USA vs Uruguay Fox 5 pm Sunday – MUST WATCH TV
A big 3-0 win over a very good Morocco team (highlights) that had not lost by more than 2 goals in over 50 games – in Cincy on Wednesday night – has set up a huge game vs an even better Uruguay team on Sunday at 5 pm on Fox. Coverage starts at 4:30 pm – as Uruguay is coming off a huge 3-0 blanking of Mexico in Texas in front of 55K last night. This Uruguay team is a true test – hopefully Berhalter will send out his very BEST team on Sunday as a national TV audience has a chance to tune in on Fox – against the 3rd best team in South America – behind only Brazil and Argentina. This is a much tougher game and should really be the toughest test the US will face before the World Cup.
Shane’s Starters for Sun game vs Uruguay
Haji Wright
Pulisic/Weah
Aaronson/Yanus Musah
Adams
Robinson/Long/Zimmerman/Scally or Yedlin
Matt Turner
Wow what a game for the US attack on Wednesday night. A huge 3 – 0 win was lead by Pulisic of course and a surprising strong performance by new Leed’s United winger Brenden Aaronson playing in the 8 spot for McKinney. Pulisic was voted Coaches Man of the Match for this spectacular over the shoulder first touch and incredible assist – but also for his leadership as captain for the game. But you could argue that Aaronson was Man of the Match with his incredible pace in the middle of the field. I am not sure how you can justify leaving Aaronson off the field anymore. For now he slides in for an injured McKinney but you gotta find a way to get this 20 year old on the field. I thought Tim Weah was fantastic – at the winger slot and his goal was classic – along with some good crosses and few more shots that had a chance. Musah is honestly one of my favorite players (he always goes forward) in the 8 slot and he was fantastic again. His combination with Pulisic and Aaronson and Jedi at left back was amazing coming down the left side of the field. So he’s another guy that’s hard to justify him not being on the field.
Now my Man of the Match was Goalkeeper Matt Turner – who made 2 huge saves in the first 20 minutes of the match. I will say this now – Matt Turner is our BEST SHOTSTOPPER – PERIOD!! If he starts for the US men in the World Cup – we will Advance past the group stage. If not – we will not!! He’s that much better than Steffan who absolutely gives up the goal on one of the first 2 shots. Defensively I thought the back 4 were good – Long played ok alongside Zimmerman though did give up a couple shots that Robinson would have covered. We’ll just have to see if the communication is better vs Uruguay between the 2 centerbacks or we might be in trouble. Surprising to see Reggie Cannon over Yedlin on the right side. I thought Scally showed well at left back subbing for Robinson – I suspect we might see him start on the right Sunday – or perhaps it’s a more experienced Yedlin. At Center forward I thought Ferreira was fine at the #9 – his high pressure helped lead to the PK goal, and his movement opened space for Pulisic and Weah playing the false 9 role (however he missed his 1 vs 1 with the keeper). It was awesome to see former USYNT star Haji Wright score in his first cap for the US as Pulisic gave him the PK to wrap up the scoring (but he also sent his only shot right to the keeper). Read about Haji’s connection with Pulisic (they were roommates) and McKinney/Adams and Weah who he teamed with at the US U15/U17 and U19 levels. It will be interesting to see who starts at the #9 Sunday – I say we give Wright a shot at it with the start on Sunday – but we’ll see what GB is thinking. I see a 2-2 tie in this match with Uruguay, goals by Pulisic and Aaronson.
The 26-man roster for June Games
GOALKEEPERS (3): Ethan Horvath (Nottingham Forest), Zack Steffen (Manchester City), Matt Turner (New England Revolution), Sean Johnson (DC United)
DEFENDERS (9): George Bello (Arminia Bielefeld), Reggie Cannon (Boavista), Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic FC), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls), Erik Palmer-Brown (Troyes), Antonee Robinson (Fulham FC), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach), DeAndre Yedlin (Inter Miami), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Kellyn Acosta (LAFC), Tyler Adams (RB Leipzig), Luca de la Torre (Heracles), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Djordje Mihailovic (CF Montreal), Yunus Musah (Valencia), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Malik Tillman (Bayern Munich)
FORWARDS (7): Brenden Aaronson (Red Bull Salzburg), Paul Arriola (FC Dallas), Jesús Ferreira (FC Dallas), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea FC), Tim Weah (Lille), Haji Wright (Antalyaspor)
Pulisic calls out the Crowd at Cincy
So interesting comments by our captain after the game (video) regarding the lack of US fans at the game. Now I was there – and what looked like a 50/50 crowd on TV – in reality was more like 3 to 1 US fans in the stands. They are red and we are red – now they were loud and the Morocco fans came from all over the country – I spoke to folks from NY, Canada and Florida at the game. Hey if I live in Germany and the US came to play for the first time in 2 decades? I would get to the game too. Now I am ok with Pulisic’s comment – we had 19K on hand – I couldn’t believe we didn’t fill the stadium – but hey I ate 2 extra tickets that I literally couldn’t give away outside the stadium. Yes it was just Morocco – (top 25 and 2nd qualifier from Africa) but they don’t have many real stars on the team. And the ticket prices are high – mine seats were $70 behind the goal but the sideline seats were $165 to $250 a seat for a friendly – honesty about the same pricing it was for the Mexico game and that is nuts and it completely US soccers issue!! But if Mexico can put 55K in a stadium in Texas and we can’t put 25K in a stadium in Cincy? I don’t know folks?
Ukraine vs Wales SUNDAY – 12 noon on ESPN2 – MUST SEE TV
Ukraine looked great in beating Scotland 2-1 on Wednesday – the national anthem was incredible as the Scotland fans joined in singing the anthem!! Ukraine played like a team possessed – as they all laid it all on the field. Man I feel bad for Ukraine – but the winner of this playoff-) will be our first opponent in the World Cup. As much as I want to root for Ukraine we would much rather face Wales if we want to advance to the next round. So go Wales and Garreth Bale !!
Reffing Section included below
Including a story about the ref shortage in the US and the reasons why. As for the shortage – my kids both reffed all the way thru high school – and my son still refs in college. It’s a great weekend job where you make good money – ($15-20 an hour) and you can often choose your own schedule – what other high school job lets you do that? :Let me know if your kid needs direction on reffing – and I will point you in the right direction.
Indy 11 Women Play tonight at Grand Park Events Center
Our Indy 11 women are off to a great start with 3 wins and 1 tie on the season. They play Midwest United tonight at 7 pm at the Event Center and Grand Park and again next Friday night vs Flint City AFC so make plans to go out and see the ladies !!
Indy 11 on Road for all of June
Our Indy 11 will travel to Charleston then Miami FC over the next two week – the Charleston game is Sat night at 7 pm on ESPN+.
Good Luck to our Carmel FC Team in State/President’s + Challenge Cup this weekend @ Grand Park –
U13 2009 Girls Gold Team – State Cup / 2009 U13 Boy Gold Team – President’s Cup
2011 U11 Girls Gold team, U17 2005 Girls Gold team, U15 2007 Boys Gold Team, U13 2009 Boys Blue Teams in Challenge Cup
Here’s the Schedule if you would like to go see them play Sat 6/4
U15 07 boys 10:30 am field 18
U 11 – 11 girls 12:30 pm field 2
U13 09 boys 1 pm field 6
U13 09 Girls 3:30 pm field 14
U17 2005 Girls 3:30 field 18
CARMEL FC 2022 Tryouts June 7 & 13
All evaluations and tryouts will be held at Shelborne Fields. 3451 W 126th St, Carmel, IN 46032.
June 7, 2022 – Players 10u, 9u and 8u (Birth Years 2013 to 2016)
Check-in starts 1/2 hour before evaluations begin.
Evaluations for all age groups: 6pm to 7:30pm
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June 13, 2022- Players 11u and older (Birth Years 2004 to 2012)
Check-in starts 1/2 hour before tryouts.
Tryouts for 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012: 5:45pm to 7:15pm
Tryouts for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008: 7:30pm to 9pm.
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Use this link to register for tryouts. Visit : carmelfc.teamapp.com Please email info@cdccarmelfc.com. with any questions.
BIG GAMES ON TV
Fri, June 3
2:45 pm FS1 Belgium vs Netherlands
10:30 pm Para+ Portland Thorns vs Angel City NWSL
Sat, June 4
9 am Fox Sport 2 Armenia vs Ireland
12 noon Fubo TV England vs Hungary NL
12 noon FS2 Finland vs Bosnia NL
2:45 pm FS2 Italy vs Germany NL
3 pm Para+ Chicago Red Stars vs Seattle Reign NWSL
7 pm ESPN+ Indy 11 @ Charleston
8 pm Para+ Racing Louisville vs NC Courage NWSL
830 para+ KC Current vs San Diego Wave NWSL
Sun, June 5
12 noon ESPN2 Wales vs Ukraine (WCQ)
2:45 pm FS2 Czech Republic vs Spain NL
2:45 pm FS+ Sweden vs Norway NL
2:45 pm Fubo TV Portugal vs Switzerland NL
5 pm FOX USA vs Uruguay
Mon, June 6
2:45 pm FS1 Croatia vs France NL
Tues, June 7
2 pm Para+ United Arab Emirates vs Australia WCQ
2:45 pm FS1 Italy vs Hungary NL
2:45 pm Fubo TV Germany vs England NL
Weds, June 8
2:45 pm FS1 Belgium vs Poland NL
2:45 pm FuboTV Wales v Netherland NL
2$45 pm FS+ Ireland v Urkraine NL
7 pm ESPN+ Indy 11 @ Miami FC
Thurs, June 9
2:45 pm FS1 Portugal vvs Czechs NL
2:45 pm Fubo TV Swiss vs Spain
10:30 pm Para+ Canada vs Curacao
Fri, June 10
2:45 pm FS1 Austria vs France NL
7 pm Grand Park Indy 11 Women vs Flint City
10 pm ESPN+/TUDN USA vs Grenada
Sat, June 11
2:45 pm FuboTV England vs Italy NL
2:45 pm FS1 Ireland vs Scotland NL
2:45 pm FS2 Netherlands vs Poland NL
2:45 pm FS+ Hungary v Germany
3 pm ABC Charlotte vs NY Red Bulls
8 pm Para+ Racing Louisville vs Angel City NWSL
8:30 pm PAra+ KC Current vs NY/NJ Gothem FC NWSL
10 pm Para+ Mexico vs Suriname
Sun, June 12
9 am FS1 Northern Ireland vs Cyprus NL
12 pm FS1 Norway vs Sweden NL
3 pm ABC Sporting KC vs New England
5 pm para+ San Diego Wave vs Seattle Reign NWSL
6 pm TUDN Nashville SC vs San Jose
7 pm PAra+ Houston Dash vs Portland Thorns NWSL
Tues, June 14
10 pm ESPN+? USA @ El Salvador
Fri, June 17
7 pm Grand Park Indy 11 Women vs Racing Louisville
Indy 11 ScheduleSoccer Saturday’s are every Sat 9-10 am on 93.5 and 107.5 FM with Greg Rakestraw
Carmel Dad’s Club Alumni Soccer
Mid June – early August – Games Wed/Sun Age 18-30 Registration open thru June 16th. Call 317-846-1633 or Click Here
Make your own teams or we can add you to a team. Cost is just $105 includes Jersey.
Carmel Dads’ Club Soccer Camp Powered by Indy Eleven – June 13-16
9am-12pm (Rain day reschedule June 17) Ages 6-13 Shelborne Soccer Fields – 3451 W. 126th St. Carmel, IN 46033 – REGISTRATION IS LIVE!
USA
Uruguay had little problem handling Mexico. What should the USMNT expect from Cavani and Co.? Tim Vickery ESPNFC
Roster wrinkles pay dividends for USMNT, Berhalter in pre-World Cup win over Morocco
US players relishing Uruguay test
Fire’s Slonina ‘cannot say no to Real’ – agent
US shows it can Score afterall – yahoo
USA vs Uruguay the ties
USMNT vs Morocco final score: Three-star Yanks get another show from Turner
USMNT player ratings from 3-0 friendly win over Morocco
Pulisic had a number of nice touches prior to his postgame toe-bomb
Has USMNT found their identity?
Pulisic calls out U.S. fans after beating Morocco
Pulisic is unhappy with USMNT fans. But price rather than passion is to blame
USMNT star Christian Pulisic calls out lack of American fans at World Cup tune-up vs. Morocco in Cincinnati
Im not Crying You Are – Pulisic Gifts Debut goal to Childhood Friend
SBI USMNT Man of the Match: Christian Pulisic – SBI Soccer
Pulisic was Skillful, Selfless and Blunt in leading US to impressive win – SBI
WORLD
Champions League Most Watch UCL Final in US History
More than just a game: World Cup qualifier is ‘like a moment of hope’ for Ukraine
Ukraine soccer team fulfilling its duty in World Cup mission
Ukraine beats Scotland 3-1 in World Cup qualifying playoff
Bale at a crossroads: Take Wales to World Cup or retire? 4hMark Ogden
Martino: Mexico ‘not ready’ for World Cup Cesar Hernandez
Why Argentina and Brazil look like title contenders for World Cup in Qatar 1dTim Vickery
Messi sets up two goals as Argentina beats Italy in Cup of Champions video
Spain pegged back by late Portugal equaliser
Two-goal Neymar closes on Pele record in big Brazil win
Indy 11
ELEVEN TRIO EARNS NATIONAL TEAM CALLS
Uruguay had little problem handling Mexico. What should the USMNT expect from Edinson Cavani & Co.?
Tim VickerySouth America correspondent
By the time Diego Alonso’s Uruguay squad arrived in Glendale, Arizona, he had come to some important conclusions about the balance of his side. After beating Mexico 3-0 at State Farm Stadium on Thursday, La Celeste can now move forward with confidence to Sunday’s meeting with the United States in Kansas City, Kansas.
In two of the past three World Cups — statistically, at least — Uruguay have been South America’s best team, remarkable given it’s a nation with a population of just 3.5 million. Being so small inevitably limits their options; if they are to get the best out of their resources, they must achieve the right collective balance. And over time, a hardened group of wonderful veterans have helped haul Uruguay back to football’s top table after a spell between 1994 and 2006 in which they failed to qualify for three out of four World Cups and were eliminated in the group phase the one time they did qualify. In 2010, they finished fifth in South America’s qualifiers and had to go through the playoff to make it to South Africa — where they announced their return to the big time by finishing fourth. Many of the players responsible for that remarkable run are still involved, but how should they be handled? Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani have formed a magnificent front pair, but can they both still operate together? And is 4-4-2 still the team’s best formation?Toward the end of his marathon reign, manager Oscar Washington Tabarez appeared to have decided that it was time to move on. In his last nine World Cup qualifiers, only once did the team play in a 4-4-2 formation. Suarez and Cavani took the field together away to Brazil, where Uruguay were lucky to come away with a 4-1 defeat. In came Alonso — fresh off a futile tenure as Inter Miami‘s first-ever coach — and turned the clock back. Uruguay had to win and their remaining fixtures were relatively straightforward, so he went back to a 4-4-2 set-up, pairing Suarez either with Cavani or with the emerging star, Benfica’s Darwin Nunez.Three consecutive wins took the team over the line and, interestingly, with a place in Qatar secure, Alonso tried something different in the final round, away to Chile. He started with Cavani on his own up front, ahead of a five-man midfield. It looked closer to the team that he’d use in the World Cup — an impression confirmed by his selection against El Tri. Suarez is unavailable this time. but Alonso can call upon Nunez, plus the strength of Maxi Gomez.There are, though, clear advantages of playing a single central striker. It allows the team to field three in the centre of midfield, which these days is playing to a new strength. Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde has emerged as probably the most important member of the side, and he works well with Tottenham Hotspur’s Rodrigo Bentancur. Even in the absence of Bentancur due to injury, Uruguay can play Lucas Torreira holding in front of the defence and Matias Vecino alongside Valverde in a mixed attacking/defensive role. It is a formation that makes the current Uruguay side more fluent in possession, and harder to play through.Having one striker also frees the flanks. In Thursday’s match, Uruguay effectively won the game over Mexico in the first few minutes of the second half, when a 1-0 lead was quickly turned into a 3-0 rout by two Cavani goals. The quick strikes both came from breaks down the right, where Facundo Pellistri is a gamble that has come off for Alonso. The Manchester United attacking midfielder is on loan at Alaves, where he’s not seen a great deal of action. Alonso took a chance on him early this year and has been rewarded — especially against Mexico, where his running with the ball caused untold problems. He set up the second goal, while the final strike was made by a forward burst from substitute right-back Damian Suarez.It’s true that all of Uruguay’s opponents will not be as obliging as Mexico, whose formation seemed ill-equipped for the occasion. With a back three against one striker, they left themselves light in central midfield. The USMNT on Sunday can be expected to provide a stiffer test, which is exactly what Uruguay need. They have one final game in these June FIFA dates, a chance for their fans to see them in Montevideo on June 11, but opponents Jamaica have pulled out, leaving Uruguay scrambling for a replacement.There is a chance, then, that the rescheduled opponent could produce a festive occasion more than a serious international, which adds to the importance of the match against the USMNT.Centre-back Diego Godin will presumably play in Kansas City. The team captain was on the bench against Mexico, coming on for the last few minutes. It will be a surprise if he’s left out against the USMNT, but some will be surprised if he keeps his place in Qatar. Godin is at the veteran stage of his career, and a move back to South America has not gone especially well. He has struggled to get a regular game with Brazilian champions Atletico Mineiro and could soon be on his way to Velez Sarsfield in Argentina.
Will Alonso phase him out? At the World Cup, he could certainly pair Atletico Madrid‘s Jose Maria Gimenez with Ronald Araujo of Barcelona. Araujo has been used at right back, but this seems like a waste. He went off injured in the first half against Mexico — and the advantages of a genuine right back were made clear when Suarez made the forward run that set up the third goal.
Sunday’s game, then, may well be an important one in the long career of Godin. He has been a rock all the way through Uruguay’s reemergence. He needs a sound display against the USMNT to show that he can end his international career on a high in Qatar.
US PLAYER RATINGS
The United States men’s national team began its summer with a 3-0 win over fellow World Cup entrant Morocco on Wednesday in Cincinnati.There was a lot to like about the USMNT’s day, even including some of the big chances they allowed due to the fact that goalkeeper Matt Turner showed the goods with a number of fine saves.
[ MORE: Three things we learned from USMNT vs Morocco ]
Christian Pulisic and Timothy Weah showed great technique to build a couple of highlight-reel goals in the first half, while Europe-based Malik Tillman (Bayern Munich), Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach), and Haji Wright (Antalyaspor) all earned their first caps.
Of course it wasn’t all all-stars for the Stars and Stripes, as the midfield had its struggles and the center forward question remains to be answered ahead of Qatar 2022.
Here are our player ratings for the USMNT players in their win over Morocco, with the base line being 6 as an average performance.
Latest USMNT news
Christian Pulisic wishes more USMNT fans attended friendly vs Morocco USMNT vs Morocco final score: Three-star Yanks get another show from Turner Pulisic, Weah turn on class as USMNT takes 2-0 lead vs Morocco (video)
USMNT player ratings vs Morocco out of 10
Matt Turner: 9 — Again, the only question about Turner is whether he’s good enough with the ball at his feet. The incoming Arsenal goalkeeper was terrific in making several diving saves and others where he was just well-positioned to make a decent save look easy.
Antonee Robinson (Off HT): 6 — Not one of his better days, though hardly dismal; There are no doubts going forward, but teams like Morocco will test how honest he can be against better attacks.
Walker Zimmerman (Off HT): 7.5 — Picture-perfect can-opener of a pass to get Pulisic behind the Moroccan defense for the opening goal.
Aaron Long: 6.5 — Steady enough. One big shot block. A couple dicey moments but no glaring gaffes.
Reggie Cannon: 7 — Good going forward, drawing a couple of fouls and getting an assist. Some questionable moments at the back.
Tyler Adams (On 66′): 6 — Not a banner day, by any means, including one ill-advised pass that put Matt Turner under pressure.
Yunus Musah: 6 — Just okay. He’s a ball mover who moved the ball, but more than a couple of unnecessary fouls.
Brendan Aaronson (Off 72′): 7.5 — Got his goal through typical relentless running to be in the right position, and generally delivered the type of performance Gregg Berhalter expects from him.
Christian Pulisic (Off 66′): 8.5 — Electric from the opening whistle, Pulisic showed class with the ball at his feet for his assist. He also delivered when the ball was in his hands, deferring to debutant Haji Wright after winning a second-half penalty.
Timothy Weah: 8 — Man is he good when he’s going, and he was going on Wednesday.
Jesus Ferreira (Off HT): 6 — One very decent chance was also one you’d want to see finished… but Yacine Bounou is a very good goalkeeper.
Substitutes
Joe Scally (On HT): 6.5 — A promising day on the left, even if the referee awarded a weak penalty against the Gladbach man.
Haji Wright (On HT): 7 — Scored his penalty and made some solid runs. His imposing nature is unmissable. If he’s going to finally live up to the hype he acquired at a young age, that’s big big big for the U.S.
Cameron Carter-Vickers (On HT): 6 — Couple of good interceptions, caught out by a well-drifted cross.
Malik Tillman (On 66′): 6 — Didn’t have much to do. Trouble the keeper once.
Luca De La Torre (On 66′): 6.5 — Typically-steady.
Weston McKennie (On 72′): N/A — Good to see him back
USMNT analysis
Analysis: Turner, Pulisic, & Aaronson fuel USMNT to 3-0 win over Morocco
The United States national team enjoyed a strong, but still flawed performance in a 3-0 win over Morocco. The team needed solid goalkeeping and emergency defending at times but in the end, had the superb individual quality to prevail. ASN’s Brian Sciaretta breaks the game down.
BY BRIAN SCIARETTA JUNE 01, 2022 11:55 PM
THE UNITED STATES national team opened its June run of games with a 3-0 victory over Morocco. Gregg Berhalter’s team completely deserved the victory, and it was an entertaining game, but not revealed in the score is that there is still plenty of work to do ahead of the World Cup in November.Berhalter’s starting XI was completely expected. Matt Turner was in goal, Aaron Long and Walker Zimmerman started in central defence while Reggie Cannon and Antonee Robinson were on the outside. In the midfield was Tyler Adams, Yunus Musah, and Brenden Aaronson – who Gregg Berhalter revealed would start in the middle – where he typically does with his club. Up top was Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah on the wings with Jesus Ferreira at center forward.The U.S. team conceded possession but both teams had chances up to the 26th minute when the U.S. team took the lead. Walker Zimmerman hit a beautiful long ball into the final third for Christian Pulisic. The Chelsea winger controlled the ball with fantastic first touch and laid it off to Brenden Aaronson for the easy finish.”I take a touch; I look up to see further down the field what are my options. I see [Pulisic] look at me and change pace and immediately I put my head down to strike it over the top,” Zimmerman said. “It’s one of those things that you’ve got to constantly work on your chemistry and I think we have a good feel for each other in that regard.””The ability of players to control the ball at high speed and change direction at high speed with the ball is what really separates players at the next level, and Cristian definitely has that,” Berhalter added on Pulisic’s touch to create he first goal.Then in the 32nd minute, Tim Weah doubled the U.S. lead with a shot from distance that probably should have been saved by Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou who plays at Sevilla. Still, it was a great shot from Weah who hit it with pace and saw it knuckle to find its way into the back of the net.
The U.S. team continued to push on and nearly had a third just before the half when Jesus Ferreira had his shot from close range saved by Bounou after the Dallas attacker got behind Morocco’s backline.In the second half, the U.S. team made a lot of predetermined substitutions. Cameron Carter-Vickers, Joe Scally, and Haji Wright made way for Zimmerman, Robinson, and Ferreira.The U.S. team found its third goal in the 64th when Christian Pulisic was fouled in the box. Pulisic gave the ball to Haji Wright, his former Bradenton teammate with the U.S. U-17 team, and Wright converted with a low shot.Morocco had its best chance in the 74th minute when Joe Scally was called for a penalty – harshly, but there was no VAR. Standard Liege forward Selim Amallah took the penalty for Morocco, but his shot hit the crossbar. The subsequent loose ball in the box was eventually cleared.The remainder of the game was relatively uneventful and the U.S. team was able to see out its 3-0 win.Here are a few thoughts on the game.
TURNER HELPED FLATTER THE USMNT
Matt Turner was very good in this game. He made several point-blank saves to keep Morocco off the board. Good goalkeeping is excellent, but these are not the kind of opportunities that can be given up too often. At the World Cup, teams will bury these chances more times than not.As for Turner, he is only strengthening his grip on the starting goalkeeping position. This was the type of game that gives confidence in the team around him.
AARONSON SHARP IN THE MIDDLE
There has been some debate over where Brenden Aaronson should play. He starts centrally for his club but in a way that might not translate to the national team, where he typically plays on the wing. The U.S. team has depth on the wings and there is a need in the midfield with Gio Reyna hurt and Weston McKennie still not at 100%.Now was another great chance to give Aaronson a look in a central attacking midfield role. Berhalter announced this the day before.The result is that it worked. Aaronson scored the opening goal when he made the lethal run into the box to hammer home Pulisic’s feed.
On top of that, Aaronson looked sharp in many areas that helped the team. He won a huge percentage of his duels (9/13 of his ground duels), his dribbles helped put Morocco on his heels (he was 3/3), and his passing was an outstanding 28/31. His shot in the 64th forced a save that eventually resulted in the penalty getting awarded.
Aaronson’s strong play centrally puts him in a good position to continue to stay there. It remains to be seen what happens when McKennie is able to start. That is where one of the big questions is right now. The Adams, Musah, and McKennie trio that was preferred in qualifying could open a competition between Musah and Aaronson as to who starts. Aaronson very well might prevail.
NEW FACES WERE MIXED
Against Morocco, Gregg Berhalter awarded first caps to Joe Scally, Malik Tillman, and Haji Wright. Cameron Carter-Vickers had been capped before, but this was his first appearance in three years.As you would have expected, it was a bit of a mixed bag.
Joe Scally conceded a harsh penalty that probably would have been overturned on VAR but it was still a penalty. Other than that, he was aggressive getting forward – which is good to see.
Malik Tillman kept the pressure on Morocco, which was tiring in the second half. He is still a bit raw and his duel winning wasn’t great, but he nearly scored and forced a tricky save in the 74th.
Haji Wright scored the third goal from a penalty, which was fortunate. In games that matter, those kicks will likely be taken by Pulisic. But aside from that, he was dangerous. His run behind the defense helped start the attacked that ended up in that penalty.
Cameron Carter-Vickers was pretty good in this game playing the second half. His passing was decent although he was beaten to conceded a point blank header in the 53rd, which Turner saved.
TOO MUCH SPACE CONCEDED
The U.S. team obviously has the quality to make big plays in the attack. Whether or not the team finds success at the World Cup will come down to the backline and defensive midfield positions. The team cannot concede that much space and the defense needs to avoid being pinned back so much.A lot of this is on the fullbacks which often were caught up-field or were isolated. This left a lot of work for the centerbacks, who made some big plays but also struggled at times. Aaron Long made a great emergency-defending play to block a point-blank shot, but also conceded a yellow card when he was beat.But there was often way too much space, and this was on the team’s defensive shape as a whole.”In the first half, Hakimi had too much time on the ball and Antonee was a little bit late releasing, I think at times the back line was too deep, gave the opponent too much space and in the physical battles, I think at times we got dominated on our back line,” Berhalter said. “For us it’s about team defending. Getting pressure on the ball makes it a lot easier for the center backs.”
NO. 9 REMAINS OPEN
While Haji Wright scored a penalty after Pulisic drew the foul, neither he nor Ferreira were able to convert dangerous chances. Still, both players had their moments where they stretched the defense to open up the game. Wright did that on the play that led to the penalty, and Ferreira was very active and aggressive in his pressing – which helped.The point being is that both players were at least bringing something else to the table if they’re not going to score chances from the run of play. Still, there needs to be more production from whoever plays this position.Neither player was poor, however, and Berhalter probably will continue to stick with these two because there still should be optimism that goals will come. Jordan Pefok is an interesting case after a great season in Switzerland but there is the question as to whether he can also help the team in other ways.
PULISIC QUESTIONS FAN SUPPORT
The TQL Stadium wasn’t at a capacity in Cincinnati but it was also very red. While that would give the impression that the U.S. enjoyed a home-crowd advantage, it did not. Many of the red-wearing fans in the crowd were there for Morocco, who sung their national anthem loudly before kickoff.“I’m not super happy with the amount of Americans here, however that works out, if I’m being completely honest,” Pulisic said. “But thanks for the ones who did come and the support is always great from them. It’s nice to be back in America and playing again.”Pulisic should speak his mind but the comment makes him seem like he’s late to a problem that has been ongoing for generations. When the U.S. team plays Mexico at a big venue (as opposed to small ones in Ohio), the crowd is 80% for Mexico. El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Brazil, Italy, Ireland, England, Ecuador, Peru, Jamaica, France, and many other national teams enjoy strong support in the United States.Pulisic was there when the U.S. team lost a crucial 2017 World Cup qualifier to Costa Rica and the Ticos had a huge amount of support.
There are a bunch of factors to this. Soccer in this country is still a heritage support. Second and third generation immigrants still use the sport to connect to the identity of their family’s heritage. The process converting these fans to embrace the U.S. team over the teams of their ancestors is a long, long process. It’s a generational issue and while progress has been made since the 1990’s when the U.S. team would be outnumbered in qualifiers at RFK to Jamaica and Guatemala, it’s a long process.What helps is winning and making the U.S. team fun to follow. The team has improved in recent years, but it still is in a position where it missed the last World Cup. That’s a hole it is still digging out of, in terms of image.But complaining about it is a complete lost cause and isn’t a good understanding of the issues.Some have also mentioned ticket prices. They’re expensive, but they’re expensive for Morocco fans too. The U.S. team doesn’t play a lot of home games and they’re an expensive operation. Unlike a club team that can burry fixed costs over the course many games throughout a season, a national team cannot.Sure, fans of the U.S. team would always like to see stadiums full of its own supporters whenever there is a home game. But we are still a ways from that.
PLAYER RATINGS
STARTING XI
Matt Turner: Excellent game from the Revolution goalkeeper who will soon join Arsenal. He made seven saves, including several a point-blank range, to help give the U.S. team a flattering cleansheet. Rating: 8.0
Reggie Cannon: The Boavista right back was beaten off the dribble to allow a 12th minute chance and was off sometimes with his spacing. But made some good clearances in the second half an fed Weah for his goal. Rating: 6.0
Walker Zimmerman: The mainstay central defender had a good first half before leaving as part of a preplanned sub. Like Cannon, he struggled to defend an attack in the 12th minute but was fine aside from that. His pass to Pulisic on the opening goal was instrumental to giving the U.S. team an opening lead. Rating: 6.5
Aaron Long: Long was beaten in the 28th minute and picked up a yellow card. He also made some nice defensive plays in emergency defensive situations, most notable in the 12th minute. His mobility helped and he’s beyond his injury. Rating: 6.0
Antonee Robinson: It was a tough first half for Robinson who misplayed balls inside of the first 10 minutes and then was caught out of position defensively in the 12th minute. Eventually he made way for Joe Scally for the second half. Rating: 5.0
Tyler Adams: Was the defensive cover behind Aaronson and Musah. In 66 minutes he won his duels, tackles, and was solid in his passing. Any defensive miscues were minor. Rating: 7.0
Yunus Musah: A relatively quiet performance from Musah who started off well helping to set up Ferreira for a 3rd minute shot. He helped in possession but wasn’t part of anything too dangerous either. Rating: 6.0
Brenden Aaronson: An outstanding performance from the new Leeds United man who got the team on the board early. The finish was easy but the run and the speed he showed starting from the halfway line was impressive. His shot also was a big part of the penalty for the third goal. He looked confident in the middle of the field with his pressing and dribbling as well. Rating: 8.0
Christian Pulisic: A terrific performance full of skill. The touch on the first goal was remarkable and he was always drawing defenders who respected his talent. He also showed leadership after drawing the penalty and let Wright take it so that he could build up confidence. Rating: 8.5
Tim Weah: The Lille winger continued the strong form he showed at the end of the last season with a nice shot from distance. In addition he also forced two other tough saves to keep Morocco on its heels. Rating: 7.5
Jesus Ferreira: Should have done better with his chance just before halftime with a shot strikers need to finish. But he was a “pressing machine” as Berhalter put it and that helped wear Morocco down in the first half. Rating: 6.0
THE SUBSTITUTES
Haji Wright: Converted his penalty but, like Ferreira, also had chances he could have done more with. He did help boost the U.S. team’s attack with his runs and his physical strength wore down Morocco’s defense. Rating: 6.5
Joe Scally: Was aggressive getting forward and showed promise. He conceded a very questionable penalty but was bailed out by the crossbar. Rating: 5.5
Cameron Carter-Vickers: He had one tough moment early in the second half when he was beaten in an aerial duel and his man had a point-blank header which was saved. Other than that, he did his job. Rating: 5.5Luca de la Torre: Despite having a tough end to his club season, the San Diego native was sharp off the bench in a limited role as Morocco began to tire. Raing: 6.0
Malik Tillman: Nearly scored on a good shot in the 74th and helped keep the U.S. team in control. Rating: 6.0
Weston McKennie: The Juventus man continues his recovery from suffering a broken metatarsal in February. He helped the team see out the game in a quiet performance. Rating: 5.5
National Writer: Charles Boehm
USMNT reality: World Cup tryouts underway as final roster decisions loom
By Charles Boehm @cboeh Friday, Jun 3, 2022, 11:28 AM
Jordan Morris wasn’t in the mix to make the US men’s national team’s World Cup roster eight years ago. Yet through a quirk of fate, he got a glimpse of the agony when ex-manager Jurgen Klinsmann made his final cuts for the 2014 squad that would go to Brazil.
In what proved one of the more momentous inflection points in his life so far, Morris was a student-athlete at Stanford University, where the USMNT held their pre-World Cup camp, and was invited to join in a few workouts after impressing in a scrimmage against the national team. On Thursday, May 22, he was in the room when Klinsmann surprised everyone by announcing his roster selections ahead of schedule, famously dropping program legend Landon Donovan.
“I was training with the team that day actually, when all the cuts were happening,” Morris told MLSsoccer.com at the USMNT’s hotel in Cincinnati on Tuesday, recalling the raw emotions of that hot day in Northern California. “I was in the locker room and I was just thinking, ‘I shouldn’t be here for this. This wasn’t my place to be part of this.’
“Everyone wants to make the team and be part of the team, and when those cuts happened there were people that were sad and frustrated,” he added. “As a college kid that hadn’t really been part of the program, it was kind of wild for me to be in that environment.”
Stick to the basics
The Seattle Sounders star and most of his current US teammates are bearing down on a comparable moment in the coming months. This month’s slate of two friendlies (vs. Morocco, Uruguay) and two Concacaf Nations League matches (vs. Grenada, El Salvador) offers their longest stint together this year. A briefer gathering will occur around two to-be-announced friendlies in Europe during the September international window.
Then at some point, probably in early November, Gregg Berhalter and his staff will finalize which 23 or 26 (depending on FIFA’s final decision regarding roster sizes) players will board the plane to Qatar ahead of the Yanks’ Group B opener on Nov. 21. At the other end of the spectrum, at least a handful of those who’ve contributed to qualification, and probably some of those taking part in this month’s camp, will be walloped with one of the most painful disappointments of their careers.
As the old joke goes: no pressure!
“I don’t try to see it as myself trying to force my way into anything. I just try to be myself, try to work hard for the team and good things will come,” said Atlanta United product George Bello, who is competing for the backup left back slot behind Jedi Robinson. “No World Cup roster spot is given. So everyone has to show what they can do and keep working hard and everything will decide itself.
“I mean, there’s pressure in all sports in any given moment, but obviously there’s pressure with this as well. But you’ve got to use that pressure in a good way and not let it get to you or be like, ‘Oh, I have to do this, do this.’ I just try to clear my mind and just know that I’m here for a reason.”
Amid such high stakes, between now and then the balance between individual ambition and service to the program becomes more crucial than ever.
“Yeah, it’s an interesting one, because you want to continue doing what you’ve done to qualify, what you’ve done to be on the roster each and every camp,” said Morris’ club and country teammate Cristian Roldan, who has been a squad regular though a rare starter. “And sometimes people can try to overplay and feel like they’re doing too much.
“When there’s a little bit of pressure here with making a World Cup squad, you’ve just got to go back to the basics and do what you’ve been doing to get called up. For me, that’s being a great team player, being a really good practice player, itching for some time and showing that I’m capable of playing here. So that’s my goal for this camp, and as a team, hopefully we can get better.”
Friendly rivals
Berhalter spoke last month of his assessment that “the culture needed fixing” when he took over the program in late 2018. He and his staff – with the help of a “leadership council” of several prominent players – have endeavored to unify the group, to make it “a brotherhood” even with a high churn rate across USMNT camps due to injuries and other factors.
After Wednesday night’s 3-0 friendly win over Morocco, he pointed to the warm reception for fresh dual-national recruit Malik Tillman, even though the Bayern Munich attacker represents yet another talented competitor for a spot in Qatar.
“Sometimes when a new player comes into the group, it’s very difficult for them to break in. But what I hear time and time again, when new players come into our environment, is that they’re welcomed and they feel really comfortable, and they’re in a good position to perform. And that’s the most important thing,” said the coach.
“And I’m proud of that, because I know now is a competitive time, right? People are jockeying for positions on the World Cup team, potentially, but you don’t see it from these guys. You see they work extremely hard, and they’re extremely close together as a group, which is fun.”
Like Matt Turner, who is days away from departing the New England Revolution to join Arsenal, several USMNTers may be on the move in the summer window. While Berhalter encourages the pursuit of the highest possible level of club competition, losing out on regular playing time could be disastrous for World Cup hopes.
In some areas of the depth chart, like the stacked right back position, even the best-case individual scenario might not be enough to make the cut. If ever a situation called for the proverbial “mentality monsters,” it’s this one.
“It’s no secret that we have so many talented right backs and the way I look at it is, DeAndre Yedlin and I are competing, Joe Scally and I are competing, Sergino [Dest] and I are competing, Shaq Moore and I are competing, and that just makes me excited,” said FC Dallas product Reggie Cannon, who started against Morocco on Tuesday.
“Because that gives me an opportunity to work on the things I need to work on and push me to be a better player while I push them to be a better player. Like I’ve said many times, competition breeds greatness. And the only way you’re going to make a deep run in a World Cup is if you have players that are constantly challenging the players in front of them because again, that makes you have consistency.”
Therein lies the paradox at the heart of most top national teams: The ferocious dogfight for minutes and spots coexists with respect, camaraderie and shared purpose. It represents the apex of the high-wire act that these players have pulled off to advance this far in their careers.
“I don’t have any hostility towards any of those guys. I actually welcome it, because it makes me a better player. It gives me more pressure. And it makes me more happy,” said Cannon. “Because this is the talent that the US has now. And I’ve always looked at it as a positive thing for my game and for the other guys’ games. So I’m really excited for what’s to come, but that competition is going to make the squad very great.”
USMNT win vs. Morocco provided World Cup-level test with “vulnerable” moments
By Charles Boehm @cboehm
Thursday, Jun 2, 2022, 12:16 AM
Fate, and the calendar, have given the US men’s national team a fleeting six matches to prepare themselves for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar over the next six months.
The first of those took place in sultry Cincinnati Wednesday night, and Gregg Berhalter’s group walks away from their 3-0 friendly win over Morocco with a raft of encouraging data points – as well as a few blemishes that the coach hinted will draw ample scrutiny in light of the daunting adversaries and tight margins awaiting them at the world’s most beloved sporting event.
“We talked before the game about establishing a baseline for this group about how we can perform against World Cup opponents. And I felt like the group went out and showed exactly how good we can be, but also at times were vulnerable,” said Berhalter after a victory paced by a swaggering display from captain Christian Pulisic. “We’re very happy with the result. We still know that we need to keep improving, and that’s why this game was so good for us.”
This was the first step in an unconventional and unavoidably imperfect buildup to Qatar. Two of their six opponents are outside their choosing, thanks to the Concacaf Nations League. And the COVID-19 pandemic and the compression it imposed on the World Cup qualifying process have prevented the USMNT from testing themselves against elite global opposition for most of the past two years.
The Yanks passed this first test.
“It was a good opponent, very, very dangerous opponent. And I think we controlled the match pretty well, and were able to create a number of chances against a good defensive opponent,” said Berhalter.
“These guys are playing regularly in Europe and playing for big teams and big clubs,” he added of the North Africans, who cruised through their CAF qualifying campaign undefeated. “Really happy that we got to play against them.”
The USMNT flashed a tactical wrinkle as their usual 4-3-3 formation morphed into a 3-2-2-3 in the buildup. Left back Jedi Robinson roamed forward while Reggie Cannon tucked centrally. Brenden Aaronson and Pulisic were freed to probe between the lines, while spearhead Jesus Ferreira drifted and combined in his usual elusive fashion.
The result: Flowing stretches of attacking possession as well as threats from direct play, like Walker Zimmerman‘s ball over the top that released Pulisic and led to the opening goal.
“Based on what we saw Morocco do, based on how we wanted to control the game, we think that it’s a very difficult formation to play against, to build pressure against,” explained Berhalter of the 3-2-2-3.
“If [opponents] want to really commit to building pressure, you have to bring numbers forward. And once you bring numbers forward there are spaces that open up on the side of the field, and between the lines. So we wanted to use Christian and Brenden in those positions to really hurt the opponent, and then still have three guys high on the backline that could be running behind them and keeping their five pinned back.”
If the scoreline threatens to send fans’ expectations soaring, they merely need to review the Yanks’ defensive jitters – and the ensuing eight saves required from goalkeeper Matt Turner – to gain some grounding.
Gent striker Tarik Tissoudali bedeviled Aaron Long and Cameron Carter-Vickers with his physicality and movement. The Atlas Lions’ talented wingbacks, Paris Saint-Germain regular Achraf Hakimi and Watford’s Adam Masina, repeatedly sparked danger down the flanks, each playing a game-high four key passes. Young substitute Joe Scally was baited into conceding an admittedly quite questionable late penalty-kick decision that Selim Amallah wastefully clanged off the woodwork.
“Sometimes the center backs, [Morocco] got a good cross in the second half, we were out of position,” noted Berhalter. “For me, it was about how quickly we could release to their wingback in the first half; Hakimi had too much time on the ball, and he was a little bit late releasing. I think at times our backline was too deep, gave the opponent too much space. And in the physical battles, I think at times we got dominated on our backline.
“It was a good opponent, good forward [Tissoudali], the guy’s scored a ton of goals this year, and he got really physical. But for us, it’s about team defending. Getting pressure on the ball makes it a lot easier for the center backs.”
While the degree to which Turner was exposed hinted at Achilles heels in the US setup, the extended possession that precipitated their second goal, Tim Weah’s thumping strike from distance, was more encouraging.
“I think it’s about moments. And we have to be really careful and really deliberate to keep the ball when we can, and really hurt the opponent in certain moments with the ball,” said Berhalter. “I mean, how long do we have the ball before we scored the second goal? For a while, yeah. And that’s perfect. I mean, just keep doing that. Keep wearing them down, wait for an opening and then play behind.
“You need to control the tempo of these games, because there’s going to be very little separating the teams at the World Cup, and it’s about the teams that can control the tempo and then be decisive in the key moments.”
All in all, it was a decent beginning to the end of the road to Qatar. Further progress will be demanded in Sunday’s meeting with Uruguay in Kansas City (5 pm ET | FOX, Univision, TUDN).
Indy Eleven Remains Undefeated with Victory at Grand Park
WESTFIELD, Ind. (Friday, June 3, 2022) –
After nearly a month on the road, vocal chants from the Brickyard Battalion got the Indy Eleven USL W League squad and the sellout crowd of 1,023 crowd back into the homecoming spirit, as the Girls in Blue captured a 1-0 victory over Midwest United FC at the Grand Park Events Center. Forward Kristina Lynch’s left footed shot from 20 yards near the end of the first half was enough to keep Indy atop the Great Lakes Division and remain the division’s only undefeated side, pushing its record to 4W-0L-1D (13 pts.) on the campaign.The first half was an intense 45 minutes filled with chances for both sides and energetic pressure and aggression across the pitch. Many scoring opportunities came on the counterattack, and they started early as in the fourth minute of the game Indy midfielder Jenna Chatterton had the first big chance of the match, but her shot from 12 yards straight out from goal was just wide of the left post. Midwest United FC responded seven minutes later on a 3-v-2 break, but Avery Lockwood’s shot was blocked and the rebound effort was just missed. In the 33rd minute, Chatterton’s up-tempo speed found Maddy Williams down on the left side, who cut back to get inside the area and unleash a near post blast that stuck in the gloves of Midwest United goalkeeper Lauren Kozal at her near post.Just when it looked as if the first half would go scoreless, Lynch had other plans. In the 41st minute, the Indy attacked space in the middle of the field before splitting two Midwest United defenders and finding an opening at the arc, where she powered a shot that left Kozal diving at air, putting Indy up 1-nil heading into halftime.“Everybody was just pressing really well, we pushed up the field and everyone was marked up and the ball just kind of bounced to where I happened to be and took a few touches,” Lynch said. “The gap opened up, tried to hit it with the left foot, and it went in.”The second half saw both sides using their full allotment of five subs, indicative of the fresh legs needed to get through the more physical final 45 minutes that saw the flow of the game become a bit choppier. One of those subs, Indy attacker Milica Bulatovic, nearly got on the board in the 55th minute when she lashed Katie Soderstrom’s laid off ball into the heart of the area, only to see Kozal leap across her line to make the save.Another bench performer, Heather MacNab, nearly scored with her first touch in the 63th minute, only to see Kozal go low to make another fine save. Deep into four minutes of stoppage time, Rachel McCarthy had an opportunity to add Indy’s long-awaited insurance goal off a 2-v-2 break, but her miss just wide right of frame mattered not, as the chance marked the final action of the hard-fought victory for the Girls in Blue.“The game is supposed to be a battle and you should know what you’re up against,” Eleven W League Head Coach Paul Dolinsky said. “We still tried to play and there were some very good spells where the ball was moving pretty well. And in a day where we have one and the other team has zero, then we don’t try to find too many issues.”Indy Eleven will continue its June homestand in Westfield next Friday, June 10, when it hosts Flint City AFC at 7:00 p.m. Tickets for that contest are available at indyeleven.com/wleague-tickets for only $8. To learn more about the newest edition of Indiana’s Team representing the women’s game, visit indyeleven.com/wleague.
2022 USL W League Regular Season – Matchday 5
Indy Eleven 1 : 0 Midwest United FC
Friday, June 3, 2022 – 7:00 p.m.
Grand Park Events Center – Westfield, Ind.
Scoring Summary:
IND – Kristina Lynch (unassisted) 41’
Disciplinary Summary:
MID – Paige Eli (yellow card) 87’
Indy Eleven lineup: 1-Mackenzie Wood (GK), 4-Kristina Lynch (8-Heather MacNab 62’), 5-Grace Bahr, 6-Julia Leonard, 7-Becky Dean (10-Milica Bulatovic 45’), 9-Katie Soderstrom (24-Rachel McCarthy 62’), 12-Maddy Williams (19-Selena Barnett 80’), 13-Jenna Chatterton, 22-Greta Kraszula, 23-Robyn McCarthy (17-Emily McCalligett 70’), 26-Ella Rogers
IND substitutes: 0-Nona Reason,
Midwest United FC lineup: 1- Lauren Kozal (GK), 2-Elle Otto (18-Hannah Crum 77’), 3- Matea Diekema, 5-Paige Eli, 7-Maya Dean (4-Heidi Thomasma 60’), 9-Macey Wierenga (14-Olivia Brunink 60’), 10-Avery Lockwood, 12-Anna Bennett (19-Taryn DeShane 81’), 13-Martha Corby, 15-Olivia Albert, 17-Jennifer Blitchok (16-Regan Dalton 77’)
MID substitutes: 0-Isabelle Okoroafo, 6-Bria Schrotenboer
Pinho’s Fifth Goal of Season Not Enough to Continue Home Winning Streak
INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, May 28, 2022) – Indy Eleven saw its four-game home winning streak snapped this afternoon at IUPUI Carroll Stadium after falling 1-2 to a surging New Mexico United side in the teams’ first-ever meeting. Stefano Pinho’s fifth goal of the season with 10 minutes remaining sparked a comeback bid to life, but Justin Portillo’s first half golazo and an own goal early in the second half proved too much to overcome for Indy Eleven (5W-4L-2D, 16 pts.). While the early stages of the match saw both sides create pressure in their respective attacking thirds, Indy Eleven midfielder Jonas Fjeldberg’s header off a second minute corner marked the only shot in the opening 20 minutes. Fjeldberg saw his day cut short in the 20th minute dur to an apparent hamstring injury and was replaced by midfielder Nicky Law, who just a minute later set up Indy’s best look of the half on a cross that Pinho headed off the crossbar.It took New Mexico 37 minutes to get its first shot off, and a minute later its first attempt on frame changed the scoreboard against the run of play. Portillo ran onto Chris Wehan’s laid off ball at the top corner of the area, where he struck a first-time blast that curled off the underside of the crossbar, giving Eleven goalkeeper Tim Trilk no chance and putting the visitors in the lead. Two chances in quick succession by Pinho and Eleven midfielder Noah Powder in first half stoppage time were thwarted, sending Indy trailing into the locker room for just the second time in six home contests in 2022.Trilk, who was making his first league start for Indy between the posts, came up big early in the second half, diving to his right to parry away a shot by Sergio Rivas. The 57th minute saw nervy moments for United with Indy flooding the area with numbers, the chance ending with Justin Ingram’s shot from the edge of the 18 headed away by a defender inside the six with United netminder Alex Tambakis scrambling.An Indy back-pass gone wrong resulted in New Mexico’s second in the 63rd minute. Defender Mechack Jerome failed to make contact on Alex McQueen’s ball played back towards goal, and with Trilk away from his line the ball frustratingly rolled inside the left post to gift United a 2-0 advantage. Indy forward Manuel Arteaga nearly clawed one back in the 69th minute with a near-angle shot that forced Tambakis into a near post save.After a couple of close calls in the first half, Pinho made his first chance of note in the second pay off with Indy’s opener in the 80th minute. Newcomer Solomon Asante, who entered just past the hour mark, showed off his MVP pedigree with a low, driven cross into the six, where Pinho beat his mark and dove in to redirect past Tambakis, setting up a potential Eleven comeback bid. However, only a few set piece opportunities would come out of the late going, sending Indy to its first home loss in eight games dating back to last September.Indy Eleven will embark on a month-long, four-game road trip beginning next Saturday, June 4, when it heads to the Palmetto State to take on Charleston Battery. Kickoff at Patriots Point in Charleston is set for 7:00 p.m. ET (streamed live on ESPN+).Indy Eleven’s next home match will also take place during a holiday weekend, as Indiana’s Team will host The Miami FC during its “Indy-pendence” Celebration game on Saturday, July 2. The special 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff at Carroll Stadium will be followed by a post-game fireworks display, and more details on the evening will be updated in the coming weeks at indyeleven.com/promotions.Tickets for that July 4th weekend affair – and all remaining Indy Eleven regular season contests – are available starting at just $15 and can be purchased online at indyeleven.com/tickets. Fans who cannot make it to The Mike can follow the action on MyINDY-TV 23, Exitos Radio 94.3 FM/exitos943.com, and the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers.
2022 USL Championship Regular Season – Matchday 11
Indy Eleven 1 : 2 New Mexico United
Saturday, May 28, 2022
IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, Ind.
CARMEL FC 2022 Tryouts and Evaluation Information
All evaluations and tryouts will be held at Shelborne Fields. 3451 W 126th St, Carmel, IN 46032.
June 7, 2022 – Players 10u, 9u and 8u (Birth Years 2013 to 2016)
Check-in starts 1/2 hour before evaluations begin.
Evaluations for all age groups: 6pm to 7:30pm
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June 13, 2022- Players 11u and older (Birth Years 2004 to 2012)
Check-in starts 1/2 hour before tryouts.
Tryouts for 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012: 5:45pm to 7:15pm
Tryouts for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008: 7:30pm to 9pm.
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Use this link to register for tryouts. Please email info@cdccarmelfc.com. with any questions.
Carmel Dad’s Club Alumni Soccer
Mid June – early August – Games Wed/Sun Age 18-30 Registration open thru June 16th. Call 317-846-1633 or Click Here Make your own teams or we can add you to a team. Cost is just $105 includes Jersey.
Carmel Dads’ Club Soccer Camp Powered by Indy Eleven – June 13-16 9am-12pm (Rain day reschedule June 17) Ages 6-13 Shelborne Soccer Fields – 3451 W. 126th St. Carmel, IN 46033 – REGISTRATION IS LIVE!
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