Some observations.

by PMan , The Banks of the Spokane River, Monday, July 06, 2026, 20:43 (16 days ago) @ Mike (bart)

I think tonight’s loss was mental, not physical.

Ball skills are much better than years ago. This remains the most professionally accomplished set of American players ever. Dest, Pulisic, and Robinson are all better players than they played tonight. Tactics hurt, especially in the midfield. Poch changed it at halftime, it felt like an equalizer was coming, and then Freese barfed.

Robinson was playing like the best left back in the Prem before his injuries. He was getting praise from Guardiola.

The inability to develop a top-notch goalkeeper has been a problem. There are young guys in the wings, but we shall see.

I think being the host actually hurt player assessment. No struggle to qualify.

The youth system is a mess, and much of the problem is the pay-to-play and a lack of quality coaches.