tbuc's first match on home soil was spoiled by a first half red card which forced the U.S. to sit back and defend for just over 45 minutes. Egypt did have the first real chance of the first half when a far post cross found Ramadan Sobhi at the back post, but his header was direct right into Horvath's hands. After that the U.S. controlled the majority of the first half. After dominating position the U.S. broke the deadlock on a corner. Tyler Adams ball in was headed to Saief at the top of the box. The Anderlecht winger took one touch and blasted it through traffic and into the net. The home side had their chances to add to the lead, but credit must be given to Hanafy in goal who come up with some quality save, most notably on Arriola, who's near post effort was just tip wide by the keeper. Just moments before the break Tyler Adams was handed his second yellow and from there the game turned around. It came off a U.S. corner that was cleared and then a long ball was played to Salah on the left flank right next to the fourth official. A quick first touch by Salah looked to have him on his way into plenty of space, however, Adams came in a second late with a tackle and the ref had no choice but to send off the Red Bulls right back.
The U.S. chanced from a 4-3-3 to a 3-4-2 in the second half and did muster three shots on frame, but none were worth a highlight according to FM. All the clips were from Egypt on the attack. We did sit back and hopped we could spring something on the counter, but the away team were just too good. The Pharaohs found their equalizer off a set piece via the towering center back Ahmed Hegazi. Surprisingly it came from his right foot instead of his head. It started from a free kick just outside the top right corner of the box where Salah found the West Brom defender at the near post who directed it past Horvath. It was poor marking by the U.S. Egypt eventually found the winner through Sobhi, who missed a golden chance in the first two minutes of the match. This time a cross to the far post to the Huddersfield winger was knocked in past the hopeless keeper. Again it was poor marking by the U.S. defense.
The last two friendlies of 2018 have been schedule as we see two more South American nations added to the fixture list. The U.S. will start the month of November in the Uruguayan capital city of Montevideo. This will be the sixth match between the two sides, first since 2002, and the second in Uruguay. Six days later we head back to the states and back to Toyota Field which will host the match against Argentina as well. The U.S. have also played Venezuela five time, three of which the American's have won and the other two ended in draws.
Friendly or not, a match at Wembley for any away side always bring out the best in their players. With that, we had an absolute cracker on our hands. In the first 45 England were on the board first with a perfectly executed counter attack. Harry Kane picked up the ball on the left standing right on the midfield line. He gathered the ball and was on his way. After slipping passed a sliding Reggie Cannon, Kane cut in and played a perfectly weighted cross to Raheem Sterling for an easy tap in. The U.S. fought back and scored their first when Michael Bradley squared a ball to Weston McKennie at the top of the box who bent one past Pickford and we were level again. A corner kick to the back post saw Sargent's header put the U.S. into the lead. That advantage didn't last long as Ross Barley picked McKinnie's pocket and a long ball down the left played Danny Welbeck through. His run drew Matt Miagza out of position and a cross to Kane at the top of the box left Kane one-on-one with the keeper. The Spurs striker settled himself and rolled the ball into the bottom left corner. Game on.
The second half started a little stale, but it didn't take too long for England to take control of the match. However, it was the U.S. to take the lead once again against the run of play. Tyler Adams, who picked up a red in the last U.S. match, played a beautiful ball over the top between the two center backs to Bobby Wood who had a shot with his first touch. Pickford came up with the save, but the the ball defected off Dier and right back to Wood who tapped in the U.S.'s third goal. After that England were on the front foot once again and finally scored their much deserved equalizer from a cross to Dele Alli who out jumped Reggie Cannon from about six yards out. All in all a draw to England is a positive result as far as I'm concerned.
There wasn't much going on this month outside of the two friendlies the U.S. played. The 2018 schedule was completed, however. We'll see the Americans face Argentina and Bolivia in October and then Uruguay and Venezuela in November. The first match in each of those international breaks should be a real test for this squad.
Reflecting on the month, the U.S. did face Egypt and England which ended in a defeat and a draw. Looking at the positives, the American's were the much better team in the first half against Egypt before they were reduced to 10 men in first half stoppage time. It wasn't until the second half when the away side took control of that match. Against England, a draw at Wembley has to be looked at as a positive as the Three Lions just reached the Semi-Finals of the 2018 World Cup.
On an individual level the national team is looking to take shape as we've now seem them play three matches under tbuc. A handful of youngsters have gotten looks with the senior team. 18-year old striker Josh Sargent has started in two games and made one substitute appearance scoring two goals. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Antonee Robinson have both started two matches. One player who has really stood out is midfielder Weston McKennie. At just 20-years of age, the Schalke man established himself as a regular in the Bundesliga last season. That experience has helped him in a signifiant way as he's been one of the best players in a U.S. shirt in each match.
Matt Besler is back in the picture for the U.S. for this round of friendlies. The Sporting KC legend has been a starter for his home town club for the last ten seasons. The center back is also well established in the U.S. setup as well, as he was apart of the 2013 and 2017 Gold Cup, the 2014 World Cup squads. With the MLS season coming to a close, Belser has been one of the best players at his position this year. "Not only is he a leader at the back, but his composure and ability on the ball will be vital against a team with Argentina's ability," said tbuc.
Looking over the 23 man squad we see a few names missing that may raise some eyebrows. Most noticeably are Christian Pulisic, DeAndre Yedlin and veteran captain Michael Bradley. Pulisic reaggrivated his calf injury he picked up in training with the U.S. last month and is still out. Yedlin, who has only made one appearance for the U.S. this year, was left out as he is not match fit. So far this season he has only made one start for Newcastle which came in the League Cup. Finally, Bradley has had a very strong MLS season, but was drop from the U.S. roster. The side has five central midfielders with McKennie, Hyndman, and Acosta returning from last month. Cristian Rolden and Danny Williams are introduced into the squad in place of Bradley and Russell Canouse this time around. Rolden has been one of the best players in the MLS this season as his 11 assists from his deep lying playmaker role leads the league. Williams gets another chance for the U.S. The German born American made one appearance in 2017 and is looking for his first this year. This season he's established himself as a starter for Huddersfield and is off to a strong start this Premier League season. "The midfield is hands down our deepest position, so you will see a lot of rotation there until we get closer to Nations League and Gold Cup next year," explained tbuc.
View attachment 25553 Looking at the numbers Argentina dominated the match and with a lack of highlights, I'll assume that's how this one went. We held the away side to just one shot on target in the first half, which was scored with a bit of luck. If started with a corner kick from Messi. The ball in hit off John Brooks and fell to Higuain who had a sliding shot that hit off out right back, Eric Lichaj, and right off Higuain's knee and into the goal. I have to chalk that up to bad luck for us. Most of Argentina's attacks came from wide areas, but Brooks was commanding in the box and won his share of headers in the box. At the end of the match we started to push forward in hopes for a late equaliser, but were beat on the counter instead. A perfectly placed through ball by the Sevilla right back, Gabriel Mercado, split our two center backs and Higuain was through on goal to bag his second of the match. This match was one to forget as we have one more friendly this month to bounce back before we head to November.
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After a tough match against Argentina, the U.S. bounce back with a much needed win for their confidence. The Americans came out on the front foot in this one. Their first big chance came in the opening ten minutes through a cross to the back post from Philadelphia Union right back, Keegan Rosenberry. His ball in found an unmarked Kenny Saief who's header came off the crossbar. It didn't take long for the home side to take the lead. A cross from Wigan's Antonee Robinson was headed right to McKennie who chested it down and slotted the ball into the bottom right corner from 12 yards out. McKennie doubled his tally just 11 minutes later. Cristian Roldan found the Schalke midfielder standing at the top of the box, and with Bolivia failing to close him down, he banged in his second. McKennie will be disappointed with himself as he had a chance for a first half hat trick. Again Roldan found McKennie, this time just inside the opponents box. With a quick turn and shot his attempt could only find the cross bar. The match went stale in the second 45 as both teams didn't offer much in the final third. To Bolivia's credit they did come close to getting one back in the 81st minute, but a well hit bender from striker, Bruno Miranda, hit the post.
One American who stood out on the pitch today was Keegan Rosenberry. The 24-year old right back has flown under the radar for the U.S. as he's stuck behind DeAndre Yedlin as well as some young and up-and-comers on the depth chart, but he was given his chance today and he was clearly one of the best players on the pitch. He was strong in defense and very dangerous in the final third playing in a few crosses just begging to he knocked in. Yedlin has been the first choice right back for a few years now, but with no clear back up Rosenberry showed he should be considered for that role. We've seen two teenagers given a chance in Tyler Adams and Reggie Cannon, but I think it's clear Rosenberry seems to be the most established. All three play in the MLS and with 30 games played in the league it's Rosenberry who is on the shortlist for the 2018 Defender of the Year.
He may look depressed in the picture, but I'm sure Keegan Rosenberry is buzzing right now after earning his first U.S. cap against Bolivia this month. Over the last few years DeAndre Yedlin has established himself as the top right back in the U.S. player pool, but no one has really stood out to compete with the Newcastle defender. Timmy Chandler was given a chance, but could not duplicate his Bundesliga form in a U.S. shirt. Eric Lichaj is another who has had a handful of caps, however he's a natural left back and at 29-years old, he very well could be retired by the time the next World Cup rolls around. In comes the next generation. We've seen Reggie Cannon handed a couple caps and played well as well as Tyler Adams. Adams, who is a natural right back, has moved to central midfield, which could hurt his stock. With the midfield being a position of depth for the national team, Adams best chance may ultimately be at the back. The New York native may have the most upside of the group as he's draw interest from European clubs, most notably Arsenal had 'minor interest' in the 19-year old. Rosenberry, who was the third overall pick in the 2016 MLS draft, had the best season of any player at the position as he made the five man short list for the 2018 MLS Defender of the Year. That award will be handed out in November. 2019 will be an interesting year being that at some point tbuc will have to choose one to be apart of the team at the Gold Cup and during the Nations League matches.
The roster for the final two friendlies of 2018 have been announced and we see the return of DeAndre Yedlin. The right back played for the U.S. in March, but missed two months through injury and has been out of form at Newcastle since his return. This only two appearance thus far this Premier League season has come in the league cup.
The roster really picked itself this time around because of injuries and the MLS playoffs going on. In net we see the same three keepers return. That means no Brad Guzan. However, his Atlanta United are in the playoffs, so his absence makes sense. At the back we see the return of Tim Parker who was dropped last month in favor of Matt Besler. Parker has been a regular call up since tbuc took over, but is yet to record his first U.S. cap. At the fullback position Reggie Cannon joins Yedlin, Antonie Robinson, and Eric Lichaj. Cannon gets the call over Rosenberry and Adams, however, both of those players are in the middle of a playoff battle. In the middle of the pitch we see veterans Michael Bradley and Danny Williams. tbuc did explain that he wanted to see them both together against a top quality opponent as the Gold Cup is right around the corner. Expect them to start together against Uruguay. On the flanks the U.S. are without Christian Pulisic, Fabian Johnson, Kenny Saief, and Paul Arriola who are all out injured. Both Darlington Nagbe and Timothy Weah return. Jonathan Amon gets his second call up. Like Parker, Amon is looking for his first cap. Sebastian Lletget get his first call up since March 2017. Upfront regulars Bobby Wood and Josh Sargent return. It's Jozy Altidore who gets introduced back into the squad ahead of inform Aron Johannsson. This is the first time Altidore will put on the U.S. shirt since the U.S. were eliminated from qualification for the 2018 World Cup.
Uruguay were a class apart and were deserving of their win today. They dominated in the attack, exploiting the flanks as both Yedlin and Robinson had a night to forget. Credit to of center backs who did an excellent job putting off world class striker Edson Cavani. The PSG forward had eight shots in the match, only one really tested Horvath in net. Our attack was poor in this one. Weah did a good job creating space and putting in some threatening crosses, but did loss possession a few times too many. Looking at the positives our midfield did play well considering the strength in the home sides squad. Bobby Wood did hit the bar once, however, he didn't offer much and Altidore had our only shot on target, but it was a harmless header.
View attachment 25245 A disappointing result to say the least as Venezuela were allowed to come back from two goals down and get a draw from the match. The U.S. were the better team in the first half and went into halftime 2-0 up. The first came in what seemed like typical U.S. fashion, a shot from the top of the box. It's start with a Josh Sargent ball to Antonee Robinson making a run down the left flank. His cross was head out and right to Hibs midfielder, Emerson Hyndman. He took two touch to get back an out rushing defender and slotted it into the bottom right corner. The Americans got their second right before the half through a beautiful free kick from Kellyn Acosta leaving the keeper no chance.
The second half was a different story. The away side came out on the front foot and pulled one back after the U.S. defense failed to close down Josef Martinez. The Atlanta United striker picked up the ball just into the the opponents half of the pitch. He used his pace to slip past Hyndman and after running past Carter-Vickers with ease, Martinez hit a bender from just inside 25 yards out around an onrushing Matt Miazga and into the net. We restored the two goal advantage less than a minute later. A long ball from Acosta found Darlington Nagbe down the right who took it in stride and put in a far post cross right to an unmarked Sebastian Lletget who blasted it home with his first touch. After that it was down hill for the home side. In less than 10 minutes Venezuela leveled the scoring and that was it. The first came from a cross to Yeferson Soteldo who headed it in as Reggie Cannon was caught ball watching. And, finally, the six goal of the match came from the Malaga midfield, Jaunip, who beat Horvath at his near post. This match was one to forget.
The U.S. U20 squad cruised past their opponents in the 2018 CONCACAF U20 Championship going seven games unbeaten scoring 37 goals in the process. 18-year old Scott Smith (Re-gen player) scored an incredible 17 goals in those seven matches. Eight of the top 10 rated players at the tournament were also American. That listed included 16-year old left back George Bello who made five appearances in the USL this season from Atlanta United II.
View attachment 25161 The month of November was a bit of a disappointment for the senior national team. The match against Uruguay was always going to be a tough one, but a 3-3 draw to Venezuela, after giving up a two goal lead, did sit well with many U.S. fans. On a positive note, the U20 team won the CONCACAF U20 Championship, which could be an encouraging sign for the future. Looking at the senior team, one standout player was Emerson Hyndman. The U.S. has a ton of depth in the central midfield position, but lack any talent in the attacking, number ten, role. With that, the U.S. have lined up with three center mids. The Texas native, Hyndman, is starting to separate himself from the pack of those more suited for the more advanced role of the three in the middle. Currently on loan to at Hibernian in Scotland, he has established himself in the first 11 making 11 starts in the process. His loan does end in January and it will be interesting to see if the American can play himself into the first team at Premier League side Bournemouth. Two players did make their senior team debut this month, both against Venezuela. Wigner Jonathan Amon was one of those players, but struggled in the process completing just six of his 11 passes and zero of his crosses. Tim Parker’s fortunes were different. The New York Red Bulls center back won all of his headers and made three key interceptions in his 62 minutes of action.
December 2018 Update The last month of the year doesn't offer us any friendlies or even domestic match in the U.S. With that said they were a handful of award given out which is always fun to look at. First off congratulations to Kylian Mbappe for winning the World Player of the Year. His 19 goals in 15 league match for PSG was good enough to edge out Ronaldo who's tallied 7 goals in 10 matchs for Juentus in Serie A. Now let's take a look at what's gone on the other side of the Atlantic...
View attachment 25149 Keegan Rosenberry was named the top defender in the MLS for the 2018 season. It was a big year for him to say the least as he also made his U.S. senior team debut and played extremely well in his one cap. If you're a fan of defense the Union were a team you would've loved to watch, as their back four are filled with exciting top U.S. prospects. Outside of Rosenberry, 20-year old Auston Trusty made 31 starts and played well enough to earn a pre-contract with German giants Borussia Dortmund. That transfer will go through once the January transfer window opens in Germany. Rookie center back Mark McKenzie was given his chance this season making 7 starts for Philadelphia and 3 for the U.S. U20 team. Another rookie who broke into the first team in Philly this year was left back Matthew Real. He's been a prospect for the U.S. for several years and, with the left back pool being a weakness, Real could get his chance soon.
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Who doesn't love hyping up youth talent? The MLS assist leader, Cristian Roldan was named this years top youngster in the U.S. ranks. This was his fourth season in the MLS and there's no doubt he was one of the best in the league this year. Hyndman, who finished second, established himself with the national team this year scoring two goals in five appearances. Gianluca Busio is a very interesting prospect. He's only 16 years old, but still managed 13 MLS appearances and has already signed a pre-contract with Liverpool. He will have to wait until he turns 18 before he can go abroad. What makes him so interesting is that, with an Italian father, he can play internationally for Italy if he so chooses. Since he has that option we could see the attacking playmarker get called into the U.S. senior team very soon with the Gold Cup starting in April.
Not a great year results wise. We started positive with a 2-0 win away in Romania, but we only managed one win in the next six. You could put an asterisks next to the Egypt result as we were the better team before Tyler Adams was sent off with a red card. Wembley offered up to most exciting match without a doubt. Raheem Sterling put the home side up early, but we answered with two goals of our own before Harry Kane leveled the scoring right before the half. Bobby Wood looked to have scored the winner in the 81st minute, but Kane's club teammate Dele Alli made it 3-3 in added time. We played our last four against South American opponents and beat Bolivia and should've done the same against Venezuela, but blew a two game lead in ten minutes.
There are some pretty exciting links between established U.S. players and major European clubs. This list also doesn't include Auston Trusty who has just signed on to become teammates with Cristian Pulisic at Dortmund. But, those two many not play together for long, with Bayern Munich looking to bring the winger to the Allianz Arena. Another American playing in Germany who could be on the move is Aron Johannsson. Serie A side Fiorentina have placed a $1.1M bid plus incentives for the striker. Injuries have always been a worry for the number nine, but if he can stay health, he has the talent to make a major impact on the pitch for both club and country. Seeing Tim Ream linked with a move away from Fulham is good news if you're a U.S. fan. He is top option at the back for the U.S., but has been stuck on the bench for the west London club so far this season. If he can find his way back onto the pitch, it should only be a matter of time before he'll be back in a U.S. shirt.
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There were some American's on the move abroad this January and that includes one of the top youth prospects, Auston Trusty leaving Philadelphia for the Bundesliga. He'll have to prove himself with the second team first. U.S. standout, Emerson Hyndman concluded his successful six month loan with Hibs in Scotland and heads back to the Premier League. DeAndre Yedlin who failed to break into the first team this season at Newcastle United is now in France joining former Newcastle striker Andy Carroll believe it or not. Let's hope he can break into the first team there as he's been out of form and that showed in his two U.S. starts in November.
View attachment 25092 tbuc has made it clear that his preferred formation is a 4-2-3-1, however, the U.S. just don't have the players utilize it. As most 'die-hard' USMNT fans may already know, it will only be a matter of time before tbuc can switch from the 4-3-3 he's currently using to the formation he enjoys using the most. For those who are a casual fan searching the internet for who the top U.S. youngsters are, chances are you'll come across a list filled with attacking midfielders, which is position that is very weak currently at the senior level. So, who are those teenagers looking to cracking into the senior team? There are probably five guys who have the potential to shine at that position. One name you'll recognize is Gianluca Busio. Last year, at just 15-years old, the Sporting KC man made his MLS debut and not only played enough to earn himself seven league starts and six substitute appearance, but signed a pre-contract with Liverpool two years before he is eligible to play for the club. Busio was not overmatch last season playing against guys ten plus years older than him. He became the second youngest goal scorer in MLS history, added four assists and was good enough for a 7.02 rating in those 15 league appearances. Busio started in four of Sporting KC's six preseason friendlies and started in the opening match of the CONCACAF Champions League so far in 2019. Next up on the list of prospects is a teen who is most likely the most ready to play international football, Juan Pablo Torres. He's another player who is eligible to play for another nation as Torres was born to Columbian parents. The Georgia native left the U.S. at 18 and signed a deal with Belgium First Division side, Lokeren. Last year, his first season at the club, he managed two appearance. This year he's turned things around in a major way. The 19-year old he's made 19 starts and scored six goals for his club and has a player rating of 7.06. There was even a brief time he was linked with a move to Benfica and Porto. The final player I'll mention is 16-year old Efrain Alverez. And of course like the other two he has the option of player for another nation, as Alverez's parents are from Mexico. Born in Los Angeles, Efrain has come up through the LA Galaxy ranks and managed 23 starts last year for LA Galaxy II in the USL. This should be the year the teen breaks into the first team and is given his chance. With the MLS preseason all rapped up, Alverez did appear in five of the six Galaxy matches.
View attachment 25090 The U.S. will only play one match this month, which is way to Australia. This calendar year does bring us the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup which will be the first real test for tbuc and his national team. The tournament details will be released in April and played in June. Also, the U.S. will begin their Nations League matches in September.
View attachment 25026 23 players have been called in for the friendly on the other side of the world against Australia. The U.S. had a pretty poor finish to 2018 if results are important to you in friendly matches. This is a prefect match to turn things around to start 2019. It is a pretty strong squad from top to bottom. With that said, we don't see Brad Guzan or Michael Bradley on the roster. Zack Steffen and Ethan Horvath have established themselves as the top two keepers in the pool. Steffen looked to be slowly being the number one right before tbuc took over, however, it's been Horvath playing the majority of the matches for the U.S. the latter part of 2018. He's having an excellent season with Club Brugge in Belgium and if he's in net again in this one that could be a sign with just three months until the Gold Cup. There is a bit of a gap between those two and the third option. Alex Bono has been the guy of late with Guzan being the only other keeper tbuc called up in 2018. At the back it's clear John Brooks is the top option in the middle and with another strong Bundesliga season it's hard to see that changing. Carter-Vickers has been the man playing along side Brooks, but he was left off the roster completely this time. We do see Matt Miazga and Tim Parker return and Auston Trusty gets his first call. Keegan Rosenberry returns at the right back spot. He's had a strong start to the MLS season and Reggie Cannon has been relegated to the bench for Dallas. Tyler Adams is also on the roster, but listed as a midfielder. In the middle we see some familiar faces. This time around Cristian Roldan return in Michael Bradley's place. Christian Pulisic is back after a long term injury in 2018.
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