With UEFA now standing in the way of FIFA's plans for a revamped Club World Cup and new global Nations League, the future of the schedule is once again at issue. FIFA may or may not be planning a vote next month in Miami on their new $25b deal with an outside promoter for those two tournaments. Regardless, one thing is already clear. The future of the Confederations Cup is unlikely. US Soccer . . .
The USMNT focuses on the March window
The soccer news starts with the USMNT ending weeks of training with another win. The second-half told the story against Costa Rica, with the US offense taking over in the 2-0 win. That the defense limited shots and recorded back-to-back shutouts is also worth highlighting, even with the regular caveats about strength of squads in out of window friendlies. “Our job is to learn, and he’s . . .
USMNT 2 – Costa Rica 0
The USMNT was back in action on Saturday to close out training camp with a 2-0 shutout of Costa Rica at San Jose's Avaya Stadium. After a first-half where both teams had issues developing much offense, the USMNT responded with a stronger showing in the second-half for back-to-back camp wins. Once again, USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter waited to make changes, ultimately using all of his substitutes. . . .
Preview: USMNT vs Costa Rica
The soccer news starts with the USMNT in action on Saturday against Costa Rica (3:30pm ET - Fox). With a 3-0 shutout of Panama in Arizona last Sunday, the USMNT looks to close out January camp with another strong performance. As Charles Boehm relayed in his latest column for USSoccerPlayers, this version of the USMNT is about installing new tactics and teachable moments for coach Gregg Berhalter. . . .
USMNT coaching debut hints at Berhalter’s other mandate: to teach
By Charles Boehm – WASHINGTON, DC (Jan 31, 2019) US Soccer Players - The USMNT scored three quality goals in Sunday’s 3-0 friendly win over Panama. They generally controlled proceedings in new head coach Gregg Berhalter’s debut. In the long run, though, what may turn out to be one of the game’s most revealing episodes had little chance of making it into most highlights reels. In the 17th minute, . . .
USMNT players create opportunities against Panama
The soccer news starts with the USMNT’s 3-0 win over Panama. Out of window friendlies carry their own adjusted expectations, so putting too much into the result is problematic. All involved know this going in, weighing what happened over those 90 minutes against the work put in so far in camp. That’s the highlight for USMNT fans, with new players responding and doing good things. That included two . . .
USMNT 3 – Panama 0
In a night of debuts for the USMNT, it was Chicago Fire forward Djordje Mihailovic making the most of his. Mihailovic scored in his first game for the USMNT, making the difference in the 1-0 win over Panama at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. In front of a sparse crowd, USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter marked his own debut by giving five players theirs. That included Mihailovic who put the . . .
Seasoned rookie: A conversation with USMNT newcomer Daniel Lovitz
By Charles Boehm – WASHINGTON, DC (Jan 25, 2019) US Soccer Players - With a brand new coaching staff in charge, this year’s USMNT January camp is at least somewhat of a new experience for everyone involved, even a long-serving veteran like Michael Bradley. That said, it’s a different sort of scenario for Daniel Lovitz. This is the first national-team call-up of any kind, at any age level, for the . . .
Preview: USMNT vs Panama
The USMNT opens the 2019 schedule with a Sunday friendly against Panama in Glendale, Arizona (8pm ET - ESPN2). Under new coach Gregg Berhalter, the MLS-based squad has spent most of January in training camp. The expectation is a tactical setup similar to what Berhalter used with the Columbus Crew while waiting on the full roster in March. With that in mind, here's what we're looking for on . . .
Tim Howard begins his last season
Wednesday's soccer news starts with USMNT and Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Tim Howard announcing that 2019 will be his final season in professional soccer. Howard's resume doesn't need highlighting for any fan of American soccer. Suffice it to say, Howard will leave the game as one of the all-time greats. I’m greatly looking forward to kicking off the 2019 MLS season, as it will be my LAST. There . . .
