American Outlaws Baltimore Brigade

I’ve never seen a bracket like this but this looks beautiful 🤩

🎨 Emilio Sansolini

For those going to the game:

Here we go again! Check out the full event information and RSVP here: https://theamericanoutlaws.com/events/474-usmnt-vs-bosnia-and-herzegovina

Everything still left to play for. We're set to take on Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 on July 1st. 👊

If the favored teams prevail…

The USMNT’s path to the 2026 World Cup final:

🇧🇦 Round of 32 — Bosnia
🇧🇪 Round of 16 — Belgium
🇪🇸 Quarterfinal — Spain
🇫🇷 Semifinal — France
🇦🇷 Final — Argentina

What did we learn from last night's 3-2 loss to Turkey? Of course we're disappointed in the loss, but we didn't risk suspension, got some minutes for players who needed them, and have a better idea of who is ready to step up when needed (not many!).

Ultimately the only thing that matters is our next game against Bosnia. I think this match will help us get that result and further down the line if we do.

Here's what I learned:

- Even though Pochettino won't say it, there is a clear A and B squad.

- Losing any of our back five (DFs and DM) will really hurt. McKenzie looked very poor on their goal and M. Robinson was shaky all night. Trusty was decent defensively (hope his injury isn't bad) and Scally was ok. No one looks to be pushing the starters in these positions.

- Pepi did not look sharp, and you wonder if he's who we go to if we need a late goal or tactical shift. I know it was just one game, but he couldn't hold the ball and help us get up field, was bullied all night by Turkey's CBs, looked caught off guard by a couple good balls played in behind (when he had position), and did not look sharp in the box. Surprised not to see Wright get some minutes.

- As I've noticed over the past 18 months, we always look better in a hybrid 3-4-2-1 / 4-2-3-1 than we do otherwise. We had trouble pressing out of the 4-3-3 last night and didn't create many dangerous turnovers. Berhalter was isolated at times as our sole DM, and we looked much better with Reyna/McKennie dropping back to build attacks (which took them out of the final third).

- We looked 20 times more dangerous with Pulisic out there. Glad he could knock off some of the cobwebs. Probably still should have had a goal. He is not a left back, however, as Guler made him look ridiculous on their third goal.

- Guler is a clear level above our midfielders. Even McKennie (who was decent but not great).

- It's only one game, but not sure we can rely on Weah as our first sub in a few positions. He was terrible - worst I've seen him play. Maybe it's a one off, but can we rely on him when we need him?

- Berhalter needs to play at a higher club level. He does have some redeeming qualities (delivery, ball-striking, "fight") and scored a great goal, but he seems to struggle with the pace of play at this level. Gets caught on the ball, doesn't move it quickly enough, and can be a step behind closing down players. If he can get a move abroad, he could potentially take his game to another level.

- Can Reyna and Aaronson be decisive off the bench down the line? Aaronson was busy and a decent outlet but missed a good chance, and Reyna had some nice touches in build up without ever really threatening their goal (aside from a good through ball for which Pepi looked to be on his heels and got muscled out).

- Not a lot Turner could do about the first two goals, but it looked like he had the angle closed down for the pass leading to the third. For all his limitations with his feet, he has to make plays in the goal. You'd like to see him get to that ball, but ultimately he'd still be on the bench in the next round.

- The refs are not rigged for us.

Overall it was good to learn some more about this squad. While a win would have been great for vibes, it wasn't worth risking our A players. Let's hope this was a good step for the knockout rounds...

BREAKING: U.S. Soccer has presented USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino a proposal to extend for a second World Cup cycle, running until 2030.

Conversations have been ongoing for several months but any decisions will be made after the 2026 World Cup finishes.

[The Athletic]

Starting us off to finish strong. 💪

x The Home Depot