2019 Gold Cup

FYI the Jamaica/El Salvador match was pretty much blase. However, the Salvadoran fans were very entertaining. We left before the Honduras/Curacao match. Whole stadium was pretty much blue and white given all the Salvadoran and Honduran fans. Saw maybe a handful of Jamaican fans and did not recognize a single Curacao fan. Other than the typical Houston heat and humidity, still an entertaining night out with the daughter.

Daughter asked if anyone would know about the Fulham kit. I said its likely. First place we stopped so pops could have a brew, the bartender said, "Hey, nice jersey. I've been to Craven Cottage to see Fulham before."

 

US v TnT. Same lineup as last match. Ugh.

Everybody aim your shots at Zardes’s face!

 

I think Landon Donovan said it best post match when he mentioned for the first time in a long time the squad ‘played tension free, reactive, loose and having fun’. The back line looks shaky still, but a 6-0 victory is what the doctor ordered

 

Well that was rough to watch.

 

My favorite quip on twitter was one person who responded to the US lineup saying, "Well if you're going to take the night, then I guess I will too."

 

Rinse and repeat

 

Welp, it’s hard to figure out, but our lads have somewhat righted the ship and have made it to the Gold Cup final. Granted, opposition hasn’t been quality, but the pre-tournament friendly performances were so poor, you had to wonder if we would even beat whom we’re supposed to beat. A clean sheet would have been nice, but we’ll take a 3-1 win over the alternative any day and twice on Sunday. The young guys seem to be gelling nicely during this competition, which bodes well for 2022, regardless of the outcome here. Two scores in two games for Weston McKennie has to be great for his confidence, and seeing he, Morris, Pulisic, Steffen and Areola, all 24 or under, get better
is encouraging.

 

For the first 45 the guys in red have been everything I expected and more. Great effort, playing with some grit, a game plan that is being executed and an attacking mindset.

Now they just need to finish.

 

Why Roldan and Zardes? I don’t get it at all?

Jozy should be in this match!

 

The Roldan substitution now looks doubly bad.

 

I like Berhalter’s game plan but I very much dislike his substitutions!

 

Hand ball missed near the death...it's been bothering us and now it's off my chest. But it wasn't like the US didn't have chances to score...arrrggghh.
HD, that sandwich meat 30 minutes you reference was a doozy though - Mexico looked the likelier side and the US was fortunate to concede only 1 in my opinion.

 

3 good things

1. The early attack - They got forward often and in numbers. It’s nice to see a tactical attacking plan.

2. Reggie Cannon - I keep reading how Cannon’s influence waned in the second half but that was largely due to Mexico switching their attacking focus, and wingers for that matter, to Ream’s side of the field. Anytime you force the opposition to change their tactics that’s a win.

3. Jozy - We have no other forward in his class currently. Have to figure out a way to keep him healthy.

3 bad things

1. Roster depth - it’s currently nonexistent. We need some youngsters to grow up quick. I know we were missing Tyler Adams but Mexico’s list of missing in action was longer than ours.

2. Berhalter got out coached after the first 45- I like what Berhalter is doing but there is no avoiding that Tata’s halftime changes swung the match in Mexico’s favor and Berhalter failed to make adjustments and/or substitutions that effectively countered Tata’s changes.

3. The finishing - This match was winnable but you don’t win if you don’t score.

 

Sargent? George may be injured (Ha!), and Tim Weah played in the U-20 WC.

 

All I know for sure is, you gotta bury that chance Jozy had in the first half. Perhaps he will...in Qatar.