Last 2 windows of ‘25, and we seeing the majority of the A team called in. Tyler Adams didn’t make the trip, but let’s be honest it’s 50/50 at best to think he’ll be healthy next summer, and I think Poch will call him in for Nov. Pulisic picked up a small knock in training and only played 20 min, and Jedi isnt 100% (not sure if he travels back to London early) and didn’t play. Only read reports and watched the extended highlights in the 1-1 draw vs Ecuador (missing their best player from the Undead), but most of the guys that have 13 clean sheets in S.America WCQ played. We looked pretty darn good. Tessmann and Tillman looked sharp, and Balogun is staking his claim. McKennie looked very fit and admitted he was challenged by the Juve manager and realizes he has to step if he wants to start in June. Hopefully we build from the momentum and beat Australia mañana.
4 words I thought I’d never utter; Thank You Frank Lampard … Haji Wright credits his manager at Coventry for his recent form (leading the Championship in goals). Lampard has to be given credit since Coventry fans wanted to put Haji on the train to nowhere after a huge miss in the playoff w/Sunderland., and his coach stuck w/him. Both goals last night were of high caliber, and there is competition heating up for the #9. other takeaways from the 2-1 win: -The Aussies are a hard tackling bunch, so it was good to play them and not lose our composure. - Chris Roldan w/2 assists keeps him in the running for a roster spot. - James Sands did himself no favors, his awkward semi-clearance and then slow reaction led to the scrappy goal for the Socceroos.
I love this from Chris Richards. He’s becoming one of my favorite USMNT players. https://www.si.com/soccer/why-furious-usmnt-star-wanted-to-fight-australia-friendly/app/? Tanner Tessmann is clearly above Sands on the depth charts. Sands is solid but I highly doubt he’s going to bypass Adams, Cardoso or Tessmann for a roster spot. I’m really impressed how much improved the team is playing with the three man backline. I’m trying not to get too excited for next summer yet though.
November Call-Ups: https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/20...t-roster-november-matches-vs-paraguay-uruguay Updated w/Tyler Adams withdrawing. Just another window missing 5/6 starters (Pulisic, Richards, Adams, Weston, Jedi, & the good Tillman ). We can only hope for good health next June. Takeaways: Freese & Schulte seem to be the 1 & 2 guys in between the sticks. Last chance saloon for the Gladbach duo. Tell me if this sounds familiar, Gio gets hurt in training and is finally seeing limited minutes. He needs to prove in training and in whatever playing time he gets, that he can fit in w/the group and the staff. He’s here, but tbh he’s on the outside looking in for the WC roster, so he has to make an impact. Joe Scalley is another one that must show Poch he needs to be in the running for a RB spot. It’s not all bad news, Balogun, Pepi, & Haji are all in camp. Playing Paraguay & Uruguay have both qualified for next summer, and would expect both to send strong squads to get the lay of the land. Playing Para on 15th and then Uru 3 days later.
