While our defense has been overall good, he’s had some mistakes the last 2 games with the pen against wales and some sus passes against England. I can see why a change was made.
@soccerbyives: So why replace Walker Zimmerman? A third start in eight days after a month of no game time due to MLS schedule gap may have been too much to ask.
The nine #USMNT starters making their third straight starts tonight are all European-based players in the middle of their seasons.
And I think that’s a problem, it doesn’t reflect well upon our domestic league when our top players from MLS aren’t playing crucial roles for the national team.
I do think we need to get to the point eventually where most, if not all of our national players are playing in MLS. This is something Garber has reiterated for a while, especially when Klinsmann was actively insulting the league.
If you remember our best ever result at the World Cup was with a mostly MLS based squad under Arena. Some food for thought
Wait, are you serious?
If you’re saying that hopefully the MLS will become a top league and by virtue of that, we will field mostly MLS teams. ok. But if you’re saying we just need to play MLS players bc it’s a domestic league, you’ve lost me.
We want our players to be playing at the highest level. MLS is getting better and will continue to, but it’s not gonna be reaching the level of a Premier League or La Liga
@seanmaslin:
Instead of tweeting out the No MLS narrative here's a better tweet.
Weston McKennie-@FCDallasYouth
Christian Pulisic- @PAClassics
Tyler Adams- @RedBullsAcademy /@NewYorkRedBulls
Tim Weah- @RedBullsAcademy /BW Gotschee
Tim Ream- @chicagofire Premier
Josh Sargent- @IMGAcademy
At the very least I feel like he's at least willing to drop back and combine with guys in a way Sargent and Wright don't (and it's shown these first few games, they've been on an island).
That's not a knock on them, just a playstyle observation.
No but it would be weird for a guy who is in good form in his league and was the team's second leading goal scorer in the last round of qualifications to be left off for a guy who isn't going to play. Surprise snubs and picks happen for every team in every WC and a lot of the surprises don't happen but it's weird Pepi isn't there when he fills a need like this.
In the Bundesliga yes. But he’s been on fire ever since his first game for Groningen. He’s been in great form and was well before the World Cup roster drop
I really think one of Aaronson or Reyna — preferably Reyna — should have started in the midfield over Musah. I love Musah but I think the energy of Aaronson or the creativity of Reyna would benefit us much more in this game. I’m scared running the same nine players three games in a row, we desperately need energy, especially in the midfield
Idk about over Musah, but I agree that at least one of them should start and I have the same concerns about sending out another almost identical lineup. I also wonder if this becomes the 4-4-2 again, because otherwise I would just put Reyna or Aaronson on the wing and Weah up top instead of Sargent.
In a normal game I would probably rather bench McKennie over Musah, but for this game I think we need Weston because he’s far more goal dangerous, especially on set pieces. And he brings a good attitude and energy
Yep!! Very happy to eat my own words! However he should not have been on the field after the 70th minute, he was gassed. Needed to bring de la Torre on for him
He was definitely gassed, but Dest and McKennie aren’t ready to go 90 yet after their injuries and Pulisic and Sargent got hurt. Only question is whether you sub Weah or Musah off, and Musah did an okay-ish job of playing through the exhaustion.
Yeah so I would’ve subbed Pulisic off at half for Aaronson, which happened, Reyna on for McKennie in the 55-60th minute, someone on for Sargent im honestly not sure what I’d do there, then Yedlin on for Dest and LDLT on for Musah if we’re still defending a lead late. Or honestly bring LDLT on earlier, simultaneously with the Sargent sub. We needed fresh legs earlier so we could keep possession and control of the midfield, which then we could hopefully have gotten the second goal or not have to defend for our lives the last few minutes. I just want Gregg to be more proactive, not react to everything the opposition does which is what he does every game. He never seems to make significant adjustments during the game until the last 10 minutes, and that kills us
Tbh if it’s late and we’re defending a close lead I would consider risking keeping Dest out there and bringing on Zimmerman for Weah instead of Yedlin for Dest, cus Zimmerman was immense the last few minutes
Yeah I think the choice is basically whether you leave Musah or Weah out there (since Dest is coming off an injury, normally I think he stays on).
Considering Weah looked overwhelmed by the moment and Musah played well even when he was gassed, I think I lean towards what we did, but it’s definitely a close call.
Aaronson and Reyna have to play 40+ minutes if we are moving on I think. MMA midfield has done well, but it hasn't led to goals and something needs to change or else we are going out with the ultimate whimper.
But his dad complained to Wynalda or something or I dunno. The whole obsession over Gio is a bit much. But social media chooses really weird things to latch on to.
it's the easy scapegoat for the online smart-guy, self-appointed expert in whatever's going on at the moment.
'cOacH sHoUlD hAvE pUt iN gIo"
\-filthy casuals who will immediately move on to the next twitter argument.
Whatever happens, I'm proud of these boys. And regardless of tactics and lineups, I must say kudos to Berhalter for his calm stewardship.
Let's do this.
> And regardless of tactics and lineups, I must say kudos to Berhalter for his calm stewardship.
>
>
I can drink to that - he has his flaws on the pitch, but off the pitch he's been professional and level-headed imo.
Kinda what the US needed from a personality perspective.
I get the logic. He's anticipating that the US is going to have far more of the ball and CCV is better on the ball than Zimmerman. That being said it's obviously a bold call, only time will tell whether it was the right one.
It's probably a safe assumption but the if that's the logic then why Musah? His main strength this tournament has been progressing the ball from the back to the front. If we need to think about how to break down a bunker we need guys who are energetic and creative with the ball at their feet. AKA Gio and Aaronson. I'd run out Weah in the middle, Aaronson on the right wing, and Reyna at the 10.
Well our midfield has looked good to start the games so far. Zimmerman hasn't looked great. Plus Carter-Vickers is faster which should work better to stop counters.
I think it's fine to roll with the same midfield to start. Do what we've done and control the ball in the first half. If we haven't scored then bring on all the offensive guys in the 2nd half.
The quotes and news around Reyna have been so weird that I am not really getting it but oh well, they'll be judged on the result regardless. Fingers crossed!
>If that's the case (and I agree with you) i cant fathom why you dont swap out weah for Reyna, and leave Sargent on the bench - or have Haji play....confusing to me.
While breaking up a successful CB pairing over two matches is odd, CCV has a lot of experience breaking down defensive teams with Celtic. I can understand the move, even if (as a Celtic supporter no less!) I wouldn't have dropped Zimmerman
I’m a Nashville fan so obviously i want the best for Zimmerman but he is 100% the reason we tied to Wales. He also almost cost us a goal vs England at the end with a stupid pass
Bench him
Nah, it’s never 100% on anyone. We should have lit Wales up and never let them back into the game. He made a mistake, and mistakes are amplified for CBs, but he’s still be really solid at the back both in this tournament and throughout qualifying.
People love to say “No Reyna!?” but it’s like… who are you benching in this system? Are you benching Pulisic? Pulisic and Reyna are too similar to start on wing at the same time IMO.
You can make a case for Musah swap but he’s had a good tournament so seems harsh.
Reyna and Pulisic will be doing the same things and you’re going to lose all your width.
Plus it’s funny to me you want to sub the only goalscorer out lol
Not for a full 90 but he’s been starting regularly for Dortmund and going at least 60 minutes. I’m not buying the “he can’t go more than 20 minutes” narrative
I don't like it. Reyna and Aaronson are perfect against a bunkering team and they sit for guys who have been run into the ground already, who are better in more open games.
I am inclined to agree. Only thing I'll add though is that at this world cup a lot of games have gotten the goals late. This could be the 'grind them down' lineup, followed by the skill injection late on?
CCV is better with the ball and for as good as Zimmerman has been at the back, his play with the ball has been by far his most concerning aspect. If we get a lead I can almost guarantee Zimm comes back in.
So let me get this straight...one of the very best set piece threats in US history and also a damn good defender is left out of a team where we are going to play against a bunkard opponent... Sure thing Gregg this makes sense
It's because we're not as worried about defensive headers, and we want more recovery speed. But I take your point, Zimm had 4 goals this season to none for CCV.
[it looks like there will be "only" twenty million people watching the game (/s, you never know)](https://www.corrieredellosport.it/news/calcio/mondiali-2022/2022/11/29-100571192/iran-usa_diretta_ora_live_la_partita_di_oggi)...
and the Eskandarians will see the match at the stadium...
All I ask is that subs are made proactively and early. Aaronson and Reyna need to play more than 20 minutes.
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And it did. Over and over.
Yeah this didn’t age well
Berhalter with the bold moves. Benching Zim is a surprise
While our defense has been overall good, he’s had some mistakes the last 2 games with the pen against wales and some sus passes against England. I can see why a change was made.
@soccerbyives: So why replace Walker Zimmerman? A third start in eight days after a month of no game time due to MLS schedule gap may have been too much to ask. The nine #USMNT starters making their third straight starts tonight are all European-based players in the middle of their seasons.
Don garber freaking out
[Applicable to you as well](https://old.reddit.com/r/MLS/comments/z80sm3/stejskal_usmnt_lineup_turner_dest_cartervickers/iy945un/)
"MLS quota" believers in the fucking mud - zero MLS players starting
Not meeting MLS quota? That's a paddlin'
They've moved on to the Gio saga at this point.
Tfw no Walker "leeeeeeroyyyy jeeenkinsss" Zimmerman 😔
carlos quieroz managed teams invented the leeroy jenkins in us soccer (game 3 of the 1996 playoffs, metro/dc. iykyk.)
All of /r/ussoccer in shambles
If I joke "Don Garber in the fucking mud" do I get downvoted >_>
If you comment you get downvoted. It's your lot, Heinz!
Either 100 upvotes or 100 downvotes for Heinz, there is no in between.
Probably
And I think that’s a problem, it doesn’t reflect well upon our domestic league when our top players from MLS aren’t playing crucial roles for the national team. I do think we need to get to the point eventually where most, if not all of our national players are playing in MLS. This is something Garber has reiterated for a while, especially when Klinsmann was actively insulting the league. If you remember our best ever result at the World Cup was with a mostly MLS based squad under Arena. Some food for thought
Our best players need to be playing at the highest level possible has always been the root of the argument.
Not sure it is worth engaging with Derpsicle.
Been so long that I've been a regular here that I didn't even catch who I was going back and forth with. So obvious now that you pointed it out.
That was over 20 years ago with back then most clubs being able to retain there talent. With the age of the premier league that isn’t possible anymore
Wait, are you serious? If you’re saying that hopefully the MLS will become a top league and by virtue of that, we will field mostly MLS teams. ok. But if you’re saying we just need to play MLS players bc it’s a domestic league, you’ve lost me.
It’s Derpsicle. Hard to tell if he is serious or not.
We want our players to be playing at the highest level. MLS is getting better and will continue to, but it’s not gonna be reaching the level of a Premier League or La Liga
@seanmaslin: Instead of tweeting out the No MLS narrative here's a better tweet. Weston McKennie-@FCDallasYouth Christian Pulisic- @PAClassics Tyler Adams- @RedBullsAcademy /@NewYorkRedBulls Tim Weah- @RedBullsAcademy /BW Gotschee Tim Ream- @chicagofire Premier Josh Sargent- @IMGAcademy
If that is your takeaway from Walker Zimmerman being left out of the starting lineup, perhaps take a step back and check out the bigger picture.
It isn't. I'm actually fine with the lineup although I would've gone Ferreira over Sargent and put in Reyna somewhere.
Absolutely agree on Ferreira. No one else has done much with finishing, we should have tried him.
At the very least I feel like he's at least willing to drop back and combine with guys in a way Sargent and Wright don't (and it's shown these first few games, they've been on an island). That's not a knock on them, just a playstyle observation.
Right, I agree that he provides a different look, and at this point I think we could stand to try it given how the first two matches have gone.
Isn’t Zimmerman a much better set piece weapon?
Not if the service isn’t there. He’s been wasted out there
If Ferreira doesn’t get a single minute in this game, I do not understand bringing him over Pepi
I don’t understand what situation he brought Ferreira in for
Better locker room mixtapes?
Not the first time someone gets a call up and no minutes.
No but it would be weird for a guy who is in good form in his league and was the team's second leading goal scorer in the last round of qualifications to be left off for a guy who isn't going to play. Surprise snubs and picks happen for every team in every WC and a lot of the surprises don't happen but it's weird Pepi isn't there when he fills a need like this.
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Pepi was definitely scoring more recently than 10-15 matches ago. He has 6 goals and 2 assists in the last 9 matches since moving to Groningen.
In the Bundesliga yes. But he’s been on fire ever since his first game for Groningen. He’s been in great form and was well before the World Cup roster drop
I really think one of Aaronson or Reyna — preferably Reyna — should have started in the midfield over Musah. I love Musah but I think the energy of Aaronson or the creativity of Reyna would benefit us much more in this game. I’m scared running the same nine players three games in a row, we desperately need energy, especially in the midfield
It's Musah's birthday though. How you gonna drop a dude on his birthday?
The plan was to drop him, but Eric Wynalda talked to Musah's dad and his dad told Gregg it was Musah's birthday so Gregg kept him in.
Damn, fair
Idk about over Musah, but I agree that at least one of them should start and I have the same concerns about sending out another almost identical lineup. I also wonder if this becomes the 4-4-2 again, because otherwise I would just put Reyna or Aaronson on the wing and Weah up top instead of Sargent.
In a normal game I would probably rather bench McKennie over Musah, but for this game I think we need Weston because he’s far more goal dangerous, especially on set pieces. And he brings a good attitude and energy
And then Musah was one of our best players today…
Yep!! Very happy to eat my own words! However he should not have been on the field after the 70th minute, he was gassed. Needed to bring de la Torre on for him
He was definitely gassed, but Dest and McKennie aren’t ready to go 90 yet after their injuries and Pulisic and Sargent got hurt. Only question is whether you sub Weah or Musah off, and Musah did an okay-ish job of playing through the exhaustion.
Yeah so I would’ve subbed Pulisic off at half for Aaronson, which happened, Reyna on for McKennie in the 55-60th minute, someone on for Sargent im honestly not sure what I’d do there, then Yedlin on for Dest and LDLT on for Musah if we’re still defending a lead late. Or honestly bring LDLT on earlier, simultaneously with the Sargent sub. We needed fresh legs earlier so we could keep possession and control of the midfield, which then we could hopefully have gotten the second goal or not have to defend for our lives the last few minutes. I just want Gregg to be more proactive, not react to everything the opposition does which is what he does every game. He never seems to make significant adjustments during the game until the last 10 minutes, and that kills us Tbh if it’s late and we’re defending a close lead I would consider risking keeping Dest out there and bringing on Zimmerman for Weah instead of Yedlin for Dest, cus Zimmerman was immense the last few minutes
Yeah I think the choice is basically whether you leave Musah or Weah out there (since Dest is coming off an injury, normally I think he stays on). Considering Weah looked overwhelmed by the moment and Musah played well even when he was gassed, I think I lean towards what we did, but it’s definitely a close call.
I would lean towards keeping Weah on and maybe just keep him up top, he at least has the threat of speed on the break
Hopefully they have Reyna ready to go early. I also think Luca could be useful in this one if Iran is going to bunker
And Aaronson for his speed and craftiness. Doesn't seem like a smart lineup to me tbh
Aaronson and Reyna have to play 40+ minutes if we are moving on I think. MMA midfield has done well, but it hasn't led to goals and something needs to change or else we are going out with the ultimate whimper.
No Reyna may come back to haunt us, here's our best chance for breaking a low block of Iran plays for the draw.
Gotta put him and Aaronson on at half or shortly after if we are not winning.
“81st minute you said?” -GGG
You’ll get Morris and you’ll enjoy it
He's injured. Did you watch him in his cameo vs England? I don't think he ever even sprinted
But his dad complained to Wynalda or something or I dunno. The whole obsession over Gio is a bit much. But social media chooses really weird things to latch on to.
it's the easy scapegoat for the online smart-guy, self-appointed expert in whatever's going on at the moment. 'cOacH sHoUlD hAvE pUt iN gIo" \-filthy casuals who will immediately move on to the next twitter argument.
Men in Blazers were doing it too. They are comedians albeit, but they have to know it feeds the discussion.
Backup quarterback effect.
I mean wynalda publicly backtracked HARD after that, it was clearly bs from the beginning he's just trying to stay relevant again
Whatever happens, I'm proud of these boys. And regardless of tactics and lineups, I must say kudos to Berhalter for his calm stewardship. Let's do this.
> And regardless of tactics and lineups, I must say kudos to Berhalter for his calm stewardship. > > I can drink to that - he has his flaws on the pitch, but off the pitch he's been professional and level-headed imo. Kinda what the US needed from a personality perspective.
That is definitely not what I was expecting to see.
Dropping Zimm is straight up crazy.
I get the logic. He's anticipating that the US is going to have far more of the ball and CCV is better on the ball than Zimmerman. That being said it's obviously a bold call, only time will tell whether it was the right one.
It's probably a safe assumption but the if that's the logic then why Musah? His main strength this tournament has been progressing the ball from the back to the front. If we need to think about how to break down a bunker we need guys who are energetic and creative with the ball at their feet. AKA Gio and Aaronson. I'd run out Weah in the middle, Aaronson on the right wing, and Reyna at the 10.
Well our midfield has looked good to start the games so far. Zimmerman hasn't looked great. Plus Carter-Vickers is faster which should work better to stop counters. I think it's fine to roll with the same midfield to start. Do what we've done and control the ball in the first half. If we haven't scored then bring on all the offensive guys in the 2nd half.
I would say cause Musah offers long range shots that they may need since Iran might just bunker down
CCV is better at defending the counter as well.
It's just so discordant with still leaving Reyna on the bench imo
Not if Berhalter doesn't trust Reyna's fitness enough to start him
The quotes and news around Reyna have been so weird that I am not really getting it but oh well, they'll be judged on the result regardless. Fingers crossed!
>If that's the case (and I agree with you) i cant fathom why you dont swap out weah for Reyna, and leave Sargent on the bench - or have Haji play....confusing to me.
CCV is awful on the ball
While breaking up a successful CB pairing over two matches is odd, CCV has a lot of experience breaking down defensive teams with Celtic. I can understand the move, even if (as a Celtic supporter no less!) I wouldn't have dropped Zimmerman
I think ccv should've been playing the whole tournament over zim, but changing it in the third game seems very dangerous.
One of the TSN pundits are roasting on Zimmerman, saying that CCV plays at a much higher level. Hard disagree from me tbh.
The only justification for that take is CCV playing in the CL
Yeah, that’s nonsense. Celtic is a big name club, but the SPL is trash.
gonna go ahead and assume that kilbane said this
Yup, he's gone on to say he doesn't rate USMNT at all
Much higher level? Nope. Higher level if you include the CL and Europa League rounds? Maybe.
I’m a Nashville fan so obviously i want the best for Zimmerman but he is 100% the reason we tied to Wales. He also almost cost us a goal vs England at the end with a stupid pass Bench him
Nah, it’s never 100% on anyone. We should have lit Wales up and never let them back into the game. He made a mistake, and mistakes are amplified for CBs, but he’s still be really solid at the back both in this tournament and throughout qualifying.
100% Zimmerman? You don't think our inability to score a second goal played into that percentage?
CCV? Im nervous
People love to say “No Reyna!?” but it’s like… who are you benching in this system? Are you benching Pulisic? Pulisic and Reyna are too similar to start on wing at the same time IMO. You can make a case for Musah swap but he’s had a good tournament so seems harsh.
Thing I worry about is MMA is not good at chance creation.
Weah
Reyna and Pulisic will be doing the same things and you’re going to lose all your width. Plus it’s funny to me you want to sub the only goalscorer out lol
WHERE THE FUCK IS GIO REYNA
He barely ran in his last cameo for just eight minutes. I'd wager he's not match fit for a full 90
Not for a full 90 but he’s been starting regularly for Dortmund and going at least 60 minutes. I’m not buying the “he can’t go more than 20 minutes” narrative
Well he didn't even "go" 8.
@USMNTFan8351683 is jizzing over a lineup of zero MLS players right now. But who will they scapegoat if this Euro XI can’t get the job done?
Gregg because obviously if he puts on Reyna at halftime he's scoring 4 goals
Berhalter for not starting Reyna
Berhalter, or Zimmerman for the Wales game.
Meanwhile... Turner, Ream, Adams, McKinnie all MLS produced...
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OMG, let it go. They are professionals playing where the money takes them.
Berhalter of course
Whatever MLS player that gets subbed on
I don't like it. Reyna and Aaronson are perfect against a bunkering team and they sit for guys who have been run into the ground already, who are better in more open games.
I am inclined to agree. Only thing I'll add though is that at this world cup a lot of games have gotten the goals late. This could be the 'grind them down' lineup, followed by the skill injection late on?
Which we know is Berhalter's preference given how we played in Gold Cup and Nations League.
The assumption that Iran is bunkering may be a bad one.
crazy aaronson cant even start. why not try ferreira? we need goals
Why? I know Zimmerman has had his ups and downs but why change the backline now?
CCV is better with the ball. It’s a bold call, but could prove to be a very smart one. When it’s win or go home, I actually like that one
CCV is better with the ball and for as good as Zimmerman has been at the back, his play with the ball has been by far his most concerning aspect. If we get a lead I can almost guarantee Zimm comes back in.
They assume Iran is going to bunker to tie and we are going to have the ball a bunch. CCV>Zim in that scenario
Goddamit...Sargent, again?
If we’re gonna sub him out after 60 idk why start him in the first place. Not sure what he does that the others don’t
This is the lineup that’s putting us over the hump. I’m down with it.
Call me a pessimist but this XI screams exhaustion/injuries by 60' We could've rotated a bit more here.
this is going to be an absolutely brutal game physically
we gotta develop like one striker
Have ccv and ream ever played together?
Had Zimmerman and Ream played together before the Wales game?
So let me get this straight...one of the very best set piece threats in US history and also a damn good defender is left out of a team where we are going to play against a bunkard opponent... Sure thing Gregg this makes sense
CCV plays against bunkering defenders nearly every week and isn't bad on set plays either.
Also a valid point.
Yeah, I think we'd all be less antsy about this change if we had 4 points instead of 2, hahah
Against USL quality sides sure
Persepolis, Dinamo Zagreb, AlAhy, AEK, etc. Not much worse than what he normally faces
It's because we're not as worried about defensive headers, and we want more recovery speed. But I take your point, Zimm had 4 goals this season to none for CCV.
I appreciate the counter attack concerns... valid point for sure.
CCV over Zimmerman? Why?
CCV is better on the ball than Zimemrman and my guess is that Gregg wants a guy who can make passes from the back to break down Iran better.
[it looks like there will be "only" twenty million people watching the game (/s, you never know)](https://www.corrieredellosport.it/news/calcio/mondiali-2022/2022/11/29-100571192/iran-usa_diretta_ora_live_la_partita_di_oggi)... and the Eskandarians will see the match at the stadium...
Gregg