rodman, 19, the NWSL’s 2021 Rookie of the Year, is accepting a call-up for the first time. But she isn’t alone in terms of uncapped players, with Washington Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury also taking part in the camp. San Diego Wave defender Naomi Girma is joining the team for the second time at the camp, which will be held in Austin, Texas. The camp will run from Jan. 19-28, and while there are no friendlies scheduled in conjunction with the gathering, Andonovski is keen to get a look at some rising stars ahead of the SheBelieves Cup, which will take place in mid-February.”Without any matches that we need to prepare for, we can get in some more intense trainings and full-field scrimmages, which is great as we need to give this group as many chances as possible to play together in a national team environment,” said Andonovski.

The roster also sees the return of several veterans, including goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, defender Kelley O’Hara, midfielder Samantha Mewis and forward Mallory Pugh. Naeher has been out since injuring her knee in the Olympic semifinal.  I am still amazed that disgraced former US Soccer President  Carlos Cordeirois back and running to be US President against current US President – former US Ladies player Cindy Parlow Cone – nice letter from her here and below in The Ole Ballcoach. 

JANUARY TRAINING CAMP ROSTER BY POSITION:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)

DEFENDERS (9): Alana Cook (OL Reign), Abby Dahlkemper (San Diego Wave FC), Tierna Davidson (Chicago Red Stars), Imani Dorsey (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Emily Fox (Racing Louisville FC), Naomi Grima (San Diego Wave FC), Sofia Huerta (OL Reign), Kelley O’Hara (Washington Spirit), Emily Sonnett (Washington Spirit)

MIDFIELDERS (7): Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Jaelin Howell (Racing Louisville FC), Rose Lavelle (OL Reign), Kristie Mewis (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Samantha Mewis (Kansas City Current), Ashley Sanchez (Washington Spirit), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit)

FORWARDS (6): Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit), Mallory Pugh (Chicago Red Stars), Margaret Purce (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC), Lynn Williams (Kansas City Current)

Games to Watch this Weekend

Man City hosts Chelsea and Christian Pulisic who looks to start this Sat morning at 7:30 am on Peacock (sure they are putting games on USA – just not the good ones!!!).  The two teams top of the table and any chance Chelsea or Liverpool would have to catch city would start with a win this weekend vs a Covid struck Manchester City. No word who will be out for City but Pep is expected back after missing the midweek game with a positive test.  Pulisic should start as he was held out of cup play on Wednesday and has returned to form and appears to be healthy.  (Preview below) Also Saturday, Aston Villa and head man Steven Gerrard host Man United and CR7 who backed the manager this week at 12:30 pm on NBC.  Sunday the Spanish Cup Final features Real Madrid vs Athletic Club at 1:30 on ESPN2.  Real Madrid has righted the ship and sits firmly top of the table while Barca and Atletico (who lost to Athletic Club in the semi’s) are squandering.  Also the only good game of the day in the EPL is of course on Peacock (sure they are putting the shit games on USA Network but not the good ones) at 11:30 am as Tottenham hosts Arsenal in the North London Derby – a key battle for top 4 contention.  (See where all the American’s overseas are playing below).  

BIG GAMES TO WATCH

(American’s in parenthesis)

Fri,  Jan 14

8 am be:IN Sport                Senegal vs Guine (African Cup)

2:45 pm USA                       Brighton vs Crystal Palace 

2:30 pm ESPN+                   Dortmund (Reyna) vs Freiberg

Sat, Jan 15 

7:30 am  Peacock              Man City vs Chelsea (Pulisic)

9:30 am ESPN+                   Stuggart vs RB Leipzig

9:30 am ESPN+                   Wolfsburg (Brooks) vs Hertha

10 am USA                           Newcastle vs Watford

12:30 pm NBC                    Aston Villa vs Man United

12:30 pm ESPN+                MGladbach (Joe Scally) vs Bayer Leverkusen

2:45 pm Paramount+       Juventus (McKinney) vs Udinese

Sun, Jan 16

9 am  USA                             Liverpool vs Brentford  

9 am Para+ Venezia (Bussio, Tessman) vs Empoli

1:30 pm ESPN2                  Real Madrid vs Athletic Club (Spanish Cup)

2:45 pm Para+                    Atalanta vs Inter

3 pm ESPN+                        Villareal vs Atletico Madrid  

Tues,  Jan 18

3 pm  USA                            Brighton vs Chelsea (Pulisic)  

3 pm CBS SN                        Juventus (McKinney) vs Sampdoria

Weds,  Jan 19

2 pm beIN Sport                 Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria

2:30 pm  USA                      Leicister City vs Tottenham  

3:30 pm ESPN+                   Valencia vs Sevilla

Thurs,  Jan 20

2 pm beIN Sport                 Mali vs Maurintania  

2:45 pm  ESPN+                 Arsenal vs Liverpool (League Cup)

Fri,  Jan 21

3 pm  USA                            Watford vs Norwich (Stewart)

Sat, Jan 22 

7:30 am  USA                      Everton vs Aston Villa

9:30 am ESPN+                   Hoffenheim vs Dortmund (Reyna)  

10 am USA                           Newcastle vs Leeds

10 am Peacock                   Man United vs West Ham

12:30 pm NBC                     Southampton vs Man City

Sun, Jan 23

9 am  USA                             Arsenal vs Burnley  

9 am  Peacock                     Cyrstal Palace vs Liverpool

9:30 am ESPN+                   RB Leipzig (Adams) vs Wolfsburg (Brooks)  

11 am fubo tv                     African Cup Sweet 16 – Game 1

11:30 Peacock?                  Chelsea (Pulisic) vs Tottenham  

2 pm fubo tv                        African Cup Sweet 16 – Game 2

2:45 pm Para+                    Milan vs  Juventus (McKennie)

Jan 25-

Fri,  Jan 27

7 pm ESPN2                         USMNT vs El Salvador (Columbus) WCQ

7 pm Para+                          Jamaica vs Mexico WcQ

8 pm Para+                          Honduras vs Canada

Sun,  Jan 30

11 am fubo tv                     African Cup Quarters – Game 3

2 pm fubo tv                        African Cup Quarters – Game 4

3:30 pm Paramount+       USMNT @ Canada

Tues,  Feb 2

7:30 pm FS1                        USMNT vs Honduras

2022 SheBelieves Cup schedule

Feb. 17 in Carson, Calif.
#16 Iceland vs #22 New Zealand, 8pm ET – ESPN
#1 USWNT vs #24 Czech Republic, 11pm ET

Feb. 20 in Carson, Calif.
USWNT vs New Zealand, 3pm ET – ABC
Czech Republic vs Iceland, 6pm ET

Feb. 23 in Frisco, Texas
New Zealand vs Czech Republic, 6pm ET
USWNT vs Iceland, 9pm ET – ESPN

US Men  

Breaking down Dike’s West Brom move: What it means for his USMNT, World Cup hopes

Berhalter: Status for key USMNT stars still unclear

American’s Abroad – mid-week review

US players Weekend in Review

Americans Abroad Weekend Rewind: Adams, Miazga, and more

Matthew Hoppe returns to action for Mallorca after three-month absence

Year In Review – ASN

US Ladies

Trinity Rodman accepts first USWNT call-up
Washington Spirit star Trinity Rodman gets first USWNT call-up

U.S. Soccer: No single-pay plan yet for teams

Cone on Cordeiro: I’m right person for U.S. Soccer

Letter from US Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone

Why FIFA’s push for a biennial World Cup hurts the women’s game

EPL

Catching Man City: How Chelsea, Liverpool, Man United & Co. can close the gap
Manchester City vs Chelsea: Odds, prediction, history, form, projected 
Klopp wants one-game League Cup semis in future
Liverpool vs Arsenal final score: Arteta’s 10-men keep clean sheet in 1st leg
Cristiano Ronaldo urges Manchester United to change mentality
Man Utd must finish in top three, says Ronaldo
Chelsea aim to clip Man City’s wings
Lacklustre Liverpool show Salah’s true value
Klopp searches for striking solution at Liverpool
Coutinho won’t be rushed into action, says Gerrard

WORLD   

As stars speak out over fatigue, is football nearing breaking point?

Canada’s Alphonso Davies sidelined with ‘slight myocarditis’ after COVID infection
Cameroon advances at AFCON behind red-hot Aboubakar’s brace 
Refereeing chaos tarnishes image of Africa Cup of Nations

Porto Coach’s Son scores in Extra Time
Athletic Bilbao down Atletico to reach Spanish Super Cup final

Messi, Kane to rebound, Real Madrid to decline: Soccer’s notable under-performers and over-performers

MLS & Indy 11

VOICES: SAM JONES One reason every MLS team should feel optimistic as 2022 preseason begins

ARMCHAIR ANALYST: MATT DOYLE  What each Western Conference team should be worried about in 2022

VOICES: SAM JONES Where Lorenzo Insigne fits into MLS’ most consequential signings

Every MLS team’s 2022 New Year’s wishlist

Indy 11 Schedule is Released

USMNT weekend viewing guide: A Premier matchup

Christian Pulisic and Chelsea look to gain ground on Manchester City.

By jcksnftsn  Jan 14, 2022, 8:47am PST

The USMNT club schedule is starting out a little rough this weekend, as Marco Rose has said that Gio Reyna will not participate in Borussia Dortmund’s match on Friday.Reyna’s continued absence for his club is casting some real doubt on his availability for the USMNT in the upcoming window. With your Friday ruined, let’s jump right to Saturday where we have a good slate of action.

Saturday

Manchester City v Chelsea FC – 7:30a on Peacock

Manchester City already hold a 10 point lead for the EPL title, making Saturday’s visit to the Etihad a bit of a “must win” for Chelsea if they want to make a push for the league title. A loss would drop them 13 points back, while a victory would pull them within 7. Faced with a similar situation two weeks ago in their matchup with Liverpool, Chelsea had to settle for the home draw as Christian Pulisic’s first half stoppage time goal drew the two clubs level at 2-2, which would remain the final score. While the result wasn’t what Chelsea would have hoped, the match was an excellent one, as was Pulisic’s goal.

Christian was an unused substitute midweek as Chelsea came into their Carabao Cup Semifinal match with Tottenham leading 2-0 on aggregate and saw things out smoothly with a 1-0 win. The fresh legs seems like a good indication that Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has plans to use Pulisic over the weekend in this marquee matchup.

Other notes:

• Tyler Adams and RB Leipzig got a much needed 4-1 win over Mainz a week ago and will look to build on that as they face Stuttgart at 9:30a on ESPN+.
• John Brooks and Wolfsburg have lost 8 straight across all competitions and currently sit just 2 points out of relegation playoff position. They face Hertha Berlin, who sit one point ahead of them on Saturday morning at 9:30a on ESPN+.
• Chris Richards and Hoffenheim will travel to Union Berlin and look to maintain their Champions League qualifying position in 3rd place. Union Berlin currently sit in 7th, but 3 points back of Hoffenheim. The match will also be on ESPN+ at 9:30a.
• Josh Sargent missed his club’s midweek match due to the birth of his first child. He’ll look to overcome his sleep deprivation to find the field and the scoresheet as Norwich City face Everton at 10a on Peacock.
• Matthew Hoppe returned from a long absence (he hadn’t seen the field since September) and saw 16 minutes for Mallorca in their 2-0 loss to Levante last weekend. This weekend, Mallorca will face Espanyol at 10a on ESPN+.
• Joe Scally missed last weekend’s matchup with Bayern Munich but could be available again this weekend as Borussia Mönchengladbach face Bayer Leverkusen at 12:30p on ESPN+.
• Weston McKennie and Juventus face Udinese at 2:45p on Paramount+. McKennie played the full match, including both extra time periods, on Wednesday as Juve lost to Inter Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana despite McKennie’s goal.

Sunday

Augsburg v Eintracht Frankfurt – 9:30a on ESPN+

Ricardo Pepi stepped right off the plane and onto the field as he saw 30 minutes in his first match with FC Augsburg. The team scored early only to cough up the lead by giving up two goals in the last 10’ of the half. Pepi came on looking for some instant impact that would draw his club level, but they failed to create the necessary chances and gave up another goal in stoppage time and lost by a 3-1 score. While the outcome isn’t what player or club would have hoped, it was good to see Pepi get some minutes as soon as he was eligible. He will have his first home experience this weekend with Augsburg, though it will be without fans in the stands as the Bundesliga continues their COVID restrictions.

Other notes:

• Yunus Musah saw the start for Valencia FC against Real Madrid on Saturday in a 4-1 loss. Valencia now face Atlético Beleares in their next Copa del Ray matchup on Sunday morning at 6a on ESPN+.
• Nicholas Gioacchini’s Montpellier face Strasbourg at 9a on beIN Sports Connect. Gioacchini has not seen the field in the past month.
• Tanner Tessmann got a rare start and Gianluca Bussio was an unused substitute midweek in Venezia’s 2-0 loss to Atalanta in the Coppa Italia. The club will look to rebound against Empoli at 9a on Paramount+.
• Julian Green’s Greuther Fürth face Arminia Bielefeld at 11:30a on ESPN+. Green has primarily taken a substitute role recently, including just a couple minutes last weekend in the team’s scoreless draw with Stuttgart.
• There is potential for a rare American vs. American matchup in Ligue 1 when Konrad de la Fuente’s Olympique Marseille meet Tim Weah’s Lille at 2:45p on beIN Sports. Unfortunately, Weah is also struggling with injury and seems unlikely to be available.

USMNT Notes: COVID-19’s Impact on Camp and Canada; Dest, Reyna’s Outlooks

The U.S. is continuing its preparations for three vital World Cup qualifiers, navigating the circumstances of the pandemic and bracing for the addition of Europe-based talent.

• AVI CREDITOR – SI

The U.S. men’s national team’s MLS-based contingent continues to prepare for three World Cup qualifiers, the first of which is two weeks away from Thursday. And while more will come into focus in the coming week about what that squad will look like in full, the omnipresent coronavirus wild card continues to loom.Upon arrival screening in Phoenix, there were a small number of positive tests, though manager Gregg Berhalter has had mostly a full complement of the 20 players he called in for this portion of camp, which runs through Jan. 21, available before the abroad-based players arrive. No cases have been contracted at camp itself, and Saturday will be the first time that all 20 players will be on the training field together, U.S. Soccer confirmed. But the threat of more cases, as the omicron variant continues to spread and as players from abroad travel back to the U.S., will be a factor as the coach ponders the size of his squad that’ll face El Salvador on Jan. 27 and travel to Canada for a Jan. 30 bout before returning home ahead of a Feb. 2 clash with Honduras.”COVID has hit us in this camp,” Berhalter said earlier this week. “There have been some cases of guys entering camp with COVID. Fortunately, most are asymptomatic and it’s just about a little bit of a waiting game. But that’s our reality, that’s what all sports teams are dealing with. So we’ll be ready to adapt. We will have a contingency plan in place. We’re not exactly sure how many players extra we’ll take, but we’re going to be thorough and make sure we have a roster that can compete. Because from all indications, this thing spreads quickly, although people aren’t necessarily—at least what we’ve seen—there hasn’t been a ton of sickness, but it has been spreading.”The U.S. has already endured some pre-omicron, COVID-19-related instances, with Zack Steffen testing positive ahead of a September World Cup qualifier in Honduras. Christian Pulisic (Aug. 2021), Weston McKennie (Oct. ’20) and Sergiño Dest (Dec. ’21) are among those who have previously tested positive as well, with Dest returning to training for Barcelona and joining the club in Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup.There is also the matter of how protocols abroad impact the proceedings. While the U.S. will play in the friendly, if not frigid, confines of Ohio and Minnesota in the first and third matches of the upcoming qualifying window, the second one takes place in Canada, which the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has just deemed a level-four, very-high-risk destination.That won’t impact the U.S.’s travel plans, though, U.S. Soccer confirmed, with the only caveat being that players must be fully vaccinated in order to make the trip, as per Canadian regulations. As of now, boosters are not part of the language, and Sports Illustrated understands that the overwhelming majority of the national team player pool is fully vaccinated. But for those who may not be and are called into camp anyway, travel to Canada will be a nonstarter.Another way protocols could impact the match is crowd size. Current rules regarding the stadium capacity at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Ontario, expire three days before the U.S.’s match there, leaving the degree of home field advantage for the first-place Canadians very much unclear. As with most things these days, the situation for the Canadian Soccer Association remains fluid.The U.S., which faced USL Championship’s Phoenix Rising in a scrimmage Thursday, will also face Grand Canyon University and Sporting Kansas City with the current batch of players before the next phase of camp begins.As it relates to two of the U.S.’s most influential talents abroad:Dest‘s destiny

The author of one of the U.S.’s most important goals in World Cup qualifying is in a bit of a quandary. He hasn’t played for Barcelona in over a month, with his last appearance ending in a halftime substitution against Bayern Munich in the club’s Champions League group finale (an injury and COVID-19 have played a part in that). That 38-year-old Dani Alves is getting the call over him surely isn’t a confidence-builder, and neither is being left out of Barça’s squad altogether for Wednesday’s thrilling Super Cup defeat to Real Madrid. With the transfer window open, the rumor mill is abuzz, with the latest suggesting a loan to Chelsea, where he would theoretically team with Pulisic, could be in the works. With the window closing during the FIFA international window, it could make for an intense few days for the versatile fullback. However it works out, Dest has Berhalter’s backing.“He’s a competitor and he’s a guy that I can see waiting for an opportunity, and when he gets his opportunity, performing well,” Berhalter said this week. “He’s resilient, and he has the right mindset to do it. He’s been working hard. He had a little injury setback at the end of the year with his back, but he’s committed to making it work.” Reyna still not ready

Gio Reyna hasn’t played for club or country since injuring his hamstring in the U.S.’s first World Cup qualifier on Sept. 2, and despite returning to training with Borussia Dortmund, he’s not going to be in uniform for Friday’s Bundesliga match vs. Freiburg, coach Marco Rose said. That leaves awfully little time for Reyna to get into match shape for three intense qualifiers. Berhalter said earlier in the week that it was “too early to tell” whether Reyna and Tim Weah (thigh injury), would be called in. If neither is, it would deplete the options on the wing considerably, with Weah filling in so admirably and vitally for the U.S. in the fall.Dortmund has one more match, in the DFB Pokal vs. St. Pauli next Tuesday, before Berhalter names his squad, but it could very well be the case that the U.S. finds itself without one of its key attacking stars for another set of qualifiers.

Tuchel praises Pulisic for valuable versatility for Chelsea

 

Christian Pulisic has been called on to play a number of different roles for English Premier League side Chelsea this season and manager Thomas Tuchel has credited the American’s contributions in the squad as he continues to play wherever needed.Pulisic has been used as a forward, winger, midfielder, and wingback for the defending Champions League winners this season, not shying away from opportunities to be on the field. Due to a mixture of injuries and form within the squad, Tuchel has provided chances for Pulisic to play at Chelsea after speculation about his future in London heading into this new year.The 23-year-old has started in six of the last eight matches for the Blues, including five straight in Premier League play, scoring one goal and registering one assist. Pulisic’s versatility has provided the U.S. men’s national team star with a new opportunity to prove his worth to Tuchel and continue developing at the highest level in England and Europe.“Yes it’s true we moved him around a little bit, but in the end they want to play, and it’s a good thing if they can play more positions,” Tuchel said about Pulisic in his pre-match press conference Tuesday. “You can always argue I would have been more consistent or better if I had one clear position, but maybe then you have less minutes or you face even more competition, because up front we have two or three players in every position.“So first of all it’s a good thing, it was also a bad sign because it means we had trouble on the left and right wingback with injuries and he helped us out there,” Tuchel added. “We are happy with the impact that he has. He can play a lot of minutes, he needs to play a lot of minutes, he has a physical ability that can help us.”Pulisic’s performances have continued to impress down the stretch, helping the Blues advance in the Champions League, FA Cup, and sit on the verge of reaching the Carabao Cup Final. He recently helped Chelsea thump Chesterfield in FA Cup play on Saturday and score a magnificent goal against Liverpool in a 2-2 draw in league play.Tuchel will continue to push for the best out of Pulisic as Chelsea aims to get back into the Premier League title race as the Blues also prepares for the Champions League Round of 16 in February. Pulisic hasn’t disappointed since returning to full fitness and Tuchel has backed him to continue improving with more minutes under his belt.“Of course everybody wants him to have numbers, everybody wants him to be effective, and we can improve everybody, we can improve on that,” Tuchel said. “And from there we go, this is the situation.”Chelsea visits Tottenham on Wednesday in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semfinals before traveling to EPL leaders Manchester City on Saturday.

Chelsea aim to clip Man City’s wings

Chelsea need a repeat of their Champions League final victory over Manchester City to rekindle their Premier League title challenge with the English champions threatening to build a realistically unassailable lead just days into the new year.An 11-game winning run has taken City 10 points clear of the Blues at the top of the table, while third-placed Liverpool are 11 points back with a game in hand.Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel appeared to be the one coach with an Indian sign over Pep Guardiola with three wins in quick succession towards the end of last season, culminating in lifting the European Cup in Porto.However, City’s 1-0 at Stamford Bridge in September proved to be a telling turning point in the campaign at a time when Chelsea led Guardiola’s men by three points.In contrast to City’s formidable form, Chelsea have faltered during the busiest spell of the Premier League season, winning just one of their last five games.A coronavirus outbreak over Christmas combined with a series of injuries played its part in restricting Tuchel’s options, but they have bounced back over the past week to comfortably see off Tottenham 3-0 over two legs to reach the League Cup final.”Here at Chelsea we don’t make selections of trophies, we go for everything,” said captain Cesar Azpilicueta.”The big ones have more impact, but what we all want is to be able to celebrate silverware with the fans at the end of the season.”City’s own mass Covid outbreak affecting 21 players and staff fell fortunately for the league leaders over a period of just one game in 14 days.  Guardiola was one of those to test positive and was absent for a 4-1 win at Swindon in the FA Cup last weekend as a result, but is expected to return to the touchline on Saturday.  Liverpool can take advantage of dropped points for one or both of the sides above them in the table when they host Brentford at Anfield.  However, the Reds will have to cope without Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, who are away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

– Top 4 up for grabs –

If the title race has descended into a procession over the past month, the race below the top three for a place in next season’s Champions League has heated up. West Ham have moved back into the top four on the back of three straight wins and will be confident of extending their advantage over fifth-placed Arsenal when they host Leeds on Saturday, who they comfortably beat in the FA Cup last weekend. Tottenham are four points back on the Hammers but would go above them should they win two of their three games in hand. However, Spurs are in desperate need of a response from their meek exit in the League Cup when Arsenal visit for the first north London derby played in front of a full house at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.  The Gunners have shot back into contention for a return to the Champions League as young talents such as Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe and Aaron Ramsdale have flourished since a miserable start to the season.  But Arsenal’s poor record on the road against the other members of the traditional top six has returned with crowds this season. Mikel Arteta’s men were thrashed at City and Liverpool and blew a lead to lose 3-2 at Manchester United in December. United also need to get back to winning ways in the league to remain in the hunt for the top four when they face Aston Villa for the second time in a week.  Villa were the better side despite losing 1-0 in the FA Cup at Old Trafford on Monday and have made the most exciting moves in the transfer window so far with Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne in line to make their debuts.

Daryl Dike’s wild ride: What USMNT striker’s move to West Brom means for his national team hopes

Jan 12, 2022  Bill Connelly ESPN Staff Writer

There was a moment in December when, for the first time in two years, Daryl Dike got a moment to reflect. After two years of nonstop soccer, he had earned one.From scoring for Virginia in the NCAA finals against Georgetown in December 2019, to going fifth in the MLS SuperDraft in January 2020, to scoring eight times in 22 matches for Orlando City, to making his national team debut, to taking on a sudden loan move to Barnsley, to scoring nine times for the Tykes as they nearly earned promotion to the Premier League for just the second time ever, to scoring his first goal for the U.S. national team in June 2021, to suffering a shoulder injury that knocked him out of the USMNT rotation, to returning to MLS in the fall and scoring 11 goals in 19 matches, Dike finally stole a moment to breathe.”Physically, it was important,” he told ESPN, “but mentally, being able to look back at going over to England, being with the national team, playing in the Gold Cup, playing with Orlando as well, it was a nice period, for sure.”Even by soccer’s standards, however, Dike’s offseason was brief. On Jan. 1, the first day of Europe’s winter transfer window, England’s second-division West Bromwich Albion signed Dike from Orlando City for $11 million.With Dike moving to England and Ricardo Pepi signing with FC Augsburg in the German Bundesliga, the two most promising young strikers in the American player pool — with the 2022 World Cup just 10 months away — are taking on European challenges at the same time. And as far as Dike is concerned, his ambitions have only grown stronger with each level of success.”At the beginning, I always had big goals,” he said, “I always wanted to play in the Champions League, I wanted to play in World Cups, and those are still my goals. But I think those goals are so much more reachable now, and I can maybe even reach them quicker.”Throughout this process, seeing how quickly I’ve grown in just two years, I think all those goals can happen much sooner than I thought.”

A high-caliber scorer

You can’t blame Dike for dreaming big considering how quickly he became a standout in the most important area for a center-forward to stand out: scoring goals.During his half-season Championship stint (21 matches), Dike’s nine goals landed him in the league’s top 25 and tied for the most among those age 20 and under. And while he missed a decent chunk of the 2021 MLS season, playing just 1,415 minutes — scoring leader Valentin Castellanos, by comparison, played 3,083 for NYC FC — among those with at least 1,400 minutes, Dike was fourth in goals per 90 minutes (0.70) behind only DC United‘s Ola Kamara (0.94), LAFC‘s Cristian Arango (0.90) and the LA Galaxy‘s Chicharito Hernandez (0.88). All three are at least five years older than Dike, who scored just two fewer goals than Pepi in 682 fewer minutes.It took Dike a little while to rediscover his top form after his August bout with injuries, but he scored five non-penalty goals in his last 10 matches for Orlando. His ability to carve out space in the box and put shots away stood out to Barnsley manager Valerien Ismael, and with Ismael now at West Brom, it was the primary reason the club sought him out.”Dike has everything we need from the No. 9 position,” Ismael told local media upon Dike’s signing. “He has energy, strength — he challenges defenders — and he scores goals. I worked with him at Barnsley and I know him very well. He has the mentality.”At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, he also has the physicality.”Rather unsurprisingly, it’s his power and physique that first catches your eye,” said ESPN analyst and professional scout Tor-Kristian Karlsen. “He’s really extreme in those departments. Having those attributes in a forward — he’s almost a one-man attack at times — obviously give you some clear advantages: The opponents wouldn’t want to leave him [one-on-one] against their centre-backs.  “He’s not just an athlete, though. I think he’s developing well in terms of where to pick up the ball, and his spatial awareness in and around the penalty area is improving, too.”While his skills and high activity levels initially took him pretty far, the key to Dike’s ability, thriving quickly in new situations, came from his ability to learn quickly.”I think at the beginning of my career, it was just about going into the box and hoping that the pass could come to me,” Dike said. “I’ve been blessed to have great teammates around me, who have some chance creation [ability], and with Valerien, with Oscar [Pareja, Orlando City’s coach], with [USMNT manager Gregg] Berhalter, all of these people have made it a big emphasis for me to be able to find myself in spaces, being able to make runs behind the back line, being above to find spaces in the box with double movements and making my shots easier in terms of getting in a better position.”Ease of shots is an interesting subject. Dike overachieved his expected goals (xG) levels in each season in MLS and the English Championship. At each step along the way, he produced between 4.4 and 4.7 xG but turned that into eight or nine goals. There will almost certainly be some regression to the mean in his future: He has overachieved his xG figures by 47% since the start of 2021, which is the second highest among all players to have scored 20-plus goals in all competitions. (The highest: Leandro Damiao, of Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale, at plus-71%.)Even if he turns out to be one of the best finishers in the game, that ratio will likely fall to at least the plus-30% range or so in the future. If he offsets that with a higher shot volume, however, he will continue to thrive.A higher shot volume, however, will require more touches and more involvement in the overall game.

The rest of his incomplete game

Whether or not there is forthcoming regression, Dike’s scoring ability is top-notch for such a young player. Here are some of his percentile ratings over the past 365 days — versus other forwards — according to the scouting reports at FBref.com (powered by StatsBomb):

• Goals per 90 minutes: 89th percentile
• Non-penalty goals per 90: 75th percentile
• Goals per shot: 94th percentile
• Goals per shot on target: 96th percentile
• Average shot distance: 92nd percentile
• xG per 90: 68th percentile

Even if his finishing is still running a little hot, the ability stands out. He creates opportunities from close distances and puts the ball in the net.

Everything else, however, remains a work in progress:

• Touches per 90: third percentile
• Shot-creating actions* per 90: 15th percentile
• Passes attempted per 90: second percentile
• Passes completed per 90: third percentile
• Pass completion rate: 53rd percentile
• Passes received per 90: fifth percentile
• Assists per 90: 31st percentile
• Progressive carries per 90: 19th percentile
• Pressures per 90: 32nd percentile
• Successful pressures per 90: 16th percentile
• Pressures per 90 in the attacking third: 62nd percentile

* StatsBomb defines shot-creating actions as “the two offensive actions directly leading to a shot, such as passes, dribbles and drawing fouls.”

“Perhaps the one key area to improve is for him to make a consistent mark on the game,” Karlsen said. “He tends to drop in and out of the action, and he can be somewhat impatient at times — as in, always wanting to make the early, direct run and finish the attacks, even when the movements around him aren’t quite there yet. In that sense, he might at times be too direct in his decision-making.”Dike is well aware of the work still to be done.”My biggest focus, of course, is scoring goals, movement into the box and things that a striker needs to have in terms of instincts and everything,” he said. “But one thing I personally would love to be able to do better is my combination play, my linkup play, in terms of holding the ball up and getting involved a little bit more in the game rather than maybe just finishing at the end. How can I hold the ball up? How can I improve my technique to connect with my attacking midfielders and bring the game up to me?”Throughout the season in Orlando, I think Oscar, the coaching staff and even the players like [veteran winger] Nani, they kept pushing me to get better, and I think it was showing. I felt myself improving. I felt myself being able to get on the end of more things, my movements, my touches. Everything continued to improve, and for me, that’s obviously something that’s super exciting.”

What awaits at West Brom

West Brom has been one of the better teams in the Championship after last spring’s relegation from the Premier League. It’s fourth in the table, firmly involved in the promotion race. But while the Baggies’ defense has been excellent — they’re first in goals allowed per match, second in xG allowed and first, by far, in shots allowed per possession — they have lacked, in a very specific way, in attack.The Baggies are averaging just 1.24 goals per match, 10th in the league and worst among the top five teams in the table. While their raw statistics aren’t terrible — second in shots attempted per possession, ninth in xG per shot — their shots have been wayward. Looking at the xG for shots on target (xGOT) divided by total shots per target, they rank 20th out of 24 teams. Loose translation: They don’t shoot well. They don’t place the ball well when they get a shot on goal.

STREAM ESPN FC DAILY ON ESPN+

“We need someone to show up and score the goals,” Ismael told the media Sunday after West Brom’s 1-1 draw with Cardiff City, in which the Baggies managed just three shots on target from 13 attempts. “This is what we are missing at the minute. This is why we signed Daryl Dike, to give us a better opportunity to score goals and win games.”As with Ismael’s Barnsley last season, West Brom plays an intensely vertical style. It’s a style in which Dike thrives, and if he finishes chances as he has for the past two years, his addition could make a massive difference in the promotion race.Dike will also be asked to do his fair share of pressing in Ismael’s system, and it appears he learned from it the last time around. After recording 10.6 pressures per 90 minutes (5.8 in the attacking third) according to Statsbomb during his 2020 MLS season, he returned and averaged 13.6 (8.3) in 2021. His pressure success rate went down, but the increased activity level was encouraging.”I think in terms of pressing, one thing that I have learned from people is, pressing smarter rather than harder,” Dike said. “At the beginning of my career, I think I would sometimes just run to press, and sometimes maybe it wasn’t a smart situation. After understanding systems more and listening to my coaches, that’s something I think I have improved on: when to press as a group, when the team’s ready and those kinds of principles.”With the national team and with Valerien, we are all constant pressure, constant pressure. We’re gonna wear the other team down.”

What this could mean for the USMNT

Dike made his national team debut in January 2021, just before his Barnsley loan was confirmed. By the summer, it looked like he might become a mainstay during World Cup qualification. He scored once in a 4-0 friendly win over Costa Rica in June, then twice in a Gold Cup win over Martinique in July. But his injury limited his effectiveness in the Gold Cup; after attempting four shots against Martinique, he managed just five, all from longer distances (by his standards) in his last three appearances.He has yet to play for the U.S. since. Berhalter did not bring him in for any of the three qualification windows this fall and passed him over for December’s MLS-heavy friendly against Bosnia & Herzegovina. The coach explained the latter decision by saying, “He’s beat up. He needs recovery. The most important thing at this time for Daryl is to get rest and recovery that he can focus on coming back in January and building himself up again.” But during qualification, Berhalter made a point to emphasize the word “verticality.””We want more verticality,” Berhalter told CBS Sports in September. “We want players that can stretch the opponent’s back line, run behind the opponent’s back line.”It was confusing, then, that he didn’t bring Dike in, considering his success in Ismael’s system. Regardless, two World Cup qualification windows remain — the U.S. plays El Salvador and Honduras at home and at Canada from Jan. 27 to Feb. 2, then at Mexico and Costa Rica and at home versus Panama in late March — and Dike is still hopeful about inclusion.”In terms of [Berhalter’s] plans, I mean, I think he values me, and I think that’s something you always want to have in a coach,” Dike said. “You always want a coach who believes in you and values you. I think he looks at what I am, and he looks at the quality I have, and he tries to push me. That’s all I could ever ask for.”

USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter: Status for Gio Reyna, Tim Weah for World Cup qualifiers still unclear Jan 10, 2022

Midfielder Giovanni Reyna and forward Timothy Weah remain uncertain for the United States‘ next three World Cup qualifiers, which start Jan. 27 with a match against El Salvador at Columbus, Ohio.Reyna has not played in any matches since injuring his right hamstring during the opening qualifier at El Salvador on Sept. 2. He dressed for the first time since then when Borussia Dortmund played Saturday at Eintracht Frankfurt but did not get into the match. Weah, who scored in the 1-1 draw at Jamaica in a November qualifier, injured a thigh during training with Lille on Dec. 3, two days after his last match.”With Gio and Tim, it’s too early to tell,” coach Gregg Berhalter said Monday. “We have 14 days until they come to camp, and those 14 days will be important.”Major League Soccer players are training at national team camp in Phoenix through Jan. 21, and several of them will travel to Columbus, where Europe-based players report Jan. 24.Midfielder Weston McKennie and defender Miles Robinson return from one-match suspensions caused by cards.Goalkeeper Zack Steffen, midfielder Tyler Adams, defenders John Brooks and DeAndre Yedlin and forward Jordan Pefok carry yellow cards from the first eight qualifiers and would face a one-match suspension with an additional yellow card.”What we’ve learned is expect the unexpected,” Berhalter said. “You never know who is going to be available to play in each game. You have to be willing to adapt.”The U.S. plays at Canada on Jan. 30 and hosts Honduras on Feb. 2 at St. Paul, Minnesota. With six games per team left, Canada leads with 16 points, followed by the U.S. (15), Mexico and Panama (14 each), Costa Rica (nine), Jamaica (seven), El Salvador (six) and Honduras (three).The top three teams from North and Central America and the Caribbean qualify, and the No. 4 nation faces the Oceania champion — likely New Zealand — in a playoff for another berth. A January window for qualifiers is unusual, added only because the coronavirus pandemic delayed the start of the final round by a year. MLS players and even some based in Europe are in the midst of lengthy layoffs. Midfielder Brenden Aaronson‘s FC Salzburg has been off since Dec. 11. Defender Sergino Dest has been struggling for playing time at Barcelona since Xavi Hernandez was hired as coach in November, but Berhalter sounded as if Dest’s national team position was secure.”He’s a competitor and he’s a guy that I can see waiting for an opportunity, and when he gets his opportunity, performing well,” Berhalter said. “He’s resilient and he has the right mindset to do it. He’s been working hard. He had a little injury setback at the end of the year with his back, but he’s committed to making it work.”  Players at the training camp will have three closed-door scrimmages, a regimen aimed to get them close to 90 minutes by the end.”Then we’ll be able to tell,” Berhalter said. “The most important thing is that we can put a team on the field that can compete at a high level, because we know that’s what World Cup qualifying games are about.”Defender Aaron Long, recovering from a torn right Achilles tendon on May 15, is at his third straight training camp. He might not be ready for a game until the final three qualifiers in March.”I’m not sure he’s going to get there, but hopefully he’ll be close,” Berhalter said. “Hopefully in March we’re having different conversations.”Berhalter said there have been positive coronavirus tests among players arriving at camp.”Fortunately, most are asymptomatic and now it’s just about a little bit of a waiting game,” he said. “But that’s our reality, and that’s what all sports teams are dealing with.”

CONCACAF Table

	GP	PTS	GD
1 – Canada	8	16	+8
2 – USA	8	15	+7
3 – Mexico	8	14	+4
4 – Panama	8	14	+2
5 – Costa Rica	8	9	-1
6 – Jamaica	8	7	-4
7 – El Salvador	8	6	-6
8 – Honduras	8	3	-10
1-3 qualifies; 4 into playoff

Trinity Rodman accepts first USWNT call-up for January camp

Jan 12, 2022Jeff CarlisleU.S. soccer correspondent

U.S. women’s national team coach Vlatko Andonovski has called in 25 players for the team’s first training camp of the year, a group that includes Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman.Rodman, 19, the NWSL’s 2021 Rookie of the Year, is accepting a call-up for the first time. But she isn’t alone in terms of uncapped players, with Washington Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury also taking part in the camp. San Diego Wave defender Naomi Girma is joining the team for the second time at the camp, which will be held in Austin, Texas. The camp will run from Jan. 19-28, and while there are no friendlies scheduled in conjunction with the gathering, Andonovski is keen to get a look at some rising stars ahead of the SheBelieves Cup, which will take place in mid-February.”Without any matches that we need to taper for, we can get in some more intense trainings and full-field scrimmages, which is great as we need to give this group as many chances as possible to play together in a national team environment,” said Andonovski said.”We understand that some of the players are coming off a break, so we’ll keep that in mind as we hit the ground running in 2022 for what will be a very important year for these players and our team.”Andonovski’s roster also sees the return of several veterans, including goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, defender Kelley O’Hara, midfielder Samantha Mewis and forward Mallory Pugh. Naeher has been out since injuring her knee in the Olympic semifinal. Rodman, the 2021 NWSL Rookie of the Year and 2021 U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year, at 19 is still age-eligible for the 2022 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup. She was called up for the Australian friendlies in November, but opted out. The daughter of former NBA player Dennis Rodman, she has nine career U20 international goals in just seven caps and likely would have played in the 2020 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup had it not been canceled due to the pandemic.”She was one of the most exciting players in the league this past season, and she proved that she can be impactful at the professional level in NWSL. And now with that, she earned a call-up for the national team,” Andonovski said about Rodman.”Now, we don’t want to rush anything. We obviously have to be patient. She’s still young player, but we do want to expose her to the environment where she can get her feet wet a little bit, and get used to the environment, get used to my coaching and the players that she’s around, and hopefully she can continue growing and show that what she was able to do in the league, she can do that at the international level.”Andonovski said a replacement for Catarina Macario — who was originally on the roster until the draw in the French Cup came out that pitted Lyon against PSG — would be announced before Thursday.”We decided that the best for Cat would be if she stays in, in France, and plays the game against Montpelier and prepares after that and plays the game against PSG in the round of 16,” Andonovski said.”And instead of coming here, traveling overseas, a couple of trainings and then going back or travel again and play in a game. So overall to two exceptional games for Cat, good experience, high stress, intense games, it’ll be overall better for her.”

JANUARY TRAINING CAMP ROSTER BY POSITION:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)

DEFENDERS (9): Alana Cook (OL Reign), Abby Dahlkemper (San Diego Wave FC), Tierna Davidson (Chicago Red Stars), Imani Dorsey (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Emily Fox (Racing Louisville FC), Naomi Grima (San Diego Wave FC), Sofia Huerta (OL Reign), Kelley O’Hara (Washington Spirit), Emily Sonnett (Washington Spirit)

MIDFIELDERS (7): Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Jaelin Howell (Racing Louisville FC), Rose Lavelle (OL Reign), Kristie Mewis (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Samantha Mewis (Kansas City Current), Ashley Sanchez (Washington Spirit), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit)

FORWARDS (6): Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit), Mallory Pugh (Chicago Red Stars), Margaret Purce (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC), Lynn Williams (Kansas City Current)

USWNT Takes Youthful Approach to Start of World Cup, Olympic Qualifying Year

A number of veterans have been left out of January camp, despite the qualifying tournament for two big events taking place in six months.

• AVI CREDITOR  JAN 12, 2022  SI 

Six months out from the tournament that will determine whether the U.S. women’s national team qualifies for the 2023 World Cup and 2024 Olympics, a number of the squad’s household names are missing from camp. But, as coach Vlatko Andonovski explains, that’s by design.The U.S. women gather in Austin, Texas, for their annual January camp starting next Wednesday, and while it won’t feature any matches, it will still be a proving ground. A post-Olympics transition process that began in the fall will be accelerated in earnest, as a number of younger—and in one significant case, new—players take to the stage. Out are the likes of Alex Morgan, Christen Press, Tobin Heath and Megan Rapinoe (Becky Sauerbrunn, Julie Ertz and Crystal Dunn are out as well, but for medical reasons), while Trinity Rodman gets her first call-up after her breakout campaign in the NWSL to headline the group called in.“Without any matches that we need to taper for, we can get in some more intense trainings and full-field scrimmages, which is great as we need to give this group as many chances as possible to play together in a national team environment,” Andonovski said in a statement. “We understand that some of the players are coming off a break, so we’ll keep that in mind as we hit the ground running in 2022 for what will be a very important year for these players and our team.”That important year will continue next month with a watered-down version of the SheBelieves Cup (Czech Republic, Iceland and New Zealand are not quite the Brazil-, Germany-, France-, England-level of opponents that have traditionally been part of the competition) with an eye on July’s W Championship, a new Concacaf event that combines the qualifying process for two marquee global events into one competition.The U.S. and Canada received byes to the final stages of the tournament, while 30 other nations will compete in a group stage starting next month, with the winners of each of the six five-team groups joining them in the eight-team competition.The W Championship is split into two groups of four, where the top two teams in each group qualify straightaway for the 2023 World Cup in New Zealand and Australia, while the two third-place teams go into FIFA’s intercontinental tournament. Separately, the winner of the competition qualifies automatically for the 2024 Olympics, while the second- and third-place finishers go to a playoff for the region’s other berth in Paris.When asked Wednesday, Andonovski didn’t indicate whether he was or wasn’t a fan of the new setup, but it does put more emphasis on rounding out his core group and force him to make some pretty immediate choices when it comes to which newcomers to incorporate and which veterans to lean on for matches with multiple layers of pressure.The true newcomer next week is Rodman, who was vital in the Washington Spirit’s NWSL title run. Andonovski isn’t placing any immediate expectations on the 19-year-old’s shoulders, but with Carli Lloyd retiring and other U.S. attackers aging, there’s a role to be seized.”Trinity, obviously, is one of the most exciting players in the [NWSL] this past season,” Andonovski said on a media conference call. “She proved that she can be impactful at the professional level and now with that she earned the call-up for the national team. We don’t want to rush anything. We have to be patient, but we do want to expose her to the environment where she can get her feet wet a little bit, get used to the environment and my coaching.”

The Awful Optics Surrounding U.S. Soccer’s Presidential Election

aomi Girma and Jaelin Howell, the top two picks in last month’s NWSL draft, are also part of the youth movement. Andonovski explained how he laid out a short-term plan ahead of the U.S.’s November camp that the aforementioned veterans wouldn’t be included through the winter, saying, “these players are not out of the picture by any means,” and should be expected to rejoin the fold as soon as the SheBelieves Cup.”A lot of things depend now on how well the newer players do,” Andonovski added.As for those not included for pre-planned coaching reasons, Ertz is “not physically ready to perform in camp” after recovering from her knee injury, while the 36-year-old Sauerbrunn had a setback after undergoing a procedure to freeze her eggs. After conversations with her and the medical staff, Andonovski said, “if she gets back fit, healthy and she’s able to play minutes, for SheBelieves she will be considered for that camp.For Dunn, who is due to give birth in May, Andonovski said there have been no discussions regarding her return-to-play plan, indicating that those would take place when appropriate. The importance, he said, is on her having a healthy delivery and baby before the player and medical and high-performance departments discuss the future. But he did fully expect her return at some point down the line, presumably well after the W Championship.One other player omitted was Catarina Macario, who was initially going to be included. But after her club, Lyon, drew PSG in the round of 16 of the Coupe de France, it was decided that she should remain at her club and play in the high-intensity environment that will provide.As a result, here are the players who will compete in camp, looking to further cement their places for the matches of great importance this summer:

Letter from US Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone

January 12, 2022

To our fans:

2021 was a year of both great promise and challenge.

On the field, our National Teams continued to excel at the highest levels across all competitions. For the sixth consecutive year, our Women’s National Team finished the year ranked No. 1 in the world, winning the 2021 SheBelieves Cup and earning a Bronze medal at the Olympics. And our Men’s National Team set a record for most wins in a calendar year, winning the Concacaf Nations League and Concacaf Gold Cup and entering the new year in a strong position to qualify for the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup in Qatar.Last year was an important year for our leadership team at U.S. Soccer as we worked to establish a stronger foundation to support the long-term growth and evolution of soccer in the United States. These efforts were headlined by our new, landmark agreement with Nike announced in November – which represents the most significant commercial partnership in the history of U.S. Soccer, as well as one of the largest investments in soccer around the world. Although progress was made on several fronts in 2021, the year was also marked by profound challenges, including the allegations of unconscionable abusive behavior and sexual misconduct in the National Women’s Soccer League. U.S. Soccer hired former U.S. Attorney and Deputy Attorney General of the United States Sally Yates to lead an independent investigation into this matter. As she and her team do this important work, we remain committed to giving them the access and resources they need to follow the truth wherever it may lead.2021 also saw U.S. Soccer continue to work toward resolution of the litigation brought by the Women’s National Team. U.S. Soccer remains committed to resolving this case outside of court for the long-term benefit of the sport at all levels. We would happily agree to settle so that we can focus on working together to chart a more positive and collaborative path forward.

Identical Contract & Equalizing Prize Money
As we have over the last several months, U.S. Soccer will continue to share regular updates on our efforts to reach new labor agreements that equalize FIFA World Cup prize money between our Women’s and Men’s National Teams. I speak for our entire leadership team when I say we are ready and willing to meet with both groups of players as often as needed to get these deals done.In September, we offered identical contract proposals to the men’s and women’s players associations, with the goal of aligning both teams under a single collective bargaining agreement (CBA) structure. Our proposal ensured that our Women’s and Men’s National Team players remain among the highest-paid in the world, in part by providing a first-ever revenue sharing structure. In November, we sat down with both unions together for the first time ever and proposed good faith solutions for achieving this goal.While we haven’t received a commitment from either union to move forward with a single pay structure, we have been encouraged that they are willing to join us in discussions about that possibility as we continue to negotiate separate CBAs with each for now. Additionally, we are still focused on taking the important step of equalizing FIFA World Cup prize money, and will not agree to any collective bargaining agreement that does not include that commitment from the two unions.

USWNT CBA Negotiations
We have been encouraged by the constructive nature of our recent CBA negotiations with the Women’s National Team. These discussions have benefited greatly from the consistent and active participation of the women’s players at the bargaining table. Last month, we agreed to extend the negotiation window under their current CBA until March 31, 2022. We believe this development reflects our collective ability to work together and the urgency of both sides to reach a new agreement.

USMNT CBA Negotiations
We still have much work ahead of us in our negotiations with representatives for the Men’s National Team, and we hope they continue to engage in these important discussions. Given their vocal support for our shared commitment to equal pay and the fact that they continue to play under a CBA that expired over three years ago, we trust the Men’s National Team shares our goal of equalizing FIFA World Cup prize money and sense of urgency about getting a deal done.

Looking Ahead 
To find a solution, particularly on equalizing FIFA World Cup Prize money, we need everyone off the sidelines and into the game. We will continue to invite the Men’s National Team to participate in each of our bargaining sessions with the Women’s National Team, including five sessions this month alone, and we hope that the men’s recent participation signals their willingness to be more regularly involved moving forward.We strongly believe it is in everyone’s best interest to find a way to equalize FIFA World Cup prize money and move forward with a single pay structure – and to do so as soon as possible.As we build on important progress made in 2021, our commitment to you – our fans – is that we remain laser-focused on putting these remaining building blocks in place for the good of the game at all levels of play. We continue to be inspired by your passion and are enormously grateful for your support.With every new year comes new opportunities, and we look forward to what we can achieve – together.

Best,
Cindy Parlow Cone
U.S. Soccer President

Earn your Degree While You Watch Your Kids Soccer Practice – ½ the time and cost of Traditional Schools

Proud Member of Indy’s Brick Yard Battalion – http://www.brickyardbattalion.com – CLICK HERE FOR BYBTIX

Sam’s Army- http://www.sams-army.com , American Outlaws  http://www.facebook.com/IndyAOUnite

 

Attend a Free 20-Minute Webinar on Nursing Bridge Programs

FA Cup Action leads the English Action this weekend – while

Tons of FA Cup play on ESPN+ this weekend – Sat starts at 7:30 with recently relegated Fulham and American defenders Robinson and Tim Ream take on Crystal Palace and former NYCFC coach Veira.  Pulisic and Chelsea host Chesterfield at 12:30 pm.  Dortmund may well have Claudio Reyna back at 12:30 pm as they host Frankfort and Timmy Chandler.  Real Madrid will host Valencia at 3 pm on ESPN+.    FA Cup play has Norwich and Stewart traveling to Charlton Athletic at 9 am right before Nottenham Forest hosts Arsenal at 12:30.  Somebody will upset somebody here – its what happens in the FA Cup but the question is who is it – you have to watch to see.  Sunday – Roma hosts Juventus and Weston Mckennie on Paramount plus, while Inter will host Lazio at 2:45 on Para+.  Monday Man United host Villa at 3 pm on Monday followed by Liverpool vs Arsenal on Thursday. (not sure what they will do about the cancelled first round game last week?). 

African Cup Starts this Week on beIN Sport

The first Africa Cup of Nations to be played in Cameroon since 1972 begins Sunday when the hosts begin Group A play against Burkina Faso at 11am ET.A tournament ripe with Premier League players and prospects holds sway over an entire continent for nearly a month until the final is staged Feb. 6, and we’ve got your schedule and standings here. There has not been a repeat winner or finalist at AFCON since Egypt won at home in 2006 before claiming the 2008 tournament title in Ghana and the 2010 edition in Angola, with Algeria and Senegal holding hopes of bucking that trend in February. Kickoff dates: Jan. 9 – Feb. 6 with select games on beIN Sport.

US Women Set to Host Weakest She Believes Cup Ever in Feb

The US announced the line-up for the She Believes Cup this Feb and it’s the weakest grouping of teams ever compiled for this tourney.  The highest ranked team is #16 Iceland, along with #22 New Zealand and the #24 Czechs. According to The18 it appears that England has countered the US and invited the best teams in the world to play at the same time in Europe as #8 England, #3 Germany, #9 Spain and #6 Canada will face off in England. Not sure what the heck the US brass are doing but lining up 2^nd rate European Competition doesn’t do much for anyone – especially a revamping US team.  Heck our first game is not even on TV as it is being played at 11 pm ET?  Come on US Soccer WTH??  Speaking of US Soccer You may recognize former U.S. Soccer Federation president Carlos Cordeiro as the man who, in March 2020, amid the USWNT’s equal pay lawsuit, released a sexist open letter claiming that a men’s player “carries more responsibility” than a women’s player. Well, less than two years after he was forced to resign amid backlash to his blatant misogyny, Cordeiro is now expected to run to reclaim his old job. Can’t make this sh!t up. I certainly hope that electorates of US Soccer are not stupid enough to elect this idiot again.   Interesting story on how having a Men’s World Cup every 2 years – would do serious damage to the Woman’s World Cup – valid points. 

2022 SheBelieves Cup schedule

Feb. 17 in Carson, Calif.
#16 Iceland vs #22 New Zealand, 8pm ET – ESPN
#1 USWNT vs #24 Czech Republic, 11pm ET

Feb. 20 in Carson, Calif.
USWNT vs New Zealand, 3pm ET – ABC
Czech Republic vs Iceland, 6pm ET

Feb. 23 in Frisco, Texas
New Zealand vs Czech Republic, 6pm ET
USWNT vs Iceland, 9pm ET – ESPN

USA

MLS LAFC Hires former USMNT Steve Cherundelo as head coach after Bob Bradley left for Toronto.  The US Men have opened the MLS Camp – for preparation for the late January WCQ Window with matches vs El Salvador, Canada and Honduras.  Again this is just the MLS guys keeping in shape to join the normal European contingent of players who will come in late in January. 

Goalkeepers: Sean Johnson (New York City), Gabriel Slonina (Chicago), Matt Turner (New England)

Defenders: George Bello (Atlanta), DeJuan Jones (New England), Brooks Lennon (Atlanta), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls), Miles Robinson (Atlanta), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville)

Midfielders: Kellyn Acosta (Colorado), Cole Bassett (Colorado), Djordje Mihailovic Montreal), Sebastian Lletget (New England), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Jackson Yueill (San Jose)

Forwards: Paul Arriola (D.C.), Jesús Ferreira (Dallas), Jordan Morris (Seattle), Gyasi Zardes (Columbus)

BIG GAMES TO WATCH

(American’s in parenthesis)

Sat, Jan 8 

7:30 am  ESPN+                 Fulham (Robinson, Ream) vs Crystal Palace  (FA Cup)

12:30 pm ESPN+                Chelsea (Pulisic) vs Chesterfield

12:30 pmESPN+                 Dortmund vs Frankfort (Chandler)

3 pm ESPN+                         Real Madrid vs Valencia

Sun, Jan 9

9 am  ESPN+                        West Ham vs Leeds United FA Cup 

9 am  ESPN+                        Charlton Athletic vs Norwich (Stewart) FA Cup 

12:30 ESPN+                       Nottenham Forest vs Arsenal 

12:30 Para +                        Roma vs Juventus (McKennie)

2:45 pm Para+                    Inter vs Lazio

2:45 pm Para+                    Lyonnais vs PGS

3 pm ESPN+                         Villareal vs Atletico Madrid  

Mon,  Jan 10

3 pm ESPN+                         Man United vs Aston Villa (League Cup)

Thur,  Jan 13

2:45 pm ESPN+                   Liverpool  vs Arsenal (League Cup)

3 pm ESPNDes , +               Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Club (Spain Cup)

Fri,  Jan 14

8 am be:IN Sport                Senegal vs Guine (African Cup)

2:45 pm USA?                     Brighton vs Crystal Palace 

2:30 pm ESPN+                   Dortmund (Reyna) vs Freiberg

Sat, Jan 15 

7:30 am  USA                     Man City vs Chelseas (Pulisic)

12:30 pm NBC                     Aston Villa vs Man United

Fri,  Jan 27

7:30 pm ESPN2                  USMNT vs El Salvador (Columbus)

Sun,  Jan 30

3:30 pm Paramount+       USMNT @ Canada

Tues,  Feb 2

7:30 pm FS1                        USMNT vs Honduras

WORLD

Successful World Cup, women’s game grows: Marcotti’s 2022 wishes  Gabriele Marcotti
Watch out, Zlatan! Mbappe closing in on Ibra after scoring 200th career goal Chris WrightAfrica Cup of Nations schedule, standings, odds, how to watch, more
Africa Cup of Nations poses massive challenges for host Cameroon
Premier League players at the Africa Cup of Nations

 

EPL

Midseason grades for every Premier League team

Will USMNT star Pepi be Augsburg’s answer to Lewandowski?  Tor-Kristian Karlsen
Chelsea and Liverpool still excite, even if title is a foregone conclusion  Mark Ogden

Premier League New Year’s resolutions for all 20 clubs

Arsenal’s two minutes of chaos hand Man City huge advantage in title race  James Olley
Lukaku ‘sorry’ for Chelsea ‘unhappy’ comments
Chelsea – Liverpool player ratings

MLS
LAFC names Cherundolo as new manager  Jeff Carlisle

LAFC hand Cherundolo a chance, but can he succeed on a bigger stage?  Jeff Carlisle
Steven Cherundolo to be named LAFC’s new head coach, replacing Bob Bradley

MLS sells Real Salt Lake to Palace part-owner Blitzer

USA

Watch Christian Pulisic’s brilliant goal to bring Chelsea and Liverpool even at two

West Bromwich Albion signs Daryl Dike on permanent transfer  By Brendan Joseph
USMNT’s Ricardo Pepi completes $20 million transfer to Augsburg; is this a good fit?
Chelsea – Liverpool player ratings

Sources: Cordeiro eyes U.S. Soccer post again  Caitlin Murray and Jeff Carlisle

Rapinoe blasts Cordeiro’s ‘caveman levels of misogyny’ amid plans to run for USSF prez

Bold USMNT predictions for 2022 y Donald Wine II S&S

2021 in review: Did our bold USMNT predictions come true?  S&S

Gab Marcotti’s 2022 soccer wishes: Successful World Cup, stakeholders work together, women’s game grows

Jan 1, 2022Gabriele Marcotti  Senior Writer, ESPN FC

Just as was the case 12 months ago, soccer exists amid mankind’s fight against an enemy few could imagine would ever become real. But there is hope…

Most are a little better off than at this time last year and, if there is some light to have come out of the darkness, it is that maybe we realized how much we have in common and what we can achieve when we band together and trust in each other.It is a lesson that can — hopefully — be transferred to football, which, at the very top of the game, stands divided and uncertain. And that is where my 30 wishes for 2022 begin.

Gab’s wishes from: 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014

---

1. That the powers that be — whether FIFA, the confederations, clubs, leagues, players, broadcasters or agents — realize the stakes and find a way forward together. “United we stand, divided we fall” is not just a cliché; it’s the reality of what will happen if no effective deal is found before the international match calendar resets in 2024. Everyone wants to shape football’s future, which is great. Realistically, though, everyone needs to sacrifice something to make it happen.

2. That, speaking of the international match calendar, we’ll be open-minded. For example, keeping the existing number of games, while reducing the number of windows (and therefore both travel for players and disruptions to club football), strikes me as a common-sense solution. Being against it just because the “other side” has promoted it or because it’s “against tradition” is silly and irresponsible.

3. That folks understand FIFA’s mission and don’t just make the usual puerile cracks about money and corruption. The world governing body exists to develop the game, which costs money — money for the men’s and women’s game, as well as federations, pitches, youth development and more. Many member associations receive the bulk of their funding from FIFA, so it should not surprise us if such federations back anything that brings them more money, such as a biennial men’s World Cup.

– Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)
– Don’t have ESPN? Get instant access

4. That FIFA continues to be transparent about how money is allocated but also reviews the system to make it fairer. Progress has been made in holding federations to account for what they receive, but more needs to be done regarding where money goes. A portion of FIFA funds is allocated for specific projects, and another goes, in equal parts, to every federation. Regarding that latter part, it’s simply unfair that tiny countries such as, say, Montserrat or Liechtenstein get the same amount as Pakistan or Nigeria. It might be unpopular — because it might cost votes — but it’s the right thing to do.

5. That the Qatar World Cup takes place successfully and runs as smoothly as possible. Every four years, around this time, we hear about problems with host nations, citing unfinished stadiums, infrastructure, crime and more, but this edition is a 32-team tournament essentially taking place in one city of 2.2 million people. Nothing so big has ever been attempted in a place so small.

6. That, if the powers that be realize Qatar 2022 will struggle logistically, they have the courage to find a solution while there is time. Michel Platini back in the day and Gianni Infantino a few years ago floated the idea of Qatar sharing the World Cup with some of its Gulf neighbours. It was rebuffed, mainly because relationships between Qatar and the likes of United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were terrible to the point that they were blockading the country. That’s over now, so if turning the tournament into a regional event by shifting games to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah or Manama helps alleviate the logistical pressure — from hotel rooms to training facilities — it should be seriously considered.

7. That whatever improvements to human rights — regarding migrant workers and local residents — have come to Qatar as a result of hosting the World Cup don’t simply disappear once the circus rolls out of town. And, on the contrary, that they become entrenched and accepted, not just there but throughout the entire region.

8. That the game comes up with a coherent solution to the issue of player workload and fixture congestion, one that recognises there is no one-size-fits-all outcome. Elite players play too many games and would like to play fewer. Most of those at lower levels would love to play more. There’s a way to rebalance this, so find it.

9. That those who run clubs realize simply playing more games isn’t the best way to increase revenue. That’s why the Champions League expanded and why clubs don’t want to see the size of their top flight reduced. But you get diminishing marginal gains when simply adding fixtures and, sometimes, sometimes, less is more. At the top end, having fewer matches — but making each a bigger deal — would be beneficial and possibly just as lucrative, if not more so.

10. That when UEFA reintroduces financial fair play rules, they have the right balance, plus teeth and transparency. FFP was suspended due to COVID-19, and that was reasonable, but its return must come with realisation that the landscape isn’t that of 10 years ago. You need a system that looks forward and encourages investment and growth, while at the same time making it sustainable. You need a better enforcement mechanism, and you need buy-in from the public, which means making all the figures transparent and open to all. Money is the main tool for competition, so there is no reason to shroud it in secrecy.

11. That FIFA’s new transfer regulations on agents involve full transparency so clubs, as well as individuals, can be held to account. They likely won’t, because FIFA says European privacy laws don’t allow it. Fine, challenge them: Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and many agents want openness too.

12. That the opportunity is taken to ban sovereign wealth funds from buying clubs. Such a fund’s job is to look after the money of a country’s citizens, who, unlike with a private equity fund, don’t get to choose where their money is invested. And unlike a private equity fund, governments can be toppled or voted out. That’s a recipe for neither fairness nor stability. I’m not picking on Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain or Newcastle; they can be given an exemption or be made to sell over time. But there’s no valid reason for this to continue. Clubs should be owned by members, who freely choose to take a stake, or by private companies, whose shareholders make that choice with their own money.

13. That leagues regulate partnerships between clubs and providers of cryptocurrencies and nonfungible tokens (NFTs). I have nothing against either — in fact, I own some cryptocurrency myself — but some of what is going on looks like little more than pump-and-dump operations using club brands for legitimacy and club loyalty to sucker in fans. Caveat emptor and buyer beware? Sure, but legitimate cryptos and NFT providers also get fleeced.

14. That the European Super League and its proponents go away and have a long, hard think. I know they retreated with their noses bloodied, and some are still fighting, but if their only solution for making the game better is trying to impose their will on others, that’s no solution.

15. That we realize that although a superleague was wrong for Europe — especially in how it came about — that does not necessarily apply elsewhere. I use the term loosely, but if you take it to mean some sort of open pan-continental competition — without permanent places that, for some, might replace domestic competition — it might not necessarily be a bad thing for some parts of the world.

16. That at some point we answer the basic question of what we want football to be, whether purely a part of the entertainment business or some sort of communal social trust. The European Court of Justice might end up answering it on behalf of all of us, but I’d rather the game got there first. If it’s purely a branch of the entertainment business, then we don’t really need FIFA, confederations and national associations. Clubs can band together to write their own rules and create and run their own competitions, without any oversight or accountability to anyone, other than their customers (sorry, fans…). If it’s a communal social trust, like public education or law enforcement or national parks, then the system has to be open to all, with solidarity and with elected leaders who make decisions for the entire pyramid. The best outcome, as I see it, isn’t at either end of the continuum; it’s somewhere in between. But we need clarity.

17. That match officials explain decisions, including admitting errors, so that fans can better understand. The key word here is explain, which is different from justify. From VAR to on-pitch referees, too often we don’t know why or how a decision was taken. When Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi make mistakes, we accept them as such. If referees were allowed to speak more openly, we might accept errors more readily.

18. That the last bastion of protectionism in the game — referees — be removed. The best leagues in the world attract talent from all over, from players and coaches to sporting directors, owners, physios and so on. But, with very few exceptions, refereeing remains a de facto closed shop. Strictly speaking, you don’t need to be Italian to referee in Serie A or English to referee in the Premier League, but you do have to be part of those countries’ refereeing associations. In practice, that rules out most foreigners unless they want to start near the bottom of the pyramid. Leagues should be free to hire the best they can find.

19. That the battle against racism, sexism, anti-gay behaviour and other bigotry continue to attract more and more support. There are many ways to fight the fight, so let’s not get bogged down on what might be performative or lip service. Instead, let’s do more to be inclusive; the world is changing for the better, and the game needs to keep up.

20. That women’s football be given a chance to grow on its own, marking its own path, rather than simply copying the men’s game. It went under the radar somewhat, but FIFA took a big step last month when it split out the commercial operation of its male and female competitions. There is no valid reason the strategy for growth among women — where, in real terms, the elite game is a few decades old — should be dictated by those who had a century-long head start.

21. That we get a biennial Women’s World Cup. Club football drives the men’s game, but we know international football drives it for the women; you only need to look at attendances and viewership of elite women’s leagues versus World Cups and continental championships to understand this. A biennial World Cup, plus a strong Nations League in each confederation, is the way forward, at least in the short term.

22. That we learn the lesson of the Chinese bubble. Remember the sport’s boom and president Xi Jinping’s 2016 ambition to win the World Cup in the next 15 years and become a world superpower by 2050? That looks unlikely to happen, given the team that won the Super League in 2020 was dissolved a few months later. There’s a lesson to be learned about growth being organic, sustainable and, above all, not top down.

23. That Christine Sinclair sticks around a few more years, making it tougher for Cristiano Ronaldo to break her international scoring record. OK, I jest. It’s apples and oranges, obviously. Ronaldo broke the men’s record in 2021 and is now at 115 goals for Portugal. Sinclair has 188 for Canada and, since I want Ronaldo to keep playing and breaking records for a long time, I like to think that reaching Sinclair’s mark — whatever it might be — should keep him going for many years.

24. That we one day we find out the truth about why Lionel Messi is no longer a Barcelona player. It might take forensic accounting. It might take truth serum. But I’d love to know what happened, because I simply don’t buy the explanation we got. Messi was in tears at leaving and later said he was never asked to play for free, while Barca president Joan Laporta said the club did everything to keep him. Maybe I’m wrong, but it just doesn’t add up.

LIVE ON ESPN+ (SELECTED GAMES)

THURSDAY, JAN. 6
• Zaragoza v Sevilla (11:55 a.m. ET)
• Arsenal v Liverpool (2:40 p.m. ET)
• Majadahonda v Atletico (3:25 p.m. ET)

25. That somebody explains to me whether Karim Benzema got really good all of a sudden or whether all the wise, highly paid football folk at Real Madrid over the past 13 years didn’t see what they had on their hands. Benzema was 21 when he arrived at the Bernabeu. For the first four years, he was in and out of the line-up. For the five after that, he played third fiddle in the BBC, doing the groundwork for fellow front men Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo. For the past three years, Benzema has been one of the best centre-forwards in the world and, finally, has gotten credit. How does that work?

26. That however well Manchester United do under interim boss Ralf Rangnick, they wait until the end of the season to choose whether he should be made permanent manager. They made that mistake before when, for absolutely no reason, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got the full-time job three months before a decision was needed. Once bitten, twice shy, you’d think, but with this club you just don’t know. You’ve got a plan, stick to it. Take all the time you have to decide whether Rangnick should stay on the bench, whether he should take some kind of technical director role or whether you want to say “auf wiedersehen.”

27. That Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Mueller either stay or go out together. They’ve defined the past decade at Bayern Munich, are 33 and 32 respectively, and will both be out of contract in June 2023. Devising the right exit strategy for superstars isn’t easy. If they’re not going to stay, as a fan of both players, I’d rather Bayern just ripped off the Band-Aid.

28. That Juventus‘ majority shareholders, the Exor company, hold the folks running the club to account, not just for events on the pitch but for the negative publicity received. When you’re the biggest and most successful club, many folks will be jealous and dislike you, but over the past few seasons — from the Super League debacle to Luis Suarez‘s Italian language exam and a false accounting investigation — this club has received too much avoidable negative publicity.

29. That Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland continue to do what is best for them. Some argue that having family members influence your career can be detrimental, and in some cases that’s true. But with these two, it feels as if every step has been carefully designed with a long-term view. Haaland could have moved directly from Salzburg to a mega-club and made much more money. Mbappe could have moved to Real Madrid when he left Monaco. Instead, both took their time. And both face a major decision in 2022: Mbappe is a free agent, while Haaland might as well be, since he has a release clause far lower than his market value.

30. That kids who fall in love with the sport be given the chance, first and foremost, to support their local club before jumping on the big-club bandwagon simply because that is what is pumped relentlessly onto screens. Yes, this is copied-and-pasted from previous years, but it’s worth repeating. And it’s the one wish over which we have the most control.

Why U.S. Soccer Couldn’t Get Half-Decent Teams For 2022 SheBelieves Cup

TRAVIS YOESTINGJANUARY 5, 2022  The18

THE COMPETITION LEVEL IN THE 2022 SHEBELIEVES CUP IS BY FAR THE WORST THE TOURNAMENT HAS EVER SEEN.

Despite pandemics and lawsuits, one constant for the U.S. women’s national team lately has been the SheBelieves Cup. Every year since 2016, the USWNT has hosted some of the best teams in the world in a four-team competition aimed at inspiring young women. Unfortunately, the 2022 SheBelieves Cup looks like it’ll be the least inspiring yet. U.S. Soccer unveiled the schedule for the 2022 SheBelieves Cup on Wednesday. As usual, the top-ranked USWNT is the main attraction. The rest of the three-team field, in years past filled by other top-10 teams, now doesn’t feature a single team in the top 15. Iceland, New Zealand and the Czech Republic will be in California and Texas to play in the 2022 SheBelieves Cup next month.Last year, Argentina was a late replacement for Japan, which pulled out of the 2021 SheBelieves Cup because of Covid-19 concerns. It marked the first time a team ranked above 13th in the world had participated in the competition. This year, all three of the USWNT’s opponents are ranked above 13th in the world. Iceland leads the pack with a No. 16 ranking followed by New Zealand (22) and the Czech Republic (24). Only Argentina last year (31st) has competed in the SheBelieves Cup with a lower ranking than these three nations.It’s a disappointing reality for the competition, which used to be comprised of top teams like Germany, France, England, Brazil and Japan. The U.S. couldn’t even entice reigning Olympic champion Canada to come south for the competition.So why is the 2022 SheBelieves Cup so disappointing compared to previous tournaments? Other competitions have proven more enticing.The biggest women’s competition early in 2022 is the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, held in India from Jan. 20-Feb. 6. This made it extremely unlikely the U.S. would be able to get top teams like Japan, Australia or South Korea to come to the States (plus the U.S. has played the latter two a lot recently). It makes sense Asian countries will want to focus on the tournament that is serving as 2023 Women’s World Cup qualifying. The harder pill to swallow is England starting its own February tournament to compete with the SheBelieves Cup — and immediately becoming the better competition.The English FA will host the inaugural Arnold Clark Cup during the same time period as the SheBelieves Cup. The four-team, round-robin competition is basically identical to the SheBelieves Cup, only without the U.S. This year, Germany, Spain and Canada will join England in Middlesbrough, Norwich and Wolverhampton. All four of those nations have previously competed in the SheBelieves Cup, but chose to compete in Europe ahead of the Women’s Euro 2022 this summer.You can’t blame these other countries for joining these other competitions, but it certainly will make for a boring 2022 SheBelieves Cup. Simply put, the USWNT will be expected to cruise past these three opponents without even getting out of first gear. The last time the U.S. dropped points to a team ranked 16th or lower in anything other than a friendly was a 2-2 draw with Colombia at the 2016 Olympics. But that doesn’t mean the competition will be a total waste of time. This is the perfect opportunity for coach Vlatko Andonovski test out younger players ahead of the Concacaf W Championship this summer. Iceland, New Zealand and the Czech Republic will provide more similar tests to what the U.S. will see in the Concacaf tournament, which will serve as qualifying for both the 2023 Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympics. 

2022 SheBelieves Cup Schedule

Feb. 17 — Carson, California
Iceland vs. New Zealand, 8 p.m. ET
USA vs. Czech Republic, 11 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Feb. 20 — Carson, California
USA vs. New Zealand, 3 p.m. ET (ABC)
Czech Republic vs. Iceland, 6 p.m. ET

Feb. 23 — Frisco, Texas
New Zealand vs. Czech Republic, 6 p.m. ET
USA vs. Iceland, 9 p.m. ET (ESPN)

The 2022 SheBelieves Cup could be a chance for Trinity Rodman to break into the national team after she refused to go to Australia for the November 2021 friendlies. It could be a chance for Mal Pugh to prove she can be a World Cup starter. It could be the moment Catarina Macario announces herself as the best player on the USWNT. Who knows, maybe it’ll be a farewell tournament for Megan Rapinoe. Regardless of who is playing, we’ll still eagerly watch anytime the U.S. women’s national team takes the field. It’s disappointing this year’s tournament doesn’t feature the same high quality as previous editions, but it’s still international soccer, and it’s a great opportunity for the nations who were invited. The 2022 SheBelieves Cup comes at a bit of an awkward time. NWSL players report to their clubs for preseason training on Feb. 1, only to join up with the national team for a couple of weeks before starting the Challenge Cup in March. But the SheBelieves Cup will once again be a launching point for the USWNT in a calendar year, and I’ll never complain about more soccer to watch, even if the matches end up being snoozefests. 

SheBelieves Cup: USWNT announces field for February tournament

Nicholas Mendola

Wed, January 5, 2022, 12:51 PM

The United States women’s national team will be overwhelming favorites to comfortably win the 2022 SheBelieves Cup next month in California and Texas.The FIFA-ranked No. 1 USWNT will face No. 16 Iceland, No. 22 New Zealand, and No. 24 Czech Republic in what will be a challenging but relatively-straightforward tournament for a team moving into a new era with the retirement of Carli Lloyd and progress of Catarina Macario and Trinity Rodman.The Yanks have won the last two SheBelieves Cups and still have Alex Morgan, Becky Sauerbrunn, Julie Ertz, Lindsey Horan, and a host of magnificent talents and boast a tremendous record against the field.The USWNT is 16-1-1 all-time against New Zealand, has 12 wins and two draws in 14 matches against Iceland, and beat the Czech Republic in their only meeting back in 2000.Czechia won one match in 2021, against Cyprus, and was beaten 4-0 by Iceland. The Icelandic team only lost twice last year, to Italy and the Netherlands, and also boasts a win over Japan in the Netherlands plus a draw with Italy.New Zealand beat South Korea in a November friendly but lost all of its 2021 matches including a 6-1 pasting by the USWNT at the Olympics.The tournament should give USWNT boss Vlatko Andonovski a terrific opportunity to continue growing the experience levels of the next generation leading up a World Cup year in 2023.Andonovski has 28 wins, five draws, and two losses in an exceptional start to life at the helm but his Bronze Medal at the Olympics was only likely that color because of a lack of star turns from veterans in Tokyo.The program is tasked with identifying its next long-term goalkeeper — Jane Campbell seems the front runner — and will continue to develop Tierna Davidson, Alana Cook, Macario, Sophia Smith, and others.The United States has won four-of-six SheBelieves Cups and every field was significantly stronger than February’s cast.

2022 SheBelieves Cup schedule

Feb. 17 in Carson, Calif.
Iceland vs New Zealand, 8pm ET – ESPN
USWNT vs Czech Republic, 11pm ET

Feb. 20 in Carson, Calif.
USWNT vs New Zealand, 3pm ET – ABC
Czech Republic vs Iceland, 6pm ET

Feb. 23 in Frisco, Texas
New Zealand vs Czech Republic, 6pm ET
USWNT vs Iceland, 9pm ET – ESPN

Midseason grades for every Premier League team

Joe Prince-Wright  Mon, January 3, 2022, 6:55 PM

We’ve hit the midway point of the Premier League season and with the FA Cup break coming up, now is a good time to reflect on the first half of the campaign and dish out some grades.

Ah yes, the gradebook is open.From teams starting fast and floundering to others building momentum slowly, it has been a crazy first half of the 2021-22 Premier League season.Riveting? Yes. Fun? Absolutely. Predictable? Anything but.With all that in mind, below I’ve dished out a grade for each of the 20 Premier League teams based on their play so far and have some analysis on each.

Latest Premier League news

Premier League’s winners and losers of the Festive Fixtures Ralf Rangnick: Manchester United ‘overloaded’ as Wolves ‘deserved… Manchester United vs Wolves final score: Red Devils tamed at home

Arsenal: B+

There has been a ton of progress at Arsenal this season and I didn’t see it coming. Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Martin Odegaard, Aaron Ramsdale and Albert Sambi Lokonga were the big summer additions and I thought the Gunners needed a few more new players in. But the likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel and Bukayo Saka have been superb, alongside Ramsdale, Odegaard, White and Tomiyasu all becoming regulars. After a poor start to the season Arsenal have fought back admirably and Mikel Arteta should be applauded for getting the balance between youth and experience right, while also creating a new culture at the club. On the pitch they’re fun to watch and the next step is beating some of the big boys. Arsenal are serious top four contenders in the Premier League and that is a massive step forward.

Aston Villa: C

A poor start led to Dean Smith being fired and after the end to last season, there weren’t many complaints. The decline had been a gradual one over the last 12 months and hiring Steven Gerrard gave this talented Villa squad a proper kick up the backside. New signings Danny Ings, Leon Bailey and Emiliano Buendia have taken time to settle in but John McGinn and Emiliano Martinez have been superb and Villa look like a comfortable midtable team. That is where they should be and if Gerrard can add a few key attacking players, next season they could push for a top six finish.

Brentford: A

What an addition to the Premier League the Bees have been. The new boys are pushing for a top 10 finish (23 points from 19 games so far), have given the big boys a real run for their money at home and they have an entertaining, full-throttle style of play. Manager Thomas Frank is a breath of fresh air too and Brentford are pretty much everyone’s favorite second team. If Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo can get firing up top again a top 10 finish is not out of the question. Remarkable.

Brighton and Hove Albion: A-

Graham Potter’s side have been excellent so far this season and should be even higher in the table than ninth. The Seagulls play lovely stuff and were soaring early in the season as they edged tight games. They then hit a bumpy few months as goals dried up and they kept drawing games. Now they are back on track and pushing for European qualification. If Neal Maupay and Leandro Trossard can keep creating and scoring Brighton will easily finish in the top 10.

Burnley: D

A very poor season so far for the Clarets. Sean Dyche’s side are struggling to score goals (even though summer signing Maxwel Cornet has been sublime) but their play is more adventurous this season. They’ve won just one of their opening 17 games and sit in the bottom three, but are just two points from safety. Is this the season Burnley finally get relegated from the Premier League?

Chelsea: B

What a weird season this has been for Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea so far. They looked like the pacesetters early on and most believed they would win the title. But then Romelu Lukaku was injured and since then he’s spoken out about being unhappy and the wheels have come off due to injuries and coughing up late goals after not putting chances away. Chelsea sit 10 points off league leaders Man City but it feels like they could mount a huge winning streak in the second half of the season. Can they get their title bid back on track?

Crystal Palace: B

Patrick Vieira’s side are a lot of fun to watch and they are comfortably above the relegation zone. That is much better than most predicted and Conor Gallagher has been sensational, while Palace could be much higher in the table had they not conceded so many late goals. The big win at Man City was the highlight and Palace are no longer a counter-attacking team as they can mix things up and keep the ball. This young squad will do well and Vieira is an underrated manager.

Everton: D-

After such a great start under Rafael Benitez things have gone south. Badly. Injuries to Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison haven’t helped matters and they are just above the relegation battle. There have been some bright spots recently with a win against Arsenal and draw at Chelsea, but there’s isn’t much to smile about at Goodison. Benitez’s style of play isn’t great to watch and Everton’s entire squad needs an overhaul (once again), especially in defense. What a mess.

Leeds United: C-

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have too much quality to go down and injuries have hit them hard this season as they’ve had a bit of a second season slump. Being without Patrick Bamford and Kalvin Phillips for large chunks of the season has been rough and they have endured some heavy defeats. That said, they are well clear of the relegation zone and should be just fine.

Leicester City: C

A very peculiar season for the Foxes as Brendan Rodgers’ side have secured some big wins but they’ve been wildly inconsistent. Defensive injuries have hit them hard and they were knocked out of the Europa League, which was a huge shame. Jamie Vardy started off on fire but has struggled in recent weeks and they haven’t found any rhythm at all. Despite all of that they look primed to push for a top eight finish once again. Not bad, all things considered.

Liverpool: B

Jurgen Klopp had the Reds in a title fight until just before the festive period but some bad results and injuries have hit them hard at just the wrong time of the season. Liverpool will still be in the title race in the second half of the season and that is largely due to the brilliance of Mohamed Salah who has been consistently excellent and is  the best player on the planet right now. Defensively there have been some teething issues and midfield injuries has disrupted their flow. When they are fit and firing on all cylinders, Liverpool can still beat anyone in the Premier League and Champions League.

Manchester City: A-

A run of 11-straight wins through November and December has once again underlined the incredible squad depth Pep Guardiola has at his disposal. There were a few poor results early in the season but that was largely due to players not being up to speed after a busy summer. Jack Grealish has struggled to settle but City are clicking through the gears and Kevin de Bruyne is back to his best. City are threatening to runaway with the title as they aim to secure a fourth Premier League crown in five seasons.

Manchester United: D-

Just so many issues to sort out. So many. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer lost his job after plenty of poor defeats and United sit in seventh place in the table, four points off the top four with a game in-hand. That doesn’t sound bad but the displays under interim boss Ralf Rangnick haven’t been good and there is talk of issues behind-the-scenes with the playing squad. David de Gea has won so many points for them and they look unorganized, Bruno Fernandes Harry Maguire are both having a nightmare and they look so disjointed and unable to control games. Add in the fact that Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo have arrived and can’t seem to help consistently and this is a squad of very talented players that is underachieving massively. United were supposed to be battling for the Premier League title, not trying to sneak into the top four.

Newcastle United: F

An awful season so far. Steve Bruce was fired and Eddie Howe replaced him amid the Saudi Arabian-led takeover. One win from 19 games would usually see them cut adrift but remarkably they are just two points from safety as they enter the second half of the season. Newcastle can survive but they need to buy a new defense in January and hope Callum Wilson, Jonjo Shelvey and Allan Saint-Maximin stay fit. If all of that happens then then could just stay up. Just.

Norwich City: D-

The hugely likeable Daniel Farke was fired and Dean Smith hired and Norwich are hanging in there better than most people expected. They are three points from safety (four if you count goal difference) but don’t look like they will score enough goals to stay up. New additions are needed in January to give themselves a chance but will that actually happen? Probably not. Smith has to get the best out of Billy Gilmour, Teemu Pukki and Ozan Kabak to give themselves a chance of staying in the Premier League.

Southampton: C

After losing Danny Ings, Ryan Bertrand and Jannik Vestergaard last summer many people believed Saints would be relegated. They’ve actually done okay. James Ward-Prowse continues to be their main man and some of the youngsters Ralph Hasenhuttl has signed are very, very good with Tino Livramento and Armando Broja excellent. If Saints can keep improving defensively and put away a few more of their chances they can push for a top 10 finish. But if they start to struggle again at the back they could be sucked into a relegation battle. Big month or so coming up.

Tottenham Hotspur: C+

Nuno Espirito Santo didn’t last long despite a great start and now Antonio Conte is in charge, there’s a whole new dimension to Spurs. They are tough to beat and are grinding out wins and that is what it is all about under Conte. Harry Kane has yet to hit his stride and the balance of this team isn’t quite there yet. That said, Spurs are in the top four battle and are two points off fourth-place Arsenal with two games in hand. You’d fancy Conte to push them into the top four and Spurs should have brought him in this summer. Now they have, watch out.

Watford: C-

Xisco was fired after a very decent start and that was very much a Watford move. Claudio Ranieri has struggled since replacing him and although they are starting to look better defensively, it will be a relegation battle this season for the Hornets. Ranieri’s boys are very dangerous in attack as Emmanuel Dennis has been exceptional and Josh King and Ismaila Sarr (injured for the last month or so) cause problems. Watford have to shore things up at the back if they want to push away from the bottom three.

West Ham United: A-

Another sensational season for the Hammers, so far. David Moyes’ side have beaten Chelsea and Liverpool at home and are in the Europa League last 16 after a fine European campaign. Their small squad has largely stayed fit but injury issues with Michail Antonio, Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna threatened to derail their top four push. They’re still hanging in there and Declan Rice has been marvellous in midfield. The Hammers looked set for another top six finish and that would be an amazing achievement.

Wolverhampton Wanderers: A-

Did anybody see this coming? Wolves look very good under Bruno Lage as they play a more expansive style and have had some great results. Raul Jimenez is slowly getting back to his best and their 3-4-2-1 system is tough to break down. They draw a lot of games and the next step is taking more opportunities. They sit in eighth place and are seven points off the top four. Could they surge towards the Champions League spots in the second half of the season?

Chelsea – Liverpool player ratings

Joe Prince-Wright  Sun, January 2, 2022, 1:32 PM·3 min read

Chelsea – Liverpool player ratings were so much fun to dish out as plenty of superstars shone at Stamford Bridge in a classic Premier League encounter.  After Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah scored early to put Liverpool into a 2-0 lead, against the run of play, Chelsea came flying back before half time.  Mateo Kovacic scored a worldie to make it 2-1, then USMNT star Christian Pulisic made it 2-2. Both teams had chances to win it but goalkeepers Edouard Mendy and Caoimhin Kelleher stood tall, as a draw wasn’t great for either team as they aim to chase down Manchester City in the title race.  Below are marks out of 10 with the full Chelsea – Liverpool player ratings.

Chelsea player ratings

Edouard Mendy: 8 – Two fine stops from Salah and Mane in the second half. Solid.

Trevoh Chalobah: 6 – Poor mistake for Mane’s goal, but recovered well. Came off with a knock.

Thiago Silva: 6.5 – Solid as ever as he tried to calm things down. Did a job on Jota to keep him off the ball.

Antonio Rudiger: 6.5 – No marauding runs forward but did his job at the back.

Cesar Azpilicueta: 7 – Did well at RWB and RCB after he was smashed in the face by Mane early on. Kept his cool.

N’Golo Kante: 8 – He was everywhere, once again. Brilliant midfield display as he swept everything up. Lovely assist for Pulisic’s goal.

Mateo Kovacic: 8.5 – Stunning volley to start Chelsea’s rally. Lovely flicks and passes. On another level.

Marcos Alonso: 6.5 – Deliveries weren’t at his best and Salah did him on his goal, but always an option as he surged forward.

Mason Mount: 7 – Some nice passes and movement to knit midfield and attack together.

Christian Pulisic: 6.5 – Scored a crucial goal but missed a big chance early on. Never gave up and finished the game at RWB.

Kai Havertz: 6 – Didn’t get too many chances, but helped Chelsea look a lot better in attack. Maybe he will start over Romelu Lukaku?

Substitutions
Jorginho (70′ on for Chalobah): 6 – Settled things down and used all of his experience.
Callum Hudson-Odoi (79′ on for Havertz): 6 – Couldn’t get behind the Liverpool defense after coming on up top.

Liverpool player ratings

Caoimhin Kelleher: 8 – Youngster did superbly. Denied Pulisic twice, the first a great save at 0-0. Only 23 and has a bright future.

Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6 – Clearance early on led to Pulisic’s chance. Couldn’t get forward much.

Ibrahima Konate: 6 – Solid enough, but still settling in at center back. His positioning was a little off at times.

Virgil van Dijk: 6.5 – Won plenty of balls in the air and calmed things down in the second half.

Kostas Tsimikas: 6.5 – Quality of his crosses not quite there but flew forward all the time. Standing in well for Robertson.

Jordan Henderson: 6 – Not his best game but kept battling away. Leadership skills key.

Fabinho: 6 – See above. Caught in possession in bad areas a few times, which is unlike him. Tough to play against Kovacic and Kante.

James Milner: 6 – See above. All three Liverpool central midfielders struggled to dictate the tempo but they battled away.

Mohamed Salah: 8 – Brilliant goal and could have scored a lovely chip in the second half but Mendy denied him Now he’s off to represent Egypt and Liverpool will miss him massively.

Diogo Jota: 6 – Very, very quiet as Thiago Silva and Rudiger did a job on him.

Sadio Mane: 6.5 – Lovely finish for his goal and Mendy denied him a second. But lucky to stay on the pitch after his early challenge on Azpilicueta.

Substitutions
Naby Keita (69′ on for Milner): 6 – Didn’t get on the ball but worked hard.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (69′ on for Jota): 6 – See above. A few times he could’ve launched counters.
Curtis Jones (90′ on for Mane): N/A

Africa Cup of Nations schedule, standings, odds, how to watch, more

Nicholas Mendola  NBC Sports Wed, January 5, 2022, 1:30 PM

The first Africa Cup of Nations to be played in Cameroon since 1972 begins Sunday when the hosts begin Group A play against Burkina Faso at 11am ET.A tournament ripe with Premier League players and prospects holds sway over an entire continent for nearly a month until the final is staged Feb. 6, and we’ve got your schedule and standings here.There has not been a repeat winner or finalist at AFCON since Egypt won at home in 2006 before claiming the 2008 tournament title in Ghana and the 2010 edition in Angola, with Algeria and Senegal holding hopes of bucking that trend in February.Algeria beat Senegal 1-0 in 2019 to triumph in Egypt and become the seventh nation to win multiple AFCONs, following Democratic Republic of Congo (1968, 1974), Ivory Coast (1992, 2015), Nigeria (1980, 1994, 2013), Ghana (1963, 1965, 1978, 1982), Cameroon (1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, 2017), and Egypt (1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010).Below you’ll find the tables, schedules, how to watch info, and outright odds for the winner of AFCON.

2021 Africa Cup of Nations group tables

Group A

Burkina Faso
Cape Verde
Cameroon
Ethiopia

Group B

Guinea
Malawi
Senegal
Zimbabwe

Group C

Comoros
Gabon
Ghana
Morocco

Group D

Egypt
Guinea-Bissau
Nigeria
Sudan

Group E

Algeria
Ivory Coast
Equatorial Guinea
Sierra Leone

Group F

Gambia
Mali
Mauritania
Tunisia

How to watch Africa Cup of Nations in USA

Kickoff dates: Jan. 9 – Feb. 6
Location: Cameroon
TV Channel: BeIn Sports (select games)
Stream: BeIn Sports Xtra

2021 Africa Cup of Nations (in 2022) schedule

Sunday, January 9

Cameroon vs Burkina Faso, 11am ET
Ethiopia vs Cape Verde, 3pm ET

Monday, January 10

Senegal vs Zimbabwe, 8am ET
Morocco vs Ghana, 11am ET
Guinea vs Malawi, 11am ET
Comoros vs Gabon, 2pm ET

Tuesday, January 11

Algeria vs Sierra Leone, 8am ET
Nigeria vs Egypt, 11am ET
Sudan vs Guinea-Bissau, 2pm ET

Wednesday, January 12

Tunisia vs Mali, 8am ET
Mauritania vs Gambia, 11am ET
Equatorial Guinea vs Ivory Coast, 2pm ET

Thursday, January 13

Cameroon vs Ethiopia, 11am ET
Cape Verde vs Burkina Faso, 2pm ET

Friday, January 14

Senegal vs Guinea, 8am ET
Morocco vs Comoros, 11am ET
Malawi vs Zimbabwe, 11am ET
Gabon vs Ghana, 2pm ET

Saturday, January 15

Nigeria vs Sudan, 11am ET
Guinea-Bissau vs Egypt, 2pm ET

Sunday, January 16

Gambia vs Mali, 8am ET
Tunisia vs Mauritania, 11am ET
Ivory Coast vs Sierra Leone, 11am ET
Algeria vs Equatorial Guinea, 2pm ET

Monday, January 17

Cape Verde vs Cameroon, 11am ET
Burkina Faso vs Ethiopia, 11am ET

Tuesday, January 18

Malawi vs Senegal, 11am ET
Zimbabwe vs Guinea, 11am ET
Gabon vs Morocco, 2pm ET
Ghana vs Comoros, 2pm ET

Wednesday, January 19

Egypt vs Sudan, 2pm ET
Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria, 2pm ET

Thursday, January 20

Ivory Coast vs Algeria, 11am ET
Sierra Leone vs Equatorial Guinea, 11am ET
Gambia vs Tunisia, 2pm ET
Mali vs Mauritania, 2pm ET

Sunday, January 23 – Wednesday, January 26 —- Round of 16

Saturday, January 29 – Sunday, January 30 —- Quarterfinals

Wednesday, February 2 – Thursday, February 3—- Semifinals

Sunday, February 6 — Third-place game and Final