Good game by the USMNT.
Too bad they couldn’t get a result.
What a goal by Antoinee Robinson.
Germany 2 USMNT 1.
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WildBill
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Re: Germany 2 USMNT 1.
After watching the USMNT-Germany match a second time, and looking at it through the lens of a high school soccer coach, here are a few of my thoughts.
First, Christian Pulisic and Antonee "Jedi" Robinson were the stars of the match. Pulisic was dangerous every time he got on the ball and continues to be the emotional and creative leader of this team. Robinson was outstanding on both ends of the field and showed why he is one of the best left backs in the world.
The biggest concern remains the back line and overall defensive organization. Germany is a world-class side and will punish mistakes. On the second goal, Tyler Adams lost track of his man, and Germany made the U.S. pay for it. While Adams brings tremendous leadership, ball-winning ability, and composure to the midfield, even veteran players have moments they would like back. Defensively, the entire group still needs to become more connected and disciplined.
I would also like to see more involvement from Weston McKennie. He wasn't poor by any means, but when Weston is at his best, he imposes himself on matches. The U.S. needs him to win second balls, make late runs into the box, and influence the game for longer stretches.
What encouraged me most was the team's mentality. The U.S. competed, fought, and never looked intimidated. Compared to some recent performances, there was much more belief, energy, and purpose. The result wasn't what we wanted, but there were plenty of positives to take away.
I also thought Ricardo Pepi played very well. His movement, hold-up play, and link-up work helped the attack flow, and he continues to make a strong case for significant minutes. While I still believe Folarin Balogun is the No. 1 striker when healthy and in form, Pepi showed once again that the U.S. has quality options up front.
If this group can tighten up defensively and continue to build chemistry, I still believe they are capable of making a memorable run.
What were your thoughts?
First, Christian Pulisic and Antonee "Jedi" Robinson were the stars of the match. Pulisic was dangerous every time he got on the ball and continues to be the emotional and creative leader of this team. Robinson was outstanding on both ends of the field and showed why he is one of the best left backs in the world.
The biggest concern remains the back line and overall defensive organization. Germany is a world-class side and will punish mistakes. On the second goal, Tyler Adams lost track of his man, and Germany made the U.S. pay for it. While Adams brings tremendous leadership, ball-winning ability, and composure to the midfield, even veteran players have moments they would like back. Defensively, the entire group still needs to become more connected and disciplined.
I would also like to see more involvement from Weston McKennie. He wasn't poor by any means, but when Weston is at his best, he imposes himself on matches. The U.S. needs him to win second balls, make late runs into the box, and influence the game for longer stretches.
What encouraged me most was the team's mentality. The U.S. competed, fought, and never looked intimidated. Compared to some recent performances, there was much more belief, energy, and purpose. The result wasn't what we wanted, but there were plenty of positives to take away.
I also thought Ricardo Pepi played very well. His movement, hold-up play, and link-up work helped the attack flow, and he continues to make a strong case for significant minutes. While I still believe Folarin Balogun is the No. 1 striker when healthy and in form, Pepi showed once again that the U.S. has quality options up front.
If this group can tighten up defensively and continue to build chemistry, I still believe they are capable of making a memorable run.
What were your thoughts?
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Rosthol
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Re: Germany 2 USMNT 1.
There isn't a team of Germany’s caliber in our group.
Once we get out of the group that will be a different story.
Once we get out of the group that will be a different story.
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winonsports
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Re: Germany 2 USMNT 1.
Goalie needs to be finalized. Turner has had a better season, but Pochettino likes Freese.WildBill wrote: ↑09 Jun 2026 15:32 pm After watching the USMNT-Germany match a second time, and looking at it through the lens of a high school soccer coach, here are a few of my thoughts.
First, Christian Pulisic and Antonee "Jedi" Robinson were the stars of the match. Pulisic was dangerous every time he got on the ball and continues to be the emotional and creative leader of this team. Robinson was outstanding on both ends of the field and showed why he is one of the best left backs in the world.
The biggest concern remains the back line and overall defensive organization. Germany is a world-class side and will punish mistakes. On the second goal, Tyler Adams lost track of his man, and Germany made the U.S. pay for it. While Adams brings tremendous leadership, ball-winning ability, and composure to the midfield, even veteran players have moments they would like back. Defensively, the entire group still needs to become more connected and disciplined.
I would also like to see more involvement from Weston McKennie. He wasn't poor by any means, but when Weston is at his best, he imposes himself on matches. The U.S. needs him to win second balls, make late runs into the box, and influence the game for longer stretches.
What encouraged me most was the team's mentality. The U.S. competed, fought, and never looked intimidated. Compared to some recent performances, there was much more belief, energy, and purpose. The result wasn't what we wanted, but there were plenty of positives to take away.
I also thought Ricardo Pepi played very well. His movement, hold-up play, and link-up work helped the attack flow, and he continues to make a strong case for significant minutes. While I still believe Folarin Balogun is the No. 1 striker when healthy and in form, Pepi showed once again that the U.S. has quality options up front.
If this group can tighten up defensively and continue to build chemistry, I still believe they are capable of making a memorable run.
What were your thoughts?
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IsDurbanodoingtime
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Re: Germany 2 USMNT 1.
Let's see if the get out of the group first. Hubris shows up big in these tourneys especially when blowhards like donovan and lalas [shirt] talk the opposition.
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Rosthol
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Re: Germany 2 USMNT 1.
Not getting out of the group is not an option.IsDurbanodoingtime wrote: ↑09 Jun 2026 20:23 pmLet's see if the get out of the group first. Hubris shows up big in these tourneys especially when blowhards like donovan and lalas [shirt] talk the opposition.
This generation of players has been given every opportunity and every advantage.
To this point they haven’t lived up to their part of the bargain.
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winonsports
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Re: Germany 2 USMNT 1.
First you quoted Sephaxs, and then you doubled down on stupid with this comment.IsDurbanodoingtime wrote: ↑09 Jun 2026 20:23 pm Let's see if the get out of the group first. Hubris shows up big in these tourneys especially when blowhards like donovan and lalas [shirt] talk the opposition.
Along with that l, you also tried to shirt talk the USA by bringing up Turkish players who don't play above the Americans in Europe.
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Rosthol
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Re: Germany 2 USMNT 1.
Getting out of the group is a must.
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winonsports
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Re: Germany 2 USMNT 1.
The odds USA gets eliminated in the group stage are exactly the same as getting eliminated in the quartfinals.WildBill wrote: ↑09 Jun 2026 15:32 pm After watching the USMNT-Germany match a second time, and looking at it through the lens of a high school soccer coach, here are a few of my thoughts.
First, Christian Pulisic and Antonee "Jedi" Robinson were the stars of the match. Pulisic was dangerous every time he got on the ball and continues to be the emotional and creative leader of this team. Robinson was outstanding on both ends of the field and showed why he is one of the best left backs in the world.
The biggest concern remains the back line and overall defensive organization. Germany is a world-class side and will punish mistakes. On the second goal, Tyler Adams lost track of his man, and Germany made the U.S. pay for it. While Adams brings tremendous leadership, ball-winning ability, and composure to the midfield, even veteran players have moments they would like back. Defensively, the entire group still needs to become more connected and disciplined.
I would also like to see more involvement from Weston McKennie. He wasn't poor by any means, but when Weston is at his best, he imposes himself on matches. The U.S. needs him to win second balls, make late runs into the box, and influence the game for longer stretches.
What encouraged me most was the team's mentality. The U.S. competed, fought, and never looked intimidated. Compared to some recent performances, there was much more belief, energy, and purpose. The result wasn't what we wanted, but there were plenty of positives to take away.
I also thought Ricardo Pepi played very well. His movement, hold-up play, and link-up work helped the attack flow, and he continues to make a strong case for significant minutes. While I still believe Folarin Balogun is the No. 1 striker when healthy and in form, Pepi showed once again that the U.S. has quality options up front.
If this group can tighten up defensively and continue to build chemistry, I still believe they are capable of making a memorable run.
What were your thoughts?
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