USMNT - ‘23 and beyond

Holy smokes that may have been one of the best performances I have seen from a USMNT. Ok recency bias, but let me breakdown what I loved and didnt love.

I didnt love the change in tempo that lead to a weak footed kick from Turner and subsequently a goal when Scaly couldnt get back and Richardson was over marked. But that is forgivable with the no quit attitude that we displayed shortly after.

What I did love was the ACTIVE Defense. Usually we play a straight 4 line outside-in side-shift cover 1 style defense which sometimes leads to goals at the back post when a man gets unmarked or the defense gets lazy.

But this defense tonight felt like the team got a full 7-man makeover with a bum chewing from Phil Parkinson. If you watch closely you can see how the midfielders seem to have more clearly defined tactical assignments. We fill in the gaps with the midfielders and double up against a concerted move to center. It was impressive and everyone seemed to know his role and apply primary energy to the assignment. There were no stationary feet relying on shoulder checks and quick feet shuffles. The defense was moving and fully engaged as a concerted unit.

What I liked least about the defense was Tim Ream. It was probably the best game I have ever seen him play. He had incredible poise against a serious Brazil press. The problem though is that unless Tim is going to channel Michael Bradley I dont see how he will have the gas to make the starting XI in 2026. In fact Tim Ream is only a few months younger than Bradley.

I thought the attacks were sufficiently good for a defensive first mentality and I love that we are knocking balls from outside the 18 early in the match. That was a great goalkeeper we were making work. If we get our crosses to match the precision of our defense we are going to be a real tough draw for any squad.

The Brazil squad may not have been 2022 good (No Thiago Silva, Neymar, Dani Alves or Casemiro), but that was a genuine FIFA cup squad with Marquinhos, Vinni, Rodrygo, Paqueta, Raphinha, and the kid is legit.

I felt like for the first time since 1930 we arrived on a level playing field with the big stage contenders.