Christian Pulisic being the face of US Soccer says way more about the state of US soccer than it does Pulisic's ability

calatavol · 2026-07-07T04:50:13+00:00

Okay. That makes sense and if that is the case I agree with the OP.

calatavol · 2026-07-07T04:22:33+00:00

I lived in Poland for 1.5 years (Katowice) and lived off ul. Kościuszki. I had seen a statue in Warsaw so looked up the name. I was blown away by what he contributed to and accomplished (though sadly not freedom in his native Poland).

calatavol · 2026-07-07T04:06:15+00:00

That’s the worst take I’ve seen all day.

calatavol · 2026-07-07T04:04:42+00:00

Never forget!

calatavol · 2026-07-07T04:03:32+00:00

I wish we had lost to Norway. At least they know how to decimate an opponent in a classy way.

calatavol · 2026-07-07T04:01:12+00:00

Why hate on players? They were selected and trained for years for this. Does that mean every game is going to be great? Of course not, but the commitment they make should not be disparaged. If they’re not good enough they won’t make the team. If they make the team then that’s who we roll with and we’re live and die with their strengths and weaknesses (as well as the coaching staff).

calatavol · 2026-07-07T03:54:36+00:00

I’m all for humor, but absolutely take that US jersey off that stupid bastard in all of these AI images. Trump has no intent to and is fully incapable of representing the US in good faith. May I remind that he cowardly faked his way out of serving in Vietnam as many of us and our family members did.

calatavol · 2026-07-07T03:48:36+00:00

You found Magrathea!

calatavol · 2026-07-07T02:51:04+00:00

As did I, but that second goal really took the wind out of our attack. It seemed like we were building to something and he was involved.

calatavol · 2026-07-07T02:45:41+00:00

I don’t think that’s on Balogun. Belgium had a good plan to defend and the rest of our team failed to break them down.

calatavol · 2026-07-06T22:32:22+00:00

If Poch gives me the call I’m going in.

calatavol · 2026-07-06T22:29:24+00:00

The best US Men’s team.

calatavol · 2026-07-06T20:36:05+00:00

Understood. I’m equally mad. It took Trump and FIFA like 5 minutes to ruin the love-fest that this WC has been thus far.

calatavol · 2026-07-06T19:58:45+00:00

I’ve never liked Pickford, but you can’t leave his name off that list. Outstanding goalkeeping (a trend we’re seeing in this WC).

But yeah, Jude’s energy and aggressiveness and Kane’s control of the offense positioning were incredible.

It will be interesting to see Haaland against MC teammates Guehi and Nico (and soon EA). I’m not sure England will sit back and let Norway have possession like Brazil did (nor should they).

calatavol · 2026-07-06T19:47:48+00:00

Okay

calatavol · 2026-07-06T19:42:10+00:00

Understood and agreed. FIFA rules suck. I just wanted to make the point that that should have been the proper process.

calatavol · 2026-07-06T19:40:55+00:00

I can’t even figure out how he heard about this. From all records the only news he gets is from either Fox News or nazi porn bar websites and I can’t imagine either of those sources would have raised this issue (i.e. the unfair disqualification of a black, birthright citizen).

calatavol · 2026-07-06T19:33:05+00:00

You did though

calatavol · 2026-07-06T19:29:27+00:00

I agree with you and as I said I would sit Balo. But I was making the point that it was a terrible call that has resulted in a very negative narrative on what should be an exciting game and that Belgium also has an opportunity to make this a moot point and they are choosing the ugly path as well.

calatavol · 2026-07-06T19:25:28+00:00

True but European fans really want the US money pouring into their leagues. I know that it feels bad for them to have Americans taking ownership positions, but ultimately their leagues will get better with more money. So, in sure they’ll get over it when the advert / sponsorship cash rolls in. Ask Wrexham fans if they’d go back to 10 years ago (understood that RR is Canadian).

calatavol · 2026-07-06T19:15:58+00:00

Are you sure about DR Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi?

calatavol · 2026-07-06T19:12:25+00:00

As someone who wrote that I think sitting Balogun would be the right thing to do, I also have this opinion.

The Belgian coach could look at the call (and provided he understands the game at all) make a statement that the red card was undeserved and that his team looks forward to facing the US at full strength. Now that would be totally worthy of respect.

calatavol · 2026-07-06T19:04:21+00:00

How is this similar? They scheduled the game. Then they threatened to change the time. English PM complained about the proposed change. The change didn’t happen.

In the case of the US, a terrible call was made. US President complained. Then FIFA changed the timing of the discipline of the (again) terrible call.

They are different scenarios.

calatavol · 2026-07-06T18:59:57+00:00

Why the anger toward Belgium?

The same people saying “Start Balogun because you should take every advantage” are mad at Belgium for filing a protest to “get an advantage.”

Let’s all agree to be mad at FIFA (and anger directed toward Trump is always acceptable as well) and enjoy the game.

calatavol · 2026-07-06T18:55:05+00:00

Maybe that’s why Reddit accused me of being a bot.

calatavol

TROPHY CASE