USMNT win, Defenders lose United Bowl, and more: Monday Freedom Kicks
Happy Monday everyone. Well, I’m on the road for the World Cup, and I was at the USMNT win on Friday night. I’m still buzzing from it, so we start there:
The USMNT comes away with an impressive 4-1 win over Paraguay (SSFC)
The USMNT throttle Paraguay for its largest win ever at a World Cup. They were led by Folarin Balogun’s brace, the first USMNT player to do that since 1930. It was an incredible night and I was so glad to be in the building for it.
Kings Claim UFL Throne, Conquer Defenders in Instant Classic (UFL)
The DC Defenders were unable to defend their title at home, losing in the United Bowl to the expansion Louisville Kings.
Japan justify dark horse credentials with dramatic draw vs. Netherlands (ESPN)
I was also at this highly entertaining match in Dallas (Arlington) between Japan and the Netherlands. It ended 2-2, but there were fireworks especially in the second half where all the goals occurred.
Real Madrid agree deal for Marc Cucurella with Chelsea (ESPN)
Sounds like my Real Madrid will be adding to their defense on the flanks by getting Marc Cucurella from Chelsea.
Amorim a leading contender for AC Milan job (BBC)
Ruben Amorim might be the guy to take over the Rossoneri next season as head coach.
Amad Diallo scores 90th-minute winner as Côte d’Ivoire leave it late to sink Ecuador (The Guardian)
Lés Éléphants did it! They get a late winner to take out Ecuador in their opening match.
FIFA’s solution to empty World Cup luxury seats? Give them to volunteers (The Athletic)
At the Netherlands-Japan match I attended yesterday, it was great to see volunteers be given some of the prime empty field suites to watch the game. That’s what FIFA should be doing, along with giving tickets to youth groups and overall lowering prices on remaining tickets to ensure that everyone gets a real chance to take in this tournament.
That’s it for now. Time to get back on the road.
I’ve been in the saddle a long time, and have seen many inspired USMNT performances, but this was utterly ridiculous in both it’s inspiration and ruthless efficiency. I was slack-jawed. I can’t wait for Australia, who clearly has some pep in their step as well. Have iPad, can watch at work and then watch DVR when home to fill in the gaps.
Also, follow the delightful Tartan Army in Boston. They have won the hearts and souls of the population, which isn’t easy, especially at Fenway. They rocked Fenway while demonstrating proper bias for the Red Sox. I have old teammates there, and they are loving how nice all the Americans are.
Japan fans set the example again, with their post-match clean up. Let’s make this a thing.
Lots of entertaining matches this weekend. For the US, I was relieved to see Tim Ream keeping up with the pace of the game and showcasing his still-excellent skills in possession. Paraguay was quite poor though, either they were just not sharp or we made them that poor.
Japan was very impressive. They’ve got skilled players up top and are extremely organized defensively.
They also compensated well for the height disparity. I was impressed that they equalized with a roaring header.
The chemistry all came together. It showed that the opening 30ish minutes against Senegal was not a mirage.
Richards was not only good to start, but 100% pass completion on 83 passes, while not impossible for a CB, is immensely impressive, and speaks of how well managed he was and ready he was for his moment. Freeman and Ream provide balance across a number of areas, each with their weaknesses acknowledged and registered by the others.
Freeman is so robust and mobile defensively, and underrated in his soccer IQ, that Dest is fully off the chain, and will have better games than this. Jedi can get back to help Ream, but his dedication to sitting higher mostly and providing real width allows Pulisic to be exclusively in the spaces and doing solely what he’s great at- which is a lot of things, but certainly he’s better not having to spread out as much.
We can quell fears about Balogun and his nerves on this stage, my goodness. Those were upper 99% of finishers finishes. And he and Tillman have a great understanding of the other.
But I was far and away most nervous about McKennie. Thank the gods for Berhalter, cuz he’s putting the fear of benchitude into Weston. Paraguay were poor and indecisive all game, and we’ll be more tested certainly, but this was Weston’s most disciplined, team oriented performance this cycle. He locked down his two main weaknesses in this game: poor decision making and an unwillingness to hold for the team when necessary. They were there. And if they stay there, we can do some shit.
A lot of our best play involved, at some point, Weston deftly evading a pressure into a space to advance the ball to a runner, and Paraguay knew they were toast every time that happened.
The goal concession for me was more indicative that the left side needs a high energy 10. If Pulisic isn’t going to be that, find someone who will be. It became too easy to be pushed onto our back foot without it.
Was so much friggin fun, though
Wow! Cape Verde just held Spain to a 0-0 draw thanks to a jaw dropping performance by their goalie!
I thought they might even be able to score on one of those counter-attacks they had towards the end. Great, great job by Cape Verde!
At half of the Major League Rugby Semifinal, Old Glory DC is being dominated by Chicago 31-3 and tis not been pretty. This is a far cry from the game just 2 weeks ago where Old Glory almost upset Chicago. Game is on ESPNU if anyone wants to watch it.