USMNT

USMNT 2021 Lookback — The Rebirth Of Having Hope In The Men’s National Team

In 2021 and soon-to-be 2022, it’s officially cool to believe in the USMNT again. 

The two years after the disaster in Couva against Trinidad and Tobago was a gray, murky time period with nothing to show for it. In 2019 the Americans lost both games against foe Mexico, including the Gold Cup final. Several months later Canada defeated the U.S. in Concacaf Nations League play and it felt like everything was falling apart for this team.

The Wheels Are In Motion For Daryl Dike's Return To England

One year ago, Daryl Dike was just another young American striker showing promise in MLS. Then a surprise last-minute loan ended Dike's off-season and sent him across the pond to EFL Championship side Barnsley.

Dike took to the English second tier as a Minnesota ice-fisherman takes to a frozen lake.

Bundesliga Club Becomes Clear Front-Runner In Race To Sign USMNT Striker Ricardo Pepi

After being linked with Inter Milan, Sampdoria, Ajax and Wolves, it looks like one club has distinguished itself as the clear front-runner for signing Ricardo Pepi this January.

As reported by the only guy that now reports this sort of thing, Fabrizio Romano, the 18-year-old USMNT phenom is on the verge of moving to the Bundesliga from FC Dallas with Wolfsburg currently leading the race.

Wolfsburg is 13th in the table because of an attack that's generated only 17 goals in 17 matches. Lukas Nmecha and Wout Weghorst both have six goals and no other player has more than two.

FIFA Gurus Decide USMNT Win Vs. Bosnia Means The U.S. Is Better Than Germany In Rankings

The FIFA rankings are nonsensical 75% of the time and only truly matter for seeding of group stages at the World Cup. Three out of every four years these rankings mean squat, but in 2022 they matter a whole lot. The top seven teams and host get the most favorable seeds during the World Cup draw. FIFA has released the December rankings and the USMNT sits at its highest ranking to end a calendar year since 2005.

The U.S. is ranked No. 11. One spot above Germany.

Do You Know What Position Christian Pulisic Plays? No One Knows Anymore Including Thomas Tuchel

Christian Pulisic is in a bit of a form slump heading into the holidays with only one goal in his last 11 appearances. An inconsistent number of starts can be attributed to the poor form with only four of those 11 appearances being starts. Another issue comes in the form of a question. What position does Pulisic play?

With Brimming Optimism/Deafening Pessimism, Here Are The18’s 2022 Soccer Predictions

Of all the years in the 2020s, 2021 was probably the least bad one. Maybe. But worry not; 2022 can’t possibly be as bad as the first two years of the decade, right? According to our 2022 soccer predictions, it’s going to be the best year ever, or at least the best of the last three. 

The Official Name Of The Joint 2026 World Cup Is Lame And Mundane; Here Are 5 Better Names

The “UNITED 2026” name for the 2026 World Cup doesn’t hit home for me personally. The United States, Canada and Mexico will become the first countries to be part of a three-host World Cup and will unfortunately have a subpar name for the tournament.

Before jumping into my revolutionary alternate names for UNITED 2026, let’s quickly remind ourselves where the games will be played. The host cities for the 2026 World Cup will be announced at some point next year as the excitement grows.

An American Education In The World's Game: European Stars Who Played College Soccer

In Europe there's a pretty established pathway to becoming a professional footballer: get signed to the academy of a professional club at an early age and hope that one day you're good enough to make the first team.

For an American with European dreams, the route is similar: either have a rich family that can send you abroad or hope that a European club somehow spots you.

USMNT Striker Jordan Pefok Delivers Statement With Four-Goal Game For Young Boys

The debate over who should be the USMNT's starting striker will continue into 2022 despite Ricardo Pepi's recent heroics in front of goal. The 18-year-old was quiet on Saturday night in the national team's 1-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina (a match The18's David Moore likened to "cruel and unusual punishment"), and Gregg Berhalter will be closely monitoring the FC Dallas striker's competition abroad.

Making Someone Watch A U.S. Friendly Vs. 10-Man Bosnia Is Now Considered Cruel And Unusual Punishment

My apologies and condolences go out to any poor unfortunate souls who canceled their Saturday night plans to watch the USMNT play Bosnia and Herzegovina. The U.S. defeated Bosnia 1-0 in what was perhaps one of most mundane soccer games ever played.

With it not being an official international break, there was no Christian Pulisic or Weston McKennie caliber of starpower. The purpose of this friendly was a tune-up game ahead of World Cup qualifying in January. This was a chance for some youngsters and fringe players to prove themselves to head coach Gregg Berhalter. 

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