This midweek window was crucial for the USMNT, as the 24-25 Champions League season kicked off.
It was a helluva performance from the USMNT stars, especially Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie. Pulisic continues his red hot form and in our view is emerging as a talisman that gives the USMNT a punchers chance against anyone in the world, so long as we stay solid defensively.
McKennie made a surprise appearance. We noted in our weekend recap that we were disappointed that he didn’t feature after staying in Turin to train with Juve instead of traveling to America to train with the USMNT. Boy did his new manager make up for it…with a start in a key Champions League match. McKennie took full advantage, as he scored and had some really nice buildup play all night. He was involved in Juve’s first goal as well, and almost scored a second but his difficult first time shot was well-saved by PSV’s keeper. He should be in line for more PT after this.
Gaga Slonina had a notable performance, making 6 saves against Man United in the Carabao Cup. However, he also conceded 7 goals and gave away a PK. The fact that he was still Barnsley’s second highest rated player is a sign of just how dominant Man United were in this match. A learning experience for Gaga but a decent performance at the same time.
In the battle for CB, Tim Ream and Miles Robinson played well in MLS, while Chris Richards was quiet in his Carabao Cup start. Carter-Vickers was finally challenged in the Champions League, and had just an “ok” rating – versus his typical 7.5+ ratings in the Scottish Premiership.
Hope everyone enjoyed the midweek action, now it’s back to domestic competitions at the weekend.
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10.4 – Weekend Recap
The last match window before the USMNT all gather in Austin for Pochettino’s first camp was action packed.
Pulisic scored, and was Milan’s best player, again! It’s almost every game this year he’s been either the best player by the data or as voted by fans. …But we get some bad vibes from his teammates twice stripping him of the PK responsibility against the coach’s orders. Theo Hernandez and Tammy Abraham both had their PKs saved by David de Gea – so they probably should have let Pulisic, who is 10/10 in his career, take them.
September 2024 “team of the month”
This is basically how the USMNT would line up in our first matches under Pochettino – if he made his decisions based ONLY on current club form. He obviously won’t do that – but it’s a cool way to look at who is playing well, and who isn’t, for the USMNT.
10.4 – Weekend preview
Best matches of the weekend, brought to you by #DosACero. This is the final match window before the guys head to #Austin for the FIRST CAMP WITH POCHETTINO. Here’s hoping for a strong set of performances, with everyone coming in hot. LFG!