All Whites v USA | Cincinnati |Wed 11th Sept | 11:00am | FIFA+

US squad named. Very different to Mexico with only 2 domestic (MLS) players named. GK Schulte and CB Tim Ream, who has recently moved from Europe to Charlotte, so pushing Tuiloma further down the pecking order and completely out of MLS match day squads.

So we are stronger than when we last played them in 2016, but so are they having a lot of MLS guys back then.

On paper Mexico might be the easier match.

https://ussoccerplayers.com/2024/09/24-players-called-into-september-2024-usmnt-camp.html


September 2024 USMNT roster
GK: Ethan Horvath (Cardiff City/WAL; 9/0), Diego Kochen (FC Barcelona II/ESP; 0/0), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew; 1/0), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace/ENG; 44/0)

DEF: Auston Trusty (Celtic/SCO; 2/0), Marlon Fossey (Standard Liege/BEL; 0/0), Kristoffer Lund (Palermo/ITA; 3/0), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/FRA; 13/0), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; 61/1), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG; 21/1), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 11/0), Caleb Wiley (Strasbourg/FRA; 2/0)

MID: Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis/ESP; 15/0), Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo/ESP; 22/0), Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough/ENG; 5/0), Yunus Musah (AC Milan; ITA; 39/0), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund/GER; 31/8), Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 12/0)

FOR: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/ENG; 42/8), Folarin Balogun (Monaco/FRA; 15/5), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 28/10), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan/ITA; 71/30), Josh Sargent (Norwich City/ENG; 25/5), Haji Wright (Coventry City/ENG; 11/4)

The Americans haven’t lost to Mexico in all seven meetings this decade and have beaten them three times in the Nations League playoffs and once in a Gold Cup final. They should be the harder match. But if the U.S. does decide to rotate the squad for the match in Cincinnati, this is not a very deep squad. I think Mexico has the deeper squad in this window. So I guess it depends how each side approaches their match with you.

The U.S. has a lot of injuries with Dest, Weah, Adams, Busio and Paredes all injured. Because they weren’t involved in pre-season awaiting possible transfer moves Weston McKennie and Olympian Tanner Tessmann were both not selected either. They decided to give starting left back Antonee Robinson from Fulham a break and they said that Cameron Carter-Vickers from Celtic is battling an injury. But Carter-Vickers went the distance in the Old Firm derby Sunday and Trusty seems like he should have the same amount of match fitness as Tessmann or McKennie, so that logic escapes me. 

It’s also a relatively young squad, but then they pick Ream and not Miles Robinson. Wiley is a good young fullback who will probably rot at Chelsea, but he’s off to a good start in his loan in France. Fossey has been good in Belgium, but I have no idea how he’ll fare here. I think Scally and Lund are the first choice of the fullbacks, but it’s interesting that Fossey finally gets a look (ahead of Reynolds, Cannon or Moore) after years of not being involved when they don’t have a manager.

They also didn’t select Cade Cowell who is the reigning player of the month in the Mexican league. Cowell plays for Chivas who famously only plays Mexican players. They’ve gotten a little creative with that rule and there are a lot of Mexican-Americans who have played for Chivas in recent years, but since his move Cowell hasn’t played for the U.S. I wonder if that’s a coincidence. I mention that because with Varas being in charge, I assume they’ll keep things status quo, which means a 4-3-3, but there are very few wide players in the squad. I am sure Canada will see Pulisic and Aaronson flanking Balogun, but Reyna usually plays centrally and Wright can play out there but for is more of a No. 9… as is Balogun, Pepi and Sargent. Cowell and Diego Luna (the Olympic roster snub that angered their fans the most) both would have made sense here for a team who looks like they could use another wide player.

It’s a very European heavy squad. They haven’t even announced Pochettino, but I wonder if some of that is his influence. Even missing both starting fullbacks and 2/3s of the starting midfield, there’s a pretty good starting 11 in this squad, but the second choice has a lot of questions about it. I’m curious to see what they opt to do against the All Whites.

Thanks to our Canadian correspondent. Excellent analysis as always

A lot could depend on how we look against Mexico. If we a poor you’d expect the American to confidently rotate their squad when playing us. But if we impress verus the Mexicans, coupled with the US say not getting a win against Canada, then the pressure will on the hosts to beat NZ and so run out a strong side

After a poor Copa America, failing to comfortably beat a side ranked a lowly 94 in the world would be untenable for US Soccer with a home WC fast approaching. The Pooch won’t be able to arrive fast enough 

Gio Reyna is out with an injury for the U.S. and is being replaced by Cade Cowell. Which makes my Chivas theory incorrect. Madness he wasn't in the squad in the first place given his form (3 goals and 2 assists in his last five matches in Mexico). Reyna can run hot or cold, but you will always know Cowell is on the pitch at least. This also gives them a bit more attacking depth in wide areas.

I think tickets in Cincinnati are selling better than tickets in KC for Canada-US, but suffice it to say there are plenty of good seats still available for both. A flat atmosphere shouldn't hurt the All Whites.

The temperature is going to be far more forgiving in Ohio for this game. I'm hoping for and expecting a far better showing as a result. 

I'd like to either see a midfield 3 of Stamenic, Bell & Rufer, OR Stamenic, Old and one of Rufer/Bell. Push Garbett into the front 3, at the expense of Kosta, who hasn't done anything for the All Whites against non-Oceanian opposition for a very, very long time.

Let's try Surman & Pijnaker at CB, why not.

Probably Paulsen should start in goal as well. Up until now Crocombe hadn't put a foot wrong but he should have done better for the first Mexico goal. He still had a great game generally but Paulsen deserves another go too. 

This has to be the game that squad combo's are tested. If we roll out the same starting XI as always we'll learn nothing.

                          Paulsen
Payne    Surman  Pijnaker  Cacacae
                            Rufer
               Stamenic       Garbett
                             Old
               Wood              Barbarouses

Unfortunately we dont seem to have another RB in the squad. I cant see Bazeley changing to a back three. 

theprof

This has to be the game that squad combo's are tested. If we roll out the same starting XI as always we'll learn nothing.

                          Paulsen
Payne    Surman  Pijnaker  Cacacae
                            Rufer
               Stamenic       Garbett
                             Old
               Wood              Barbarouses

Unfortunately we dont seem to have another RB in the squad. I cant see Bazeley changing to a back three. 

Agreed.

If we see the same tripe rolled out like we did yesterday and cop a whacking without changing players up and making more of a go of it in general, then we will have just wasted a valuable international window against non Oceania opposition, without learning anything in the process.

I don’t mind the idea of 3 combative midfielders and not including Kosta in the starting team. 

But that probably requires Payne to have a much better game. 

Fully agree.

I can’t remember the last time wingers were useful for us in recent time. We just don’t have enough pace and flare on the wings to play them.

Much rather get players like Old, Garbett, Stamenic, Singh and McCowatt etc playing closer to Wood rather then him being isolated. 

theprof

This has to be the game that squad combo's are tested. If we roll out the same starting XI as always we'll learn nothing.

                          Paulsen
Payne    Surman  Pijnaker  Cacacae
                            Rufer
               Stamenic       Garbett
                             Old
               Wood              Barbarouses

Unfortunately we dont seem to have another RB in the squad. I cant see Bazeley changing to a back three. 

I'm picking another heavy loss, 4-0

US media calling for team changes for NZ game after the loss to Canada.
They have an interim coach in charge until the Pooch arrives.

Some of the same criticism we had about the AWs, being low on intensity, bit meek etc. Tackles might come in from both sides

https://www.goal.com/en-au/lists/usmnt-new-zealand-mauricio-pochettino/bltc314131cc0f44e26#cscc3076acbd08c075

https://www.goal.com/en-au/lists/usmnt-xi-new-zealand-cade-cowell-aidan-morris/blt12f8cae61c9a6f24#csc18ecfe1f45ff832

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1928976960908117

Feels like a lifetime ago we drew 1-1 with a Monty Patterson goal, of all people. What happened to us?

mrsmiis

Feels like a lifetime ago we drew 1-1 with a Monty Patterson goal, of all people. What happened to us?

That from memory was a mainly MLS based 2nd/3rd string American side. Huddo's AWs actually did okay on that mirror image tour, 8 years ago.

Anyway the Woodsman is promising an improvement tomorrow, problem is so are the Yanks.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/350409840/chris-woods-frank-admission-after-all-whites-defeat-i-wasnt-premier-league-striker

“I didn’t turn up, not to the full capability of what I can show,” Wood said.

“We all need to raise our game and that’s what it is about tomorrow [Wednesday].

“I have full belief in this team to create chances. The other night was an anomaly, or at least we will make sure it is.

“In other games we’ve created more chances and had better showings but we need to do that on bigger occasions against the better teams we’re coming up against.”

“We can take confidence that they’re not fully hitting their stride at the same time, they’re going through a transitional period as well,” Wood said.

So this game is taking place on 9/11, 23 years after the terrorist attack.

Presidential debate as well, 2 hrs afterwards 

coochiee

mrsmiis

Feels like a lifetime ago we drew 1-1 with a Monty Patterson goal, of all people. What happened to us?

That from memory was a mainly MLS based 2nd/3rd string American side. Huddo's AWs actually did okay on that mirror image tour, 8 years ago.

Anyway the Woodsman is promising an improvement tomorrow, problem is so are the Yanks.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/350409840/chris-woods-frank-admission-after-all-whites-defeat-i-wasnt-premier-league-striker

“I didn’t turn up, not to the full capability of what I can show,” Wood said.

“We all need to raise our game and that’s what it is about tomorrow [Wednesday].

“I have full belief in this team to create chances. The other night was an anomaly, or at least we will make sure it is.

“In other games we’ve created more chances and had better showings but we need to do that on bigger occasions against the better teams we’re coming up against.”

“We can take confidence that they’re not fully hitting their stride at the same time, they’re going through a transitional period as well,” Wood said.

“But ultimately we need to focus on ourselves and make sure we do what we can right and better than the other day or else we’ll get steamrolled again.”

If not creating chances is an anomaly, then our last 5 years must be the unluckiest run of all time 

11th of September for us but it will be the 10th of September in America. They're a day behind us. ☺️

LG

So this game is taking place on 9/11, 23 years after the terrorist attack.

LG

So this game is taking place on 9/11, 23 years after the terrorist attack.

9th of November?

I know for the US it'll still be the 10th but I wonder if there will be a moment of silence before the game.

Like the captaincy from Wood. Take it on himself, apologise to fans, take a bit of the heat off some of his colleagues. 👏

Buffon II

LG

So this game is taking place on 9/11, 23 years after the terrorist attack.

9th of November?

Americans do Month, Day, Year, hence they refer to it as 9/11

Here is my eleven - the best form of defence is attack - team confidence will only come from increasing our offensive output against quality opposition.   

We may lose (this is a friendly right?) but offensive development in my opinion is most important for this NZ team

Paulson
Cacace/Surman/Boxall/Payne
Stamenic/Rufer
Just/Garbett/Old 
Wood
 

LG

Buffon II

LG

So this game is taking place on 9/11, 23 years after the terrorist attack.

9th of November?

Americans do Month, Day, Year, hence they refer to it as 9/11

Never knew that.

My day is sorted... football straight to watching the Presidential debate.

Crocombe starting again. Paulsen must be wishing he chose South Africa at this rate. Absurd. It’s a friendly ffs.

mrsmiis

Crocombe starting again. Paulsen must be wishing he chose South Africa at this rate. Absurd. It’s a friendly ffs.

What is the point of taking 3 keepers when you're only gonna ive one game time?? FFS!

theprof

mrsmiis

Crocombe starting again. Paulsen must be wishing he chose South Africa at this rate. Absurd. It’s a friendly ffs.

What is the point of taking 3 keepers when you're only gonna ive one game time?? FFS!

I really thought Paulsen would get the start today. I'm glad to see Rufer getting a start though, I feel he deserves it (as does Paulsen)

Half a Pint

theprof

mrsmiis

Crocombe starting again. Paulsen must be wishing he chose South Africa at this rate. Absurd. It’s a friendly ffs.

What is the point of taking 3 keepers when you're only gonna ive one game time?? FFS!

I really thought Paulsen would get the start today. I'm glad to see Rufer getting a start though, I feel he deserves it (as does Paulsen)

 
Yeah Rufer, Bell and Stamenic as a midefield trio is very interesting. Hope Bazeley does the sensible thing and pushed Stamenic forward, and didn’t pick 3 DMs so we could park the bus

Glad they've gone for the solid midfield 3 I wanted and have pushed Garbett further forward. He is not a six and is completely wasted there. 

Just a shame we have someone playing in the Austrian second tier in our frontline. Hoping for Rojas to get back to top form this season and take back that spot off first choice incumbent McCowatt 

Hoping for two things today, we put up a good fight against the US and that Harris does well in the debate.

Annoying about Paulsen but at least Rufer gets his deserved start, nice to see Surman starting as well.

Seriously. Why no old? 

It’s Just not right!!

WTF and Alex is not starting as well

i'm sure it is a fitness thing with Old, keeping his club happy given his recent injury. He wasn't so impressive vs Mexico anyway. I don't think left wing is really his position, he might be better as a left sided 8, but it is tricky to have such an attacking player in your midfield against a much stronger opponent 

AucklandPhoenix

Seriously. Why no old? 

It’s Just not right!!

WTF and Alex is not starting as well

AucklandPhoenix

Seriously. Why no old? 

It’s Just not right!!

WTF and Alex is not starting as well

Just was a lot more involved in his cameo than Old was... he went looking for the ball and tried to be positive. Was one of the few better parts of the Mexico game.

Happy to see the changes to be honest, although I would have also swapped Crocombe for AP.

Expecting a far, far better showing today from the lads. 

Having issues with FIFA plus again. What were the fixes last time? I’ve watched in this device before on FIFA plus.
Irritating.

Give up and use a stream  TNT USA | FSL (freestreams-live.my) 

Anyone know how to watch from oz?