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U.S. Men's National Soccer (Official Thread)

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USMNT coach Berhalter: We've discussed playing 'B' team vs. Mexico but we're aiming to win

While United States coach Gregg Berhalter wasn't willing to divulge any details about the starting XI he'll use in Thursday's World Cup qualifier against Mexico, he downplayed the idea Wednesday that team is willing to play for a draw at the Estadio Azteca.

"We want to win all three games [in this window]," he said. "We're going to put a team on the field in Mexico that is going to try and win the game."

Berhalter didn't dismiss the idea that the team could field a "B" squad, with the goal of staying fresh for Sunday's pivotal game against fourth-place Panama in Orlando. He acknowledged he took the idea to his staff and they debated its merits.

"I think it was an important exercise to do for us," he said. "We came out with our answer, and you'll see tomorrow. Certainly, there's no harm in looking at both sides of this thing."

Entire article: https://www.espn.com/soccer/united-...aying-b-team-vs-mexico-but-were-aiming-to-win
 
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bigdog3300 said:
Crazy to me....this isn't your normal Mexico @ Azteca.

This is a Mexican team that has 3 straight L's to the US, that has 2 L's @ Azteca to Canada and I think Costa Rica this cycle. Bust their ass, get 3, put the pressure on them, and for once in our goddam lives can we not have to stress til the last match.
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This Mexico team REALLY struggles to score. I think missing a guy in the middle of the field like they’ve had in Guardado to really facilitate things has hurt them this qualifying cycle. Chucky Lozano can only do so much for the team out on the wing. Shut him down, and they score 1 goal at best. Which has been the reoccurring theme for them. Can’t allow an early goal. Giving them confidence early, and getting the crowd even more hyped up will be disastrous.
 
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Uhhh...how in the world is Azteca that damn empty? Looks like a Duh U game is taking place there.

Semi-serious question; are people scared because of the deadly stadium riot a few weeks ago? Or (less seriously) do they know they can't get away with their usual shit with increased scrutiny so don't feel like coming out?
 
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scarletmike said:
Uhhh...how in the world is Azteca that damn empty? Looks like a Duh U game is taking place there.

Semi-serious question; are people scared because of the deadly stadium riot a few weeks ago? Or (less seriously) do they know they can't get away with their usual shit with increased scrutiny so don't feel like coming out?
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Or maybe they just aren’t into this group? Could be a total misread by me, but I get the sense this team of theirs has a lack of real superstars (compared to past teams) and they don’t seem to care for the coach much. Results have also been pedestrian (for Mexico).
 
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Bucklion said:
Or maybe they just aren’t into this group? Could be a total misread by me, but I get the sense this team of theirs has a lack of real superstars (compared to past teams) and they don’t seem to care for the coach much. Results have also been pedestrian (for Mexico).
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I don't pay super close attention to other national teams when they're not playing the US, but I do notice the commentators mentioning things along those lines the last few games. But even then, this seems surprisingly underwhelming for Mexico at home.
 
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