USMNT Nation’s League

Not gonna lie, didn’t watch a second of it (March Madness is here), but from the highlights we are..big shock..an uninspired team. Couldn’t fathom re-hiring a coach who’s philosophy (someone correct me if you think I’m wrong) is ‘my system no matter the talent’.

Bottomline, Jamaica somehow went over the crossbar from 2 yards to make it 2-0, and it took an OG on last kick of the game to take it to Extra Time.

 

That was a much better performance against Mexico, although I felt like it also wasn't a great showing from El Tri. The key difference between this performance and Jamaica I think was Ream. He just seemed to provide more direction and stability. I agree with the commentators who said that Reyna seemed out of place so far back in the midfield, but he still managed to make some things happen. Those two shots from Adams and Reyna were great finishes.

Two more thoughts on the game commentary...
Jesse Marsch says he doesn't want the USA job, but it sure felt like he was auditioning for it.
Christina Unkels was only the rules analyst, but her commentary was the most valuable. I wanted her in the booth rather than Meola.

 

I’m pleased with the results (at least the final results) but didn’t see a second on the action live. It’s obvious where US Soccer has put their priorities but, at the same time, I wonder how much momentum they’re losing by dealing the media rights to a non-standard pay subscription streaming service. I can’t imagine that they’re “growing” the game while sitting behind a paywall.

Okay, rant over. I did watch the clips on Twitter and read some analysis. I love how Adams, knowing he was only getting 45 minutes, emphatically dropped the mic right at the 45 minute mark. I’m trying to not get too comfortable with all these wins over Mexico, but it feels damn good to have this confidence going into each match. Copa America will be fun this summer (that is, if I can watch).

 

US soccer is pushing me away with this paywall BS. Same thing with MLS. I'm not going to sign up for Apple TV and then pay for the MLS pass just so I can watch a second-rate Earthquakes team.

DirecTV has Spanish language channels that carry games when I can't get them in English, so I got to see some of the US Mexico game.

 

I didn't renew my MLS season pass because of two reasons. One, about 25% of the games were available for free. Why did I pay? Second, one night they suffered a big outage but refused to acknowledge it. I missed a match and they didn't even give me a small credit. If you are the only game in town you better be perfect.

 

Yeah. I’d complain a little less if Hulu +live tv carried Univision.