When we play better teams than Jamaica, say the Pot 2 team in our World Cup group, will the increased offense offset the decreased defense? I think it may work against Pot 3 and 4 teams, but against Pot 2 and anyone we hit in the Round of 16, this amount of change will be marginal.
I fully agree with your first part, that this will work better against worse teams. I'm not sure Poch would (or should) take his foot off the gas against better teams, though.
to my mind an additional consideration is that having Tyler Adams as your mistake eraser in big matches gives mckennie/musah/whoever more license to take bigger swings. it's why i still think he's the second most important player on the squad (only behind pulisic). am i blinded by my lifelong love of usmnt midfielders who will crush you in the tackle?
Tyler's great at that but the guy hasn't played in two years, so I think we should mentally/emotionally prepare ourselves for him to be a lesser version of what he once was.
I rather lose getting after it than play ponderous Berhalter-ball. I never enjoyed watching the USMNT or Crew under Gregg. Just never appreciated that style of play.
I think Poch's style is more exciting, and more aesthetically pleasing. But I also think Berhalter's approach was absolutely appropriate – borderline perfect – for a young, inexperienced side from 2018-2022.
When we play better teams than Jamaica, say the Pot 2 team in our World Cup group, will the increased offense offset the decreased defense? I think it may work against Pot 3 and 4 teams, but against Pot 2 and anyone we hit in the Round of 16, this amount of change will be marginal.
I fully agree with your first part, that this will work better against worse teams. I'm not sure Poch would (or should) take his foot off the gas against better teams, though.
It's dangerous. But I'm ok with that.
to my mind an additional consideration is that having Tyler Adams as your mistake eraser in big matches gives mckennie/musah/whoever more license to take bigger swings. it's why i still think he's the second most important player on the squad (only behind pulisic). am i blinded by my lifelong love of usmnt midfielders who will crush you in the tackle?
Tyler's great at that but the guy hasn't played in two years, so I think we should mentally/emotionally prepare ourselves for him to be a lesser version of what he once was.
I rather lose getting after it than play ponderous Berhalter-ball. I never enjoyed watching the USMNT or Crew under Gregg. Just never appreciated that style of play.
I think Poch's style is more exciting, and more aesthetically pleasing. But I also think Berhalter's approach was absolutely appropriate – borderline perfect – for a young, inexperienced side from 2018-2022.
Of our midfielders, whose skillset do you feel fits best with this philosophy shift, and vice versa?
Wes is pretty obviously born for this. Tyler too. Of the MLS contingent, it's Bassett (though I've got high hopes for Jake Davis).
The pinch point is the fullbacks. Scally is not a progressive passer, and it's not really Jedi's strong suit, either.
Ya not sure there's a fullback in the pool with that strong suit. Dest? Gressel?
Dest is excellent at it, but as I wrote in the column, when he's not out there we're limited. Hence I want to see Eneli get a look at RB.
Love Gressel but he's not an int'l RB.
Sure, sure, sure. But who is the specific player that he'll call up regularly that makes USMNT fans lose their shit?
:P
Excited to see more of your work, because you've taught me a lot about the game. More about trolling maybe, but why choose?
I never troll.