USMNT Begin Post-Berhalter Era Against CONCACAF Rival Canada
The USMNT begin the post-Berhalter era on Saturday against CONCACAF rivals Canada. There is plenty of intrigue, despite this being “just a friendly.”
First, the specter of Pochettino’s hire looms large over the USMNT squad. How much did he influence the selection, if at all? Why hasn’t he f#$king been announced as the manager yet? When that happen?
Second, Jesse Marsch is a complicated figure for USMNT fans as Canada’s boss. He coached 3 Americans at Leeds (Adams, Aaronson, and McKennie) before getting fired. He clearly wanted the USMNT job when we re-hired Berhalter after the 2022 World Cup but was passed over. When he landed the Canada job, he immediately led them to the semifinals of Copa America…which is how far we were supposed to go…
As for the game on the pitch, Canada is talented. The most valuable players on the field will be two 55 million dollar Canadian men. Jonathan David leads the attack, while Alphonso Davies is a world-class left back for Bayern Munich. Their midfield is solid with Stephen Eustaquio of Porto alongside Ismael Kone, who just made a big move from the Championship to Marseille. Canada’s CBs, Moise Bombito and Derek Cornelius, just joined him in Ligue Un after strong performances at Copa America.
Unfortunately, the USMNT is missing several of our biggest stars. Adams and Reyna are injured. McKennie stayed to train with Juve as he’s only recently been reintegrated in that squad after a protracted transfer/contract saga this summer…and he has a new manager. Antonee Robinson is being given a rest after not getting time off after the Copa.
Although we’re waiting for Pochettino, it will be interesting to see what changes Varas makes and how the next men up fill in for the missing stars. We’re excited to see Tillman get some meaningful PT, as he’s been on fire at PSV this season. Aidan Morris didn’t go to the Olympics because he’d just made a move to Middlesbrough, but he is one of the best young midfielders we have. He’s also been playing phenomenally so far this season so we’re anxious to see how he looks with the full national team.
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10.4 – Weekend preview
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