ANALYSIS – The USMNT senior team suited up for a competitive match for the first time since the 2022 World Cup, taking on Grenada in the final group stage window of the Concacaf Nations League. The yanks absolutely took it to Grenada, with multiple shining stars leading the way to a dominant 7-1 win. 7 goals outside of the states is the most goals ever scored on foreign soil. I know it’s Grenada, so take it all with a grain of salt. but it’s impossible not to be excited about some of the play.
USA v Grenada: A historic thrashing in St. George’s
Here’s how they lined up:
Christian Pulisic assisted two, scored one, and had his hand in a Weston McKennie set piece goal, to lead the charge for the guys. Wes scored twice, Pepi scored twice, Aaronson nabbed one, and Alex Zendejas scored his first goal in a USMNT shirt. Everyone was firing on all cylinders. as Luca De La Torre was creating well, assisting on two goals. Daryl Dike made his first appearance for the US since the 2021 Gold Cup, though not much service was given to him. It truly was a team effort, even though it felt like some what of a glorified training session.
Key Takeaways
- Cap Tying
Alex Zendejas has been in the US youth ranks for a long time, but always had ties to Mexico, and has been called up to camps for El Tri in the past. However recently Zendejas committed to the USMNT, got cap tied last night, and scored a debut goal.
Johnny Cardoso, the Brazilian dual national, though having never represented Brazil, was cap tied to the USMNT, receiving his first competitive cap. Taylor Booth also earned a first cap, though not a dual-nat. Still exciting to see him get a look.
2. Cohesion
Now I didn’t come here to slander Berhalter, and I don’t wanna bring up the drama, but to my eyes, this game had a feeling to it that I myself didn’t see from the team in a long time. There was sense of fluidity, togetherness, and cohesion that I was really impressed with, even for a “glorified training session.” You could tell they were having fun out there, and enjoyed being back together. I don’t want this to be misconstrued because I’m not insinuating that Gregg couldn’t get that kind of attitude from the players, but after all the Reyna drama, and the Pulisic interview, it was nice to see.
3. Balogun, are you watching?
I can’t believe it took me this long to mention this, but Folarin Balogun has been in the news for the yanks recently, with the England dual national doing a tour of American sports. He was taking in some NBA at an Orlando Magic game. Though not the best showcase of the NBA, it’s still cool to see him taking it in. He also posted a picture of him at a Yankees spring training game, where they gifted him pinstripes with Balogun on the back. The whole country is gathering together as he will be in attendance for the El Salvador match Monday, and is expected to meet with USSF officials. Hopefully he enjoyed the result, and saw the potential service he could get up top.
