US Men tie Colombia in a Fierce Friendly – next up Nations League in March
So the US started a much more experienced team Sat night in a fiercely played “friendly” Sat night in an outnumbered LA Galaxy stadium. Five World Cup players started including Long and Zimmerman at CBs and Sean Johnson in goal. Still it was the youngsters who impressed as Aaronson, Hoppe, John Tolkin (left back) and late sub Brandon Vazquez were the most impressive on the night along with late d subs Sam Rogers and Jalen Neal in the middle. (Full hightlights 9 min – Spanish hightlights). Each US January camp at least 1 sometimes 2 or 3 players announce themselves. I think LB Tolkin, #9 Vazquez and Mexican-American winger Alejandro Zendejas and perhaps Cade Cowell will be the FIND’s in this camp and should join the #1 team when we play Nations League play in the late March window. (What a Save by Gaga). Brandon Vasquez Cincy FC Man Scored the lone US Goal. Cowell hits post twice vs Serbia
US Men
Brandon Vázquez has shined for U.S. soccer. Could they lose him to Mexico?
USMNT unwraps some young gems and ends up with a tie against Colombia
5 takeaways from USMNT’s draw vs. Colombia in international friendly
USMNT instant match ratings from scoreless draw vs. Colombia
USMNT battles to draw against Colombia to close out January camp
5 takeaways from USMNT’s 2-1 loss vs. Serbia
USMNT instant match ratings from 2-1 loss vs. Serbia
Hernández: USMNT must demonstrate it is invested in Alejandro Zendejas’ future
The secret is out: Galaxy’s Jalen Neal ready to contribute to U.S. national team
What’s behind sudden departures at U.S. Soccer, and how will they impact USMNT in 2026?
Weston McKennie to Leeds – Good Move for McKennie?
US Men Lose 2-1 to Serbia, Sat on TNT vs Colombia 7:30 pm
I thought the youngsters really looked good tonight. Brendon Vazquez was exquisite up top scoring the lone goal for the US, Zendejas showed why Mexico and the US are vying for his services as the Club America man had multiple opportunities up top. I thought Morris was very good at the dmid slot. Cade Cowell showed his pace and had fantastic delivery on the left wing (hitting the post twice). I thought Jones was incredibly dangerous at the right back slot when he came in providing a # of great runs and good crosses in. The US just couldn’t quite capitalize in the 2nd half but we certainly out possessed (63%), outshot (20-11) and completely dominated the 2nd half even if Serbia scored the lone 2nd half goal on stupid mistake by the 19 year Neal giving up the 2-1 loss. Great to see 18 year old GK Gaga Slonina start in the net – he made a couple of nice saves including this (What a Save by Gaga). Brandon Vasquez Cincy FC Man Scored the lone US Goal. I love that we started and played the youngsters tonight.
Shane Starter’s Sat Night
Vasquez
Cowell //Sabbi
Pomkykal // Aaronson
Acosta
Gomez, Neal//Long //Jones
Roman Celentano
What a Save by Gaga Slonina 18 YO US Goalkeeper. Brandon Vasquez Cincy FC Man Scores.
Ted Lasso’s Coach Beard in the house tonight Walker Zimmerman Pregame Warm-up Talk
The full USMNT roster
Goalkeepers (3): Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati), Sean Johnson (free agent), Gaga Slonina (Chelsea)
Defenders (8): Jonathan Gómez (Real Sociedad), Julian Gressel (Vancouver Whitecaps), DeJuan Jones (New England Revolution), Aaron Long (LAFC), Jalen Neal (LA Galaxy), Sam Rogers (Rosenborg), John Tolkin (New York Red Bulls), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville)
Midfielders (6): Paxten Aaronson (Eintracht Frankfurt), Kellyn Acosta (LAFC), Aidan Morris (Columbus Crew), Paxton Pomykal (FC Dallas), Alan Soñora (free agent), Eryk Williamson (Portland Timbers)
Forwards (7): Paul Arriola (FC Dallas), Cade Cowell (San Jose Earthquakes), Jesús Ferreira (FC Dallas), Matthew Hoppe (Middlesbrough), Emmanuel Sabbi (Odense), Brandon Vazquez (FC Cincinnati), Alejandro Zendejas (Club América)
US to Host Copa America 2024
Thrilled to hear the news that the US will host Copa America 2024 – not only does this give the US a legit tourney to play in before hosting the World Cup but this should give US World Cup cities a chance to “warm-up” for the World Cup. Hopefully other cities AKA CHICAGO will be be involved in COPA so those of us in Indy don’t have to drive 8 hours to a game. Awesome news!
US Soccer Shake-up
So in the wake of the Gio Reyna – Berhalter Brew ha ha – now US Soccer GM Ernie Stewart has joined Brian McBride in leaving US Soccer. Of course Claudia Reyna was sent packing as Director of Soccer operations at Austin FC. What a crazy and disappointing commentary on US soccer. Let’s hope US soccer wipes the slate clean and finds the right people to move us forward. Perhaps stop charging $100s for tickets in small stadiums for friendlies.
Carmel FC 2010 Boys is extending tryouts this winter for the Spring Season.
Contact the Ole Ballcoach at shanebestsoccer@gmail.com if your son was born in 2010 or 2011 and interested in working out with us.
ANY CARMEL DAD’S CLUB PLAYERS & CARMEL FC PLAYERS : Winter Players League (WPL) – Badger Indoor Fieldhouse –REGISTRATION READY for Session Two (6 weeks): Feb 17th, 24th / Mar 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th
As the fall season comes to a close over the next month, we wanted to let you know that we will be launching an indoor soccer league over two six week sessions within our new Badger Fieldhouse. Games will be played on either Friday night ( 6pm to 10pm) or Sunday afternoon (1pm-5pm) depending on age groups: U8s, U9&U10, U11&U12, U13-U15 and U16+ (Coed Teams allowed). Referees for each game, 50 minute games, 5v5, 7v7 and 9v9 matches.
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GAMES ON TV
(American’s names in Parenthesis)
Weds, Jan 25
2:30 pm ESPN+ WErder Bremen vs Union Berlin (Pfuk)
2:30 pm ESPN+ Ausburg vs Mgladbach (Scally)
3 pm ESPN+ Nottingham Forest vs Man United League Cup
3 pm ESPN+ Barcelona vs Real Sociadad Copa Del Rey
10 pm HBO Max, Peacock USA Men vs Serbia
Thur, Jan 26
3 pm ESPN+ Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid Copa Del Rey
Fri, Jan 27
3 pm ESPN+ Man City vs Arsenal League Cup
Sat, Jan 28
7:30 am ESPN+ Leeds United (Adams, Aaronson) @ Accrington Stanley
9:30 am ESPN+ Hoffenheim vs MGladbach (Scally)
9:30 am ESPN+ Hertha vs Union Berlin (Pfuk)
10 am ESPN+ Lufton Town (Horvath) vs Grimsby Town FA Cup
10 am ESPN+ Fulham (Ream, Jedi) vs Sunderland
10 am ESPN+ Bristol City vs West Brom (Dike)
12:30 pm ESPN+ Sevilla vs Elche
12:30 pm ESPN+ Bayern Munich vs Frankfurt
1 pm ESPN+ Preston vs Spurs – FA Cup
3 pm ESPN+ Man United vs Reading FA Cup
7:30 p TNT USA Men vs Colombia
Sun, Jan 29
8 am ESPN+ Real Vallaadolid vs Valencia ()
8:30 am ESPN+ Brighton vs Livepool FC Cup
11:30 am ESPN+ Wrexham vs Sheffield United FA cup
11:30 am ESPN+ Leverkusen vs Dortmund (Reyna)
2:45 pm beIN Sport Reims vs PSG
3 pm ESPN+ Real Madrid vs Real Sociadad
Tues, Jan 31
2 pm ESPN+ New Castle vs Southampton FC Cup
2:45 pm ESPN+ Union Berlin (Pfuk) vs Wolfsburg
Weds, fEb1
2 pm ESPN+ Man United vs Nottingham Forrest FC Cup
2 pm FS2 Al Ahly vs Auckland City – World Club Cup
2:45 pm ESPN+ Mainz vs Bayern Munich
3 pm ESPNd Real Bettis vs Barcelona
Thurs, Feb 2
3 pm ESPN+ Real Madrid vs Valencia
Fri, Feb 3
3 pm USA Chelsea vs Fulham (Ream, Jedi)
Sat, Feb 4
7:30 am USA Everton vs Arsenal (Turner)
10 am USA Aston Villa vs Leicester City
12:30 pm Fox Sp2 SEATTLE SOUNDERS vs Auckland City
12:30 pm NBC New Castle vs West Ham United
12:30 pm ESPN+ Atletico Madrid vs Getafe
12:30 pm ESPN+ MGladbach (Scally) vs Schalke
10 pm Fox Sp2 Santos Laguna vs America
Sun, Feb 5
7:30 am USA Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United (Adams, Aaronson)
11;30 am NBC Tottenham vs Man City
12:30 pm ESPN+ Atletico Madrid vs Getafe
3pm ESPN+ Barcelona vs Sevilla
Thu, Feb 16 She Believes Cup
7 pm Fox Sports 1? USWNT vs Canada
Sun, Feb 19
3:30 pm Fox USWNT vs Japan
Wed, Feb 22
7 pm FS1 USWNT vs Brazil
Soccer Saturday’s are every Sat 9-10 am on 93.5 and 107.5 FM with Greg Rakestraw
US MEN
The 13 U.S. debutants you need to know in January friendlies ESPNFC Bill Connelly
USA kicks off 2026 World Cup journey amid in-fighting, uncertainty
Amid U.S. men’s soccer turmoil, Anthony Hudson tries to keep team on course LA Times
With Berhalter in limbo, US men begin camp under Hudson
Who is Anthony Hudson? What to know about USMNT’s interim manager
5 players to watch during USMNT’s January international friendlies
Giovanni Reyna scores outrageous winner in Bundesliga return (video)
Gio Reyna, amid USMNT drama, scores defiant goal in first game back from World Cup
Christian Pulisic wanted by AC Milan – Report
Brian McBride is out as USMNT GM.
Eight Players Earn First Caps As U.S. Men’s National Team Opens New Cycle With 2-1 Loss Against Serbia In Los Angeles
Q&A: Alex Zendejas Discusses His First Call-Up To The USMNT
EPL
10 things we learned in the Premier League: Week 21
Three talking points from the Premier League weekend
Kane ignored illness to earn share of Spurs goal record
Harry Kane scores historic beauty as Tottenham wins scrap at Fulham
Everton sack manager Frank Lampard after worst run of form in club’s history
Arsenal downs Manchester United in instant classic, and rings in a new Premier League era Bushnell Yahoo Soccer
Arsenal silence doubters with statement win over Man Utd
‘Incredible’ Odegaard fulfils potential to fuel Arsenal title bid
Ten Hag says Man Utd must ‘change mentality’ after Arsenal defeat
Arsenal vs Manchester United player ratings out of 10
Guardiola hails ‘incredible’ hat-trick hero Haaland
Stalemate as Leeds frustrated by Brentford
Klopp sees small steps of Liverpool progress in Chelsea stalemate
GK
What a Save by Gaga Slonina 19 YO US Goalkeeper
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Copa America arrives, Earnie Stewart departs
Lots of big news affecting the USMNT over the past couple days.
By Donald Wine II@blazindw Jan 27, 2023, 10:35am PST
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Big news has dropped over the past couple days, and we discuss it on Episode 94 of the SSFC Podcast. The announcement today that the 2024 Copa América will be hosted in the United States is part of a major collaboration between Concacaf and CONMEBOL that includes joint participation in the 2024 Copa América, 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup, and a newly created “final four” style club competition. We discuss the competitions and what it means for both confederations. After the break, U.S. Soccer is set to lose Earnie Stewart as the federation’s sporting director will depart next month. USMNT general manager Brian McBride is also out at the end of this month, and Anthony Hudson is the interim USMNT head coach for the foreseeable future. Now that we have a loaded schedule of competitive matches, the pressure is on the federation to be efficient in hiring a new sporting director and head coach, because fans are starting to have the same feeling that they had in 2018.
We will be back real soon to recap the MNT January Camp as well as the USWNT matches from earlier in the month. Episodes will be coming quickly as we determine the future of this show, so please send questions or topic suggestions to SSFC Podcast at Gmail dot com.
United States to host 2024 Copa América
It’s part of a strategic partnership between Concacaf and CONMEBOL.
By Donald Wine II@blazindw Updated Jan 27, 2023, 9:04am PST 25 Comments / 25 New
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South America’s tournament is returning to the United States. Today, Concacaf and CONMEBOL announced a strategic collaboration agreement where they will partner for several tournaments over the next couple of years. The big piece of this partnership includes the announcement that the 2024 Copa América will be held in the United States.The Copa América and will include all 10 national teams from CONMEBOL, with 6 teams from Concacaf competing, including the USMNT. The tournament will be co-organized by both confederations. The 2023-24 Concacaf Nations League will determine who the 6 teams will be, and despite being the hosts, the USMNT will not receive an automatic bid to the tournament.The 2024 Copa América gives the USMNT a huge opportunity to play competitive matches ahead of the 2026 World Cup. It will also give the country’s World Cup sites a chance to test logistics, security, and other details in preparation for the tournament.In addition to the Copa América, Concacaf and CONMEBOL are partnering for other tournaments. Concacaf has invited the top 4 teams from South America to compete in the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup. It will be the first time the tournament is held, and that will be played in the United States. The USWNT have already directly qualified for the Concacaf W Gold Cup by winning last summer’s Conacaf W Championship. Through that tournament, they also qualified for this summer’s Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympics. The 4 South American teams have been determined based on the results of the 2022 Women’s Copa America: Brazil (champion) Colombia (runner-up), Argentina (third place) and Paraguay (fourth place).Finally, a “final four” style club competition will be created featuring the 2 best club teams from each confederation. They hope to play the first edition of this new tournament in 2024. The last time the two confederations collaborated on a club competition was the Copa Interamericana, which featured the winner of the Copa Libertadores against the winner of the Concacaf Champions’ Cup (the precursor to today’s Concacaf Champions League). D.C. United won the final edition of the Copa Interamericana in 1998 over Vasco da Gama.
Conmebol and Concacaf has signed a strategic collaboration agreement to strengthen and develop football in both regions.
→ 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America
→ 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup
→ New club competition
More info https://t.co/9q6iMhcj7p pic.twitter.com/TgC5Sk6jgd— Concacaf (@Concacaf) January 27, 2023
Hit the comments and discuss the Concacaf-CONMEBOL partnership, including the 2024 Copa América and the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup.
No coach, no sporting director and no GM: What does the future hold for the USMNT?
2:10 PM ET
- Kyle BonaguraESPN Staff Writer
- In one fell swoop Thursday morning, U.S. Soccer announced a reset for its men’s national team program. That’s what Earnie Stewart’s departure as sporting director represents. Stewart, a former U.S. international, accepted a similar role to return to the Netherlands with PSV Eindhoven, leaving U.S. Soccer with a void atop its technical operation.Whether that’s a good or bad thing can ultimately only be judged in time, but what it means in the short term is that the men’s national team — already without a permanent head coach — will enter its most consequential World Cup cycle of all time without a firm direction for the foreseeable future.With former coach Gregg Berhalter out of contract in the wake of an admission of a domestic violence incident involving his now-wife in 1991, the USMNT had already entered somewhat of a stationary period with interim coach Anthony Hudson. However, so long as Stewart was in place, it reasoned that the vision for how the team would play under its next coach would likely continue in a similar vein to how it did under Berhalter. Without Stewart, everything appears back on the table.”Obviously, this isn’t the process that we chose to go down,” U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone said. “We’re hopeful that we can fill these two positions [sporting director and head coach] by the end of the summer so that the men’s team has plenty of time in preparation for the World Cup leading up to ’26.”
EDITOR’S PICKS
- The 13 U.S. debutants you need to know in January friendlies3dBill Connelly
- Stewart exit latest in USMNT leadership shakeup1dJeff Carlisle
- U.S. to host 2024 Copa America with 16 teams2hSam Borden
The circumstances are much different, but this means for the second consecutive World Cup cycle, the men’s team will be guided by an interim coach for an extended period. Parlow Cone and USSF CEO JT Batson said that while they will both be heavily involved in the process to select the next coach, that decision won’t come until after a new sporting director is hired.
With the timeline Parlow Cone laid out, Hudson is now expected to guide the team at this summer’s Gold Cup, representing a missed opportunity to have the next permanent coach lead a group of first-choice players at a major tournament. It’s not necessarily a massive problem — there are several much more important variables that will play a role in the team’s success at the 2026 World Cup — but it is a setback that guarantees a continued state of flux.
There are plenty of examples of teams that have brought on a coach later in a cycle and performed well at the World Cup — Morocco in Qatar, for example — but without a qualification process as a host nation, the U.S. was already going to be limited in how many opportunities it had in official competition. Friday’s announcement that 2024 Copa America will be held in the U.S. — bringing South America’s premier competition and big sides like Argentina and Brazil stateside — adds another a big chance to for the USMNT to prove itself, but it is still far from ideal.To be clear, there will be a new coach. That’s common sense at this point, despite Parlow Cone’s reluctance to admit so publicly. Her statement Thursday that Berhalter remains a candidate comes across as lip service at the behest of legal counsel. The idea that a new decision-maker would come in and re-hire a coach who has been out in the cold for several months after a domestic violence allegation, along with messy personal drama involving the coach and one of the team’s brightest stars is an outlandish possibility.
Brian McBride’s exit as U.S. men’s team general manager, which has previously been reported by ESPN, was also announced Thursday, but his role and influence in the decision-making hierarchy was never well explained. That it remains unclear if his job will even exist as the USSF evolves speaks to how valuable it was.
Perhaps the most interesting forward-looking part of what U.S. Soccer made public Thursday was that it retained the Sportsology Group to consult on its search for a sporting director. Sportsology’s chief executive is founder Mike Forde, who from 2007 to ’13 was the director of football operations at Chelsea and is well-connected across Europe. Sportsology has been contracted by several professional teams across various sports in the United States and Europe for strategic and operational support.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
Forde was reportedly involved with Manchester United‘s process that led to the appointment of Erik ten Hag and helped connect multiple Major League Soccer teams with European executives. “We interviewed a few search firms as well as firms that do the type of work Sportsology does. We went with Sportsology because we thought they were the best group to help us navigate the situation that we’re in now,” Parlow Cone said. “We want do a full review of our sporting department, and at the same time need to work towards hiring a sporting director and, in parallel, moving the search forward on our men’s national team coach.”
If Forde and Sportsology’s track record is replicated, it seems likely that U.S. Soccer winds up with a European sporting director. Perhaps that’s exactly what U.S. Soccer needs. Not necessarily a European sporting director, but someone without a lifetime of ties to American soccer. Fresh ideas and an outsider’s perspective have the potential to unlock the incredible potential the current group of players has.
USMNT turn eye to next generation of talent as Brandon Vazquez, Cade Cowell stand out in Serbia loss
Jan 26, 2023
Kyle BonaguraESPN Staff Writer
LOS ANGELES — In the team’s first game since the 2022 World Cup, the United States men’s national team got an early goal from debutant Brandon Vazquez before conceding twice in a 2-1 loss to Serbia at BMO Stadium.
JUMP TO: Best/worst performers | Highlights & notable moments | Postgame quotes | Key stats | Upcoming fixtures
Rapid reaction
1. Heavy Mexican-American influence
All four players on the roster eligible to represent Mexico — Vazquez, Alejandro Zendejas, Cade Cowell and Jonathan Gomez — were in the starting XI. It represented a clear statement of intent from U.S. Soccer that the federation wants long-term commitments from each of them.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga & more (U.S.)
Vazquez, Zendejas — both making their first full national team caps — and Cowell played together in a front three that was lively and consistently dangerous. Vazquez’s goal on a cross from fellow debutant Julian Gressel was an excellent finish — redirecting the ball to the far corner — and leaves a positive first impression about his ability to play at the international level.
For all the attention Zendejas’ inclusion drew coming in midseason from Club America, he was outshined by Cowell on the opposite wing. The San Jose Earthquakes winger has been billed as a potential star for years, and while he’s still only 19 years old, this is a massive year in terms of solidifying what fair expectations for his development should be. If he’s as dangerous for the Quakes as he was against Serbia, it’s fair to reignite talks about a potential European transfer.
Gomez didn’t find the same success as the other three. His physical limitations were on display and provided important context for why he has not made a first team appearance for Real Sociedad in LaLiga since transferring from Louisville City of the USLC in 2021.
2. Gabriel Slonina makes history
Fresh off his move from the Chicago Fire to Chelsea, Slonina made history as the youngest goalkeeper to ever appear for the United States. At 18 years, 255 days, he takes the record from Tony Meola, who debuted a few months after his 19th birthday against Ecuador in 1988.
The youngster had a few nice moments — including one sequence in which he was kicked in the head while pushing a ball off the line — and wasn’t really to blame for either of Serbia’s goals. Though he’s still a long way from seeing the field in England, Slonina certainly has the talent to someday develop into the U.S. No. 1. Is it possible by 2026? That seems like a stretch, but it’s not outside the realm of possibility.
3. Typical vibe for a January game
If U.S. Soccer was hoping the excitement from the World Cup would translate to a better-than-usual January atmosphere, it would have left disappointed. BMO Stadium — the new name for LAFC‘s home — was about half-full and had the appropriate energy level for a glorified training exercise.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Wait for Marsch? Look at MLS? Swing big for Klopp?! Assessing the USMNT’s coaching search9dKyle Bonagura
- The 13 U.S. debutants you need to know in January friendlies3dBill Connelly
- World Cup confirms MLS boasts: It’s already among best in the world3dKyle Bonagura
The reality for this type of game is the result doesn’t matter. It’s about giving individual players opportunities to be exposed to the international level as part of their development process. There is the team aspect, of course, but as the U.S. was playing with an interim coaching staff, there was less value there Wednesday night as there might have been otherwise.
Seven starters made their national team debuts, which was the most in a single game since 1988.
Best and worst performers
Best: Aidan Morris, USA
Morris was calm on the ball and solid defensively in a position — defensive midfielder — that lacks depth in the pool. There’s a significant drop after Tyler Adams and Morris appears very much ready to compete for minutes behind him.
Best: Cade Cowell, USA
As mentioned above, Cowell was consistently impactful playing down the left wing. He didn’t have a goal or assist to show for it, but it felt inevitable every time he got the ball he was going to blow by the defender marking him and get the ball into a good spot.
Best: Veljko Simic, Serbia
Simic, who plays for Vojvodina in Serbia, scored the winner early in the second half and was influential in the Serbian attack throughout the match.
Worst: Marko Mijailovic, Serbia
Cowell had his way with Mijailovic throughout the night.
Worst: Jonathan Gomez, USA
Gomez showed he’s not ready to be considered for minutes in official competitions.
Worst: Jalen Neal, USA
Neal had some bright moments but got caught of position a few times and wasn’t strong in possession.
Highlights and notable momentsfter the match: What the managers and players said
USMNT coach Anthony Hudson on Alejandro Zendejas: “Incredible. Obviously, he has to go back to his club tonight and I was pretty much trying to beg him to stay because I thought he was outstanding. He’s been in a few days and — you saw him tonight — you see his personality on the field. He’s a really, really exciting player. Good quality. Technically really, really strong. Really attack-minded. I just love his desire just to keep going and keep going.”
Walker Zimmerman on starting in Qatar vs. this friendly: “I told the guys in the huddle before the game, anytime we put on this jersey, we don’t care if it’s a World Cup game or if it’s a January camp game. You put on that jersey, it’s the pride that you have to try to win the game. So we went out there and wanted to be competitive. It’s a little bit different when you have that preseason deal and for a lot of guys it’s a week or two into getting back into it. Whereas in normal January camp, you have a whole month to build up. So for a lot of guys, it’s really the first bit of football action that they’ve had. From that standpoint, it makes it difficult. It makes it difficult for the rotations, the fitness standpoint and then the understanding.”
Brandon Vazquez on scoring in his debut: “Making my debut tonight and scoring on my debut with my family here close to where I grew up, it’s something incredible. Seeing my family celebrate like that and it’s something amazing to see.”
Key stats (provided by ESPN Stats & Information research)
- Vazquez becomes the 59th USMNT player to score in his debut
- Seven starters earn their senior team debuts — the most first caps in a USMNT starting XI since nine players debuted in a friendly match against Guatemala on January 10, 1988
- At 18 years, 255 days, Gaga Slonina will become the youngest goalkeeper to play for the USMNT
Up next
U.S.: The Americans have one more friendly attached this camp against Colombia on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 7:30 p.m. ET in nearby Carson, California.
Serbia: For now, Serbia’s next matches on the calendar are not until March for the qualifying tournament for the Euros, against Lithuania and Montenegro.
U.S. Soccer’s future
A look at U.S. Soccer’s future following McBride & Stewart’s pending departures
ASN’s Brian Sciaretta looks at how U.S. Soccer will navigate the months ahead with the departure of USMNT General Manager Brian McBride and Sporting Director Earnie Stewart
BY BRIAN SCIARETTAPOSTED
JANUARY 27, 2023
12:55 AM
U.S. SOCCER ON THURSDAY announced a major shakeup with the departures of both Sporting Director Earnie Stewart and USMNT General Manager Brian McBride along with the federation retaining Sportsology Group moving forward to help fill the vacancies and conduct a review the sporting department.
It was a lot of news to digest but here are the key points from the press release and the subsequent media call.
- Sporting Director Earnie Stewart told U.S. Soccer he was leaving the federation to accept a position with PSV Eindhoven in his native Holland. U.S. Soccer asked Stewart to remain with the Federation until February 15. Stewart’s contract initially ran through 2022 but was extended, without an announcement, through 2026. U.S. Soccer agreed to release Stewart from his contract.
- USMNT General Manager Brian McBride told U.S. Soccer prior to the 2022 World Cup that he would move on from U.S. Soccer upon the completion of his contract at the end of December. U.S. Soccer and McBride agreed to a one-month extension to handle the subsequent turnover.
- Cindy Parlow Cone said it is not yet decided if the federation even needs a general manager for the men’s national team. That will be decided in the coming months during the review.
- U.S. Soccer has retained Sportsology Group to head the search for the organization’s next Sporting Director and conduct a review of U.S. Soccer’s sporting department.
- U.S Soccer staff will report to U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson until a new Sporting Director is hired.
- Once the Sporting Director is hired, that individual will oversee the process of hiring the new USMNT head coach.
- Cindy Parlow Cone indicated that Gregg Berhalter is still a candidate for the head coaching job.
- Anthony Hudson will serve as the interim USMNT head coach until a new head coach is hired or Berhalter is brought back.
- Cindy Parlow Cone: “We would love to have the Sporting Director in place before the Women’s World Cup, but we are not going to put a definitive timeline on it.”
- Cindy Parlow Cone: “We would like to have our men’s national team coach in place by the end of the summer.”
Here are some thoughts on the developments
WHAT IS CONTAINED IN THE SCOPE OF THE REVIEW?
It’s important to remember that as recently as 2018, U.S. Soccer changed its organizational chart substantially. It was the first time there was a Sporting Director and a General Manager (except briefly when Jurgen Klinsmann had the Technical Director and the head coach job at the same time). Prior to that, you had CEO Dan Flynn and President Sunil Gulati heavily involved in all areas.
But in 2018, U.S. Soccer had new roles for different people. The Sporting Director also sat over all the teams, including on the women’s side, and essentially separated the top levels of the federation (the board, the CEO, and the President) from the sporting side.
“I am extremely proud of what our sporting department has accomplished over the past four years to advance the next generation of players and increase participation in the sport across the country. “
— Earnie Stewart pic.twitter.com/mlloaqawms— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) January 26, 2023
This review is essentially going to evaluate the progress of that restructuring and see if there are different positions needed or are there positions that can be eliminated.
Does either the USMNT or the USWNT need general managers? What are the needs of each team? There used to be a youth technical director. Does it need to be brought back? How will the youth teams be managed?
WHAT WILL U.S. SOCCER WANT IN A NEW SPORTING DIRECTOR?
Earnie Stewart checked a lot of boxes to be the first Sporting Director. He worked extensively in the front offices in Holland and then had a similar role with the Philadelphia Union. He also played for the U.S. national team at World Cups and had a personal attachment to the program with an interest of seeing it succeed.
My guess is that U.S. Soccer and Sportsology will probably end up focusing on candidates who have at least some degree of knowledge of the American soccer landscape from higher levels. The unique nature of the sport here (from the youth levels, academy, and professional levels) is difficult to understand and is not something the federation can change.
“Brian will always be part of our family and continue to be connected to U.S. Soccer.” – Cindy Parlow Cone pic.twitter.com/QI5u5cT08V— U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team (@USMNT) January 26, 2023
But the Sporting Director will oversee the men’s and women’s national teams and the youth teams. That will entail hiring coaches, scheduling, scouting, and management etc.
U.S. Soccer is in a different place than in previous decades. More and more Americans, including many former players, are in front office positions domestically and abroad (Dane Murphy recently left Nottingham Forest but was the CEO during a time when it was promoted to the Premier League).
SPORTSOLOGY, THE BOARD, AND THE CEO/PRESIDENT
There are three parties to follow as the decisions get made in the future: Sportsology, the board, and the CEO, JT Batson, and the federation’s president, Cindy Parlow Cone.
U.S. Soccer is bringing in Sportsology for a reason and the press release says they will be heading the search and will analyzing the head coach candidates for the future Sporting Director.
“U.S. Soccer has retained Sportsology Group to head the search for the organization’s next Sporting Director… The group will also analyze head coach candidates to accelerate the Sporting Director’s hiring process.”
The questions then becomes how likely will the board and the CEO/President be scrutinizing Sportsology or be likely to override a recommendation by Sportsology?
Seattle ???? Atlanta
After winning two MLS Cups with @SoundersFC and leading them to Concacaf Champions League glory, Garth Lagerwey joins @ATLUTD. pic.twitter.com/R41lDMzcQe— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 22, 2022
On the positive side, it helped Atlanta United recruit Garth Lagerwey as the team’s new CEO. Also, in 2020, Feyenoord began working with Sportsology and the club currently sits atop the Eredivise table.
But the Chicago Fire’s hire of Sporting Director Georg Heitz hasn’t been as successful, and the San Jose Earthquakes haven’t yet found success either.
TIMELINE FOR THE USMNT COACH
This is going to take some time. Cindy Parlow Cone said on Thursday that she is hoping that the Sporting Director is in place before the start of the Women’s World Cup this summer – which opens on July 20 in New Zealand and Australia. She also said, she doesn’t want the process to feel rushed and if it goes longer, they will accept it.
Once the Sporting Director is hired, he/she will hire the next head coach. She indicated by late summer, the goal was to have the new coach up and running.
Cindy Parlow Cone made it clear that Gregg Berhalter remains a candidate
HUDSON’S TEAM FOR A WHILE
This summer, the USMNT will take part in the Gold Cup and the Nations League final rounds. Those are slated for June. Based on the timelines set forth by Cone, it seems very unlikely the next USMNT head coach will be hired by then.
Anthony Hudson was formally announced as the interim head coach in the press release (he had been identified as an assistant coach leading January Camp earlier in the month).
Unlike the Dave Sarachan-era, which was quite productive in bringing in a wave of new players, Hudson has a much more established team. But it will be up to him in terms of how to build rosters for two teams, whether to call in top European-based players for March or this summer, working with Mikey Varas to decide if a top teenager should be with the U-20 World Cup team or the U.S. national team this summer.
Leeds appoint ex-Manchester United coach Chris Armas to Jesse Marsch’s backroom team
By Phil HayJan 25, 2023102
Leeds United have confirmed the appointment of former Manchester United assistant coach Chris Armas to Jesse Marsch’s backroom team.
The Athletic reported last week that Leeds were close to appointing Armas, 50, after Mark Jackson’s exit to become manager at MK Dons. He will share the role of assistant head coach at Leeds with Rene Maric, who was appointed to the role last summer.
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Armas previously worked with Marsch from 2015 to 2018 when the latter was head coach of New York Red Bulls. He took over at NYRB once Marsch left for RB Leipzig.
Armas worked for Manchester United last season while Ralf Ragnick was interim manager of the Old Trafford club.
On Armas’ appointment to his team, Marsch said: “I’m delighted to welcome Chris to Leeds United.
“He will be a fantastic addition to the staff, he brings a wealth of experience from across the world and having worked closely with him previously, I am sure he will help us to improve every day.”
Director of football Victor Orta added: “We always have constant ideas to improve the team around Jesse and with Chris it is a perfect fit, they have both worked together in the past and he has experience of working in the Premier League.
“Chris was one of the best ever players in the history of the United States and his determination and skills will add value to our club and we are really happy he has joined us.”
Armas is a former USMNT international and spent his playing career in MLS.
McKennie clears out locker, but destination unknown
27 Jan 2023 08:40 am, by Ellandback1
Good Morning. It’s Friday 27th January, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road…
McKennie clears out locker, but destination unknown
Conflicting reports about Weston McKennie’s future, dominate the headlines (where it matters) this morning. The 24 year oold has been strongly linked with a £26m move to Elland Road this week. We know he has agreed personal terms and Orta has been locked in negotiations with the Juve hierarchy for several days ironing out the finer details. It would therefor come as no surprise, when waking up this morning to read that Leeds have bridged the gap with ‘the Old Lady’, McKennie has cleared out his locker, and the Elland Road medical team are on stand-by.
Things are rarely that straight forward for Leeds. Opposing the above story, several media outlets are suggesting that Arsenal are trying to hijack the deal, and have tabled a £26m bid of their own. The Gunners are an attractive proposition. They have extended their lead at the top the Premier League by five points, and have at least a game in hand over their competition. Not many players have the opportunity to win a Premier League title, and given the opportunity, McKennie would be stupid not to consider it.
Just to confuse Leeds fans even more, a third source are claiming that Leeds initial bid was lower than first claimed, and negotiations are progressing slowly. Gazzetta dello Sport now claim that Leeds have offered just £22m for McKennie, and have a way to go before reaching agreement with Juventus. Time is running out. We can understand Leeds don’t want to pay over the odds, I’m sure we all remember what happened with Cody Gakpo in the Summer.
US Men Lose 2-1 to Serbia, Sat on TNT vs Colombia 7:30 pm
I thought the youngsters really looked good tonight. Brendon Vazquez was exquisite up top scoring the lone goal for the US, Zendejas showed why Mexico and the US are vying for his services as the Club America man had multiple opportunities up top. I thought Morris was very good at the dmid slot. Cade Cowell showed his pace and had fantastic delivery on the left wing (hitting the post twice). I thought Jones was incredibly dangerous at the right back slot when he came in providing a # of great runs and good crosses in. The US just couldn’t quite capitalize in the 2nd half but we certainly out possessed (63%), outshot (20-11) and completely dominated the 2nd half even if Serbia scored the lone 2nd half goal on stupid mistake by the 19 year Neal giving up the 2-1 loss. Great to see 18 year old GK Gaga Slonina start in the net – he made a couple of nice saves including this (What a Save by Gaga). Brandon Vasquez Cincy FC Man Scored the lone US Goal. I love that we started and played the youngsters tonight.
US Starter’s Wed Night
Vasquez
Cowell //Zendejas
Pomkykal //Sonora
Acosta
Gomez, Neal//Zimmerman //Gressel
Gaga Slonina
What a Save by Gaga Slonina 18 YO US Goalkeeper. Brandon Vasquez Cincy FC Man Scores.
Ted Lasso’s Coach Beard in the house tonight Walker Zimmerman Pregame Warm-up Talk
CFC Goalkeepers Wed night 1/25 Badger Field House Facility is Closed due to Snow.
LeBron James x Liverpool: LA Lakers star reveals jersey in collab with Premier League giants
Jan 26, 2023
Chris WrightToe Poke writer
LeBron James turned heads when he arrived for the Los Angeles Lakers‘ game against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday wearing what appeared to be a special-edition Liverpool jersey, designed in collaboration with the Premier League club.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
A LeBron x Liverpool line was first teased in early 2020. On the same day Liverpool formally announced a major new kit deal with Nike, James posted on Instagram an image of a red embroidered Liverpool crest on the left and an enticing blank space (into which he tagged Nike) where another logo could be placed.
The prospect of a limited-edition Liverpool kit or clothing line was given added credence by James’ business partner, Maverick Carter, popping up in the comments to say: “x Reds coming soon.”
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More recently, several leaked images had been circulated on social media of the custom jersey, which is expected to be officially revealed as part of a full LeBron x Liverpool collection next month.
The shirt, worn as LeBron arrived at the Crypto.com Arena for the Lakers’ 113-104 win, is predominantly black with thin red pinstripes and carries both the Liverpool club crest as well as LeBron’s own trademark “King James” logo displayed across the midriff.
The broad vertical stripes also feature a subtle repeating motif of the letters “YNWA” — shorthand for Liverpool’s famous club anthem and motto, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” — and “SFG,” representing James’ personal mantra: “Strive for greatness.”
The basketball superstar — who last week became the first player ever to have a 40-point game against all 30 NBA teams and is rapidly closing in on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA points record — was also spotted rocking a fresh pair of teal Nike Air Max 1 sneakers. These are also likely to feature in his imminent LFC line, given that the vibrant colour is regularly used by the Merseyside outfit in their own kits and apparel.
LeBron has put his name to several Liverpool-inspired sneaker designs in recent months. The latest is the all-red LeBron 20 basketball shoes unveiled this week, which also bear the LFC crest embroidered on the heel.
James has been a minority shareholder in the Reds since 2011, when he bought a 2% stake in the club.
Since then, he has been spotted at several matches over the years, including the 2022 Champions League final, where the NBA legend watched Jurgen Klopp’s side lose to Real Madrid at the Parc des Princes in Paris — much to the joy of Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic.
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