Observations:
- In that 2017 loss to T&T, our roster consisted of 18 MLS/Mexican league players and only 5 guys making a living in Europe (only 3 of which started - if Geoff Cameron had started instead of Omar "own goal" Gonzalez, we don't miss the Russia 2018, just sayin). 4 years later, we have 19 guys from Europe, and only 4 (Lletget, Yueill, Acosta, Ochoa) from MLS. None of our MLS should have started, though Acosta played well. Case closed. I'll say it again, if you're not in Europe, or you're not trying to get there, don't talk to me about being on USMNT A team.
- Berhalter's 3-5-3 lineup didn't work. Curious that we try this newer lineup in a Final without much evidence of success in the past. Starting 3 CBs not only didn't shore up our defense, but our midfield was overrun and our offense lacked service, especially in the first half.
- In an absolutely bone-headed decision, Berhalter's call to remove Dest (who was having a poor game to be fair) early 2nd half and return to a 4 man backfield meant that Tim Ream would be our LB. This immediately calls to mind our 2011 Gold Cup Final vs Mexico when Cherundolo was injured and Bornstein's insertion at RB was absolutely the reason we lost our dos a cero lead and lost 4-2. That decision, and that loss marked the end of Bradley's US coach career and the beginning of a decade of painful losses to our rival. Berhalter's decision to position what might be our slowest defender at a fullback position obviously cost us a goal - Mexico immediately attacked Ream's side the rest of the half, even subbing in their fastest wing on the right to take advantage of our glaring weakness. I don't give Berhalter credit for finally recognizing this and moving Acosta back there. There's no reason this should ever have happened. Antonee Robinson was there on the bench. Reggie Cannon was on the bench. Tyler Adams was on the bench. Dest could have stayed out there instead of Ream.
- McKennie channeled his inner Ronaldo and elevated above everyone on every corner kick. He put 3 headers on goal and setup Reyna's goal. His overall tenaciousness earned my vote for man of the match. Even more egregious than Berhalter's Ream mistake was Mexico's inability to defend McKennie on corners all night after the first time.
- Pulisic had a miserable showing in the first half. But has any penalty in US history been better than the right corner blast in the pivotal moment of the game? He didn't shy away from the moment and delivered the most memorable PK in USMNT history.
- The other pivotal moment was Guardado's penalty vs Ethan Horvath. (A terrible VAR decision on the handball, btw). It looks like the ball hit a solid wall and bounced 30 feet into the air - that's how strong Horvath's right arm was on that stop. Horvath had the biggest night of his career and brought memories of the great US keepers of the past. Let's hope a solid club picks him up and hands him a starting role.
- There's no reason why Musah wasn't inserted instead of Lletget. More talent, more skill, and more security for the future with a cap-tie. Lletget was completely invisible vs Honduras, why should he be selected for the Final?
- Mexico's behavior on the night was unsporting, dirty, but expected. Their fans throwing projectiles on the field? I would have been shocked if it didn't happen. Scuffing up Pulisic's penalty spot? #notsurprised. Guardado kicking Pulisic in the waning moments of the game? Jerk move, but typical.
- Why did the trophy look like a cheap plastic toy? Note to trophy selection committee - always select the CHROME finish.
- Why did our championship t-shirts look like ones for a generic 90's jazz festival?
- Why did the confetti cannons not coincide with trophy raise?
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