concordtom said:

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sluggo said:

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That is 4pm pacific, not eastern. USA! USA! USA!

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3:50

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Google says 4

YouTubeTV schedule says 3:50 when I set up to record.
Maybe 4 is kickoff and they'll do 10 minutes pregame. We'll see

Thank makes sense for sure

concordtom said:

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YouTubeTV schedule says 3:50 when I set up to record.
Maybe 4 is kickoff and they'll do 10 minutes pregame. We'll see

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I don't watch pregame, game at 4.

sluggo said:

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OneKeg said:

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sluggo said:

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OneKeg said:

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Remaining CONCACAF U-20 quarterfinals:

Canada beats Jamaica 3-1 in extra time but doesn't look that good doing it.

Mexico leading Panama 2-0 in the second half and looks to me like the best team in the tourney. If I had to guess, El Tri will beat both Canada and the US-Costa Rica winner. But even if that happens, the US accomplished the goal of qualifying for next year's U-20 World Cup.

Edited to add: Mexico won 4-0 over Panama, who I think is better than Guatemala.

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If you are watching these non-US games we need a word for you beyond "sicko."

The US plays at 2pm pacific. Ussoccer says it will be on FS2. All I see in my sling guide is 7pm on FS1. We will see. I think it may be on fox sports plus. I think you can watch a half for free. I will probably just watch later.

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Ha! I resemble that remark...

In my defense, I normally listen to podcasts and other such content on my phone while at the gym, and that's where I watched the Canada-Jamaica Wed/ quarterfinal, off and on. Then that evening, I watched the Mexico-Panama quarterfinal at home on my phone while my wife and kid were watching a show that they both like.

More importantly, the US U-20 beat Costa Rica 2-0 in the first semifinal, and I again was at the gym hoping to watch (2pm start), but it was not streaming on the Fox app for some reason, so I couldn't? Anyway, looks like they rested some starters (e.g. Cupps, Guske, though the latter did come in as a sub) and subbed out Contreras at wing in the second half which they haven't been doing since Belchimas got injured. Again, could not watch it, just reporting from the match event log.

May try to watch Mexico-Canada tonight if Fox does stream that. To my eye, Mexico is the best U-20 team in the tourney and should beat both Canada (who has looked worse than the US) tonight and probably the US in the final on Sunday (quick turnaround), though that may be a good match. If Canada advances somehow, I think the US takes Canada.

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Excuses, excuses.

I actually do the same thing, watch soccer on my phone while doing my boring cardio at 24hour fitness. I was all set to watch the replay of the US game when instead highlights came up. (In court I would deny it, but I might have watched five minutes of Mexico-Canada.) Even considering weak competition, giving up only 1 goal before the finals is good. From what I have seen goalie is strong, and I like that his nickname is "The Rizzler." Look up the slang "rizz" if you don't know it, it is nothing bad. He is 18 and 6'4'', he needs to get out of MLS (Minnesota United) and play somewhere. I think the #1 issue for the USMNT is finding a goalie for 2030.

Cupps went back to Chicago. I guess they need him now they are playing Leagues Cup (?), some competition between MLS and Liga MX, which means his Chicago team is playing twice a week instead of once.

At the U-17 and U-20 level the US has been qualifying but regularly losing finals to Mexico. This team is not much, so maybe they can keep it 0-0 and The Rizzler can take them home with the Cup. I see the game on my Sling schedule today at 4pm pacific on FS2.

In sad news, Berchimas, US winger, broke his foot on one of two dirty challenges by El Salvador in the first five minutes of the game, neither of which warranted a card. I hope this does not impact his career too much. I hate CONCACAF.

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When it comes to the US goalie of the future, what do you think about Diego Kochen who plays in Denmark, on loan from Barcelona? I think he's 20 now and seems like a good candidate for the USMNT in the 2030 World Cup (and qualifying before that) if he can keep improving. Or do you think "The Rizzler" is better? =) (Smiley is for the nickname, not the idea that he could be better than Kochen, which... hell if I know).

Thanks, I didn't know about Cupps going back to Chicago, who I think play today against their Liga MX opponent. I wonder if he'll play, or he got sent back just to sit on the bench. And that really sucks about Berchimas. I wasn't all that impressed with his play while he was in for a match and a half, but he did have some speed and I may not have seen what he could truly do.

It will be interesting who the US send to the U-20 World Cup next year. I think Gozo will have (barely) aged out? Maybe the Rizzler again. And Cavan Sullivan / Neil Pierre / Adri Mehmeti / Mathis Albert etc. ... maybe Julian Hall and Peyton Miller... and possibly Cupps and one or two others from the current U-20 team playing in this U-20 CONCACAF tourney.

Probably going to watch the championship coming up in half an hour against Mexico streaming on my phone at the gym. As I've said, Mexico is the best team in the tourney to my eyes, but the US has been the second best (in my opinion) and has a shot. Not having Cupps or Berchimas hurts.

OneKeg said:

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sluggo said:

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OneKeg said:

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sluggo said:

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OneKeg said:

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Remaining CONCACAF U-20 quarterfinals:

Canada beats Jamaica 3-1 in extra time but doesn't look that good doing it.

Mexico leading Panama 2-0 in the second half and looks to me like the best team in the tourney. If I had to guess, El Tri will beat both Canada and the US-Costa Rica winner. But even if that happens, the US accomplished the goal of qualifying for next year's U-20 World Cup.

Edited to add: Mexico won 4-0 over Panama, who I think is better than Guatemala.

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If you are watching these non-US games we need a word for you beyond "sicko."

The US plays at 2pm pacific. Ussoccer says it will be on FS2. All I see in my sling guide is 7pm on FS1. We will see. I think it may be on fox sports plus. I think you can watch a half for free. I will probably just watch later.

---

Ha! I resemble that remark...

In my defense, I normally listen to podcasts and other such content on my phone while at the gym, and that's where I watched the Canada-Jamaica Wed/ quarterfinal, off and on. Then that evening, I watched the Mexico-Panama quarterfinal at home on my phone while my wife and kid were watching a show that they both like.

More importantly, the US U-20 beat Costa Rica 2-0 in the first semifinal, and I again was at the gym hoping to watch (2pm start), but it was not streaming on the Fox app for some reason, so I couldn't? Anyway, looks like they rested some starters (e.g. Cupps, Guske, though the latter did come in as a sub) and subbed out Contreras at wing in the second half which they haven't been doing since Belchimas got injured. Again, could not watch it, just reporting from the match event log.

May try to watch Mexico-Canada tonight if Fox does stream that. To my eye, Mexico is the best U-20 team in the tourney and should beat both Canada (who has looked worse than the US) tonight and probably the US in the final on Sunday (quick turnaround), though that may be a good match. If Canada advances somehow, I think the US takes Canada.

---

Excuses, excuses.

I actually do the same thing, watch soccer on my phone while doing my boring cardio at 24hour fitness. I was all set to watch the replay of the US game when instead highlights came up. (In court I would deny it, but I might have watched five minutes of Mexico-Canada.) Even considering weak competition, giving up only 1 goal before the finals is good. From what I have seen goalie is strong, and I like that his nickname is "The Rizzler." Look up the slang "rizz" if you don't know it, it is nothing bad. He is 18 and 6'4'', he needs to get out of MLS (Minnesota United) and play somewhere. I think the #1 issue for the USMNT is finding a goalie for 2030.

Cupps went back to Chicago. I guess they need him now they are playing Leagues Cup (?), some competition between MLS and Liga MX, which means his Chicago team is playing twice a week instead of once.

At the U-17 and U-20 level the US has been qualifying but regularly losing finals to Mexico. This team is not much, so maybe they can keep it 0-0 and The Rizzler can take them home with the Cup. I see the game on my Sling schedule today at 4pm pacific on FS2.

In sad news, Berchimas, US winger, broke his foot on one of two dirty challenges by El Salvador in the first five minutes of the game, neither of which warranted a card. I hope this does not impact his career too much. I hate CONCACAF.

---

When it comes to the US goalie of the future, what do you think about Diego Kochen who plays in Denmark, on loan from Barcelona? I think he's 20 now and seems like a good candidate for the USMNT in the 2030 World Cup (and qualifying before that) if he can keep improving. Or do you think "The Rizzler" is better? =) (Smiley is for the nickname, not the idea that he could be better than Kochen, which... hell if I know).

Thanks, I didn't know about Cupps going back to Chicago, who I think play today against their Liga MX opponent. I wonder if he'll play, or he got sent back just to sit on the bench. And that really sucks about Berchimas. I wasn't all that impressed with his play while he was in for a match and a half, but he did have some speed and I may not have seen what he could truly do.

It will be interesting who the US send to the U-20 World Cup next year. I think Gozo will have (barely) aged out? Maybe the Rizzler again. And Cavan Sullivan / Neil Pierre / Adri Mehmeti / Mathis Albert etc. ... maybe Julian Hall and Peyton Miller... and possibly Cupps and one or two others from the current U-20 team playing in this U-20 CONCACAF tourney.

Probably going to watch the championship coming up in half an hour against Mexico streaming on my phone at the gym. As I've said, Mexico is the best team in the tourney to my eyes, but the US has been the second best (in my opinion) and has a shot. Not having Cupps or Berchimas hurts.

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I don't know much about the goalies as I have not see them play much. Kochen was supposed to play in the last U20WC but got hurt a few weeks before and did not play. There was a rumor he would make the WC squad and Turner would be dropped, but it did not happen. Goalie highlights don't mean anything, unfortunately, I learn about players watching their all touch videos. The book on Kochen is good feet but a little small, although he is 6'3'' on wikipedia.

There are other highly rated young goalies like Aidan Stokes. There is also at least one in Japan and one in Germany. We may learn more about the Rizzler today. Most commentators think we will find an improvement by 2030. But that is really all I know.

The U20 roster for the real event should be strong. The guys you mentioned plus more. Gozo will probably be on the first team and has already played in the event, so I doubt he will play. I worry Pierre has gotten too good. Berchimas was our Saka when he was 15 (playing two years up) and was our best player at the U17 WC, but things have not gone well since. Some are early bloomers, some are late bloomers.

I will be on the couch for the game today then probably watch the Union at the gym.

Mexico won 2-0. The game was fairly even until Mexico scored a garbage goal around 30 minutes. Then center back Applewhite got a red card at 40 minutes on a play where to my eye he made no contact. Then in the second half the Rizzler dropped a corner and Mexico score and that was it.

The Mexican players were dreadful with their flopping and other forms of ****housing. And their fans revived their homophobic chant against the opposing goalkeeper on every goalkick. I have already complained about the ref. I hate CONCACAF.

As to the players:
No - Torquato, Dunham, Applewhite, Guske, Sanchez, Ramos, Klapiha, Vanney, others.
Maybe - Contreras (wish he was either faster or stronger), Mussenden (needs to develops his offense but his defense is strong), The Rizzler (even the best goalies make mistakes, but he needs to calm down).
Yes - Cupps (I hope he can make more incisive passes), Oyharcabal (only guy who could stand up to the Mexican pressure).
Coaching - Ugh. After the red took out Oyharcabal, his best player. The internet hates Segares, maybe they have a point.

Meanwhile Sullivan scored a goal and had an assist against Mexican first division team Necaxa. And Mathis Albert played 30 minutes against Arsenal, a top 5 team in the world, and by the highlights looked like he fit in. If this was a near full strength Mexican team, as advertised, they are in trouble against our real team.

Cavan Sullivan (‘09) ASSIST just minutes into the match pic.twitter.com/WqBTlvabVP

— American Ultras Talk (@usmntaut) August 9, 2026

Cavan Sullivan (‘09) scores for Philadelphia Union, he has a goal and assist on the night pic.twitter.com/06kDmoIq2N

— American Ultras Talk (@usmntaut) August 10, 2026

sluggo said:

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Mexico won 2-0. The game was fairly even until Mexico scored a garbage goal around 30 minutes. Then center back Applewhite got a red card at 40 minutes on a play where to my eye he made no contact. Then in the second half the Rizzler dropped a corner and Mexico score and that was it.

The Mexican players were dreadful with their flopping and other forms of ****housing. And their fans revived their homophobic chant against the opposing goalkeeper on every goalkick. I have already complained about the ref. I hate CONCACAF.

As to the players:
No - Torquato, Dunham, Applewhite, Guske, Sanchez, Ramos, Klapiha, Vanney, others.
Maybe - Contreras (wish he was either faster or stronger), Mussenden (needs to develops his offense but his defense is strong), The Rizzler (even the best goalies make mistakes, but he needs to calm down).
Yes - Cupps (I hope he can make more incisive passes), Oyharcabal (only guy who could stand up to the Mexican pressure).
Coaching - Ugh. After the red took out Oyharcabal, his best player. The internet hates Segares, maybe they have a point.

Meanwhile Sullivan scored a goal and had an assist against Mexican first division team Necaxa. And Mathis Albert played 30 minutes against Arsenal, a top 5 team in the world, and by the highlights looked like he fit in. If this was a near full strength Mexican team, as advertised, they are in trouble against our real team.

Cavan Sullivan (‘09) ASSIST just minutes into the match pic.twitter.com/WqBTlvabVP

— American Ultras Talk (@usmntaut) August 9, 2026

Cavan Sullivan (‘09) scores for Philadelphia Union, he has a goal and assist on the night pic.twitter.com/06kDmoIq2N

— American Ultras Talk (@usmntaut) August 10, 2026

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I watched until the second goal by Mexico, at which point I switched to music for the rest of my workout. I thought Mexico were the better team, though got a little lucky on both goals and the red card. 0 shots on goal by the US not good. Really poor game by Applewhite even up to the red. I thought the red was a harsh call but technically right (I thought there was contact). The player it was on (Camberos, 19yo for Mexico) was the best player in this entire tournament, I thought, in addition to getting the golden boot.

Agreed on not liking the routine Mexican flopping, so consistently rewarded by the ref. Many were legit fouls, but a few weren't and the ref seemed to subconsciously develop a reflex that if a Mexican player falls down, it's a foul. I'd also say the waving bye-bye to the red carded player, as they also did against Canada, seemed a little trashy. Wish that kind of obvious taunting was a yellow card.

Center back Applewhite had a terrible match up to the point he was ejected. So many bad decisions. Bummer after seemingly having a good match against Costa Rica. With Applewhite failing and Cupps being gone at the other center back spot (did Chicago even play him today? Doesn't look like it. Why did they need to pull him back to Chicago?), we were pretty weak on defense. Agree that Mussenden is not bad. Perhaps an eventual backup outside back for the main squad (and next year in the U-20 World Cup).

I was disappointed by Guske's play at holding mid - I had liked how he played in the first match against Haiti. But yeah, I'll pass on him. I thought Ramos had played ok at forward at times this tournament, but he was below average. And Klepija - ugh. So selfish. He had a counterattack after a Ramos steal and pass, got double-teamed, and had Contreras wide open for the layoff and likely goal and chose to shoot himself (over the bar). Should have been the best US chance of the day, but instead was nothing. But yeah, great run by Contreras on that counter, getting inside position on his defender. Contreras had an up and down match, but not bad.

I don't really see it in the Rizzler. Obviously a bad match for him. He was ok for most of this tournament.

As for the Philadelpha Union v Necaxa Leagues Cup match, I just watched the highlights. Yeah Cavan Sullivan looked great. Man, if he could just a little bigger and faster. Pierre didn't seem to have the greatest match, though it's hard to judge center backs from highlights. I am very high on both, though probably not as high as you are, sluggo. Did you cite someone calling them both "black swan events"? I dunno. Both seem like good future USMNT starters, and maybe stars, but I'm not sure I'm ready to call them generational players yet.

I'm not at all convinced tgat first goal crossed the line.
But maybe it was a handball at the goal line.

The red …. Weak.

The second goal - what the (you know what) was our GK doing?
That's as bad as it gets.
But whatever…how old is the kid?

concordtom said:

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...

The second goal - what the (you know what) was our GK doing?
That's as bad as it gets.
But whatever…how old is the kid?

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Most of these kids are 17-19. Kayne Rizvanovich ("The Rizzler") is 18.

Wow.
So young!!

They've got their whole lives in front of them.
Good luck!

concordtom said:

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Wow.
So young!!

They've got their whole lives in front of them.
Good luck!

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Yep. I mean, it is an U-20 tournament after all. These are all the equivalent of juniors/seniors in high school, or maybe freshmen or young sophomores in college, though essentially all of them play for pro club teams. When I critique their play, even if I am harsh, I hope I am clear that I wish success for all these kids regardless.

As sluggo has pointed out, most of our best U-20 players did not play in this one. I guess we were confident we would make the semifinals regardless (to qualify for the U-20 World Cup next year, which we did) and we are already qualified for the next Olympics as the host - Mexico just qualified for the Olympics by winning this tourney, and would have qualified even if they lost in the final as the next best team besides the US.

OneKeg said:

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concordtom said:

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Wow.
So young!!

They've got their whole lives in front of them.
Good luck!

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Yep. I mean, it is an U-20 tournament after all. These are all the equivalent of juniors/seniors in high school, or maybe freshmen or young sophomores in college, though essentially all of them play for pro club teams. When I critique their play, even if I am harsh, I hope I am clear that I wish success for all these kids regardless.

As sluggo has pointed out, most of our best U-20 players did not play in this one. I guess we were confident we would make the semifinals regardless (to qualify for the U-20 World Cup next year, which we did) and we are already qualified for the next Olympics as the host - Mexico just qualified for the Olympics by winning this tourney, and would have qualified even if they lost in the final as the next best team besides the US.

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These are professional soccer players. They are not going to college. I don't think critiques should be mean but matter of factly talking about where players stand feels okay to me.

In case anyone is wondering this guy did not invent that type of throw in. It has been done for at least the last ten years. I saw it a year or two ago at a women's college game.

sluggo said:

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In case anyone is wondering this guy did not invent that type of throw in. It has been done for at least the last ten years. I saw it a year or two ago at a women's college game.

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Always love it when I see it, especially in game.

OneKeg said:

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sluggo said:

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Meanwhile Sullivan scored a goal and had an assist against Mexican first division team Necaxa. And Mathis Albert played 30 minutes against Arsenal, a top 5 team in the world, and by the highlights looked like he fit in. If this was a near full strength Mexican team, as advertised, they are in trouble against our real team.

Cavan Sullivan (‘09) ASSIST just minutes into the match pic.twitter.com/WqBTlvabVP

— American Ultras Talk (@usmntaut) August 9, 2026

Cavan Sullivan (‘09) scores for Philadelphia Union, he has a goal and assist on the night pic.twitter.com/06kDmoIq2N

— American Ultras Talk (@usmntaut) August 10, 2026

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As for the Philadelpha Union v Necaxa Leagues Cup match, I just watched the highlights. Yeah Cavan Sullivan looked great. Man, if he could just a little bigger and faster. Pierre didn't seem to have the greatest match, though it's hard to judge center backs from highlights. I am very high on both, though probably not as high as you are, sluggo. Did you cite someone calling them both "black swan events"? I dunno. Both seem like good future USMNT starters, and maybe stars, but I'm not sure I'm ready to call them generational players yet.

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The argument for Pierre is his size and athleticism. There has been nothing like him before that I know of. We will see how his skills develop and whether he can stay mostly injury free.

For Sullivan, he is extremely precocious. See the assist where he slows down just enough and does a scissors dribble to give Harriel the time to catch up and makes an inch perfect pass to set up the goal. He can't even see Harriel, he either hears his voice or just feels that he should be there. That is crazy skill. His mentality is A+, he thinks he is going to be the best. His speed of thought is already better than any US player ever. His footwork is excellent. While it looks like he will not grow as tall as we might hope, I think he will be very powerful in a few years. A little more speed and quickness and everything is possible, but if it does not come, I still think best US player in history is on the table.

BearlySane88 said:

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sluggo said:

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In case anyone is wondering this guy did not invent that type of throw in. It has been done for at least the last ten years. I saw it a year or two ago at a women's college game.

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Always love it when I see it, especially in game.

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Yes, I was at that women's game and it took my breath away.

sluggo said:

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BearlySane88 said:

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sluggo said:

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In case anyone is wondering this guy did not invent that type of throw in. It has been done for at least the last ten years. I saw it a year or two ago at a women's college game.

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Always love it when I see it, especially in game.

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Yes, I was at that women's game and it took my breath away.

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I think I've seen it happen more with women's games.

BearlySane88 said:

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sluggo said:

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BearlySane88 said:

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sluggo said:

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In case anyone is wondering this guy did not invent that type of throw in. It has been done for at least the last ten years. I saw it a year or two ago at a women's college game.

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Always love it when I see it, especially in game.

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Yes, I was at that women's game and it took my breath away.

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I think I've seen it happen more with women's games.

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I guess more women did gymnastics.

Justin Ellis is someone the internet nerds like but I had not really paid attention to him. Also he did not play much until this year. This highlight video is very impressive. He might play next year in the U20 WC, but he also might be too good. I heard a comparison to Harry Kane. I sort of see it in his hold up play. But Kane is the best finisher I have ever seen other than Messi, so it is not for his whole game.

Last year Freeman, this year Ellis. Orlando should bring up its youth players earlier.

Justin Ellis ('07) v León#USMNT #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/CaRFeSsM1N

— why (@comp0us) August 10, 2026

Yes, Ellis was one of the next two players I was going to ask you about, sluggo. The other being Peyton Miller.

I watched the highlights of New England's match over the weekend against Houston and Miller looked like an average to above average MLS player right now with good (not great) athleticism. The shots he took weren't great, but they were timely, mostly on frame and required decent saves. Not bad for age 18.

Miller is listed as a defensive player, but seemed to play down the left wing, so perhaps a left wingback and, if he continues to improve, a possible replacement for A. Robinson on the main USMNT?

I had not watched Ellis (Age 19) other than your post above. I've seen him referred to as a center forward, but he seemed to play almost more in an offensive midfield position in much of that film. Though I guess some CFs (like Kane as you referenced) do range back into the midfield a decent amount.

Man, it would be fun if in the U-20 World Cup next year, the US truly sent its best U-20, including Gozo and Ellis who technically would both be 20 by then, but I think still make the cutoff? Along with Sullivan, Pierre, Mehmeti, Albert, Hall, Miller and the rest.

OneKeg said:

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Yes, Ellis was one of the next two players I was going to ask you about, sluggo. The other being Peyton Miller.

I watched the highlights of New England's match over the weekend against Houston and Miller looked like an average to above average MLS player right now with good (not great) athleticism. The shots he took weren't great, but they were timely, mostly on frame and required decent saves. Not bad for age 18.

Miller is listed as a defensive player, but seemed to play down the left wing, so perhaps a left wingback and, if he continues to improve, a possible replacement for A. Robinson on the main USMNT?

I had not watched Ellis (Age 19) other than your post above. I've seen him referred to as a center forward, but he seemed to play almost more in an offensive midfield position in much of that film. Though I guess some CFs (like Kane as you referenced) do range back into the midfield a decent amount.

Man, it would be fun if in the U-20 World Cup next year, the US truly sent its best U-20, including Gozo and Ellis who technically would both be 20 by then, but I think still make the cutoff? Along with Sullivan, Pierre, Mehmeti, Albert, Hall, Miller and the rest.

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I have not seen a lot of Miller. Seems like a pretty good athlete, and yes, probably a left wingback who could be Robinson's backup in the next cycle. I have not seen anything about him to make me think he has a high ceiling.

I agree on Ellis. Kind of a second striker or attacking midfielder. But that is Sullivan's position. High IQ player. He and Sullivan and Albert seem like they would work well together, but none is a superior athlete. Gozo is. Need a couple others.

Interesting. Looking forward to watching a few Crystal Palace Premier League matches to watch not just Chris Richards but also Zavier Gozo. Obviously, it's a huge step up in level of competition for Gozo, but hopefully he gets some minutes as you suggested he might at Palace.

For Ellis, I guess he could back up Sullivan or vice versa. But I'm not sure I've seen the mythical "true number 9" center forward among the US young soccer prospects. I think Julian Hall isn't it either (not that he's bad).

Of course, you could argue that Balogun is not a stereotypical "true number 9" either.

OneKeg said:

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Interesting. Looking forward to watching a few Crystal Palace Premier League matches to watch not just Chris Richards but also Zavier Gozo. Obviously, it's a huge step up in level of competition for Gozo, but hopefully he gets some minutes as you suggested he might at Palace.

For Ellis, I guess he could back up Sullivan or vice versa. But I'm not sure I've seen the mythical "true number 9" center forward among the US young soccer prospects. I think Julian Hall isn't it either (not that he's bad).

Of course, you could argue that Balogun is not a stereotypical "true number 9" either.

---

Malik Jakupovic of the Union (of course) is a true #9 who has done great on the #2 team but has looked outclassed in MLS. But he just turned 17 and #9s can take a little longer. He is 6'3''.

Tomo Allen is a 19-year-old #9 who spent his first year (mistakenly) at Stanford. He is 6'4''. I saw him play in person two or three years ago. He was growing into his body. He plays for the #2 Quakes, who are very bad at bringing up young players.

Hall is a very good poacher, but guys like him usually cannot make the transition to international ball. I think if he plays for the USMNT it will be as a winger or attacking mid.

Across the world there are few true #9s these days. Spain does not have one. France did not start one. But the pendulum may be swinging back in their favor. Balogun is not big, but I think he is a poacher and finisher type of #9, which has long been a type.

Palace did not pay 15 million to have Gozo watch. They are not a big enough team to pay so much for a pure bench player. He will get a chance.

Thanks sluggo. Kind of makes me wish Jakupovic and/or Allen were playing center forward for the US U-20 team that just competed in the CONCACAF tourney to get them some experience. It's not like either one is playing for their senior clubs.

Even Cupps got called back by Chicago so he missed the semifinals and final when we really could have used a good center back, and then he just sat on the bench for Chicago's entire match on Sunday (the same day as the U-20 tourney final).

Good point on how much Crystal Palace is paying Gozo. Looking forward to seeing how he does with his Premier League minutes!

OneKeg said:

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Thanks sluggo. Kind of makes me wish Jakupovic and/or Allen were playing center forward for the US U-20 team that just competed in the CONCACAF tourney to get them some experience.

Good point on how much Crystal Palace is paying Gozo. Looking forward to seeing how he does with his Premier League minutes!

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Just yesterday a younger #9, Davian Kimbrough (16) from Sacramento, committed to Mexico. They internet says he developed early and will fade, but I saw him play once and thought he was excellent. He is too young to know. Tomo Allen would have made sense on the team. Not sure why he was not selected. Maybe the Quakes did not want him to go. Jakupovic is kind of young and the games against the central American teams were violent.

Justin Ellis comes on as a sub for Orlando around 60' and promptly scores to make it 2-0 over Atletico San Luis in the Leagues Cup. 2-1 now towards the closing minutes.

(The man Ellis came on for, Dike, scored the first Orlando goal).

Justin Ellis header for Orlando's second goal

Ellis also had a great through pass on a counterattack that should have been an assist.

Edited to add: San Luis ties it up 2-2 at the death. In the ensuing penalty shootout, Justin Ellis shoots second for Orlando and converts.