Just got off a Zoom call to see Luna with a lovely finish for 3. 2 was a heck of free kick by a CB I think
That Vix app is free. I just downloaded it on my TV. Heading into half 2-1. It’s pouring rain. They got 1 against the run then a second on a really good FK. We got one back with a Luna PK (their defender just stopped and picked up the ball in the box, I think they were saying he thought it was deflated or something)
Damn, if it was a beauty contest we would of won hands down. Just couldn’t find the final pass/shot in that slop. Props to Mex for making all the last ditch channels but we were clearly the better side. Sucks. 2-1 final.
Will be surprised if we don’t make one of the U20 WC Finals in ‘23 or ‘25. Highly unlikely Pepi plays in it next year, otherwise that’s a guarantee, but the 2025 team already is looking absurdly good.
do we have anyone to be excited about in top academies abroad or is that not happening anymore with the rise of mls academies + passport rules in the eu?
just off the top of my head: Jack Mize at Dortmund Rodrigo Neri at Athletico Madrid Adrian Gill at Barca
In as much detail or as little as you want can you share your thoughts? I know like 4-5 names but only really Pepi and Cowell as real prospects. Just curious if, for example, that list is full of kids that could play top 5 in Europe? Are there 10 names that could be champions league quality prospects, etc? I just have no idea. Are there any that with realistic progression could be starters in 2026?
yea there are, some like Pepi, Che, Paredes and Cuevas already are in Europe. Hard to project their ceilings. Physical development then how they handle each phase of success (see Otasowie). Imo following our Youth teams are fun outside of Tab Ramos sucking the life out of them. Ever since they started doing the IMG camps, it evolved form there, but USMNT does a good job of establishing a culture and bringing the generations up together. The U20 World Cups are the best. Nothing like seeing a young Pogba on the pitch with a bunch of MLS academy kids. Or Halaand scoring 9 goals in a game. In 5 months the USA is playing in the next u20 World Cup in Indonesia. just way too early to speculate on 2026. Most predicted rosters were off just a few months ago let alone 4 years out. Dual National recruitment will be big too. But, this is a good overview on what the landscape looks like currently. https://theathletic.com/3970282/2022/12/05/usmnt-prospects-2026-world-cup/
In the thread he breaks down every academy. I hate that Covid killed KC’s academy, was top 4 before 2020.