Diego Luna was impressive. He has 3 “# 10” qualities I really like: 1) He passes forward. 2) He runs forward. 3) He’s clever setting the table in and around the box. Would like to see him as a focal point # 10, and would like to see Pulisic in a wide left role with freedom.

Last thought on today: I’m AMAZED at how long it took for the announcing team to finally point out the BIG error that McKenzie makes on the 2nd Canada goal. You can’t leave the ball to “track a runner” in that situation. It’s Canada’s best player on the ball 15 yards from goal.

Kyle Martino’s comment today that Patrick Agyemang should play the full 90 because he’s “playing in his hometown” was ridiculous. You should play because you’re performing. Every poor performance (Robinson and Cardoso) should be punished (ruthlessly) and every good one rewarded.

Going to “put my hand up”today and say that I, along with others, have bought into the “narrative” that all the good Brazilian players have bolted for Europe, leaving the Brazilian league in tatters. Not so sure there aren’t still a few decent players there. WC 2026-be warned.

The passion and intensity of the Boca fans is simply amazing-same is true for the team. However….where is the actual football? Apart from an amazing individual goal I struggle to find any passages of play to appreciate. Boca is a BIG club…Bayern far superior.

I made this point awhile back…the primary attribute required for the USMNT coach is that he must be ruthless. This is exactly why Matt Freese needs to be benched after today’s error. There is a standard…and that is not it (same for Johnny Cardoso Vs Türkiye) Maurice Edu

Thoughts on US-Mexico: 1) Fair result 2) Ream should have snuffed out the first Mexico goal. Was there is plenty of time, base was too narrow. Amazed that no one commentating called it out. 3) Lots of opportunities for the US to get on the ball. Tillman too casual in 1st half.

US/Japan: 1) A 3 CB/wingback set up feels right. Dest (right) and A.Robinson (left) when WC arrives. 2) Balogun by far the most gifted # 9. Not great with back to goal, but pacey, strong, and can finish. 3) Pulisic, without the captain’s armband, SO MUCH BETTER.

One additional thought…big respect for Christian Roldan. Don’t think he quite makes the cut at the international level, but he’s a winner. I would also add that teams just play better when he’s on the field. #Intangibles

That’s about as pure as you can strike a football. #Caicedo

Matt Freese just not good enough with his feet against a team in a high block. It will be very difficult if not impossible in a World Cup to “play out” with his involvement. With him you must play a back four and drop the 6 out deep to “replace” Freese.

I’ve said it before…but Balogun is, by far, the most gifted # 9. If everyone is “on form” then he has to be the choice. A lot can happen in the next 9 months…but he gives us a legit threat to run behind and has the pace, power and technique to go on his own.

I just don’t get how Brenden Aaronson keeps getting games for USMNT. The next time he plays in one or two touches will be his first. Perhaps he has the “green light” to go on the dribble, but it’s a total lack of sophistication on how football is actually played. Shocking.

I’ve said it before…but let’s put it to rest: Folarin Balogun is the US # 9, and no one else is even close. 2 goals Vs PSG in the Champion’s League speaks for itself. The bigger question is can we find a couple guys that can slip little through balls like he got on goal # 2.

Will be very happy to be proved wrong…but $22 million and a DP slot for Josh Sargent? Toronto FC’s DP history (and big spending) has been feast or famine. This one’s got me wondering…

A couple of takes on US/Belgium: First, Belgium (along with at least 8 other countries) has 3 players (in this case Doku, Onana and De Bruyne, who is past his prime) that the US simply does not have. France may have 13, not 3. That's difficult for US fans to digest.

Take 2...Balogun (goal #1), Tillman (goal # 2), and Arfsten (goal #4) all need to do better on closing ball strikers. Those are the margins. You need to be sacrificing your body to close, to block, to sell out. If you're not going to leave your feet, get one step closer.

Once again…Morris just doesn’t do enough to close Joao Felix on the second goal. It’s an embarrassing goal to concede. The first touch is actually very poor… and we still don’t get there.

While I’m still in the mood…the technical chasm between these two teams is wide. Really wide.

After the Belgium game, I offered that, in my opinion, they had at least 3 players at a level not present in the US group. After the Portugal game...I revisit that assertion, but this time with a question: Who is the most "clever" passer the US has? Can anyone approach Vitinha?