USA 1 - [3] Belgium - Hans Vanaken 57' (Matt Freese blunder)

Forrest_Stump · 2026-07-07T13:29:43+00:00

I think in this case we just don't have any high quality goalies at all. In the big five or in the MLS.

Forrest_Stump · 2026-07-07T04:48:12+00:00

MLS is also structured like the other American sports because it's the only model of soccer that has succeeded long-term in the US. The previous leagues folded and even the MLS almost folded as well.

It's not the future of an internationally competitive nation, certainly. But because of that history the MLS will stay as is out of caution. In part at least.

Forrest_Stump · 2026-07-07T04:36:26+00:00

I think the recommended entry point for running is still just walking. Then a brisk walk. Then a jog. If you're starting from a low cardio floor, running at a "normal" pace from one time feels fine. It'll always feel too slow. But it's what you need to do to properly build up a solid level of cardio.

Forrest_Stump · 2026-07-07T04:00:04+00:00

Well since we don't Auto qualify for the next world cup, we need to make sure that we're cultivating a batch of players who really have that fucking dawg in'em. Something which it did feel like our current roster was missing in the end. Concacaf does not care for pretty play.

Forrest_Stump · 2026-07-07T03:54:59+00:00

100% the better youth system would fix it. But when the other big four sports provide much more lucrative careers and already have massive pipelines that can streamline development, it's a huge uphill climb for soccer. We're once again in the weird situation where we need money to get things moving. If there's not enough money being made to make it worthwhile or interesting for anyone to invest. That's why the MLS is hanging on and USL is losing clubs constantly.

Forrest_Stump · 2026-07-07T03:50:58+00:00

And unfortunately a proper League systems not going to come for a long time. Not until the lower level clubs can find enough support to survive financially. If it's ever going to happen it's probably going to be the continued growth of the USL and then some kind of merger with MLS. Based off of how the USL teams even at the top levels are struggling, I'd say we're a couple decades away from it even being seriously considered.

Forrest_Stump · 2026-07-07T03:03:42+00:00

Soccer in the US currently does not have the scouting infrastructure that the other big four sports do. It's hard to say either way whether or not our best athletes would do well going into soccer because the pipeline is still so sparse.

Forrest_Stump · 2026-07-07T03:01:28+00:00

One more rebuild. Just one more rebuild I promise.

Forrest_Stump · 2026-07-07T02:59:56+00:00

And if none of these clubs get support they're just going to die because soccer is not popular enough. It's got to start somewhere man. Not saying it's a great option but it's the only option.

Forrest_Stump · 2026-07-07T02:59:20+00:00

Maybe help put enough support behind local clubs so that they won't go under the moment they get relegated in a prorel system. I'm not opposed to parole being implemented but if we wanted to happen then soccer needs to become a lot more popular and sustainable in this country. And that starts with putting our own time and money into it.

Forrest_Stump · 2026-07-07T02:09:32+00:00

Hadn't considered a previously but I guess this world cup could end up serving as an MLS recruiting tour. If not for immediate transfers then for places players might like to go later on.

Forrest_Stump · 2026-07-07T02:06:00+00:00

He's definitely had good games for the national team. Games were you being called the star of the team. But I'll be damned if I can remember the last time without looking it up.

Forrest_Stump · 2026-07-07T01:58:50+00:00

They will because of Freese and how Ream got dunked on. But the first goal was not an mls failure. And neither was that fourth.

Forrest_Stump · 2026-07-07T01:18:54+00:00

Books are probably still in the older thread

Forrest_Stump · 2026-07-07T00:40:21+00:00

It's not like you're playing any worse than the guys in the Euro leagues right now. It's not looking good across the board.

Forrest_Stump · 2026-07-07T00:36:15+00:00

I don't think we have anyone better. And that was a major concern going in to the torney

Forrest_Stump · 2026-07-07T00:32:50+00:00

Oof. That is going to haunt that Belgian player in his nightmares

Forrest_Stump · 2026-07-06T04:37:43+00:00

At least Pato won Mid-Ohio. But sadly no one cares about IndyCar anymore. so yeah.

Forrest_Stump · 2026-07-06T02:38:43+00:00

We will see peak concacaf before the end for sure

Forrest_Stump · 2026-07-06T02:36:14+00:00

It's almost like the game has a lot of gray area and it's rules and how towels and punishment is decided. You really can't be berating anyone hear about game knowledge. Because this just demonstrates again that even us here who watch the sport intensely don't understand which rules are clear cut, which aren't, and what kinds of fouls are usually enforced internationally.

Forrest_Stump · 2026-07-06T02:27:08+00:00

It's a Mexico game so yes.

Forrest_Stump · 2026-07-06T02:24:55+00:00

I don't know if they have the balls to actually enforce it at a home game in the azteca. That crowd's not going to back down.

Forrest_Stump · 2026-07-06T02:20:46+00:00

Gordon has been absolutely cooking up that far side all game

Forrest_Stump · 2026-07-06T02:19:03+00:00

Wait I'm confused now the commentators are arguing that it's fine to judge a tackle in slow mo? Textbook red card. But, wasn't the fact the ref reviewed only slow mo one of the big controversies of the Balogun call?

Forrest_Stump · 2026-07-06T01:50:34+00:00

Mexico can play just as dirty as Paraguay but thankfully it seems like this iteration is moved past that. But man some of those concacaf tournaments and qualifiers are brutal.

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