US Men's National Team Play Gareth Bale-Less Wales to Scoreless Draw in Friendly
Nov 12, 2020
United States' Tyler Adams, right, controls the ball as Wales' Tom Lawrence holds him during the international friendly soccer match between Wales and USA at Liberty stadium in Swansea, Wales, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
The United States men's national soccer team returned to action Thursday, and the young squad did enough to earn a 0-0 away draw against Wales in Swansea.
Even in a quiet offensive match, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Sergino Dest stood out for the Americans in the international friendly at Liberty Stadium.
The match was the team's first since February because of postponements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Head coach Gregg Berhalter went with a relatively inexperienced lineup with players based mostly out of Europe, likely in an effort to get a sense of the future of the program.
The team passed its first test against a tough opponent in Wales, which also used a younger lineup without superstar Gareth Bale.
The match began slowly and remained scoreless throughout the 90 minutes as neither team was able to register many good chances.
United States controlled the action, holding61 percentof possession, and showed impressive flashes from around the field in the first half:
Man, this #USMNT is fun to watch. These young ones are growing confidence by the minute. And Dest is the real deal. #USMNTisBack
HALFTIME- Wales 0, #USMNT 0 . Some promising stuff from the USA, which were the better team. The expected choppiness of a squad that has never played together, but some good glimpses.
Brooks and Adams = Outstanding. Musah = Confident Reyna = Smooth Robinson = struggled
The United States had positive moments from Yunus Musah in the second half during his debut:
Yunus Musah has given me more pleasure inside 65 minutes than I have had watching this team for last 3 years since World Cup elimination. Technically and tactically so exciting to watch. What do we have to do to win him over?
Sergino Dest was also active in the attack, although he couldn't help get the team onto the scoresheet.
Even with the limited action, there was a lot to like for Team USA, especially considering their youth. Gio Reyna and Musah each earned their first cap despite being just 17 years old.
Two 17-year-olds are starting for the #USMNT today (Gio Reyna and Yunus Musah).
🇺🇸 Per @ussoccer, this is the second time two players under 18 have earned USMNT caps in the same game.
🇺🇸 The other was of course in 1991 vs Jamaica: Mike Slivinski, Mark Jonas, Nelson Vargas.
Prior to Thursday, Only 11 players have made their USMNT debut before turning 18.
It was an incredibly young roster overall, with 10 players entering the day without an appearance for the senior national team and an average overall age of 22 years and 52 days. Prospects Johnny Cardoso, Nicholas Gioacchini and Owen Otasowie all came on late as subs.
Regardless of the outcome, there is a lot to look forward to with this team.
The United States will be back in action Monday against Panama in a neutral-site friendly held in Austria. Wales will face Ireland on Sunday in a UEFA Nations League match.
USMNT vs. Wales: 2020 Friendly Odds, Time, Live Stream and TV Schedule
Nov 12, 2020
FILE - In this Sept. 14, 2020, file photo, Dortmund's Giovanni Reyna plays during a first round German Soccer Cup match against MSV Duisburg in Duisburg, Germany. Gio Reyna, a son of former U.S. captain Claudio Reyna, got his first call-up to the U.S. national soccer team. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder is part of a 24-man roster for exhibitions at Wales on Nov. 12 and against Panama four days later in Austria. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File)
For the first time since February, the United States men's national team will be in action Thursday.
The U.S. will face off against Wales at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea, Wales, in the first of two friendlies during this international break.
Odds (via DraftKings): Wales +135; United States +225; Draw +210
The U.S. will be without its best player after Christian Pulisic withdrew from the team because of a hamstring injury. However, Giovanni Reyna could make his senior-level debut with the USMNT, thus providing a source of intrigue for fans.
Only 17, the attacking midfielder is already establishing himself as a key piece in Borussia Dortmund's starting XI. He has one goal and three assists through seven Bundesliga appearances this season.
"I've never really had time to fully think about everything that's happened," Reyna told the Washington Post's Steven Goff. "When I think about it, something else happens. I am more of a person who looks to the future. I'm never really satisfied—save the best for the future."
In general, both Thursday's match and Monday's friendly against Panama will be great opportunities for coach Gregg Berhalter to showcase the next generation of U.S. Soccer. NBC Sports' Joe Prince-Wright noted the average age of the roster is 21 years, 300 days.
The midfield pair of Weston McKennie (22) and Tyler Adams (21) have already played against some of the biggest stars in the world, so they won't be overawed by Wales. Together, they'll be pivotal toward helping the U.S. maintain the possession-based approach favored by its coach.
This might only be an exhibition, but Wales interim coach Robert Page will have his focus firmly on the UEFA Nations League fixtures against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.
Page is taking over temporarily for Ryan Giggs after the former Manchester United player stepped away following allegations that he assaulted his girlfriend. Several UK newspapers reported he was arrested Nov. 1, per BBC News.
However, the interim manager will be without two key members of the team. Hal Robson-Kanu is out with a broken arm, while Aaron Ramsey had to withdraw from the squad because of a thigh injury.
Gareth Bale is in the squad, though. The tumultuous nature of his exit from Real Madrid shouldn't obscure how good he still is. That infamous "Wales. Golf. Madrid" flag also hit on the fact that the 31-year-old has relished his chances to represent his home country, for which he is the record goal scorer.
Bale isn't a lock to start, though, with Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho drawing attention to his workload. Page ultimately has the final say, but he probably won't want to do anything to rock the boat, especially for a friendly.
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DeAndre Yedlin Says He May Leave USA Men's Soccer Team Amid Racial Injustice
Jun 19, 2020
United States' DeAndre Yedlin (2) moves the ball against Colombia during the second half of an international friendly soccer match Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Newcastle defender DeAndre Yedlin said Friday he is considering ending his affiliation with the United States men's national soccer team because of racial inequality in the U.S.
Speaking with Sky Sports, Yedlin discussed his feelings on representing the United States in international play:
"It's something I've thought a lot about during this quarantine. My grandfather, my grandmother especially, I have a whole family of activists. They've always told me to stand up for what I believe in.
"There's no amount of money that can make me shut up about something I think is wrong.
"It's one of those waiting games to see if a change does happen. But if things go as they stand it's hard for me as an African-American male to represent a country that does things like this where all people aren't equal."
Protests against racial inequality, police brutality and social injustice have been held across the United States and the globe since 46-year-old Black man George Floyd was killed while in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25.
Floyd died after officer Derek Chauvin kept his knee pressed against the back of his neck for nearly nine minutes while he was handcuffed and facedown on the ground even though Floyd said several times he couldn't breathe.
Chauvin was fired and then arrested and charged with second-degree murder, third degree-murder and second-degree manslaughter for Floyd's death. The other three officers on the scene—Thomas Lane, J.A. Keung and Tou Thao—have been charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder.
Earlier this month, Yedlin took to social media to share his thoughts:
A couple days after George Floyd’s death, my grandfather texted me and told me he’s glad that I am not living in the U.S. right now because he would fear for my life as a young black man. As days have passed, this text from my grandfather has not been able to leave my mind.
in the country his grandchild represents when he plays for the United States, in the country his grandchild represents when he’s playing in England. I remember being in elementary school, and having to recite the Pledge of Allegiance which ends
all we’re asking is we are seen as equal, as more than 3/5 of a man, as humans. My heart goes out in solidarity to George Floyd, his family, and all of the countless number of victims that have had their lives taken at the hands of meaningless police brutality.
Yedlin also commented on President Donald Trump's statement that he will no longer watch the U.S. national soccer teams after U.S. Soccer repealed a policy that required players to stand during the national anthem: "The fact that he said that is sad because obviously he does have a platform. For some reason, people do listen to him. But honestly, I couldn't care less if he watches the games. I really don't care."
The 26-year-old right-back expressed his belief that people should have an understanding for the fact that kneeling during the anthem is about supporting the Black Lives Matter movement rather than disrespecting the United States and its flag.
The Seattle native also spoke in favor of the English Premier League's move to replace players' names with "Black Lives Matter" on jerseys: "If kids start seeing it on the back of players' jerseys, they start raising questions."
Yedlin began his professional career with Seattle Sounders FC in MLS and has spent the past five years in England playing for Tottenham Hotspur, Sunderland and Newcastle.
He has made 102 appearances for Newcastle and 62 appearances for the United States' senior national team. That includes five appearances for Team USA last year.
Yedlin is a speedy defender who uses his athleticism to create offense, and the United States would lose a talented player if he decides to stop representing the country.
Ex-USMNT HC Bruce Arena: Playing National Anthem Before Games 'Inappropriate'
Jun 18, 2020
Bruce Arena, newly hired New England Revolution's coach and sports director, takes questions from reporters, Thursday, May 16, 2019 during an MLS soccer news conference at Gillette Stadium, in Foxborough, Mass. Arena, a five-time MLS Cup winner and former U.S. national coach, was hired Tuesday, May 14. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Former United States men's national team head coach Bruce Arena said playing the national anthem prior to sporting events is "inappropriate."
He said as much on Banter with Taylor Twellman (h/t Jim Reineking of USA Today), pointing out, "We don't use the national anthem in movie theaters, on Broadway, other events in the United States. I don't think it is appropriate to have a national anthem before a baseball game or an MLS game. ... I think it's inappropriate. And today, it's becoming too big of an issue."
Arena clarified that he considers himself "the most patriotic person you're ever going to be around" and thinks it is appropriate to play the song prior to marquee international matches such as the World Cup.
His comments come after the US Soccer Federation announced it repealed a policy that was put in place requiring players to stand for the national anthem.
The policy was put in place shortly after Megan Rapinoe knelt during the anthem in solidarity with former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick as a means of protesting racism, police brutality and inequality.
The 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup Golden Boot and Golden Ball winner explained why she knelt in an article for the Players' Tribune:
"I have chosen to kneel because in the time it has taken me to write this article, many more Americans have been lost to senseless violence. I have chosen to kneel because not two miles from my hotel in Columbus, Ohio, on the night before our USWNT match against Thailand, a 13-year-old boy named Tyre King was fatally shot by a police officer. I have chosen to kneel because I simply cannot stand for the kind of oppression this country is allowing against its own people. I have chosen to kneel because, in the words of Emma Lazarus, 'Until we are all free, we are none of us free.'"
US Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone apologized for the group's past actions when discussing the decision to repeal the policy, saying, "I want to again personally apologize to all Black people, as well as other minorities, for us not being leaders in this fight."
As for Arena, he led the United States to World Cup appearances in 2002 and 2006, directing the Americans to the quarterfinals in 2002. It remains the furthest the men's team has advanced since 1930.
He also has five MLS Cup victories during a career that includes stops with DC United, Los Angeles Galaxy and New England Revolution.
US Soccer Cancels All Men's, Women's Games in March, April Amid Coronavirus
Mar 12, 2020
HARRISON, NJ - MARCH 08: Megan Rapinoe #15 and her USWNT behind her stand at the national anthem during a game between Spain and USWNT at Red Bull Arena on March 08, 2020 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Howard Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
U.S. Soccer has cancelled all men's and women's games scheduled for March and April because of the "ongoing uncertainty" surrounding the coronavirus outbreak:
Due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic across the world, U.S. Soccer has canceled the upcoming #USMNT & #USWNT games in March & April, and the majority of #USYNT and Extended National Team matches and camps that were planned through the end of April.
The U.S. men's national team were scheduled to play international friendlies against the Netherlands on March 26 in Eindhoven and against Wales four days later at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Meanwhile, the U.S. women's national team were due to play friendlies against Australia on April 10 in Utah and Brazil on April 14 in California.
George Chiampas,U.S. Soccer's chief medical officer, explained the decision in astatement:
"With the health of our players, coaches, staff and fans as our main priority, U.S. Soccer has decided it was in the best interest to cancel the majority of our upcoming domestic and international camps at all levels, including our senior Men's and Women's National Team games in March and April, due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
"We have been in communication with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as state and local departments of public health, and after those conversations and continuously monitoring the situation, we strongly believe this is the best decision considering the ongoing worldwide health situation."
There is also some doubt over the under-23 men's national team's involvement in CONCACAF's Olympic qualifying tournament in Mexico, which is due to start on March 20, and the 2020 Women's Under-17 Championship, which begins in April.
The statement added that U.S. Soccer is keeping in touch with CONCACAF about the status of both competitions as well as May's 2020 Futsal Championship.
The news follows the decision to suspend the NBA season until further notice, while Major League Soccer has also been postponed for 30 days because of the pandemic:
Leagues in Italy and Spain have also been postponed, while UEFA Champions League games between Manchester City and Real Madrid and Juventus against Lyon have also beencalled off.
The USMNT's next scheduled game is against Honduras in the CONCACAF Nations League finals on June 4 at the BBVA Stadium in Houston, Texas.
Giovanni Reyna: 'I Only Want to Play for the USMNT' on International Stage
Mar 5, 2020
DORTMUND, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 29: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Giovanni Reyna of Borussia Dortmund looks on prior to the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Sport-Club Freiburg at Signal Iduna Park on February 29, 2020 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Max Maiwald/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Borussia Dortmund starlet Giovanni Reyna has revealed he wants to represent the United States at international level.
The 17-year-old has burst on to the scene for the Bundesliga side this season, showcasing exciting potential. Buzz has consequently been generated about his international future, with the teenager eligible to play for England, Portugal, Argentina and the United States.
Speaking to Ruhr Nachrichten (h/t Laura Brandt of Bulinews.com), Reyna clarified he only wants to represent the USMNT.
"I'm aware of the rumours, but it's quite clear for me," the Dortmund tyro said. "I only want to play for the United States. That's my home country."
As Brandt relayed, despite Reyna's tender years, USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter recently said he would like to include the teenager in his squad for the upcoming friendly encounters with Wales and Netherlands.
"Maybe I can make my debut," Reyna said on representing the senior side. "I definitely feel ready."
However, the Dortmund star said playing in the 2020 Olympics doesn't appeal to him because it may have a detrimental effect on his first-team opportunities at Westfalenstadion, adding: "I could lose my spot in the squad. I don't think that makes sense. I'm staying here. BVB have told me that they need me here."
Although he's not established himself as a first-team regular at Dortmund, it's clear he's highly rated:
The midfielder has made nine appearances for the club in all competitions this season. The one goal he netted was a stunner too, curling home from distance in the DFB-Pokal against Werder Bremen:
Probably just gonna spend the whole day watching this Gio Reyna goal on repeat tbh 💛
If Reyna does become a full United States international, he will be part of a team that is packed with some exciting young players.
Christian Pulisic has long been the man upon whom responsibility falls in the side despite being just 21. Elsewhere, the likes of Josh Sargent, Sergino Dest and Timothy Weah are players who have solid potential.
With the FIFA World Cup in 2026 scheduled to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, USMNT fans will be encouraged by the side's apparent bright future. Reyna looks certain to be crucial for a long time.
Gregg Berhalter Talks Gio Reyna, Messi vs. Ronaldo, USMNT Youth in B/R AMA
Feb 26, 2020
Gregg Berhalter spoke to Bleacher Report in an exclusive AMA on Wednesday, during which the U.S. men's national team coach explained when Borussia Dortmund midfielder Gio Reyna will receive his first call-up to the senior squad.
Reyna is the name on a lot of people's lips, but Berhalter also identified 20-year-old midfielder Jonhny Lucas and Ajax defender Sergino Dest, 19, as burgeoning talents on the international scene worth watching.
The 46-year-old also offered his take on the Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo debate, hinting that the former's overall talent and accomplishments might sway him.
Berhalter even took time to describe his tactical blueprint for the USMNT and what his expectations are for the team's path to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The former Columbus Crew SC boss also imagined how youth would give him a potential edge in a scrap with ex-U.S. chiefs Jurgen Klinsmann, Bob Bradley and Bruce Arena, should the quartet ever find themselves locked together in a steel cage.
Here are some of the best questions and answers from Wednesday's chat:
@jcohen6: Can we expect Gio Reyna to get his first senior call-up for the next camp
Gregg Berhalter: Yes.
@Yoyce: What are your thoughts on the Gio Reyna England rumors?
Gregg Berhalter: Again, in this case, it's less about specifically Gio and more that we wanna create the environment that players want to be in. Our youth national teams do a great job of nurturing the players and preparing them for professional careers and preparing them for the men's national team, and at the end of the day when players have choices, we hope that we've done enough along the way to maintain those players.
@utahjazzz: Who is the GOAT? Ronaldo, Messi or someone else?
Gregg Berhalter: Oh man, that's a tough one. That's a tough one. I think, in terms of—I would go with Messi. If I had to win one game I might choose Ronaldo, but I think that from just his body of work and how he's changed the game and some of his actions and goals, I would go with Messi.
@KalebC21: Who is a player for the USMNT that not many people know about, but we will soon?
Gregg Berhalter: Johnny Lucas.
@Andrew_4: What was your first reaction to Sergino Dest choosing the USMNT?
Gregg Berhalter: You know, for us, we were on the inside of it, you know. And again, for us, it was a great moment but it's also a moment where you credit a lot of people that have done work before you—whether that's a U17 team, a U20 team, you know giving him an environment where he felt supported and he felt like he can be relied on. And so it was a great moment for us, I think a great moment for US Soccer, having these guys opt to play for the United States. And I think the future's bright for Sergino.
@Clevefan16: Who's the most promising USMNT prospect under the age of 21?
Gregg Berhalter: That's our whole team, basically. We have a lot of young players, which is great. When you name guys like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Josh Sargent, Gio Reyna, Sergino Dest, these are all top-level players that have bright futures ahead of them. Tyler Adams is another one. So I would put those guys in a group.
@BballGiant32: How do you honestly project the next World Cup going for us? No promises, just your outlook on it. Thanks for everything you do!
Gregg Berhalter: I think that first and foremost we have to qualify, that's vitally important. But I think that we will be in a position to compete and get out of the group. And then once you get out of the group, it's anything can happen. But I envision us being in a position where, you know, we're ready to advance out of the group and go from there.
@Gregdemare: Do you plan to keep the USMNT on a 4-3-3 system?
Gregg Berhalter: Um, I think we need to be able to learn to adapt and make small adjustments to the system to be most effective against opponents. So does that 4-3-3 turn into a 4-3-2-1, does it look like at times a three in the back, and 3-4-2-1, I think we want to be flexible and we want to teach the group to have that tactical flexibility.
@twny: Do you support the US eventually adopting a promotion/relegation system? Do you think it's reasonable that our nation structures the game differently to everyone else?
Gregg Berhalter: I think it is reasonable that we structure it differently than everyone else. I think there's something to be said for how the league will evolve and what that will eventually look like. And I can envision there being something different than what it is now. I don't know what that means; I don't know if that is promotion/relegation, but I can imagine the structure, when more teams come into the league, taking a different form.
@Stephen08: Where do you see the USMNT in 5 years?
Gregg Berhalter: I see us making a lot of progress on the youth development side, on the professional side, and in the full national team. So if we continue to make this progress and players continue to advance and progress in their own careers, I think we're going to be in a good spot in five years.
@Benitothesmooth: What's your all-time Mount Rushmore of USMNT (1 striker, 1 midfielder, 1 defender, 1 goalkeeper)
Gregg Berhalter: That's a tough one. That is a tough one. Are we talkin' active or non-active?
Christian Pulisic.
Claudio Reyna.
Three-way tie for goalie—can I do a three-way tie? Between Kasey Keller, Brad Friedel and Tim Howard
And defender? Best defender in the history of US Soccer. I'm going to look at it a little bit differently—from a Mt. Rushmore standpoint: Alexi Lalas. He's the total package.
@Zmalik15: If you, Bob Bradley, Jurgen Klinsmann and Bruce Arena were locked in an MMA cage, who would win?
Gregg Berhalter: I dunno, I think that Bruce is really competitive so you know, I wouldn't be surprised.
Jurgen is also really competitive, but he was known as a diver when he played.
And Bob—Bob's tough, he stands on the sidelines, he looks very tough. So I dunno. And I know he rides the bike, and has a very strong base and very strong legs.
I have the age on them—I'm younger than all of them—so maybe my endurance could, and I can be scrappy when I need to be.
It would be a tie. Can you tie in MMA?
Ulysses Llanez's Goal Powers USMNT to Victory over Costa Rica in Friendly
Feb 1, 2020
United States forward Ulysses Llanez, center, slides between Costa Rica midfielder Yeltsin Tejeda, left, and defender Keysher Fuller (4) during the first half of an international friendly soccer match in Carson, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
The United States men's national team scored a 1-0 victory over Costa Rica in a friendly Saturday afternoon at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
It marked the end of the Americans' annual January training camp, which was moved back to the U.S. from its planned destination in Qatar because of political tension in the Middle East. The USMNT instead held practices at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
Saturday's clash marked the second straight year the United States finished its January camp with a friendly against Costa Rica. It won last year's match 2-0, and the United States' all-time record in games against its CONCACAF rival stands at 17-16-6.
Notable Match Stats
Ulysses Llanez (USA): Goal (50')
Possession: USA 60 percent; CRC 40 percent
Shots (on target): USA 17 (5); CRC 14 (2)
Youthful Lineup Shows Promise; Attack Remains A Concern
The United States' January camp falls outside a FIFA international window, which means the gathering is usually filled with mostly MLS-based players getting ready for the new season.
It's also become a proving ground for young players who are trying to earn more looks with the national side, and that was the case this year. Head coach Gregg Berhalter not only called in a lot of fresh faces but also didn't hesitate to put them right into match action Saturday:
Four starters - all age 20 and under - will make their #USMNT debuts today in #USAvCRC.
Jesus Ferreira, a 19-year-old Colombia native with dual citizenship, became the newest member of the U.S. national team Friday when his FIFA waiver was granted.
"I'm excited," Ferreira told reporters. "I've been working many years for this opportunity, to represent a country. It's been a long progress, a lot of paperwork, but it's finally done. Excited to go to work."
The forward recorded eight goals across 33 appearances for MLS' FC Dallas in 2019, and his movement in the attacking third was impressive against Costa Rica. He worked to find a perfect pass to spring Paul Arriola in the 14th minute, but Esteban Alvarado made a nice save to keep the match scoreless.
Yes, it's only one match, but Ferreira wasted no time showing the potential to provide the Americans with the offensive creativity that's been sorely lacking in recent years.
The main take away so far in this 15 minutes is the role Jesus Ferreira takes as a forward, dropping to connect with the midfielders, dragging defenders with him and creating openings for Llanez and Ariola to attack in between defenders. #USMNT#USACRCpic.twitter.com/uC2tTPuVJA
The biggest question the USMNT has faced during its rebuild since it missed the 2018 World Cup is where the goals will come from with the days of Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan firmly in the rearview mirror and Jozy Altidore past his prime.
Christian Pulisic has emerged as the go-to player, but he's more of a playmaker. While he's capable of making a more wide-ranging impact than either Dempsey or Donovan with the elite talent he's put on display with Chelsea this season, the winger is not a target forward in the same mold as those U.S. legends.
Llanez showed flashes of possibly filling that role in his debut.
The 18-year-old member of the VfL Wolfsburg youth squad in Germany was the most aggressive member of the American attack in the first half. That attempt to assert himself even led to a hard collision with Alvarado in the Costa Rican box that resulted in a short delay as they both received treatment.
Lively start for Ulysses Llanez, who has shown that quickness and the ball skills to be a handful in the #USMNT attack. Still 0-0, 9th minute.
Llanez was rewarded for that effort with a penalty kick early in the second half after a foul by Randall Leal on Reggie Cannon. He calmly delivered the opening goal.
18-year-old Ulysses Llanez celebrated his first career goal with the USMNT by doing Kobe's signature fadeaway. pic.twitter.com/klCEJFx6SP
The attack as a whole still left plenty of room for improvement, though. Costa Rica didn't feature it's A team either Saturday, but it did field a veteran group, with a majority of the players on the roster (14 of 23) being at least 25 years old, and it provided a difficult test.
It's going to remain a key focus as the Americans bring what should be close to a full-strength group together for the rest of 2020, including the 2020 CONCACAF Nations League knockout stages in June.
If the USMNT is going to leave the disappointment of 2018 in the past, it must find and develop players who are more consistent offensive threats.
Llanez and Ferreira showed Saturday they at least deserve strong consideration for that exact reason.
What's Next?
The United States will travel to Europe for a pair of friendlies in late March. The matches, which should feature the team's European-based players, led by Pulisic, feature stops in the Netherlands (March 26) and Wales (March 30).
Brian McBride Named United States Men's Soccer Team General Manager
Jan 10, 2020
Former Chicago Fire forward Brian McBride looks on before an MLS soccer match between the Chicago Fire and Portland Timbers, Saturday, March 31, 2018, in Bridgeview, Ill. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
Former United States international Brian McBride has been appointed as the new general manager of the U.S. Men's National Team.
According to U.S. Soccer's official website, the 47-year-old will immediately join head coach Gregg Berhalter and his coaching team to attend the January players' camp in Bradenton, Florida.
McBride won 95 caps for his country and scored 30 goals during his USMNT playing career.
Sporting director Earnie Stewart said:
"We are thrilled to have Brian McBride assume the role as General Manager of the U.S. Men's National Team. Through his impressive career as a three-time World Cup veteran and at clubs in England, Germany and the United States, he has earned the respect of his peers around the world. The hard-earned reputation will allow him to forge important relationships both internationally and here at home, and his understanding of the game and what it takes to succeed at the highest levels will be invaluable to our player pool and our staff."
The 47-year-old was a mainstay at Columbus Crew from 1996 to 2003, when he also spent time on loan at Preston North End and Everton. He previously played for Wolfsburg in the German second division before choosing to return to the States for the debut of Major League Soccer; McBride was the No. 1 overall draft pick.
In 2004 the striker joined Fulham, where he enjoyed a four-year spell with the west London club.
McBride, an Illinois native, ended his playing career in MLS, spending two seasons with Chicago Fire until 2010.
The new general manager expressed his delight at taking up his role:
"I am incredibly honored to once again represent the National Team and the U.S. Soccer Federation. It's critically important for everyone to understand the privilege and pride that goes with wearing the jersey, and I'm excited about the opportunity to build relationships with players and clubs that align with the philosophy and values of U.S. Soccer. In this position, part of my job is to work alongside Gregg and his staff in fostering a growth mentality for the USMNT and to help Earnie ensure that this mindset is present in all of our Youth National Teams."
McBride has worked as a football pundit and commentator for Fox and ESPN the last seven years. The Saint Louis graduate also founded McBride's Attacking Soccer Academy in 2011.
USMNT Drawn Against Mexico, Costa Rica in 2020 Tokyo Olympics Qualifying Group
Jan 10, 2020
GEORGETOWN, GRAND CAYMAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS - NOVEMBER 19: Gregg Berhalter the USMT head coach heads to the locker room during a game between Cuba and USMNT at Truman Bodden Sports Complex on November 19, 2019 in Georgetown, Grand Cayman. (Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
The United States men's national team have been handed a difficult qualifying group for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics football tournament after being drawn against Mexico and Costa Rica.
The trio—CONCACAF's top three ranked sides—will also face the Dominican Republic in Group A.
Honduras are the top-ranked side in a much weaker Group B:
Per Caitlin Murray for Pro Soccer USA, the top two sides from each group will advance to the semi-finals, and the two semi-final winners will secure qualification for Tokyo before facing off against one another in the final on April 1.
The United States, bidding to reach the men's Olympic tournament for the first time since 2008, will have been hoping to avoid Mexico.
El Tri beat them 1-0 in July in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final and 3-0 in a September friendly.
However, the structure of the qualifying tournament could work out for both sides:
The silver-lining for Mexico and the United States: If they finish in the top two of Group A, they won't have to face each other in a semifinal match that would decide whether they go to the 2020 Olympics or not. #ElTriEng
The USA will still likely have to beat Costa Rica to ensure they progress to the semi-finals, but they beat them 2-0 in their most recent meeting in February last year. They'll also have a practice run when they face Los Ticos again in a friendly on February 1.
Former USA international Stu Holden also suggested the draw could work out in their favour:
As Holden noted, Gregg Berhalter's side will be wary of Honduras, who beat them 2-0 in the semi-finals of the qualifying tournament for the 2016 Olympic Games.
The U.S. then beat Canada in the third-place game to face Colombia in an inter-continental play-off, but they lost to Los Cafeteros and missed out on the tournament. There will be no third-place match this time around.
The men's Olympic event is for under-23 players, though—aside from three senior picks by the manager—so it's unlikely there will be many veterans of that 2015 match involved for either team.
Another potential semi-final opponent is Canada. The Canadians won 2-0 when they met in the CONCACAF Nations League in October, but the Americans ran out 4-1 winners against them the following month.
