Rise of the USMNT
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Rise of the USMNT -
Re: Rise of the USMNT <FM20>
reserved for history -
Re: Rise of the USMNT <FM20>
You know I AM following! Love it.Comment
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Re: Rise of the USMNT <FM20>
Berhalter Out, Pfeifer In
It hasn't been long since that day in Couva and the USMNT have come to terms with young manager Eric Pfeifer. With the promise of a roster turnover filled with a youth movement, Pfeifer comes into the role with hopes of success.
As the CONCACAF Nations League approaches, Pfeifer has his first chance to select a squad with an eye towards World Cup Qualifying, and ultimately the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The future is now with Pfeifer in charge. Stars like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, and Sergino Dest are ready to take the USMNT to the next level.Comment
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Introducing Pfeifer's First USMNT Squad
Pfeifer has been thrown a bone with a home match in Dallas against 180th ranked Cuba. Given this opportunity, his initial squad is loaded with youth.
With Tim Howard relaxing in retirement, the Zack Steffen era in goal is about to take flight in the first meaningful game of 2019. Rounding out the goalkeeping crew are veteran MLS goalkeeper Bill Hamid and relative youngster Matt Turner who has come out of nowhere for Bruce Arena and the New England Revolution.
With Antonee Robinson out injured, Tim Ream looks to step in at left back in the very Euro-centric back line.
There are a couple surprises in the midfield with Michael Bradley out injured - the biggest surprise coming with the potential first cap of Efrain Alvarez, the much-hyped LA Galaxy creative playmaker.
Up top, the oft-injured Jozy Altidore represents the current team, while Josh Sargent represents the future.Comment
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Re: Rise of the USMNT <FM20>
U20 Squad Announced Ahead of Brazil Friendly
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USA U20s Give Brazil Fits Before Brazil's Class Shows Through
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CONCACAF Nations League - Division A - Group 1
USA vs Cuba
Pre-Match
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Re: Rise of the USMNT <FM20>
CONCACAF Nations League - Division A - Group 1
USA vs. Cuba
Ruthless Domination in Pfeifer's Debut
While it was a day long awaited for the beginning of a new USMNT trajectory, it was Jozy Altidore, the veteran, who rose above the rest. Altidore's 3 goals paced a vicious United States attack that included 17-year-old Efrain Alvarez pulling the strings as the attacking midfielder.
Coming out in a very bullish 4-2-3-1, the Stars and Stripes never allowed Cuba out of their defensive third of the field. As expected, this young, athletic squad pushed a high line with a relentless high level of pressing from the front 4. With Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie sitting in behind the front 4, Cuba never had a chance at creating any looks at goal.
Having scored a goal and tying for a match-high rating of 9.2, Efrain Alvarez showed his potential of being the creative midfielder this team has been lacking for years. The flair he brought to this game really allowed space on the wings for Christian Pulisic (2 assists) to cause havoc.
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Re: Rise of the USMNT <FM20>
To anyone following, I've also created a different video with more of a pregame and recap feel to it. Let me know you thoughts. Ultimately I know I have to pick one that I enjoy doing, doesn't take too long to do, and of course is enjoyed by the community. Let me know your thoughts!
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Re: Rise of the USMNT <FM20>
October 2019Comment
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CONCACAF NATIONS LEAGUE - Division A - Group 1
Matchdays 2 & 3 Roster Selection
Bradley is Back
With two games during this international window, first up in Canada then in Cuba, the depth of this roster. With the fantastic form of Brad Guzan for Atlanta United, the 35-year-old veteran finds his way into the goalkeeping crew. Bill Hamid should be back to full fitness for the Cuba match, but for the first match against Canada we can expect Guzan to be the backup behind Zack Steffen.
Along the back line Antonee Robinson replaces Tim Ream at the left back position. Robinson brings more of an attacking presence to the left side, mirroring Sergino Dest on the right.
In the middle of the field, Michael Bradley (151 caps) is closing in on the overall cap leader, Cobi Jones (164). Bradley adds a veteran presence to the midfield with an anticipated change into a 4-1-2-3 against Canada. Replacing Will Trapp in the roster, Bradley has been in great form for Toronto FC since returning from injury almost a month ago.
This October international window could potentially bring the USMNT that much closer to securing a spot in the CONCACAF Nations League Semifinals. Six points from these two games could put them out of reach, but four points might be the most realistic goal.Comment
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Re: Rise of the USMNT <FM20>
CONCACAF NATIONS LEAGUE - Division A - Group 1
USA vs. Canada
BMO Field - Toronto, Canada
Pre-Match
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Re: Rise of the USMNT <FM20>
CONCACAF NATIONS LEAGUE - Division A - Group 1
USA vs. Canada
BMO Field - Toronto, Canada
October 10, 2019
United States Holds Off Pesky Canada
After a very strong first half in which the United States built a 2-0 lead and ultimately a 3-0 lead shortly after the break, it was Canada who controlled much of the second half. While it was Darlington Nagbe (2 goals and 1 assist) who was man of the match, much praise needs to be given out to superstar right back Sergino Dest (3 assists).
Bringing Michael Bradley back into the lineup meant dropping into a 4-1-2-3 that kept Bradley just ahead of the center backs. With Bradley in the lineup, the USMNT were able to build a 3-0 lead. Kellen Acosta came on for Bradley in the 68th minute and, unfortunately, did not seem to do the job as well as Bradley.
Sitting atop the group with 6 points and having taken care of business in the most difficult match of the group play, the USMNT are in the drivers seat towards the Nations League Semifinals. Up next, a trip down to the Estadio Pedro Marrero in Cuba.
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