Giving him the armband is a bit more confusing for me. No disrespect to Ream, but I think the captain should be in the 11, and I don't think Ream belongs there. If Richards' ankle doesn't heal quickly enough, we need a better Plan B.

I'm not sure what Poch is doing at GK, though I still think it'll be Freese. FWIW, I thought Turner played well enough--taking the ball of Mane like that is no small feat--and I guess I get why Brady needed a first cap before the WC, but it was all a bit weird.

Still, loads to feel good about, which is a nice change of pace.

as like an assistant coach on the field, but it seems like Ream should be an assistant coach off the field at this point. I thought McKenzie and Freeman played well and, teamed with Richards and not Ream, could be actually good.

The defense needs to quit giving up goals late in the half.

Not sure what to make of the goalkeeper situation. I guess it might be clear if Poch gives Freese the full 90 against Germany.

But Dest, Balogun, and Pulisic finding the back of the net is all good. Such a better offensive team with Jedi and Dest in the 11.

Obviously, the result was nice, if largely meaningless, but the opening 25 minutes or so were the best we've seen the USMNT play in the Pochettino era. Some great stuff from Pulisic, Dest, Pepi, McKennie, and Balogun, and a lively showing from almost everyone else on the pitch.

Granted, I'm concerned about Gio and Ream, neither of whom played well, and we badly need Richards to get healthy, but it's sure nice to feel optimistic for a change.