US Beats Canada 2-0 to Win CC Nations Lead Again

The US claimed its 2^nd straight Nations League Trophy after a rather easy 2-0 win over Canada Sunday night in Las Vegas.  After dominating Mexico 3-0 and 75% possession, the US bounced back with a different approach they used their counterattack with Gio Reyna leading the way in the 10 spot – driving us into the attack.  Reyna is the only player on the US Roster who can do this, Reyna was a part of both goals as his excellent corner kicks led to CB Chris Richard’s first US Goal early on.  Later in the half with Musah controlling the Dmid slot Reyna sent Balogun thru for this goal.  Goal again in proper Spanish.  Reyna was seriously the Man of the Match in just 45 minutes of play as he got injured just before the half.  The team did not return to that level of play without him – though we had chances.  Pulisic again had lots of attention and excelled in his role of captain (here raising the trophy).  I thought Joe Scally showed we have a solid backup at right/left back as the Borrusia MGladbach man shut down Bayern’s Alphonso Davies for most of the night.  I thought Aaronson was also a fine sub for Mckennie who was also out on a red card.  Finally Walker Zimmerman teamed will with CB Chris Richards was Miles Robinson was out with a slight knock.  Great job by Asst coach BJ Callaghan who started with a strong attack to put us up 2-0 and then settled in to nice 5 man back in the last 20 minutes just to show his coaching acumen to adjust late-game.  Two clean sheets for Matt Turner who really wasn’t tested in the final yet still won GK of the Tourney, while Pulisic rightfully won the Player of the Tourney. The US definitely celebrated big time – Trophy lift —- full highlights 2-0 over Canada.  Highlights from US 3-0 over Mexico.

US Sends MLS Strong Group to Gold Cup Starting Saturday & Berhalter as Coach

The US will look to a new group of mostly MLS players to try to win their 2^nd straight trophy this summer – like they did in 2021.  The games kickoff on Saturday at 9:30 pm ET on Fox Sports 1 in Chicago (tix still avail) as the US faces Jamaica.  (Full Gold Cup TV Schedule) all of the games will be on Fox, Fox Sports 1 & 2 (thank goodness) mostly each night at 6:30 or 7 pm and 8:30 or 9 pm and of course on weekends. The US will play again Wed, Jun 28^th 9:30 on FS1 and Sunday on Fox 7 pm vs T&T.  Can’t wait to see what combinations BJ puts out there as we look for key backups at a # of positions.  Remember next Summer we will be playing in the Olympics (July 24-Aug 10)& the Copa America (June15-July15 2024) so improving our depth will be a key.  All the reason I don’t understand why Berhalter is not taking over this week.  I am ok with the appointment – who else is out there?  Patrick Viera – the fired, relegated Mgr at Crystal Palace? Henri, the fired Mgr at Montreal & CBS pundit ? Are are joking?  I would have been ok with our current best US Mgr overseas in Jesse Marsch – but I think he really wants to stay at the club level for now.  In the states – LAFC’s Cherundalo someday but he’s not ready – needs to manage in Europe first.  Who else ?  Now Hopefully Berhalter has seen what’s happening and will do less tinkering and more letting the boys play.  But I think its nuts not to credit Berhalter for what this very young team has done this week, the commardaree that the team has, how they have welcomed dual nationals with open arms, how the fight for each other and stick up for one another. This is the Golden Generation – time to at least get to the finals of the Gold Cup, to the Finals or Final 4 of Copa America at home next summer and hopefully bring home a medal from the Olympics. 

USMNT GOLD CUP DETAILED ROSTER BY POSITION (CLUB/COUNTRY; CAPS/GOALS):

GOALKEEPERS (3): Sean Johnson (Toronto FC/CAN; 12/0), Gaga Slonina (Chelsea/ENG; 1/0), Matt Turner (Arsenal/ENG; 26/0)

DEFENDERS (8): DeJuan Jones (New England Revolution; 2/0), Aaron Long (LAFC; 32/3), Matt Miazga (FC Cincinnati; 23/1), Jalen Neal (LA Galaxy; 2/0), Bryan Reynolds (Roma/ITA; 3/0), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United; 21/3), John Tolkin (New York Red Bulls; 1/0), DeAndre Yedlin (Inter Miami; 78/0)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Gianluca Busio (Venezia/ITA; 9/0), Djordje Mihailovic (AZ Alkmaar/NED; 6/1), Aidan Morris (Columbus Crew; 2/0), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders; 32/3), James Sands (New York City FC; 8/0), Alan Soñora (FC Juárez/MEX; 2/0)

FORWARDS (6): Cade Cowell (San Jose Earthquakes; 3/0), Jesús Ferreira (FC Dallas; 18/8), Julian Gressel (Vancouver Whitecaps/CAN; 2/0), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders; 52/11), Brandon Vazquez (FC Cincinnati; 3/1), Alex Zendejas (Club América/MEX; 3/1)

Women’s World Cup Roster is Announced

Coach A has announced his 23 person roster and it’s a good mix of returnees and new exciting young players to try to give the US a record 3^rd straight World Cup Victory.  Rapinoe leads the way at 37 year’s old – with Alex Morgan expected to have a huge leadership role as well.  Interesting to see who can take over for captain Becky Saubraum who at 37 will miss the World Cup with injury.  (lots of stories below) and more to come next week.   Roster

U.S. WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM ROSTER BY POSITION (CLUB; CAPS/GOALS) – 2023 FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

GOALKEEPERS (3): Aubrey Kingsbury* (Washington Spirit; 1), Casey Murphy* (North Carolina Courage; 14), Alyssa Naeher*** (Chicago Red Stars; 90)

DEFENDERS (7): Alana Cook* (OL Reign; 24/1), Crystal Dunn** (Portland Thorns FC; 131/24), Emily Fox* (North Carolina Courage; 28/1), Naomi Girma* (San Diego Wave FC; 15/0), Sofia Huerta* (OL Reign; 29/0), Kelley O’Hara**** (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 157/3), Emily Sonnett** (OL Reign; 74/1)

MIDFIELDERS (7): Savannah DeMelo* (Racing Louisville FC; 0/0), Julie Ertz*** (Angel City FC; 118/20), Lindsey Horan** (Olympique Lyon, FRA; 128/27), Rose Lavelle** (OL Reign; 88/24), Kristie Mewis* (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 51/7), Ashley Sanchez* (Washington Spirit; 24/3), Andi Sullivan* (Washington Spirit; 44/3)

FORWARDS (6): Alex Morgan**** (San Diego Wave FC; 206/121), Megan Rapinoe**** (OL Reign; 199/63), Trinity Rodman* (Washington Spirit; 17/2), Sophia Smith* (Portland Thorns FC; 29/12), Alyssa Thompson* (Angel City FC; 3/0), Lynn Williams* (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 52/15)

*         First Women’s World Cup       **       Second Women’s World Cup ***      Third Women’s World Cup ****     Fourth Women’s World Cup

Nations League & Euro Qualifying

Some great games in Europe for the Nations League Finals and Euro Qualifying.  Still some games on Tuesday afternoon 2:45 pm.  The Spain vs Croatia game was awesome for a 0-0 game after 120 minutes – tons of shots and some really good saves by both GKs  (full highlights)– (see GK saves below) here’s the shootout final.  

MLS

Reports out of Miami that Messi at 60 million per season will be making much more than any football/basketball/Baseball players in the US – hey he’s been the best player in the World for a decade now and still has game  – I can’t wait to see him play somehow.  Hopefully they can figure out how to get his  Barcelona buddies Sergio Busquets and perhaps Jordi Alba and even Luis Suarez or Angel Di Maria as well.  Wow that would be worth a drive to Chicago/Columbus/Cincy or Nashville to see. 

GAMES WORTH DRIVING TO

Speaking of Drive – Gold Cup Opportunities abound to see the US Men in person with the US game vs Jamaica this Sat in Chicago 9:30 pm ET (tix avail as low as $35 each), Wed – June 28 in St Louis @ 6:30 pm (tix as low as $60), Sun- July 9 Quarterfinals in Cincinatti @ 5&7 pm (tix as low as $75).  I might even have 2 sitting with me available for Cincy as I plan to go.  You can’t complain about US fans not showing up in Las Vegas if we aren’t willing to drive a few hours to support our US teams.

Indy 11 Ladies Play last home Game next Friday

The Boys in Blue return to action Saturday when they travel to Hartford Athletic at 7 pm on ESPN+. (Preview)  In the first meeting on June 10, the teams played to a 1-1 draw at Carroll Stadium. The Girls in Blue are back in action next Friday, June 30 for the final regular season match of 2023 when they host St. Charles FC @ Grand Park in Westfield for the third time this season. The teams have split the season series so far, with each team winning on the road. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. ET and will stream on Eleven Sports.  The Indy 11 W are 7-1-1 atop the USL W League’s Valley Division. Tix for this final game are just $8 or call 317-685-1100.   

What to Watch

The Gold Cup leads the games to watch this weekend – as the US men will play an extremely fired-up Jamaica team that has brought in a # of European stalwarts to face what will be a B team for the US at 9 pm Saturday on Fox Sports 1.  Just before at 7:30 pm MLS leading Cincinnati travels to Wayne Rooney’s DC United on free Apple TV for a key match-up in the East.  Sat has a 2 of the top 5 teams in NWSL facing off at San Diego @ 10 pm on Paramount plus with US World Cup players Alex Morgan & Naomi Girma facing OL Regin with Lavelle, Huerta and Alana Cook.  Sunday has Mexico facing Honduras at 8 pm on FS1 – we’ll see if Mexico’s new coach can right the ship as Mexico brings their A team.  Wednesday the US plays @ 9 pm on FS from St. Louis vs  St Kitts & Nevis.

Goalkeeping Coach Shane will start low cost GK training for those interested next week and thru the summer – U12 groups of no more than 8, Older aged groups of no more than 6. EMail: shanebestsoccer@gmail.com if interested.

Congrats to Carmel FC 2010 Gold player Ben Griffith representing Indiana’s 2010 ODP team in St. Louis last weekend. Carmel FC Jersey Reveal for 23/24 season   If interested in supplemental tryouts email info@carmelFC.com. https://www.facebook.com/carmelfchq      https://twitter.com/CarmelFCHQ

GAMES ON TV

Wed, June 21

7:30 pm Apple                   Atlanta vs NYCFC  

7:30 pm Apple                   NY vs Charlotte

8:30 pm Apple                   Houston vs San Jose   

10:30 pm Apple                 Portland vs Chicago

10:30 pm Apple pay  LAFC vs Seattle Sounders  

Fri, June 23

10:30 pm Para+               Portland Thorns (Smith)vs Washington (Rodman, Sanchez, Hatch, Sullivan) NWSL   

Sat, June 24

7 pm ESPN+                        Indy 11 @ Hartford

7:30 pm Apple                   Columbus vs Nashville

7:30 pm Apple                   DC United vs Cincy

7:30 pm Apple                   NE vs Toronto

8:30 pm Apple                   KC vs Chicago

9:30 pm FS1                        USMNT vs Jamaica (Soldier Field) Gold Cup

10 pm Para+                  San Diego Wave (Morgan, Korniach, Girma) vs OL Reign (Lavelle, Huerta, Cook)

10:30 pm Apple                Seattle Sounders vs Orlando

11 pm ESPN+                     Sacramento vs San Antonio (Farr)

Sun, June 25

3:30 pm FS1                        T&T vs St Kitts   Gold Cup

5:30 pm Para+                   NY Gothem (Williams, Ohara, Mewis) vs Chicago (Naeher) NWSL

6 pm FS1                              Haiti vs Qatar Gold Cup

8 pm FS1                              Mexico vs Honduras Gold Cup

8 pm Para+                         Angel City FC (Thompson, Ertz) vs Houston Dash (Campbell) NWSL   

Mon, June 26

6:30 pm FS1                        El Salvador vs Martinique Gold Cup

8:30 pm FS1                        Costa Rica vs Panama Gold Cup

Tues, June 27

7 pm FS1                              Canada vs Guadlope  Gold Cup

8:30 pm FS1                        Guatamala vs Cuba Gold Cup

Wed, June 28

7:30 pm FS1                        Jamaica vs T&T

9:30 pm FS1                        USMNT vs St Kitts   St Louis Gold Cup

Thur, June 29

7:45 pm FS1                        Qatar vs Honduras Gold Cup

10 pm FS1                            Haiti vs Mexico Gold Cup

Fri, June 30

7:45 pm FS1                        ? vs Panama Gold Cup

10 pm FS1                            El Salvador s Costa Rica Gold Cup

Sat, July 1

3:30 pm Para+                   OL Reign(Lavelle, Huerta, Cook) vs Racing Louisville(Demelo) NWSL

7 pm Para+                         Washington Spirit(Rodman, Sanchez, Hatch, Sullivan) vs Orlando(Marta) NWSL

7:30 pm TV 23, ESPN+ Indy 11 vs San Diego Loyal

7:30 pm                                MLS games

7:45 pm FS1                        Cuba vs  ?    Gold Cup

8 pm Para+                         Chicago(Naeher) vs San Diego Wave(Morgan, Korniach, Girma) NWSL

10 pm FS1                            Guatemala vs Canada

10 pm CBSSN                     Portland Thorns (Smith) vs KC Current

Sun, July 2

4 pm Fox                              Atlanta United vs Philly Union MLS

5:30 pm Para+                   NY Gothem(Williams, Ohara, Mewis) vs Angel City FC(Thompson, Ertz) NWSL

7  pm FS1                             Jamaica vs TBD      Gold Cup

7 pm Fox                     USMNT vs T&T    Gold Cup

9 pm      FS1                         Mexico vs Qatar

9 pm FS2                              Honduras vs Haiti

Tues, July 4

6:30  pm FS1                       Canada vs Cuba Gold Cup

6:30 pm FS2                        TBD vs Guatemala Gold Cup

8:30 pm FS1                        Costa Rica vs TBD Gold Cup

8:30 pm FS2                        Panama vs El Salvador Gold Cup

10:30 pm Apple                LA Galaxy vs LAFC  El Traffico

Sat, July 8

5/7 pm FS1                          Quarters Gold Cup                         

5/7 pm Fox                         USMNT vs Mexico? Gold Cup Quarters  in Cincy

7 pm ESPN+ Indy 11 vs FC Tulsa

10 pm Para+                       San Diego Wave(Morgan, Korniach, Girma) vs Washington(Rodman, Sanchez, Hatch, Sullivan) 

Sun, July 9

4 pm Fox                     US Women vs Wales  Send-off

5/7 pm FS1 & 2                 Gold Cup Quarter Finals

5:30 pm Para+                   NY Gothem(Williams, Ohara, Mewis) vs Portland Thorns (Smith)

8 pm Para+                         Angel City FC(Thompson, Ertz) vs NC Courage(Murphy, Fox)

Final NWSL Games till after World Cup

Wed, July 12

TBD FS1                                Semi- Finals Gold Cup  

7 pm TV 23 ESPN+ Indy 11 vs Charleston Battery

Sun, July 16

7:30 pm FS1                        Finals Gold Cup  

Thur, July 20      Women’s World Cup Starts

3 am Fox                              New Zealand vs Norway

6 am Fox                              Australia vs Ireland

10:30 pm Fox                     Nigeria vs Canada

Fri, July 21                          

1 am FS1                              Phillipines vs Switzerland

3:30 am FS1                        Spain vs Costa Rica

9 pm Fox                     USWNT vs Vietnam

Sat, July 22

3 am FS1                              Zambia vs Japan

5:30 am Fox                        England vs Haiti

8 am Fox                              Denmark vs China

7 pm WRTV, ESPN+         Indy 11 vs Tampa Bay Rowdies

Sun July 23

1 am FS1                              Sweden vs South Africa

3:30 am FS1                        Netherlands vs Portugal

6 am Fox                              France vs Jamaica

Mon July 24

2 am FS1                              Italy vs Argentina  

4:30 am FS1                        Germany vs Morroco  

7 am FS1                              Brazil vs Panama

10 pm FS1                            Colombia vs Korea

Wed, July 26

1 am FS1                              Japan vs Costa Rica

3:30 am FS1                        Spain vs Zambia

8 am FS1                              Canada vs Ireland

9 pm Fox                     USWNT vs Netherlands

Tues, Aug 1

3 am Fox                     United States Women vs Portugal

3 am FS1                              Vietnam vs Netherlands

7 am Fox                              England vs China

7 am FS1                              Haiti vs Denmark

Indy 11 Schedule

NWSL Schedule

 World Cup Schedule Soccer Saturday’s are every Sat 9-10 am on 93.5 and 107.5 FM with Greg Rakestraw

US Men Win Title  

You can finally, safely, believe the USMNT hype
‘Sky’s the limit’: A youthful USMNT enters its most exciting era ever with lofty ambitions
U.S. surges past a rising Canada squad to capture another Nations League crown
CONCACAF Nations League finals: USMNT blanks Canada 2-0 for another trophy

Reyna, USMNT win Nations League title USMNT soaks up CONCACAF Nations League win
With Gio Reyna pulling strings, USMNT bests Canada for CONCACAF Nations League title
U.S. Soccer Seizes Limelight With Cheer and Loathing in Las Vegas

10 ‘grueling’ hours sealed U.S. Soccer’s pick
FIFA needs to step up, take real action against Mexico fans for homophobic slur

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US Women

Bidens, Taylor Swift, Megan Thee Stallion and more unveil USWNT World Cup roster
FIFA 23 Women’s World Cup player ratings: How many USWNT stars make top 100?Chris Wright

Why losing captain Becky Sauerbrunn is a big blow for the USWNT’s World Cup  Kassouf

USWNT’s 2023 World Cup roster reaction: Pressure on Morgan, who replaces Sauerbrunn, more
The World Cup begins in a month. Here’s everything you need to know.

WORLD

Mexican national team fires manager Diego Cocca after seven matches
Mexico fires men’s national soccer team coach Diego Cocca after Nations League loss to USA
‘Panenka’ penalty secures Spain its first international trophy for 11 years
Spain’s Nations League triumph calms fears around De la Fuente project
Spain snatch Nations League glory on penalties against Croatia
Italy seal Nations League bronze against hosts Netherlands
Why England will head into 2024 with their sense of optimism restored
England rampant in Euro 2024 qualifying as Mbappe lifts France
Bukayo Saka cements his place as England’s next leading man with first career hat-trick
‘Insulted’ Courtois refuses to play Belgium qualifier after captaincy snub
Mbappe penalty gives France Euro qualifying win over Greece
Kylian Mbappé scores French record 54th goal of the season in France’s victory over Greece
Wales’ Euro 2024 hopes in jeopardy after Turkey defeat
Ronaldo will ‘never give up’ playing for Portugal
‘We need him’ – Croatia coach asks Modric to postpone retirement
Brazil wears all-black kit for the first time in its history as part of team’s anti-racism campaign

MLS

‘Enough is enough.’ Too much soccer aggravating MLS players and coaches
Lionel Messi reportedly will make more per year from Miami’s MLS team than any NFL player
Messi’s Miami Contract: $50M-$60M a Year Before Adidas, Apple Money

Arsenal-MLS: 10 connections to know before the 2023 MLS All-Star Game

MatchDay Previews

Indy 11

W League Recap IND 4:0 KHR

Recap – BHM 2:1 IND

Indy Eleven Announces Transfer of Juan Tejada to Colorado Springs

Blake Earns Bench Spot on USLC Team of the Week

Goalkeeping

Matthew Turner, Best Goalkeeper Award – YouTube

May’s Goalkeeper Gems: Best MLS Saves

Croatia vs. Spain INTENSE Penalty Shootout in the 2023 …

great saves from the Champion League final

Gigi Button Great Saves This year at Parma

Great saves of the season – UEFA Europa League

Oh No GK Moment

Reffing

Become a Licensed Ref with Indiana Soccer – must be over 13

Become a Licensed High School Ref

What U.S. soccer can take from Nations League to Gold Cup

• Jon Arnold ESPN FC Jun 23, 2023, 09:09 AM ET

There was Christian Pulisic enjoying a champagne shower. Folarin Balogun running in behind a Canada center-back to finish off a pristine pass from Gio Reyna. Weston McKennie channeling a Renaissance painting when kissing the badge of his ripped shirt.United States men’s national team fans enjoyed plenty of sights during the Concacaf Nations League final four, seeing the Stars and Stripes thump rival Mexico 3-0 in the semifinals and roll past Canada 2-0 in the final. The Gold Cup will look different.For one, it’s a much longer tournament. The USMNT kicks things off Saturday against Jamaica, before playing two more group matches against Caribbean teams. Provided it advances, it would need to win three more matches to lift its eighth Gold Cup and tie Mexico as the most successful team in the continental championship.While those visions of the team’s top players celebrating a trophy may be enough to tide U.S. supporters over until the 2024 Nations League final four or next summer’s Copa América played on home soil, the U.S. program still would love to defend its Gold Cup title and continue to leave no doubt as to which program currently sits atop Concacaf. In order to do so, the U.S. will have to answer a number of questions on its road to the final in Inglewood, California

What role will the Nations League holdovers play?

Five players who enjoyed the Nations League celebrations will shake off any lingering buzz and be part of the Americans’ Gold Cup campaign. Two of them are goalkeepers, with Matt Turner and Sean Johnson both on the squad. Center-back Miles Robinson is back after missing Sunday’s final vs. Canada with a hamstring issue.

EDITOR’S PICKS

• Berhalter’s back: How U.S. Soccer’s strange coaching search played out2dKyle Bonagura
• The U.S. has brought back Gregg Berhalter. Now what?3dRyan O’Hanlon
• Debate settled: Reyna, Balogun ensure USMNT is king of Concacaf4dJeff Carlisle

That trio is well known to U.S. fans though the question is whether Turner, wearing the No. 1 shirt on the roster announced this week, will keep backstopping the U.S. for the whole tournament or will step aside to allow Johnson — or U.S. U20 goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina — opportunities, especially in the group stage.

More intriguing are the two Liga MX-based players who were in the Nations League squad but didn’t see minutes. Club América winger Alejandro Zendejas and FC Juarez midfielder Alan Soñora both could play important roles for the U.S. during the Gold Cup.

Zendejas in particular feels like a player who will be asked to shoulder a heavy load. In the midst of a strong season with América, the Mexican American winger committed his future to the U.S. program, but played a supporting role as Pulisic and Tim Weah slashed through their rivals in the Nations League. The 25-year-old should get a chance not only to see minutes but to take a leadership role on a young team, showing fans why the U.S. staff was so excited to secure his commitment.

Is Callaghan really that dude?

The memes about B.J. Callaghan, the interim to the interim manager, are funny. But there’s truth behind the image macros.Callaghan was, and maybe still is, a relative unknown appointed after previous interim manager Anthony Hudson left for a job in the Qatar Stars League. An assistant on former and future U.S. manager Gregg Berhalter’s staff, he had little head-coaching experience entering into the Nations League. Yet he had the U.S. unified, understanding the game plan and executing it in two of the best games the team has played since doing the Nations League/Gold Cup double in 2021.A longer tournament will mean more decisions for Callaghan to make, both when it comes to keeping the group happy and fresh off the field, while also working out the best tactics for opponents that differ in their styles and approaches. Saturday’s opener against a Jamaica team led by Icelandic manager Heimir Hallgrímsson will be a tough tactical battle to win early in the tournament. While the Reggae Boyz enter the Gold Cup in poor form, winless in 10 including official matches and friendlies, the roster for this tournament includes stars who rarely have been together on the field.The impending return of Berhalter casts a (slim, sneaker-wearing) shadow over the tournament. We know Berhalter will be back, and while Callaghan is deploying many of the same concepts Berhalter put on the field, he’s not the long-term boss.Could Callaghan raise his profile further and leverage another successful tournament into another head-coaching chance? Does he even want to? We’ll know midway through July.

Who’s going to score the goals?

Balogun and Ricardo Pepi each getting on the scoresheet during the Nations League, plus Pulisic finding his scoring form, helped answer what has been one of the biggest questions for the U.S. since its failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. With none of those players on this roster, the job will fall to a new crop of forwards.Jordan Morris and Jesus Ferreira are among the most experienced players on the roster, and they’ll will push for starts on the wing and at center-forward respectively. Each comes into the summer in great form, with Ferreira scoring 10 goals and adding two assists this season for FC Dallas while Morris has nine goals for the Seattle Sounders.They’re joined on the roster by FC Cincinnati forward Brandon Vazquez, who scored 19 goals for FC Cincinnati last season and has four goals and a pair of assists for the Lions this year. Vazquez brings a different profile than Ferreira, and scored against Serbia in a January friendly.Herculez Gomez and Sebastian Salazar debate the biggest storylines and break down the best highlights that soccer in the Americas has to offer. Stream on ESPN+ (U.S. only)

In any tournament as long as the Gold Cup, the U.S. will need multiple players to find the back of the net if they are to lift the trophy. This team has talented individual attackers, but they can’t afford to revert to bad habits seen often in the Berhalter era: keeping the ball, but being too cautious entering the final third or the penalty area.

Will the Gold Cup be someone’s breakout tournament?

A dozen players on the United States’ 23-man roster have six caps or fewer, so there are going to be players asked to step up wearing the national team shirt who have never done so before — or have had chances on a much smaller stage, such as this winter’s friendly match against Serbia. Nine players on the roster are yet to appear in an official match for the U.S.Among those are San Jose Earthquakes attacker Cade Cowell, one of the standouts of the United States’ run to the quarterfinals of the U20 World Cup in Argentina earlier this month. Cowell and goalkeeper Slonina are the only two players on that team to be named so quickly to the senior roster, and Cowell’s attacking instincts may make him a nice addition for Callaghan, whether from the start or as a second-half-change option.While there is experience at most positions — including right-back, where DeAndre Yedlin arrives with 78 caps — someone has to play on the other side if the U.S. sticks with a back four. DeJuan Jones, Jalen Neal and John Tolkin are MLS-based outside-backs who will look to pin down a place in this tournament’s standard starting XI, and FC Dallas product Bryan Reynolds also will look to earn minutes after a season with Belgium’s Westerlo on loan from Roma.And, still just 24, Djordje Mihailovic could provide the U.S. a dynamic option in midfield, having spent the past six months in the Eredivisie with AZ Alkmaar.

Every national team manager wants to see depth in the player pool, and opting for a totally different squad from one tournament to the next tests that depth. Yet, it could result in U.S. players rising to the occasion, and giving Berhalter more options for the games he’ll oversee in the fall and on the road to the 2026 World Cup on home soil.

Analyzing the USWNT’s World Cup roster: Surprises, snubs, more

• Caitlin Murray, ESPNJun 21, 2023, 11:57 AM ET

The roster that will lead the U.S. women’s national team through the Women’s World Cup this July has been decided, and it certainly is not without gambles and surprises.

– Ertz, Morgan, Rapinoe lead 2023 World Cup roster
– All 2023 Women’s World Cup rosters

In announcing his World Cup roster on Wednesday, coach Vlatko Andonovski balanced conservative, expected picks — Alex Morgan as striker and Lindsey Horan in the midfield were obvious — with riskier choices, including a slew of young players making their first World Cup squad. When Andonovski had the choice of sticking with players he was very familiar with or rolling the dice on someone new, he wasn’t afraid to take a chance.

Now Andonovski has ended up with a roster that has the usual mix of veteran experience and young talent but leans more on younger or untested players than the previous two World Cups, which the USWNT won.

Three players — Morgan, Megan Rapinoe and Kelley O’Hara — have made their fourth World Cup team, and 14 players will be competing in their first World Cup, compared with 11 debutants in 2019 and eight in 2015. And unlike those previous two tournaments, most of the debutants are expected to be the USWNT’s starters, with the likes of Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman or Lynn Williams figuring to lead the USWNT’s attack with Morgan up top, and the core of the USWNT’s defense being two new center-backs, Naomi Girma and Alana Cook.So, with all of that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the big surprises of the roster, and the conundrums that Andonovski’s squad selection leaves behind to be answered only in the USWNT’s tournament opener on July 21.

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Pressure’s on Alex Morgan without a backup striker

In the simplest terms, Morgan’s role for the USWNT is part goal-scorer and part distraction.With Morgan as the target striker up top, the USWNT is often trying to feed her the ball so she can score, something she has been doing a lot lately for her club, the San Diego Wave. She has five goals in her past 10 club games this season, after a league-leading 16 goals in 19 games last year.But Morgan is also a magnet for defenders, and she’s sometimes relegated to the unglamorous role of pulling apart defenses off the ball so her teammates can score. On the ball, Morgan’s holdup play and her ability to provide service to the wingers around her is an underrated part of her game that she has developed over years as the USWNT’s lone center-forward in its current system.

– Bidens, Taylor Swift, Megan Thee Stallion reveal USWNT roster

And on this roster, the USWNT is really going to be counting on Morgan to be both the goal-scorer and the non-goal-scorer up top because there is no direct replacement. The only other dedicated striker who has had significant minutes for the USWNT up top over the past couple of years is Ashley Hatch, and she didn’t make the cut.Hatch came off the bench for Morgan or started in 15 of the USWNT’s past 25 games, including five of the USWNT’s seven games in 2023. Ultimately though, as good as Hatch has been in NWSL, her contributions for the USWNT were far less compelling.So who is Morgan’s backup? Who is going to come on for her late in games when the USWNT needs to push for a goal with fresh legs? Players such as Lynn Williams and Sophia Smith can play as center-forwards, and they have experience playing up top for their clubs. But they’ve primarily played on the wing for the USWNT, meaning Andonovski is going with a lesser-tested option than if he had simply brought Hatch.

Another wrinkle is that Smith is probably going to be a starter throughout the tournament, and Williams has a strong case as well. If those two aren’t Morgan’s backups, then Andonovski is looking at a player who really is — for club and country — primarily a winger or a midfielder. Could Andonovski be considering midfielder Ashley Sanchez or winger Trinity Rodman as backups for Morgan? We’ll see.Perhaps Andonovski looked at what former coach Jill Ellis did in her 2019 World Cup-winning run and decided he could make better use of the extra roster spot Ellis used on a backup for Morgan. In 2019, Morgan’s backup was Jessica McDonald, a striker who played only 45 minutes the entire tournament. Carli Lloyd, a midfielder, started playing as a free-roaming, withdrawn striker instead, negating the need for another dedicated striker.But in a scenario where Morgan gets injured, this decision could have major implications for how the USWNT plays.

The least surprising ‘surprise’ inclusions: Julie Ertz, 18-year-old Alyssa Thompson

If you’ve tended to follow the USWNT only in actual competitions — like, say, last year’s double-qualifiers for the World Cup and Olympics, or the recent SheBelieves Cup invitational — you might’ve assumed Ertz was still out of the national team picture — having stopped playing soccer after the 2021 Olympics — and you might not even be familiar with Thompson.

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But the USWNT’s last two friendlies before Andonovski picked his roster — a pair of relatively comfortable wins over Ireland — changed what the USWNT squad looked like. First, after a 610-day absence from soccer, Ertz made a surprise return and picked up where she had left off, running pocket to pocket in the midfield and flying into tackles. Then, Thompson got her first start (third cap overall) and, despite being just 18 years old, she looked as if she belonged at the senior USWNT level.

For Ertz to make this roster, Andonovski had to change his standards and go against his word: he had insisted repeatedly that players would earn call-ups based on their club form, but Ertz had been without a club since late 2021 when Andonovski called her into the USWNT’s final camp before selecting his World Cup roster. The mere fact she was called in at all felt like an admission that Andonovski needed her too much to stick to his word. It felt like, by calling her in at all, he planned to select her for his World Cup team.

In truth, the USWNT had missed Ertz ever since she stepped away from the game — her marauding, bruising brand of midfield enforcement was not something any other player possessed. Andonovski has tried shoehorning other midfielders there, such as Lindsey Horan, but it limited what made them great. He tried a double pivot, essentially asking two players to do the work Ertz used to do alone, but it left the USWNT unbalanced going forward.

Andonovski seemed to settle on Andi Sullivan, but her deep-lying, distributing style as a defensive midfielder lacked the bite the USWNT sorely missed. With Ertz’s return, Andonovski got his solution, and she could be a starter in New Zealand for the USWNT’s opening game.

For Thompson, a starting role seems less likely, but her form in the NWSL right now is indisputable. She’s been scoring audacious goals, which only punctuate her pacey explosiveness and her ability to weave her way through defenders with the ball stuck to her foot.At 18, Thompson is the youngest player on the roster and the second-youngest in USWNT World Cup history, and she plays with a fearlessness that is hard to beat. That is probably also what makes her so compelling for Andonovski: with her talent, she should be part of the USWNT for years, and allowing her to experience her first World Cup is an investment in her development.If Ertz’s lack of club form forced Andonovski to go against his word when he selected her, Thompson’s selection allows Andonovski to proclaim he did what he promised: Thompson’s club form demanded a World Cup spot.

The real surprise inclusions

World Cup rosters tend to lend themselves to surprises. With everything on the line, high stakes and each roster spot undergoing the utmost scrutiny, coaches tend to go with their guts.Ellis, who won back-to-back World Cups during her tenure, revealed some big surprises in 2019, bringing in defender Ali Krieger and midfielder Morgan Brian (now Gautrat) despite neither having been involved in the USWNT leading up to the tournament. In Krieger’s case, she didn’t even get a camp invite for two years until Ellis abruptly brought her in for the final camp before the World Cup.Yet Ellis was going back to players she knew well, veteran players she had seen play in World Cups. In the end, she didn’t trust the new players she had brought in and wanted to stick with what she knew. As she put it during her roster announcement in 2019: “Some of the players you don’t ever know until that moment that they’re in the pressure-cooker of a World Cup quarterfinal or semifinal.”That’s what makes Andonovski’s roster surprises so different and perhaps riskier. He called up Savannah DeMelo, a player with zero appearances on the international level, and Aubrey Kingsbury, who earned one cap in 2019.DeMelo, a midfielder, was first called into a camp in September 2022 as a replacement player when Rodman got injured for two games against Nigeria. She was then called into camp in October 2022 for games against England and Spain. But she didn’t get a single minute across any of those matches.

Kingsbury, a goalkeeper, was called up several times through 2022, but she never played a minute and hasn’t had a call-up in 2023. Her inclusion means that Adrianna Franch, the backup goalkeeper Andonovski called in for every USWNT camp this year and was far more familiar with, stays home.

Andonovski is making these two decisions, it seems, based on their play in the NWSL, which is the league where almost all of the USWNT’s roster competes. DeMelo and Kingsbury have been sensational in their respective positions for their clubs in 2023. DeMelo was named NWSL Player of the Month for May, about the time Andonovski was surely narrowing down his roster.

Jill Ellis compares current USWNT to her World Cup winners

President of San Diego Wave FC Jill Ellis talks about the differences between the current USWNT team and her teams in the past.It’s also worth noting that calling in an uncapped player isn’t without precedent. Defensive midfielder and U.S. Soccer Hall of Famer Shannon Boxx made the 2003 World Cup team based on club play. Debbie Keller made the 1995 World Cup squad too, but, well, things were different in 1995 — there were no clubs, so it had to be based on college play, and her college coach at UNC was also the outgoing USWNT coach.

Let’s be clear: Andonovski is rolling the dice here. It’s unlikely Kingsbury, presumably the third goalkeeper behind starter Alyssa Naeher and backup Casey Murphy, would ever get on the field. But DeMelo is taking a roster spot that could’ve gone to a midfielder such as Taylor Kornieck, someone who played in 10 of the USWNT’s past 17 games. Or that spot could’ve gone to a backup for Morgan, or another defender…

A defense lacking veteran experience without Becky Sauerbrunn … and Tierna Davidson

Center-back and USWNT captain Becky Sauerbrunn was on the USWNT roster until sometime last week, when Andonovski accepted that she would not be able to recover from a lingering injury in time. Losing her so close to the start of the tournament is a serious blow to the USWNT.On and off the field, Sauerbrunn is a leader and role model. At 38, she would’ve been the oldest player on the USWNT roster, offering an experienced, calming presence, having been through three previous World Cups. She’s also been a confidant of Andonovski, who has openly talked about seeking her advice.With 216 appearances, she would’ve been the most capped player on the roster and anchored the back line. But now, a relatively young duo — Naomi Girma (15 caps) and Alana Cook (24 caps), each of them competing in her first major tournament — will probably be the starting center-back pairing.Despite the lack of World Cup experience without Sauerbrunn, Andonovski has opted not to bring in Tierna Davidson, the most experienced natural replacement he had available. With 48 caps, including the 2019 World Cup and the 2021 Olympics, under her belt, Davidson would’ve been arguably the most like-for-like swap for Sauerbrunn.Instead, it appears the lone backup for Girma and Cook will be Emily Sonnett. She certainly has experience — with 74 caps, including the 2019 World Cup and the 2021 Olympics — but much of it has been at fullback, given her role as a utility defender. Of 630 possible game minutes in 2023 for the USWNT, just 45 of them came at center-back for Sonnett. Her club, OL Reign, has even tried her out at defensive midfielder this season.Sonnett’s “jack of all trades, master of none” profile along the back line could be concerning. Her ceiling as center-back isn’t as high as Davidson’s is at her best. And if Sonnett doesn’t work out or injuries happen, Andonovski might need to ask Ertz to reprise her former role from the 2015 World Cup or ask a fullback to step into the central defense.There are probably two reasons Andonovski went with Sonnett over Davidson. The first is that Davidson hasn’t been playing that well in the NWSL. Part of it is just that her team, the Chicago Red Stars, has been struggling, but her individual performances haven’t been her best.The second reason is that Sonnett’s versatility gives Andonovski more options. World Cups aren’t always about the best 11 players but rather the best 20, and having players who allow for extra contingency plans can make all the difference. Andonovski needs to squeeze as much depth as possible out of 23 roster spots (with three required to be goalkeepers), and having a player like Sonnett, who can play anywhere along the back line in a pinch, might have made it hard for him to discount her as a call-up.

Injuries and roster absences change the USWNT’s World Cup — and the team’s chances

You might notice that a lot of the talking points from this roster involve contingency plans and worries about lack of backups. That’s partly because a World Cup requires such an examination, but it’s also a testament to how the USWNT has been devastated by injuries.

In addition to Sauerbrunn’s late exit, consider the injuries to Mallory Swanson and Catarina Macario. The two of them were without a doubt the USWNT’s best attacking players over the past couple of years, and you can’t easily replace the two best players on a roster.

Macario was so good that Andonovski was building the team around her, even pushing Morgan out for a while. Swanson was so good that she accounted for 20% of the USWNT’s goals over the past two years — she entered the game in which she suffered her World Cup-disqualifying injury on a six-game scoring streak.

Then consider that Samantha Mewis, the USWNT’s key midfield linchpin at the 2019 World Cup, has also been out with an injury. On top of that, look at Rose Lavelle, who did make this roster but hasn’t played since an injury with the USWNT in April. Only then does it become clear why we are talking so much about contingencies and surprise inclusions.

The Americans are far from the only team slammed by injuries — England and France are two favorites that especially look hampered — but it’s hard to look at this roster and not wonder: Are the players who aren’t there going to decide the USWNT’s chances?

Debate settled: Reyna, Balogun ensure United States is kings of Concacaf

• Jeff Carlisle, U.S. soccer correspondentJun 18, 2023, 11:48 PM ET

LAS VEGAS — The United States retained its Concacaf Nations League crown Sunday with a 2-0 victory over Canada thanks to first-half goals from Chris Richards and Folarin Balogun.

Richards put the USMNT on top in the 12th minute, heading home Giovanni Reyna‘s corner. Balogun then doubled the advantage in the 34th minute with a deft finish from Reyna’s through ball that got past Milan Borjan in the Canada goal.anada did what it could to get back in the game, and enjoyed a hefty 62-38 edge in possession. But despite finding star attacker Alphonso Davies in some good positions, the visitorswere unable to make a dent in the U.S. lead. U.S. interim manager B.J. Callaghan went to a five-man back line late on and, despite some tense moments, the hosts were able to see out the match and hoist the Nations League trophy once again.Honor is due to Callaghan as well. He came into a difficult situation — being the interim to the interim — and was spot-on with his decisions. Keeping him on the staff would have to be a priority for Gregg Berhalter when he takes over for good.

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Rapid reaction

1. U.S. reaffirms king of Concacaf mantle

There had been plenty of chatter prior to Sunday’s match as to who exactly should be declared king of Concacaf. Canada certainly had an argument to make in its favor. Not only did the Reds take four points off the U.S. during World Cup qualifying, but they finished top of the Concacaf standings. The U.S. could point to the fact that it is the reigning Gold Cup and Nations League champion, and went deeper in the World Cup.It’s a debate that will no doubt continue to rage, but on the basis of this match, the U.S. looked a cut (or two) above when the game was in doubt. Every time the U.S. went forward in transition in the first half it looked dangerous, especially when Reyna was on the ball. The movement up top continually befuddled Canada’s back line, as witnessed by Balogun’s clever run and finish off Reyna’s inch-perfect through ball.Set pieces, long a staple of the U.S. attack, were an area where it had a significant advantage as well, with Richards’ manhandling of Canada counterpart Alistair Johnston allowing him to nod home Reyna’s corner in the 12th minute to put the U.S. ahead.The U.S. was left to soak up plenty of pressure in the second half, especially with Reyna forced off at halftime because of injury. Canada was also intent on pushing forward given the first-half deficit but couldn’t get the goal that would have added some tension to the game’s final moments.Instead, Canada was left to endure taunts of “Stick to hockey!” as the game wound down.

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2. Reyna and Balogun: The start of something special?

By his own admission, Balogun didn’t have his best game in Thursday’s 3-0 demolition of Mexico. But part of this was down to where and how he was getting the ball. Too often he was fed with his back to goal instead of being given the ball in the channels with room to run. That made him easier to defend, even as he put in a shift, and led to a somewhat ineffective performance.That was a lesson taken to heart by not only Balogun, but Reyna as well. The U.S. found its new forward with room to run more often, and he was much more dangerous, with the goal the prime example.Alas, Reyna’s performance was cut short by a calf injury and he was replaced in the second half by Luca de la Torre. Reyna could have been cleaner on the ball as well, but his moments of magic far outweighed his missteps and, based on these two games, he looks to have found a home in the center of midfield. Oh, and please let Reyna take set pieces from now on. The quality in his delivery amounted to a huge upgrade in this department. And best of all, it looks like some chemistry with Balogun is well on its way to being established.This leads to an intriguing question, however. If Tyler Adams, Reyna, Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah are all healthy, which one sits? At this stage, McKennie would seem to be the odd man out, but that is by no means a slam dunk. In the future it will likely come down to health and form, but Reyna seems a lock.

3. Canada with some questions to ponder

This was supposed to be Canada’s coming out party, a time to end its title drought by winning a trophy for the first time since the 2000 Gold Cup. Instead that wait will have to continue, though the start of the Gold Cup later this month will give the Reds another opportunity.In the meantime, there are some problems in need of solving. Canada’s back line looked absolutely flummoxed by the movement in the U.S. attack. At one point in the 41st minute, Scott Kennedy engaged in what could only be described as a rugby tackle on Balogun that went unpunished only because Reyna was running with the ball at his feet. Kamal Miller didn’t fare much better.Manager John Herdman will also need to find a way to get Davies more help. Joe Scally, Brenden Aaronson and Timothy Weah all ran with the ball at the Bayern Munich star, and when Davies had possession, the U.S. threw two and sometimes three defenders him, basically daring someone else in the Canada lineup to beat them. Usually, the dual threat of forwards Cyle Larin and Jonathan David is enough. But this time, it didn’t happen.Davies did shake loose a few times, including one first-half shot that was well saved by U.S. keeper Matt Turner, but there was almost always a second defender to halt his progress, and he was lacking in end product when he did deliver the ball into the box. It’s an issue that the U.S. has faced with Christian Pulisic in the past, and Canada will need to come up with a solution of its own. Tajon Buchanan was thought to be a player who could provide some balance, but he was limited to 30 minutes as a substitute.

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Best and worst performers

BEST

Giovanni Reyna, U.S.: Sure, he played only 45 minutes, but he made his time on the field count with two sublime assists.

Folarin Balogun, U.S.: Even beyond his goal, Balogun was a constant threat all night, and the understanding between him and his teammates is only going to get better.

Chris Richards, U.S.: In addition to his goal, he marshaled a U.S. back line that bent but didn’t break. Also helped keep Larin and David mostly in check.

WORST

Scott Kennedy, Canada: Simply had no answer for the movement and mobility of the U.S. attack, and Balogun in particular.

Alistair Johnston, Canada: Was badly outmuscled on the U.S. opener. He simply needs to be stronger in that situation. He struggled on the ball as well.

Jonathan David, Canada: On a day when Canada needed a big performance, he had one first-half shot that missed and another one late that was wide of the target. The latter miss summed up a frustrating night.

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Highlights and notable moments

Richards opened the scoring Sunday from a classic USMNT set piece.

Not to be outdone, Balogun also bagged himself his first senior international goal.

Once ahead, the USMNT rarely looked troubled and held on to lift the Nations League trophy.

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Key stats (provided by ESPN Stats & Information)

– The United States secured its ninth major trophy Sunday (7 Gold Cups, 2 Concacaf Nations Leagues).

– Richards’ goal in the 12th minute is the quickest in any game of his career. It’s his first time scoring in the first 30 minutes of a game.- Richards’ goal was the third-fastest by a USMNT player in a final in the past 35 years. Only Clint Dempsey (10th minute in 2009 Confederations Cup) and Michael Bradley (8th minute in 2011 Gold Cup) have a faster one in that span.- Balogun (21) is the second-youngest player to score for the USMNT in a final over the past 35 years, after 18-year old Giovanni Reyna in the 2021 Concacaf Nations League.

U.S. beats Canada to win Nations League as Balogun opens account

• ESPN
• Jun 18, 2023, 11:02 PM ET

Folarin Balogun scored his first goal for the United States in its 2-0 win over Canada on Sunday in the Concacaf Nations League final at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.First-half goals from Chris Richards and Balogun put the U.S. on its way to a team record third-consecutive title in Concacaf competitions following wins in the 2021 Nations League and Gold Cup.

– Carlisle: Reyna, Balogun ensure U.S. kings of Concacaf
– What Gregg Berhalter’s return means for the USMNT

“I’ve only here a short amount of time, but already I feel a part of it and I feel a part of something bigger,” Balogun said after the match.The U.S. was without Sergino Dest and Weston McKennie, both of whom were out for the match after picking up red cards in a fiery semifinal win over Mexico on Thursday. Interim coach B.J. Callaghan, still overseeing the team after Gregg Berhalter was rehired Friday, started Joe Scally and Brenden Aaronson in place of his two suspended players.”We’re looking beyond to the 2026 World Cup, and we need to perform in high-intensity knockout games,” Callaghan said. “That’s something that we learned from the World Cup.”Richards kept the momentum from Thursday going for the U.S. with an early goal, powering a header from Giovanni Reyna‘s corner kick past Milan Borjan in the Canada goal in the 12th minute.The U.S. doubled its lead later in the first half with a classy finish from Balogun, who picked up a through ball from Reyna after a giveaway from Canada and fired past Borjan from a tight angle to notch his first goal for the Americans since committing his international future to the team.

The Brooklyn-born Balogun, 21, scored 22 goals in 39 games in all competitions for French League 1 club Reims last season, the most ever for an American in a top-five European league.Reyna, who was stellar for Callaghan in the first half, came off at the break after being on the receiving end of a hard foul from Canada’s Richie Laryea and was replaced by Luca de la Torre.

Canada looked dangerous at times in the second half, but a resolute U.S. defense and more solid play in goal from Matt Turner, who had four saves, kept John Herdman’s team off the scoresheet as the U.S. was able to win the trophy for the second time.”It’s another step in the right direction,” said U.S. captain Christian Pulisic, who scored twice in the semifinal win over Mexico. “It’s just going to be about these knockout games. Come those big tournaments, Copa America, World Cup, it’s time to get tough.”We got to step up and score the goals when it counts and keep them out of our goal.”The result means the U.S. extended its home unbeaten streak against Canada to 22 games dating back to 1957, while Canada remained without a title since the 2000 Gold Cup.”We’re just not in that killer area of the pitch,” Canada coach Herdman said. “We’ve talked about this post-World Cup. It’s in the boxes where Canada’s suffering. You don’t get time to work with the players. There’s no time. But we need this September window.”We need the resources where we can actually put a camp together, where I can work for six days on the things that make the biggest difference moving forward.”In the consolation match earlier Sunday, Mexico held on to beat Panama 1-0 to take third place in the four-team final.

Reyna stars in new attacking role as USMNT beat Canada

• Jeff Carlisle, U.S. soccer correspondentJun 19, 2023, 03:10 AM ET

LAS VEGAS — Gio Reyna may have only played 45 minutes in the United States‘ 2-0 win over Canada in the final of the Concacaf Nations League (CNL) on Sunday, but it was long enough to have made a huge impact.Reyna assisted both USMNT goals — a corner that was headed home by Chris Richards and a deft through ball that Folarin Balogun drilled past Canada goalkeeper Milan Borjan — and even though Reyna hobbled off at half-time with a calf injury, he put in a fine display in the center of the U.S. midfield.”Gio’s performance tonight is a performance that you expect. It shows his quality on the field, his ball security, his ability to take on two, three players and connect passes,” U.S. interim manager B.J. Callaghan said.”What I’m really proud of him is we’ve challenged Gio to do more work off the ball on the defensive side, and he’s absolutely risen to the occasion.”During the previous international window, Reyna had been deployed mostly out on the wing, but of late he has moved into a more central role, adding dynamism to the U.S. attack.”When [Reyna is] inside there, I like that position a lot for him,” said U.S. captain Christian Pulisic, who won the CNL Best Player Award. “I think he’s dangerous. He causes a lot of problems and you could see that today.”The U.S. entered the tournament enduring some chaos, as Callaghan was named interim manager late last month after the previous interim manager, Anthony Hudson, left to take a managerial post with Qatari side Al-Markhiya. Despite the CNL marked the first time Callaghan had taken on a manger’s role in the professional ranks, he led two superb U.S. performance against Mexico and Canada paid off.He will get a chance to further hone his managerial skills in the Concacaf Gold Cup, which starts on June 24.”I’m just super proud of the group,” Callaghan said. “We’ve been faced with adversity. We’ve been faced with obstacles and challenges and it’s only brought us all together. So my personal feelings, I’m absolutely elated for all of the guys, all of the staff, everyone that just continues to put so much into this.”To have those two performances is just a way for us to show the country and the world how committed and collected we are. There’s something special happening with this team.”Canada manager John Herdman said he felt preparation was the difference between the two teams on this occasion, especially on set pieces, where the U.S. was a threat all evening. That led to a complaint about a lack of resources, in this case the limited number of training days he had with his team. He even called out the Canada Soccer Association for not doing more to help his side.”We’ve got to figure this out financially,” Herdman said. “We’ve got to get serious about winning a World Cup. When you’re playing at home, you get a chance to win it. You get a chance to get a quarterfinal, semifinal and then get on that road to win it. We’re not serious.”We brought a World Cup to our country and we’re not serious about winning it. You see how close our team is tonight. Tactically, we were there. Chances, shots, we were there. The margins were so tight tonight, so tight. We’ve got to get real. We’ve got to get real and quick.”

Gio Reyna, Folarin Balogun and the next step for the USMNT: Nations League takeaways

By Paul Tenorio 7h ago 33 THe Athletic

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Two years ago, the U.S. men’s national team entered the CONCACAF Nations League final in desperate need of some validation.They were without a marquee win in a tournament final. There was a belief internally that the potential of the group was real and the team was ready for big moments, but they needed the proof. An emotional, extra-time win over Mexico provided just that sort of confirmation.The whole of the last cycle was about those types of moments. The U.S. was fielding one of the youngest teams in the world. Each game provided something new on which that core would be tested. The ups and downs of CONCACAF qualifying showed that, as did the World Cup.The U.S. had some good moments in Qatar, most notably a strong outing in a draw with England and a win they had to gut out in an especially intense group finale against Iran. But after a loss to the Netherlands at the start of the knockout stage, the team felt, as current interim manager B.J. Callaghan said, “a little bit unsatisfied.” He echoed something Gregg Berhalter said Friday in the press conference announcing his return to the team: it was about finding a way to perform in those big knockout games.

“We don’t look at (the Netherlands loss) as a setback, we look at it as an opportunity to grow,” Callaghan said. “And now for us, we came in here motivated as an entire group that we want to get better. We want to get more battle tested. We want to be more experienced in knockout, high-intensity games. … And that’s the message, is to continue to battle test this group, so that when we get to 2026, the players can perform at the highest level, with the highest level of confidence that they can accomplish it.”If the last cycle was about growth and gaining experience, this cycle is about meeting expectations. This team is no longer defined by its youth. There is a belief they are entering their prime. This week served as the first opportunity to prove they were the favorites in the region and to meet the pressure that comes with that position.The maturation of the team felt evident against Canada, even in the performances of some of the youngest players on the field. Gio Reyna, the 20-year-old whose role was limited by injury for much of the last cycle, tuReyna had a goal and assist in the 2021 final, but his play from the middle of the field against Canada showed that he can provide the U.S. with a different dimension in the attack — if he can stay healthy. Reyna politely declined to speak with reporters after the game on Sunday, per a team spokesman, but Pulisic talked about how Reyna influenced another final with a top performance.“When he’s inside, I like that position a lot for him,” Pulisic said. “I think he’s dangerous, he causes a lot of problems. And you could see that today.”Pulisic was asked if he has seen any growth from Reyna, especially after the drama both in Qatar and after it. There will be plenty of attention around the midfielder in upcoming windows after the U.S. opted to bring Berhalter back as head coach.“For me, there’s no issue with Gio at all,” Pulisic said. “I mean, what happened, happened. For me, I have a great relationship with Gio and I enjoy playing alongside him. He’s a great player, and he’s gonna help us moving forward, no matter who the coach is. That’s clear. So he’s done a great job coming in and we’re gonna continue to build off that.”Another young player who alters the way this U.S. team looks is Folarin Balogun, 21, who scored his first goal for the U.S. since committing to the program in May.Balogun looked comfortable in his first two games and provided a real threat up top. Reyna fed him with a pretty pass inside the box in the 34th minute, and Balogun turned and powered a shot past Canada goalkeeper Milan Borjan. If there is one improvement from the last cycle that will come simply from personnel, it’s the No. 9 spot. Balogun is a potential game-changer, and he said he feels there is much more to come simply by gaining experience with this group.“When you’re new to something, it really doesn’t come overnight,” Balogun said. “I’m still not at my peak. I’m still learning a lot. For sure tonight was difficult, I’m not going to underplay it.”There were other signs of the advancement the U.S. is hoping to make. The back line benefitted from the play of center back Chris Richards, who featured in five World Cup qualifiers but missed the tournament due to injury. Richards was arguably one of the U.S.’s best players across both Nations League games. The U.S. was also more dangerous on attacking set pieces, with Richards getting his first goal off of a Reyna corner kick and the U.S. creating problems all game long.Attacking set pieces was an area where the U.S. felt they weren’t good enough over the previous cycle. Berhalter mentioned it during his press conference on Friday. But they were consistently dangerous against Canada, and Reyna’s service certainly helped in that area. Pulisic said the team didn’t do anything “incredibly different,” but worked on the area with some new staff members, and Callaghan said it was a phase of game they had identified to improve and thus work on in camp.“The U.S. were unbelievable on set pieces,” Canada coach John Herdman said. “Every set piece we were there by fingernails. The organization, the timing, the variety was so difficult to deal with.”Most notably, perhaps, was how pragmatic and comfortable the U.S. looked in their approach. Players and Callaghan said afterward that Canada caused real problems and forced the U.S. to push themselves to keep the lead, with sliding clearances and blocked shots, but the U.S.’s willingness to sit back, absorb pressure at times and adjust their game came off as much about savvy as anything else. The U.S. had just 279 passes to Canada’s 513, but managed to have 112 touches in the final third to Canada’s 187, outshot Canada 7-4, and ultimately finished with higher xG, 1.66 to 0.63, per ESPN.“They never played out (of the back) once, which is odd for the U.S., but they’re managing the game,” said Herdman, perhaps slightly overplaying how much the U.S. had looked direct. “This is a team that has won multiple tournaments now, multiple trophies and they recognized they weren’t getting style points, they were getting a trophy. And at the end of the day that’s all that matters.”It’s a lesson the U.S. learned in the last cycle, but one they know they need to hammer home over the next three years. Regional dominance is now a must, but it will not be the only gauge. They will be expected to win these games and these finals, and the 2024 Copa America will be a massive test against better opposition. The reality is that the U.S. won’t have many opportunities to prove themselves in those big knockout games, but this week provided at least some confirmation that the momentum many around the program felt upon leaving Qatar was real. (Photo: John Todd/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)

USMNT wins second straight CONCACAF Nations League title as Balogun scores first U.S. goal

By Paul Tenorio and Joshua Kloke Jun 18, 2023

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Folarin Balogun scored his first goal in a United States uniform and Gio Reyna had two assists as the U.S. defended its CONCACAF Nations League title with a 2-0 win over Canada on Sunday.

Canada found a bit more of the game early in the second half, but the U.S. was again creating opportunities. A three-minute sequence from the 54th minute through the 56th saw a Balogun shot blocked out for a corner, a Richards header pushed off the crossbar and a Balogun shot from close-range get cleared off the goal line. Cyle Larin put a shot over the crossbar in the 67th minute that could have cut the score in half. Jonathan David also had a look in the 94th minute, but Canada couldn’t convert.With the win, the U.S. has now won trophies in its last three CONCACAF tournaments. The U.S. beat Mexico in the 2021 Nations League final and also won the 2021 Gold Cup, defeating El Tri in that final, as well.

What does this win mean for the U.S.?

It was a busy week in Las Vegas. First, a hugely eventful and intense 3-0 win over rival Mexico in the semifinal Thursday night that continued a six-game unbeaten streak against their bitter rivals. Then, Gregg Berhalter returning as men’s national team coach, which was announced Friday. Finally, a decisive win over a Canada team that finished atop CONCACAF’s World Cup qualifying table last spring.The victory essentially says that, for now, the U.S. is the top team in the region — though it’ll have to defend that moniker again in the Gold Cup, albeit with a team that will be missing all of its biggest names. For this U.S. team, the 2021 Nations League win was a validating moment that the team was headed in the right direction.These games have been all about carrying momentum forward from Qatar, and capturing another Nations League trophy certainly did that. — Tenorio

What went wrong for Canada?

Canada looked woefully unprepared for the athleticism and attacking talent the Americans presented. Canada’s center backs in particular had little answer for the United States, especially on set pieces, which should call into question John Herdman’s choice to start Scott Kennedy over Steven Vitoria.Their problems weren’t limited to defending, however: When the likes of Alphonso Davies did manage to find space in behind the United States’ defenders, there was a complete lack of creativity and synergy with the final pass. What’s most concerning if you’re Canada is that the team’s play in both boxes was identified as a major area of concern coming out of the World Cup.

And these same concerns re-emerged in their first final in 23 years. — Kloke

What happens now for Canada and the United States?

Both the U.S. and Canada will now pivot to the Gold Cup. The U.S. start camp this week in Chicago and host Jamaica in the opener on June 24. Canada opens its tournament on June 27.The U.S. will play with a very different roster in that tournament. Just five players from this Nations League team will play a part in the Gold Cup: Sean Johnson, Matt Turner, Miles Robinson, Alan Soñora and Alex Zendejas.Like the United States, Canada likely will not bring a full-strength squad to the Gold Cup with Davies’ camp already stating he won’t play in the upcoming tournament. That takes some of the shine off the tournament and it means Herdman won’t have another chance to make proper tactical adjustments to his team when it matters.Ahead of the 2024 Copa America, presuming Canada qualifies, continued improvements need to be made from the coaching staff to prove they can get the best out their most talented group of men’s national team players ever. — Kloke

USMNT analysis American Soccer Now –

Analysis: USMNT dominates Canada in 2-0 win for Nations League triumph

The USMNT has won the 2023 CONCACAF Nations Leauge with wins over Canada and Mexico. ASN’s Brian Sciaretta breaks it all down with his thoughts and analysis

BY BRIAN SCIARETTAPOSTED JUNE 19, 2023 10:30 AM

• THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL TEAM has won the CONCACAF Nations League for the second straight cycle following a comprehensive 3-0 rout of Mexico in the semifinal followed by a comfortable 2-0 win over Canada in Sunday’s final. Over both legs, so convincing were the performances that there was no weak link in the starting lineup for either game.

Entering into Sunday’s final, there were some questions about the team’s approach given the suspensions to Weston McKennie and Sergino Dest. But interim manager B.J. Callaghan opted to keep it simple. He replaced Dest with Joe Scally in a 1v1 swap. With McKennie out, Callaghan had a choice. He could have gone with Luca de la Torre who is a possession-based midfielder and many figured would get the start. Instead, he opted for Brenden Aaronson to once again prioritize pressing and quick transition into offense.

In central defense, Callahan made one chance from the Mexico win in that he opted to start Walker Zimmerman over Miles Robinson as Robinson is still not regularly starting games in quick succession as he gradually works his way back from his Achilles injury.

Right off the bat, it was a different approach for the U.S. team than the win over Mexico. Most notably, the U.S. team was willing to concede possession and instead hit quickly in transition or on set pieces to make the most of limited time on the ball.

That strategy worked out perfectly. Canada had the ball for the most part, but all the best chances came to the U.S. team.

The U.S team struck first in the 12^th minute on a rare set piece delivery from Gio Reyna. The Dortmund playmaker’s ball into the box found Chris Richards who headed it down past Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borjan for a 1-0 lead.

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Then in the 34^th minute, the U.S. team forced a turnover and hit Canada in a lightening quick transition. Reyna collected the ball, moved towards the box to create a passing lane for Balogun. His pass sent Balogun in alone on Borjan and the newly committed American hit a powerful ball into the back of the net.

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The #USMNT is doing just want a favored team should do. Take the opponent out early, crush hope. Balogun scores is first for the #USMNT. Canada completely flustered. 2-0 pic.twitter.com/TTdwKiC1Bs— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) June 19, 2023

The United States had a 2-0 lead at the half and the numbers told the story. Canada had most of the ball but offered very little. The United States played with far more of a purpose when it had the ball and the game felt over.

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2-0 #USMNT over Canada
– US content to concede possession and just be lethal with the ball
– US had just 43% possession & completed 103 passes. Canada competed 169
– Weah, Balogun, & Pulisic have completed just 14 passes combined
– but shots & chances all heavily favor the US— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) June 19, 2023

The only blemish for the U.S. team in the opening half was Reyna taking a tough tackle from Alistair Johnston. Reyna was forced out of the game to start the second half and was seen gingerly walking on the sidelines and on the field after the game.

On the field, the second half was largely uneventful and the U.S. team had no problems seeing the game out. Richards nearly scored a second when he hit a header off the crossbar. The U.S. team continued to have the better of chances but were unable to find a third.

But the game finished like it started. Canda with impressive possession stats but the U.S. perfect in creating lethal opportunities.

• Possession: Canada 64%, USA 36%
• Completed passes: Canada 417, USA 178
• Total Shots: Canada 12, USA 15
• Duels won: Canada 52, USA 56

The U.S. team walked away with Nations League title in pedestrian fashion. Two multigoal wins, two clean sheets – both against opponents who qualified for the 2022 World Cup.

Here are some thoughts on the game

MUSAH’S DEFENSE

One of the big takeaways from the win over Canada as well as the semifinal win over Mexico was the play of Yunus Musah, who was asked to help fill in for Tyler Adams. At the club level, both players are very different. Musah is a smooth ball-carrying midfielder looking to dribble into attacking positions. Adams is a more of a straight defensive midfielder looking to win balls while being relatively simple in possession.

But Musah was effective in these games doing many of the things Adams does. Musah was just 16/32 passing against Canada but he won 3/4 of his tackles, had 10 ball recoveries, he won 8/9 of his ground duels and was 2/2 in aerials. He committed no fouls but was fouled four times. Against Mexico, Musah won 7/10 of his duels, committed two fouls and drew three fouls. He was also 37/42 in his passing.

It was an open question heading into these games as to how the U.S. team would fill in without Adams. Many figured McKennie or Johnny Cardoso. Few expected Musah but he showed a surprising ability to defend well and win possession deeper in central midfield. Some teams crumble when they miss a player or two. Good teams find ways to move forward without missing key pieces.

The USMNT won a final against a World Cup team without McKennie or Adams in the midfield. That is something that few expected just a few years ago.

BALOGUN: EARLY RETURNS POSITIVE

The early returns for Folarin Balogun with the U.S. national team are positive. His 34^th minute goal was so quick, so well executed, and so well read that it offers a glimpse of a new attack that the U.S. team now has. He also forced a goal line clearance and a big save from Borjan.

Balojun is still very new to the U.S. team – and it shows. He’s understandably not completely in-synch with his new teammates. Against Mexico he only had 17 touches over 75 minutes and completed eight passes. Against Canada he had 26 touches over 76 minutes (completing just five passes).

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“I’m just delighted that it helped us win this game today.”

Folarin Balogun caught up with @jennyachiu after scoring his first @USMNT goal in his second appearance. pic.twitter.com/HllczbbJts— CBS Sports Golazo ?? (@CBSSportsGolazo) June 19, 2023

But when he was with the ball, his impressive instincts took over. In the fall, the U.S. team will have a series of friendlies and it will be important for the U.S. to build up chemistry with Balogun to get him the ball more in dangerous positions. The more he gets on the same page, the more lethal the attack. The Nations League was just the first few steps, and they were impressive steps.

REYNA IMPRESSES/HURT?

Gio Reyna had a great first half against Canada. He assisted off a corner kick and then assisted to Balogun on a lethal transition. He was making something dangerous happen every time he had the ball.

The good news is that early indications are the calf injury which forced him out of the game will not likely affect him being ready for the start of preseason. The question for Reyna is improving his defense and staying healthy. The first is likely. The second, we will have to see. Recurring injuries have been a massive problem for Reyna.

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We scored two goals tonight… this guy assisted on both.

GIO REYNA IS YOUR MAN OF THE MATCH ???????????? pic.twitter.com/eYv4ZEdGVG— U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team (@USMNT) June 19, 2023

With Gregg Berhalter returning, there is so much speculation over how the two will coexist moving forward. Berhalter admitted there is work to do and that he plans to meet with Reyna before September. But given that Berhalter had so much backing from a majority of the team, it could have been problematic for Reyna in the locker room if his parents were the reason Berhalter did not return.

As I’ve said before, Berhalter’s return will force Reyna to have to mature in order to resolve a relationship. It’s possible. The good news is that both Berhalter and Reyna have all the motivation in the world for it to work out. Both would look bad if they couldn’t patch it up.

BACKLINE STOOD OUT

The backline was tremendous in both games and the team should feel comfortable moving forward. For one, Chris Richards was able to play for the national team and he had two of his best performances yet for the USMNT. The question for him is to 1) stay healthy (this has been tough for him and 2) find a way to play regularly. He might get a shot this summer to earn a starting place at Crystal Palace due to potential player movement. If that happens, he needs to take advantage to further his career.

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We’re all Joe Scally.

Joe Scally is all of us. pic.twitter.com/EYoDO23aTF— U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team (@USMNT) June 19, 2023

Walker Zimmerman had a fine game for the U.S. team and he filled in perfectly for Robinson. He helped with key clearances and defensive plays. The combination of Richards and Zimmerman worked well. Zimmerman is an intriguing option to be an Olympic team overage selection as the team will need 7-8 central defenders between the Copa America and the Olympics.

Joe Scally had a very difficult assignment being matched against Alphonso Davies on the opposite side but he handled it much better than expected. Antonee Robinson, meanwhile, is so steady at left back and he routinely delivers quality outings.

Overall, these were just a great two games for the backline. Everyone performed well.

MOVING FORWARD

The U.S team impressed in these games in large part because so many players were able to detach themselves from a tough European season and then move into a USMNT environment and play well. The culture and camaraderie is strong in this group – and that has probably played a huge role in why Berhalter is coming back. B.J. Callaghan is filling in very nicely, but he is also a reflection on Berhalter.

These two wins were a nice launchpad for the new cycle. The talent is there. The team unity is there.

Next summer will be two huge opportunities in the Copa America and the Olympics. The depth of the player pool will be seriously tested. As well as the U.S. team played in these games, there are still big questions over depth. Key backup positions are not claimed. Many players are in tough positions with their clubs and are one bad decision from suffering another lost season. New players will continue to emerge and compete against established players. Some of the new players will win out. Then, of course, there will be injuries.

The future is impossible to predict and there will be surprises. But for all the talk about the program “losing time,” these wins show that the team really isn’t in a bad place at all.

RATINGS

THE STARTING LINEUP

Matt Turner: The New Jersey goalkeeper made four saves, two were tricky, but none were very difficult. He didn’t make any mistakes. Rating: 6.5

Antonee Robinson: A steady outing with a few important defensive moments – a big blocked shot and a big clearance in the second half. Canada offered nothing down his side of the field. Rating: 6.5

Chris Richards: Combined very well with Zimmerman for a good centerback. Terrific header on his goal and he nearly scored another when he smashed a header off the crossbar. Rating: 8.0

Walker Zimmerman: A very good outing from the veteran. He was instrumental snuffing out danger whenever Canada pressed. He nearly had an assist on a nice header to Balogun into the box in the first half. He also came close to a goal with an early volley that he just missed inside the right post. Rating: 7.0

Joe Scally: The Monchengladbach defender helped eliminate Canada’s best player, and one of the best left-sided players in the world in Alphonso Davies. Rating: 7.0

Yunus Musah: His passing wasn’t great, but his duel winning and defense up the spine helped the U.S. team effectively deal with the loss of Adams. Rating: 7.0

Brenden Aaronson: The Leeds United attacking mid worked hard to press and win balls. He threw Canada off their game a bit in the midfield. Rating: 6.5

Gio Reyna: He played just a half, but he made the big plays. The U.S. team has been week for a long time with set piece delivery, but Reyna fixed that in his first assist. His second was just a dagger through Canada’s backline. Rating: 8.0

Tim Weah: Weah was routinely dangerous. He forced a big save from distance early in the game. His crossing was a little off but he was handful for Canada’s backline. Rating: 6.5

Christian Pulisic: The Chelsea winger wasn’t as lethal as he was against Mexico, but he still drew a lot of attention from Canada’s defense to make their lives difficult. Rating: 6.5

Folarin Balogun: His one goal was extremely impressive and he came close to scoring two other times. IT will be something to watch when he is completely in-synch with his teammates. Rating: 8.5

SUBSTITUTES

Luca de la Torre: The Celta Vigo midfielder played the second half but wasn’t terribly involved, 0 shots and seven completed passes. Rating: 5.5

Johnny Cardoso: He wasn’t flashy, but Cardoso played solid defense in the midfield during his 22 minutes. Rating: 6.0

Ricardo Pepi: The forward came into the game in the 76^th minutes and was asked to play a lot of defense further up the field in starting the press. He accomplished his goal. Rating: 6.0

Auston Trusty: The defender played the final 11 minutes and had just two touches in helping to see out the win. Rating: NR

Autopilot? USMNT jet past Canada to win Nations League on cruise control

Charles Boehm Monday, Jun 19, 2023, 02:02 AM MLS.com

Usually, it’s not a compliment when a player or team is described as being ‘on autopilot.’ The term connotes coasting, complacency, lack of awareness or hunger.So perhaps we need a new word for what the US men’s national team are doing right now. Because the nation that just won a second straight Concacaf Nations League did so under the leadership of their second interim head coach of the year, with two influential starters sidelined by suspensions. And they did it by soundly defeating a Canada side that more or less ate their lunch during 2022 World Cup qualifying.“I would say the last two games embody what we’re trying to challenge our players with as we continue to evolve this team,” interim boss B.J. Callaghan told reporters after the Yanks’ assured 2-0 win over Les Rouges at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. “And we’re looking even bigger. We’re looking beyond, to the 2026 World Cup.”Canada, too, are hosting that tournament in three years’ time, and are dreaming big about the possibilities it offers. John Herdman’s squad entered Sunday’s match with experience, motivation, a clear identity and principles, and real hopes of finally underlining their arrival in the Concacaf elite with a first trophy in more than two decades.

Checking all the boxes

And yet, at times, this win felt less like a cup final than a programmatic checklist for the USMNT.Get a first goal and a complete striker’s performance from new recruit Folarin Balogun? Check. The Arsenal man’s movement and finishing were sublime on the US’ second strike of the night.Keep Gio Reyna in the fold and coax out his best levels of form and fitness in the wake of the scandal that erupted at the World Cup? Check, albeit with a first-half calf injury. Liberated by the No. 10 role at the epicenter of a 4-2-3-1 formation, the New York City FC academy product’s vision and technique were the difference in this one, as he logged assists on both goals.“It shows his quality that’s on the field, his ball security, his ability to take on two, three players and connect passes,” said Callaghan of Reyna. “Also what I’m really proud of him is, we’ve challenged Gio to do more work off the ball on the defensive side, and he’s absolutely risen to the occasion. When we speak about going forward, he’s a committed player to this team, just like all of the other guys on this team, as you can see their commitment to each other and to the identity of the team and the way that we play.”Reassert the consistent menace the USMNT once posed on free kicks and restarts but let slip of late? Check. Chris Richards opened the scoring on the night with a thumping header, and even Herdman praised the variety and danger of the Yanks’ set pieces.“They had a lot of variation, that’s what I noticed tonight,” said Herdman. “The height differential is really evolving now for the US. I mean, that was – every player was outmatched, actually. And that was one of the challenges going into this match. And you see they’ve just got better variety now and there’s high quality, so someone’s put attention into that. That was tough tonight.”

Noted Callaghan: “Obviously, there’s the preparation and trying to find areas of weakness maybe in the opponent that you can exploit. There’s a lot of time spent with the players on the field, doing deliveries and creating the timing, and all of that. And so I think, for us tonight, it sort of all came together. And it is an area that we are focused; like you you mentioned.

Mitigate the danger posed by CanMNT superstars Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David? Check, via committed defending and a cat-and-mouse tactical game with Herdman & Co. that marked a pragmatic evolution from once and future coach Gregg Berhalter’s proactive dogma.“They’re really well coached. They’re really well organized,” said Callaghan of Canada. “They’re another team that’s adaptable, moving in and out of multiple shapes and positions, and switching guys all over the field. So I would say it was quite a chess match tonight.“We thought if we were able to reduce enough space behind the back line and try to keep them all in front of us, we’d have a chance. If they were able to get behind us, we knew that it could be problems, and I thought our guys executed the game plan as well as they could. And I understand that we suffered for long stretches of the time, but that’s how finals work.”

Big game experience

Berhalter, restored to his previous position by the head-turning decision made and announced by U.S. Soccer in real time as this CNL finals weekend was unfolding, won’t take up his daily duties around the national team until after the Gold Cup. That aspect of his rehiring was a bit puzzling.But if this young, supremely talented and increasingly confident squad can sweep aside their closest regional competitors this comfortably under temporary leadership, perhaps Berhalter can afford to ease his way back in after all. With Concacaf trophy hauls becoming a regular habit again, the USMNT may well be able to raise their eyes to the horizon a bit and dream bigger.“We need to perform in high-intensity, knockout games, and that’s something that we learned from a World Cup [in Qatar last fall],” said Callaghan, whose side dispatched Mexico 3-0 in Thursday’s semifinal. “Maybe we left there a little bit unsatisfied, from the World Cup, because of the knockout game [a 3-1 Round-of-16 loss to the Netherlands] and the performance.“But we don’t look at it as a setback, we look at it as an opportunity to grow. And now for us, we came in here motivated as an entire group that we want to get better. We want to get more battle-tested, we want to be more experienced in knockout, high-intensity games. And this just gives us, again, the confidence, two good moments to do it, and we can look forward to the Gold Cup.”

USMNT Player Ratings: Gio Reyna dismantles Canada in Nations League final

Casey Dunau Monday, Jun 19, 2023, 12:04 AM MLS.com

Canada came out with a bold game plan in the 2023 Concacaf Nations League final, one that showed the burgeoning regional power’s confidence against the US men’s national team: Mark the midfield tight, dominate possession and dare the Yanks to take advantage of the space in behind.It didn’t work. The US scored twice in the first half and mostly cruised from there to earn the 2-0 win and their second-straight Nations League trophy on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.Gio Reyna’s quality led the way with two assists, while Chris Richards and Folarin Balogun each scored once to make the US the unquestioned top dogs in Concacaf.

7.0

Matt Turner

Goalkeeper · USA

It wasn’t the busiest night for the Arsenal goalkeeper, with Canada only managing four shots on target, yet Turner came up big on two first-half saves when the final result was still anything but secure. It was the type of professional performance you expect from an unquestioned starter.

7.5

Jedi Robinson

Defender · USA

Normally one to fly up and down the flanks, Robinson stayed home for much of the match, and to great effect. He survived the first half admirably when Canada were overloading his side and also came up with huge interventions on the back post whenever the opposite side of the USMNT’s backline broke down.

8.5

Chris Richards

Defender · USA

Richards put in an outstanding shift from wire-to-wire, scoring the match’s opening goal with an impressive header off a corner kick and nearly grabbing a second with another powerful header in the latter 45. He also shut down Canada’s lethal striking duo of Jonathan David and Cyle Larin, often stepping aggressively from the backline to break up the Reds’ build-up play.

7.0

Walker Zimmerman

Defender · USA

Zimmerman proved a steady leader once again on a USMNT backline that featured relatively fresh faces in Richards and Scally. The quickness of Canada’s attackers caught the veteran flat-footed once or twice, but the Nashville SC center back also came up with some big interventions and started much of the team’s buildout from the back.

7.0

Joe Scally

Defender · USA

Scally had a phenomenal first half, shutting down the left side of Canada’s attack and popping up in good places in attack. A second-half switch from the Reds to move Alphonso Davies higher up the field caused the Borussia Mönchengladbach fullback more problems, but all-in-all, he still performed well against a world-class player.

7.0

Yunus Musah

Midfielder · USA

Learning Musah can do the job as a lone defensive midfielder is a massive development for the USMNT, who struggled at the 2022 World Cup for lack of depth at the position. The only thing limiting the Valencia midfielder from a higher rating was Canada’s aggressive pressing, which forced the US to bypass the midfield in buildout play for much of the match.

6.5

Brenden Aaronson

Midfielder · USA

Canada’s tight marking in the midfield didn’t allow Aaronson to find much of the game in attack, but what he lacked going forward he made up for in work rate and grit, tirelessly pressing when out of possession and throwing his body around, often against bigger players, in 50-50 duels.

8.5

Gio Reyna

Midfielder · USA

The only thing holding Reyna back from a higher score was the calf injury that caused him to be pulled at halftime. Other than that, it was pretty much a perfect match from the Borrusia Dortmund playmaker. The quality is always there, and showed through on his two assists, but arguably more inspiring was his defensive buy-in, starting the second goal sequence with a smart defensive header to break up Canada’s build-up play.

6.5

Christian Pulisic

Forward · USA

Fair or not, Pulisic is dominant enough at the international level that his performances will ultimately be judged by end product, where he came up just short on Sunday. Still, his ability to act as an outlet in space was crucial for the team, and his leadership showed through in his tireless effort and willingness to scrap for his teammates.

8.0

Folarin Balogun

Forward · USA

Unlucky not to grab a brace, Balogun showed every bit of the quality USMNT fans have been salivating for since rumors of his switch from England to the USMNT first surfaced. Last year’s fourth-leading scorer in France’s Ligue 1 buried his clearest chance of the night with silky ease, but beyond that, his off-ball movement, quality touch and strength on the ball were a nightmare for Canada’s defense.

7.5

Timothy Weah

Forward · USA

Weah is class personified, and he showed that throughout the match as one of the team’s most productive players in the final third, where his creative movement and combination play caused Canada fits and ultimately played a huge role in the US’ second goal. His defensive effort in the second half to help slow down Davies was also phenomenal.

8.0

B.J. Callaghan

Head coach

It’s a perfect 2W-0L-0D record with a +5 goal differential and a regional trophy for the interim coach – all against the USMNT’s top two regional rivals. Callaghan showed great trust in his team’s fortitude by starting a skillful, attack-minded group against a physical Canada side, and the team rewarded him by showing up for every duel, ultimately allowing their advantage in quality to shine through.

His second-half substitutes, which included moving to a back five to end the match, all played out exactly as hoped.

Substitutes

7.0

Luca de la Torre

Midfielder · USA

De la Torre is growing into exactly the type of player USMNT need him to be – capable of starting, coming off the bench, adding quality going forward and toughness in defending. He regularly transitioned the team from back to front in the second half and nearly created a goal with a smart off-ball run that caught Canada’s defense napping.

6.5

Johnny Cardoso

Midfielder · USA

Another positive development in the USMNT’s defensive midfield department, Cardoso came in and “did a job” in the second half, protecting the US’ backline by any means necessary.

6.0

Ricardo Pepi

Forward · USA

The US were pretty much in “see the game out” mode for the duration of Pepi’s outing, but the young striker selflessly committed to the team effort with tireless backtracking when needed, even if he wasn’t able to replicate a killer goal to see the game off like he did against Mexico.

6.5

Auston Trusty

Defender · USA

Trusty was added as a third center back late in the match, effectively snuffing out any Canada hope of lumping balls into the box for a miracle comeback.

USMNT striker Folarin Balogun rules out loan away from Arsenal next season

By Ali Rampling 3h ago

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Folarin Balogun has ruled out going on loan again next season amid uncertainty around his future.

The Arsenal forward has spent the previous two seasons on loan at Middlesbrough and Reims and enjoyed a particularly successful spell in Ligue 1 last term, finishing the campaign with 22 goals in 39 appearances in all competitions. The Athletic reported in April that Balogun wants to continue operating as a first-choice striker next season. Balogun’s Arsenal deal runs until 2025 but he has featured just twice in the Premier League for the north London club since making his debut in 2020. Arsenal signed forward Gabriel Jesus last summer, and Eddie Nketiah deputised while Jesus was sidelined during the 2022-23 season.“What I can say is that I definitely won’t go on loan again,” Balogun said. “I’m not sure (about) the discussions that are going to take place, I’m not sure what’s going to happen.“But I’m just committed to now, I try to stay present. I obviously want to enjoy the moment with my team and my family.”Balogun was speaking after scoring his first senior international goal for the U.S. in Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Canada, a result which saw the U.S. defended their CONCACAF Nations League titleThe 21-year-old committed to representing the U.S. in May, having also been eligible to play for England and Nigeria.Balogun made his senior U.S. debut in Friday’s 3-0 victory over Mexico and got off the mark for his country with a first-half goal against Canada.“It’s amazing. It’s amazing. I mean, it’s a dream scenario for me,” he added. “To be here now, the transition is amazing. I’m just overwhelmed with delight.“I think the thing that surprised me the most was just the actual talent in this group.“I think there are so many players who are going to go on to have top careers, who are all so young, including me.”The U.S. are next in action on June 25 when they face Jamaica in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The Real Gio Reyna Stood Up

At the perfect time. Starts and Stripes By Rob Usry@RobUsry  Jun 18, 2023, 9:08pm PDT  

Please forgive the Eminem pun.

Giovanni Reyna has been hyped up to the American soccer public since he was 14 years old. I still remember seeing an Adidas commercial way back in 2018 featuring the young talent who hadn’t even signed a professional contract yet and was playing for NYCFC youth teams. The son of a USMNT legend was always going to have those expectations on his shoulders if he sniffed the spotlight. After all the controversy and noise swirling around him over the past year, everything seemed to fall by the wayside during these four days in Vegas. What we witnessed was a kid out on the field doing what he loves to do. No distractions, no hoopla. Just an extremely talented soccer player proving just how good he really is.

His 45-minute performance against Canada in the Nations League final will likely go down as one of the best individual efforts in USMNT history. Before kickoff, fans and pundits alike saw the starting lineup B.J. Callaghan decided on and worried about the lack of a defensive midfield presence. It didn’t take long for Gio to show everyone that you don’t need defensive-minded midfielders if one player can control the midfield by himself:

GIO REYNA STOP IT

(via @CBSSportsGolazo) pic.twitter.com/eHz0J7a06y— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) June 19, 2023

This performance felt like a culmination of years of hype combined with glimpses of brilliance finally colliding to produce something truly special. Reyna has shown signs of being a dominant USMNT performer before but has never consistently put his stamp on a match like he did against Canada. Not only did he control the midfield with his technical excellence, he combined that with the playmaking skills that earned him so much plaudits as a young phenom. His exceptional set-piece delivery helped the U.S. secure an early goal, while his natural skill from the run of play unlocked the Canadian defense a second time. A perfectly-timed and weighted throughball to Folarin Balogun to run onto and finish was stuff dreams are made of:

The first of what I am sure will be many. Flo Balogun goal.
Gio Reyna 2 assists.
Goals coming from everywhere this week for USMNT .pic.twitter.com/vDCpITNIEj— Maximiliano Bretos (@MaxBretosSports) June 19, 2023

Reyna’s mix of skill, technique, vision and tenacity is unlike we’ve ever seen within the USMNT player pool. He is the type of player this team has been waiting for. His performances in these two Nations League matches is proof that he must be included in any full-strength lineup put out as long as he can stay fit.

There’s a long and winding road to the 2026 World Cup. If this run of form can be consistently duplicated, there’s no doubt that Gio should be the one driving this team towards that momentous occasion. If everyone watching can see that, there’s no doubt that Gregg Berhalter will to.

USWNT captain Becky Sauerbrunn to miss World Cup through injury

• ESPN Jun 16, 2023, 05:57 PM ET

United States captain and veteran defender Becky Sauerbrunn will not be included in the squad for the Women’s World Cup because of a foot injury she suffered in April.Sauerbrunn, who won two World Cups with the USWNT, confirmed in a statement she will not recover in time from her injury and will miss the tournament, which kicks off on July 20 in Australia and New Zealand.”Heartbroken isn’t even the half of it. But that’s sports for you and that’s life,” Sauerbrunn said. “I had hoped and worked and hoped some more to make it back in time to help lead the team at this World Cup, but after lots of discussion, unfortunately, there’s just too much variability in my return to play timeline.

Sources told ESPN that Sauerbrunn suffered a setback of her foot on June 3 when she played for the Portland Thorns FC her first match since the injury.”I’ll be home, working as hard I can to get back on the field as quickly as I can. It’s been an honor to work and play alongside this incredible group of athletes. They have my unwavering support.And, more importantly, they have my unyielding belief,” the 38-year-old defender added.”This program has always been about the collective and I have no doubt that the twenty-three players on the final roster have everything they need-in their feet, their heads and their hearts-to bring our fifth trophy home. To my teammates, I love you.”Sauerbrunn is one of several injured American players to miss the tournament, after attacker Mallory Swanson went down with a knee injury in April.Midfield stalwarts Sam Mewis and Catarina Macario are also sidelined for the title-holders.Sauerbrunn, 38, is one of the team’s longest-standing players with 216 international appearances. She helped the Americans to World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019. Her most recent international appearance was a friendly against Ireland in April.Head coach Vlatko Andonovski is set to announce his 23-player squad imminently and reports said he informed players Thursday of whether he planned to include them.

USWNT lineup: Projecting the 2023 World Cup starting XI

Claire Watkins June 19, 2023 Just Women’s Sports

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The USWNT kicks off the group stage of the World Cup against Vietnam on Friday, July 21. (John Todd/USSF/Getty Images).

Players for the U.S. women’s national team will reportedly get the call they’ve been waiting for this week, as head coach Vlatko Andonovski names his roster for the 2023 World Cup. We’ve already discussed who we think might be on the plane to New Zealand, with most of the question marks surrounding players on the fringes of the final 23-person roster.

The team’s preferred starting XI is slightly more certain, though a number of injuries have cast doubt in key areas, most notably on the backline with captain Becky Sauerbrunn confirming her absence due to a foot injury. But if the U.S. had to play the World Cup final tomorrow, here’s how I think the team should line up.

Naomi Girma is a locked-in starter for the USWNT at the World Cup. (Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

The backline

Alyssa Naeher, GK

Naeher’s save percentage with the Chicago Red Stars this season has given many fans reason for pause, but given the backline she has in front of her, experience should still win the day. Casey Murphy hasn’t been immune to nerves on the international level, with communication sometimes suffering in consequence. Naeher has experience being vocal with her defense, which gives her the edge in a different training environment.

Naomi Girma, CB

Girma has consistently been one of the best American center-backs for club and country since her arrival to professional soccer in 2022. If she can play every game for the USWNT in the World Cup, they would be foolish not to start her.

Alana Cook, CB

Longtime USWNT captain Becky Sauerbrunn was originally one of my choices to start alongside Girma, as her experience and form still place her in the top tier of the USWNT defender pool. But Sauerbrunn’s absence, announced over the weekend due to injury, tips the scales. While her possible replacements come in with much less international experience, Alana Cook notched the most minutes of any U.S. player in 2022, which should make the transition into a major tournament easier.

Emily Fox, OB

Fox is almost an underrated asset for the U.S. as an outside back. She can comfortably stay on the flank as a wide outlet, she’s a solid 1v1 defender, and she has the ability to cut centrally in possession to give her team a variety of looks in the attack. She also has crucial positional versatility, which will likely land her at right back in order for her to be paired consistently with Crystal Dunn.

Crystal Dunn, OB

Dunn, a natural attacker who plays midfield for the Portland Thorns, shares many of Fox’s attributes while also bringing experience from past international success. Dunn recently completed her first full 90-minute performance for Portland in the NWSL after returning from the birth of her son last fall, and she should be ready to play key minutes for the U.S. at outside back in New Zealand.

Ashley Sanchez seems like the best choice to replace Rose Lavelle as a starter due to injury. (James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)

The midfield

Andi Sullivan, DM

Even with the return of Julie Ertz, Andi Sullivan should be the first choice starter for the U.S. in the defensive midfield. Ertz has played limited minutes for Angel City FC thus far, and while her profile as a player hasn’t changed, she’s still not completely up to full speed. Sullivan has been her usual excellent self for the Washington Spirit in 2023 and deserves the full backing of the coaching staff as the USWNT’s first choice.

Lindsey Horan, AM

Horan should be well-rested going into the World Cup, having ended her season with Olympique Lyon in early June. When Horan is at her most mobile, she’s a very effective box-to-box midfielder who can also provide necessary defensive coverage when the team is in defensive transition. International midfield battles tend to be more physical than in club play, and Horan’s experience in a number of roles firmly places her in the starting XI.

Ashley Sanchez, AM

Typically, the role of the veteran playmaker for the USWNT is filled capably by Rose Lavelle, but the 28-year-old hasn’t played a competitive game since picking up an injury in the middle of April. So far, Lavelle’s place on the World Cup roster doesn’t seem in jeopardy, but she might make more sense as a substitute than as a player relied upon for a full 90 minutes at this moment. So enters Ashley Sanchez, who is having a productive season thus far for the Washington Spirit as a creative midfielder.

Lynn Williams could lead a rotating cast at left wing after Mallory Swanson’s injury. (Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

The attack

Lynn Williams, LW

One of the more wide-open competitions for playing time in the U.S. system comes at left winger, with Mallory Swanson’s injury absence making way for a rotating cast at the position. Trinity Rodman is capable of filling the same role, as is Megan Rapinoe, but Williams’ form in the NWSL and her defensive commitment to Andonovski’s shape gives her the edge.

Alex Morgan, CF

Williams, Rodman, Ashley Hatch and Sophia Smith can all shift centrally when called upon, but no one is as capable with their back to goal as Morgan, who has perfected the hold-up center forward role for the U.S.. Morgan’s responsibilities aren’t always just as an out-and-out scorer; she also plays in the trenches, creating space for the wingers to enter. More than that, she is an important leader on a frontline that is relatively inexperienced in major tournaments.

Sophia Smith, RW

Like Girma, Smith is one of the easiest starting decisions for Andonovski to make. She’s built up USWNT experience in the last two years, she’s one of the best American attackers in the NWSL, and she will have a chance to make this World Cup her own in her first major tournament appearance.

Claire Watkins is a Staff Writer at Just Women’s Sports. Follow her on Twitter @ScoutRipley.

Savannah DeMelo: Meet the uncapped USWNT star heading to the World Cup

Emma Hruby June 19, 2023 Just Women’s Sports

Savannah DeMelo is crowned by Racing Louisville teammate Ary Borges after scoring a goal against the Washington Spirit in June. (Amber Searls/USA TODAY Sports)

Savannah DeMelo will feature on the U.S. women’s national team roster for the 2023 World Cup, The Athletic reported Friday. Who is the 25-year-old midfielder? And what can USWNT fans expect from the national team newbie? Just Women’s Sports introduces the world to the rising star.

Who does Savannah DeMelo play for?

Racing Louisville selected DeMelo with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft. The midfielder is in the midst of her second season with the club.

Has she played for the USWNT before?

DeMelo received call-ups from the national team in September and October of last year. She joined the USWNT ahead of the September friendlies against Nigeria as a replacement for forward Trinity Rodman, who missed the camp due to a family commitment, and then she made the trip to the October friendlies in England and Spain. While she has two training camps under her belt, though, she has yet to feature in a game for the USWNT.

What is DeMelo’s style of play?

DeMelo provides depth at the midfielder position as a player who can work both sides of the ball. In her second professional season, she also has shown her scoring touch. Since the beginning of May, she has been involved in eight goals (6 goals, 2 assists) across all NWSL competitions, which is two better than any other player in the league in that span, per OptaJack.While she started the year outside of the national team pool, she kept herself on USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski’s radar with a ferocious start to the NWSL season. As Andonovski has stated, NWSL play is a big factor in his roster decisions. And there are few playing better in the league right now than DeMelo.She has scored in three of her last four matches, including in Sunday’s 2-0 win against Gotham FC, and she has eight goals across all competitions this season. She finished the 2022 season with four goals total.On top of her goal-scoring abilities, DeMelo also brings a solid defensive presence. A good shot blocker, she also helps her team to win the ball back, averaging 4.38 interceptions per game in 2022. And as good as DeMelo looked in 2022, she’s even better in 2023, which has earned her a spot on her first World Cup roster.

Three different players score for the Girls in Blue

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Thursday, June 22, 2023) – Three different players scored as Indy Eleven defeated Lexington SC, 3-0, Thursday night on the road. With the win, Indy improves to 7-1-1 to stay atop the USL W League’s Valley Division, while Lexington falls to 2-6-1. The Eleven also earned the season series over LEX 3-0, with wins at Lexington on May 21 (3-0) and at home June 9 (2-0).

Sam Dewey got the scoring started, just as she did in the last match-up in Lexington, with her fourth goal of the season as a Hal Hershfelt cross found Dewey alone on the back post for an easy tally in the 29th-minute. The assist was the first for Hershfelt in 2023.

The Eleven tacked on a pair of back-to-back unassisted goals to close the first half with Katie Soderstrom (43’) first taking it herself into the 18-yard box and playing a ball back across the goal line and into the back of the net for her fourth of the season. Maddy Williams (45+1’) then took advantage of a Lexington giveaway in the back to score her third of the season and in consecutive matches.

The result was decided in the first half as neither team found the back of the net in the second frame. The teams were deadlocked with nine shots apiece in the match, with Indy holding the 4-2 advantage in shots on target. Nona Reason earned her fourth clean sheet of the season making three saves.

The Girls in Blue are back in action next Friday, June 30 for the final regular season match of 2023 when they host St. Charles FC for the third time this season. The teams have split the season series so far, with each team winning on the road. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. ET and will stream on Eleven Sports.

USL W League
Lexington SC 0:3 Indy Eleven
Thursday, June 22, 2023
Toyota Stadium | Lexington, Ky.

2023 USL W League Records
Indy Eleven: 7W-1L-1D (+21GD), 22pts
Lexington SC: 2W-6L-1D (-8GD), 7pts

Scoring Summary
IND – Sam Dewey (Hal Hershfelt) 29’
IND – Katie Soderstrom 43’ (also scored opening goal last time at LEX)
IND – Maddy Williams 45+1’

Discipline Summary 
None

Indy Eleven lineup: Nona Reason, Jenna Chatterton, Grace Bahr, Annika Creel (Greta Kraszula 45’), Grace Kugler (Trinity Watson 45’), Sam Dewey (Susie Soderstrom 61’), Hal Hershfelt (Lizzie Sexton 66’), Ella Rogers, Addie Chester, Maddy Williams (Kristina Lynch 61’), Katie Soderstrom (Sam Slimak 76’)

IND substitutes: Emily Edwards

Williams scores twice to help Indy to shutout win

WESTFIELD, Ind. (Sunday, June 18, 2023) – Maddy Williams scored her first two goals of the season to lead Indy Eleven to a 4-0 win over Kings Hammer FC Sunday at the Grand Park Sports Complex.The USL W League Valley Division leader Eleven improve to 6-1-1 on the season, while Kings Hammer falls to 1-5-1. Indy also sweeps the season series, having defeated Kings Hammer, 1-0, on May 24. Williams’ first tally came just nine minutes into the match off a cross from Addie Chester on the left side. Williams caught the keeper moving across the net and connected with a header into the top left corner. She followed it up just 10 minutes later, as she took advantage of the Kings Hammer keeper caught off her line and played a volley in from the top of the 18 courtesy of a Lizzie Sexton assist.Indy outshot Kings Hammer 11-1 in the opening frame, including five shots from Williams.The series of firsts continued for the Eleven in the second half as Sam Slimak and Grace Bahr scored their first goals of the season. Slimak took a one-time touch to the near post off Sexton’s second helper of the game, while Bahr hit a perfectly placed free kick into the upper 90 to extend the lead to 4-0.ndy outshot the visitors 17-1, led by Williams. Chester, Slimak and Sam Dewey each added two shots apiece. Nona Reason wasn’t forced to make a save on the day and earned her third clean sheet of the year.The four goals scored are the most since Indy scored eight in its 2023 season opener. In its two seasons, the Eleven have reached the four-goal threshold three times and scored three-plus goals on 10 occasions. Overall, Indy has outscored its opponents 21-3 this season.The Girls in Blue are back in action Thursday when they travel south to face Lexington FC in their last regular season road match of 2023. Indy is 2-0 this season against Lexington, outscoring them 5-0. Kick is slated for 7 p.m. ET and will stream on Eleven Sports.

USL W League
Indy Eleven 4:0 Kings Hammer FC
Sunday, June 18, 2023
Grand Park Sports Campus | Westfield, Ind.

2023 USL W League Records
Indy Eleven: 6W-1L-1D (+18GD), 19pts
Kings Hammer FC: 1W-5L-1D (-17FD), 4 pts

Scoring Summary
IND – Maddy Williams (Addie Chester) 9’
IND – Maddy Williams (Lizzie Sexton) 19’
IND – Sam Slimak (Lizzie Sexton) 65’
IND – Grace Bahr 74’

Indy Eleven lineup: Nona Reason, Jenna Chatterton (Rafferty Kugler 71’), Grace Bahr, Trinity Watson, Lizzie Sexton, Sam Dewey (Kanna Matsuhisa 46’) (Sam Slimak 57’), Greta Kraszula (Nicole Kevdzija 71’), Ella Rogers, Addie Chester, Maddy Williams (Katie Soderstrom 46’), Maisie Whitsett (Merel Houweling 71’)

Indy 11 Women’s’ Update from BYB

There’s a lot to be updated on the state of the Valley Division. So, buckle in folks.
Our loss to St. Charles only hindered our 3 point lead over Racing Louisville. Our win on Sunday did in fact knock out Kings Hammer. Currently, Lexington (7 points,) St. Charles FC (5 points,) & Kings Hammer FC (4 points) are all eliminated.
Yesterday evening, St. Charles was set to continue their newfound luck as they took on Racing Louisville. After entering a weather delay with a score of 1-2, the match was for all intense and purposes, cancelled and rescheduled. The match will restart from the beginning on Monday, June 26th. This is actually huge as it gives St. Charles a new chance to take down Racing Louisville. However, it won’t be right after their victory over us.
Racing Louisville will host St Charles on the 24th, then travel to St. Charles on the 26th, then back on the road to Kings Hammer on the 29th. A lot of short turn around for Racing that hopefully leads to a fall.
Our ladies in blue will be heading down to Lexington this Thursday to play their final road game. Then our ladies will be back home for the last time during the regular season on the 30th to hopefully get revenge over St. Charles.
Ending the season tied on points with Racing Louisville is a GOOD thing. We own the FIRST tiebreaker. However, we want to knock them out, out right!
We play last, meaning we will know what HAS to be done heading into the final game. Meaning, EVERY VOICE, EVERY DRUM, EVERY HORN MATTERS! Last season we did not get the chance to host our lone playoff game. Most likely, this will be the case again this season. So, if you want to show support in person for these ladies, make plans now to show up on Friday, June 30th at Grand Park.

Guenzatti nets his third goal of the season

FINAL STATS

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Saturday, June 17, 2023) — Indy Eleven fell, 2-1, at Birmingham Legion FC on Saturday as the Legion’s Enzo Martinez scored in the 89th minute to earn Birmingham three points. The Boys in Blue generated a number of quality chances early on, with Roberto Molina, Sebastian Guenzatti and Aodhan Quinn registering shots on goal in the first 17 minutes. Birmingham Legion would respond with a few chances of their own, and despite allowing Indy to win possession (59%-41% in the first half), prevented the Eleven from any other opportunities for the remainder of the half.Birmingham struck first in the 55th minute when Diba Nwegbo took a pass from Anderson Asiedu and scored his first professional goal to give Legion FC a 1-0 lead. Indy Eleven would respond right away. Just over a minute later, Eleven captain Guenzatti took a pass from Harrison Robledo and ricocheted a shot off a Birmingham defender into the back of the net to tie it at 1-1, scoring his third goal of the season, which ties for the team lead. Following Guenzatti’s tally, Birmingham Legion took control of the game, outshooting the Eleven 7-2 over the next 27 minutes. In the 89th minute, Martinez took a feed from Neco Brett and beat Yannik Oettl to the far post for his sixth goal this season, giving Birmingham the 2-1 lead.From there, Indy was not able to muster up another shot, and Birmingham went on to earn the win at home. For the game, Indy Eleven was outshot 17-8 but tied Birmingham in shots on goal 4-4. Next up, the Boys in Blue stay on the road and head to Connecticut to play Hartford Athletic with a 7 p.m. ET kickoff Saturday, June 24. The match will stream on ESPN+.

USL Championship Regular Season
Birmingham Legion FC 2:1 Indy Eleven
Saturday, June 17, 2023
Protective Stadium  – Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham Legion FC: 6W-7L-1D, 19 pts
Indy Eleven: 4W-6L-4D, 16 pts

Scoring Summary:
BHM – Diba Nwegbo 55’
IND – Sebastian Guenzatti (Harrison Robledo) 56’
BHM – Enzo Martinez (Neco Brett) 89’ 

Discipline Summary:
IND – Younes Boudadi (caution) 8’
BHM – Gabriel Alves (caution) 21’
IND – Jesus Vazquez (caution) 24’
BHM – Alex Crognale (caution) 62’
BHM – Anderson Asiedu (caution) 64’

Birmingham Legion FC line-up: Matt Van Oekel, Gabriel Alves (Brett 75’), Phanuel Kavita (captain), Alex Crognale, Collin Smith, Anderson Asiedu, Mikey Lopez (Corcoran 31’), Tyler Pasher, Enzo Martinez, Prosper Kasim (Ngwebo 45’), Juan Agudelo (Mensah 91’)

Birmingham Subs: Trevor Spangenberg, Ben Reveno, Jake Rufe

Indy Eleven line-up (3-4-3): Yannik Oettl, Jesus Vazquez, Mechack Jerome, Younes Boudadi (Bryam Rebellon 69’), Roberto Molina (Robby Dambrot 88’), Aodhan Quinn, Jack Blake, Cam Lindley, Harrison Robledo (Douglas Martinez 62’), Sebastian Guenzatti (captain) (Diego Sanchez 88’), Solomon Asante

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