This Olympic tournament is going to be the most dynamic EVER. All twelve teams are excellent, all twelve teams could medal. It’s gonna be a celebration in football bloodbath in France.
You’re 100% on point. The group stages are gonna be wild and I can’t even imagine the knockout stage matchups. Then you also think about France who has the added pressure of playing at home and it’s even more compelling. Thanks for hanging with us Kristi!!
Christen Press once said that “Casey Kruger was our best 1v1 defender🔒” and she’s still 100% right. Casey rarely makes mistakes or gets beaten. I trust her like I do Naomi. Fox and Kruger as wingbacks/defenders is solid. We need Casey as an option. Loved your olympic squad picks 🔥, Its gonna be tough leaving some faves at home. But, this squad is looking dangerous again. I think bringing in Lily and Eva might be a look toward the WC cycle moreso than these olympics.
@@BuffBillsFan83 I won’t reduce Casey Kruger’s body of work down to silo of a few minutes played in the last game. She’s been playing at an elite level for years and we have a large sample size of solid performances. But since you mentioned defenders getting beaten repeatedly, I would direct you to the recent rain game against Canada (and even Japan to a degree). There is a trend emerging of us getting beaten down that flank. And do you know who the defender was that kept getting beaten and needed Trinity Rodman to play help defense all night until Twilla ….mercifully subbed in Casey Krueger? Jenna Nighswonger. Jenna is being used as an offensive weapon which is great but, her recovery defense and recognition is shaky. This is why we NEED a specialist like Casey as an option. She can recognizes plays, breaks them up, quickly recovers if she looses a ball, gets back to contest and can still lock down a player with her speed.
If yohannes and gaetino get some playing time with the team in these next 4 matches prior to Paris, then maybe, but giving them a slot for the Olympics before they have even been capped? That’s pretty dicey fellas. P-r-e-t-t-y dicey. Sounds like y’all have a case of the “ooh! New and shiny!” Syndrome. We have no idea how they fit into this squad yet, we just have hopes. I really think you have to get them into a number of games before you put them into a small roster for an actually important tournament like the Olympics.
True they need to play to have an idea if they can contribute......but they were called in.....usually when new players are called in, it means there is some interest from the coaches.....Emma might know somethings that we fans can only speculate....I watched PSG play a swedish team BK Hacken, in theEuropean Champions league where both Gaetino, and Albert scored in those 2 games....Check out the goal scored by Korbin Albert in game 2 here just scroll to the 5:15 minute on this highlights to see just how strong leg Korbin Albert has....ruclips.net/video/lrnitDzPh2s/видео.html
My Team (as of April 2024): GK: Alyssa Naeher, Casey Murphy DF: Naomi Girma, Emily Fox, Abby Dahlkemper, Jenna Nighswonger, Crystal Dunn MF: Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Sam Coffey, Jaedyn Shaw, Emily Sonnett FW: Mal Swanson, Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, Catarina Macario, Lynn Williams Alternates: Alex Morgan, Jane Campbell, Savannah DeMelo, Olivia Moultrie, Alana Cook/Tierna Davidson Time will tell when Emma releases the roster for Korea friendlies next month.
Beautiful selection. i havent seen the young players in your roster, but hopefully we'll see them in the next couple of friendlies . i wonder whats the status of lavelle injuries. Who you got if she cannot make it?
A key to your more “risky” picks is whether they play ( and how much) in the matches against South Korea. Same with Cat. She barely appeared in last 2 matches
I love that there's so much choice! Things could definitely be worse for the coaching staff haha Let’s just hope everyone stays healthy and Girma is back on the field soon. PS I agree about Sonnett and Dahlkemper, too.
A bit too early to make the roster call at this moment. The health of every individual player will determine whether they are on the roster or not. This of course applies in particular to Macario who isn't at full fitness, Swanson who just returned from major injury, Lavelle who isn't consistently healthy, and Lynn Williams. All four of the above should be on the roster if they are healthy. I have to agree with the user who wrote that Krueger was at the time of that quote and probably still is the team's best 1v1 defender. She has to be the second defender on the roster after Girma. Krueger has been really fast since returning. Either that's something new or I didn't notice it before. Historically she has always been a fringe player for me because while she has been excellent defensively she didn't bring much in the attack. She has somehow also returned to the NT post-pregnancy with attacking ability as well. The USWNT have been really aggressive in the attack and can get caught out. If Krueger were an outside back then her recovery speed would be essential. I like Krueger offensively because she provides width. Both Nighswonger and Fox like to cut inside and I'm not sure it is best to have two outside backs who both cut inside playing at the same time. One of you commented on criticism of Nighswonger that you've seen. Nighswonger getting caught out up field is mostly a feature and a conscious choice on the part of the coaches. You all are right about that. Her lack of speed does leave something to be desired though. The USWNT seem determined to play Dunn or Nighswonger at left back and both of them have poor recovery speed. Then to add insult to injury Davidson is usually the LCB providing cover for the LB. I'm entirely fine with the argument that if the USWNT weren't so risky in attacking and if they were to play a possession style game that Davidson would be a better option as a CB than Krueger. As is though, Davidson's lack of speed in covering for Dunn or Nighswonger is problematic. Dunn and Morgan both aren't good enough anymore. The USWNT don't get enough ball progression from the back line. Then the first choice currently in the double pivot is Coffey whose ball progression is poor when she is under pressure. She is slow and plodding and we've seen her turn recently but then she won't run with the ball because she is scared of the player who is just over her shoulder. DeMelo is essential in the six. She is exactly what the team would need offensively and probably good enough defensively. Lavelle or Sanchez are needed as the other half of the double pivot. The USWNT would now have plenty of speed, creativity, and ball progression in the midfield to make up for what is lacking from the defense. Horan is the captain so the USWNT will be starting her. In actuality she shouldn't be starting though. Swanson should be a winger. Macario should be the striker. The other two attackers should be Shaw and Rodman. Personally I would have Rodman as the central attacking midfielder because she is a player whose offensive skillset should be played centrally, she can be a workhorse defensively, and you want her taking shots but not at an angle. The USWNT see it differently, Rodman has been forced as a winger and it isn't as if she is incapable there. Her skills and physicality dictate that she should be playing centrally. I wouldn't have Sonnett starting but after being a fringe player for me for years she is now an auto include. Sonnett's best position is the six and she has been playing it better than Coffey. Sonnett could play in an emergency anywhere across the back line, though she is definitely better as an outside back than she is as a centerback. Lynn Williams is a must if healthy. She is a superb athlete and a workhorse defensively. This team struggles for width and she provides it. She would only be a sub. With Lynn Williams being a better athlete than most already, she is quite effective against already tired legs. Sophia Smith has a few goals as of late and drew the penalty against Japan. As for my personal roster, she wouldn't be on it as of now. I guess she has three games to convince me otherwise. In the end she has been really inconsistent. Smith is smaller than what the team should want at striker. I don't view her as a winger. I would rather have Macario, Rodman, or Shaw at striker than Smith. I suspect neither Gaetino nor Yohannes will be on the Olympic roster. As of now neither has a cap and they are only in discussion because they were on a training camp roster. Gisele Thompson was in training with the team at Gold Cup but doesn't seem to be in the conversation and I expect the same for Gaetino and Yohannes. That is unless they get caps and really impress. The USWNT are lacking at centerback so there would be an opening if personnel decisions didn't move as slowly as they do. The Olympic Roster is too small to have handout roster spots like the World Cup. Moultrie is possibly deserving of a roster spot and that is based on talent and not age. There is a lot that this team has to clean up and there is little time to do it. At least one (DeMelo) if not two (Sanchez) essential players are on the outside looking in. The USWNT has work to do on the back line. They need to find an alternate outside back because Dunn isn't good enough and that is assuming that Krueger would be counted as an outside back in addition to Fox and Nighswonger. So this next camp will need Huerta, Vignola, Mace, or whoever else. The only good centerback option right now is Girma if Krueger is deemed an outside back. Dahlkemper is bad and Davidson and Cook are only so-so options. Spain is definitely the best team in the world right now. The US players aren't going into the tournament thinking they are second best though and the coaching shouldn't be doing that either. Second place is theoretically there for the taking. But with the decision making of the coaches both player and tactics wise, second place is not actually there for the taking if the status quo is maintained.
Prefer Sophia Smith over Cat for the simple fact that Sophia looks to be in great form and Cat hasn’t played in two years for the team. But agree with everything else. Though I could see Rodman coming off the bench
Sonnett was the worst player on the field in the game vs Canada all 90 mins. Having her in the roster is not good. That's where I have Albert. Agree with Gaetino.
The Sonnett pick was not based on just the Canada match, more for body of work. I think we mighta missed on not having Korbin on our 16. This is still a learning podcast though and we appreciate you chiming in and hanging out!!
@@IntoTheChannelPod it's more than just the Canada game. She's 30 and she wasn't even USWNT quality in her prime. She's always been an outside looking in bubble player, same as Kreuger, though even Kreuger has more ability. As a 6 she doesn't play penetrating forward passes and also doesn't have the technical skill to beat players imon the turn in press or tight spaces. Athletically she is also lacking. When teams break on us she doesn't close spaces well and is rarely around the ball making an impact. She's not a disruptor as a 6 defensively, she lacks athleticism, she's a back pass merchant, she lacks the technical skill on the ball to break press, she doesn't close spaces well which combined with a slow Horan and potentially Coffey who isn't a burner also concerns me. All of this begs the question of...what does she even bring to the squad other than "she's a vet"????
We did mention Moultrie as one of our tough cuts. If it was a 23-person squad she’s absolutely on it. She might make it to the Olympics anyway. We really appreciate you chiming in and hanging out with us Theodore!! 💪
Swanson is one of the key ingredient in our secret sauce (Germa is the one on defense; Coffee is 1b).....we are just way better when she is on the field.
@@malber2000 you have to be worried about team chemistry, which is why imho I don't think she makes it, unless we have injuries to other midfielders. If we didn't have the social mediagate issue involving Korbin, she's a shoe in, but in tournaments like this where you're with your teammates all of the time, chemistry has to be fluid and not forced, and I think Albert will be left off because of it!
You’re thinking of Korbin Albert, she went to PSG. She’s been playing as more of an attacking midfielder these days though, so it might be Krueger who gets that extra defender spot.
Great draft....Krueger or Dahlkemper are the "Kriegs" of the Paris World Cup. We are cooked if something happens to Girma so must have someone that can step in to that super important spot. I think the first one on offense to bring on if injury to a drafted - Williams. And great remarks regarding Rose. Lastly, your entire draft is the World Cup team minus maybe a retired goalie.
You are probably right. Who do you think we are talking about as the potential snub for that spot? Or do you feel like she out and out deserves the spot? Thanks for stopping by and hanging out!
LOL - you lost me when you had Horan as a top player on the team. Her lack of mobility makes her either a liability on offense and defense. Against lesser teams, you don't always notice her liabilities, but against good teams, she is constantly exposed.
Great roster.. However, an in-form Sophie Smith will start over Trinity Rodman on the right. Rodman may be the best athlete on the team, but Smith is the best finisher. A front 4 of Macario, Swanson, Smith, and Shaw is the most potent. Also, Dunn has never played midfielder for the USWNT because she isn't a good enough midfielder to make the roster as a midfielder. And claiming she is a midfielder just to keep her on the roster just hopium. Dunn's usefulness is waning. Krueger is a better 1v1 defender, with more pace. Krueger needs to start against the Salma Paralluelo types.
Love the insight and enthusiasm. I think Olympics may come a couple months too soon for Macario but hard to leave talent like that out. Lavelles durability always a concern, but same story. Agree with both. Dahlkamper in for me. Solid, finally in form after tough long term injury, and she has a long ball that springs the forwards that, imo, others on the team try, but cannot replicate Finally, I’d take Morgan over one of the other young uncapped phenoms. Your points are valid, but she has a presence (see Columbia match) that only Swansin can match up front, and the forwards seem more “connected” when she is in. I feel like maybe the things she does are a little underappreciated, (a la OlivierGiroud :). Her time is ALMOST over, but not yet. Just thoughts. I’m sure it’ll all work out. Looking forward to what happens this summer. Thanks.
The good thing about this 18 Olympic roster team is that the alternates can travel and train with the team as they will be available to replace any injured athlete. They get up to 5 spots. My issue is just to have the IOC make it 23 period so it’s just like all other tournaments in FIFA. This whole elitist Olympic decision is really unfair to all federations.
I see you guys are part of the Corbin Albert icing gang.. But what you don’t know and about to witness is seeing her name on Emma Hayes list as a starter… Put judgment and politics on the side and let’s play ball
No icing out. With Shaw looking more like a 10 and assuming Lavelle is back that leaves room for three. Horan and Coffey seem like locks and sonnett is more versatile which matters in the 16 field player squad. I would also take Yohannes over Albert just we can lock her up playing for the USA over Netherlands. Just numbers and overall pieces leaves Albert out IMO
There’s tons left. Totally right about that but it was a really fun exercise and gave us a chance to celebrate some players and put ourselves through the exercise of building a squad.
I disagree with this.....knowing Emma's record at Chelsea, you are putting too much stock on the US league, and the players playing there, when in fact Emma said that one of the handicap the players who play in the US league face is the unfamiliarity with the European players they have, which according to Emma is a disadvantage for the US players.......so I suspect Emma will put more stock in those players playing in Europe, who play regularly against European players, so they would have a better understanding how to play against players who they regularly practice with.... Based on that, in a classic 4-3-3 formation, I think Emma would favor Eva Gaetino over Davidson on the central defender position......especially that at PSG, Eva plays behind Korbin Albert, who also plays at PSG at central midfielder position.....those are 2 positions which are very important, and Emma will look at continuity. On the midfielder position, Horan is almost a lock, but here I think Emma will have a close look at Lily Johannes, who plays at Ajax, and she is very good at distributing the ball to the attackers....btw, this is a position which will be challenged by Coffey, but I think Emma will chose Lily ..... On the attack, at the right winger position, I think Emma will chose Macario, who also plays at the right wing at Chelsea, and at center forward position, this will go toJaedyn Shaw, who I think is the most capable in playing at #9.......on the left the position is Swanson's to lose, so this is my starting 11....Naeher, Fox, Gaetino, Girma, Nighswonger, on defense......Johannes, Albert, Horan at midfield......Macario, Shaw, Swanson on the attack. This will indeed be probably the youngest team put together by Emma, and is indeed heavy on players playing in Europe, but they are players Emma is most familiar with....
This presupposes that Emma had no say over who was playing in the gold cup and the shebelieves cup… my understanding is she and Kilgore decided together. I think we saw that players like Johannes and Gaetino didn’t play presumably because of their youth. Can’t see them starting in the Olympics because of this.
@@malber2000 I have no way of knowing....however, I did hear about discussions about the younger players, after the US veteran team lost to Mexico......that loss opened up quite a few eyes
@@kssaint6290 absolutely. I think that Mexico game saw a lineup that was very similar to what the US put out in the World Cup. And they were punished for it. But I think this is an argument for not playing players like Alex Morgan and Crystal Dunn as much, opting for a faster forward line and a more technical midfield. But if the plan is to play Johannes and Gaetino in the Olympics, they would definitely have gotten some play in the shebelieves cup. Which they did not. I think the Olympics comes a little bit too soon for them, although I’m sure we will see them in the World Cup.
@@malber2000 Yeah....lots of people are saying that the Olympics are a bit too close, and in reality they are eyeing WC in 3 years.....and if that's the case, then maybe that is the real reason a player like Johannes was called in at such a young age....in 3 years she'll be 19 years old, just like Shaw is this year....although the US will play 2 friendlies against S Korea, and maybe Emma wants to see first hands just how good both of these 2 players are...??
IMO those who are leaving Morgan behind are missing the important role she will play both and off the field with a young team on the big stage. She is a necessary part of the entire team. So, girma, Davidson, fox, and Nighswonger/ Dunn in the back. Abby D as the 6th. Horan, Coffey, Shaw with the utility player Sonnett and Lavelle (I am all in favor of Yohannes but will she commit to USA? This soon?) up front Morgan with Smith coming off the bench maybe even. In the first half! Swanson and Rodman with Macario coming off the bench. Killer team. Let’s go!
This Olympic tournament is going to be the most dynamic EVER. All twelve teams are excellent, all twelve teams could medal. It’s gonna be a celebration in football bloodbath in France.
You’re 100% on point. The group stages are gonna be wild and I can’t even imagine the knockout stage matchups. Then you also think about France who has the added pressure of playing at home and it’s even more compelling. Thanks for hanging with us Kristi!!
Christen Press once said that “Casey Kruger was our best 1v1 defender🔒” and she’s still 100% right. Casey rarely makes mistakes or gets beaten. I trust her like I do Naomi. Fox and Kruger as wingbacks/defenders is solid. We need Casey as an option.
Loved your olympic squad picks 🔥, Its gonna be tough leaving some faves at home. But, this squad is looking dangerous again.
I think bringing in Lily and Eva might be a look toward the WC cycle moreso than these olympics.
She played only the final few minutes of her last USWNT cap and got cooked repeatedly at RB.
@@BuffBillsFan83 I won’t reduce Casey Kruger’s body of work down to silo of a few minutes played in the last game. She’s been playing at an elite level for years and we have a large sample size of solid performances.
But since you mentioned defenders getting beaten repeatedly, I would direct you to the recent rain game against Canada (and even Japan to a degree). There is a trend emerging of us getting beaten down that flank. And do you know who the defender was that kept getting beaten and needed Trinity Rodman to play help defense all night until Twilla ….mercifully subbed in Casey Krueger? Jenna Nighswonger.
Jenna is being used as an offensive weapon which is great but, her recovery defense and recognition is shaky.
This is why we NEED a specialist like Casey as an option. She can recognizes plays, breaks them up, quickly recovers if she looses a ball, gets back to contest and can still lock down a player with her speed.
becky said that too
If yohannes and gaetino get some playing time with the team in these next 4 matches prior to Paris, then maybe, but giving them a slot for the Olympics before they have even been capped? That’s pretty dicey fellas. P-r-e-t-t-y dicey. Sounds like y’all have a case of the “ooh! New and shiny!” Syndrome. We have no idea how they fit into this squad yet, we just have hopes. I really think you have to get them into a number of games before you put them into a small roster for an actually important tournament like the Olympics.
True they need to play to have an idea if they can contribute......but they were called in.....usually when new players are called in, it means there is some interest from the coaches.....Emma might know somethings that we fans can only speculate....I watched PSG play a swedish team BK Hacken, in theEuropean Champions league where both Gaetino, and Albert scored in those 2 games....Check out the goal scored by Korbin Albert in game 2 here just scroll to the 5:15 minute on this highlights to see just how strong leg Korbin Albert has....ruclips.net/video/lrnitDzPh2s/видео.html
If so why we not picking Albert, she is 1 of the best midfielders we have ??
Make no mistake Swanson and Girma are our 2 best players
Swanson makes things happen on the pitch! It was pretty cool to see her come back after nearly a year.
My Team (as of April 2024):
GK: Alyssa Naeher, Casey Murphy
DF: Naomi Girma, Emily Fox, Abby Dahlkemper, Jenna Nighswonger, Crystal Dunn
MF: Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Sam Coffey, Jaedyn Shaw, Emily Sonnett
FW: Mal Swanson, Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, Catarina Macario, Lynn Williams
Alternates: Alex Morgan, Jane Campbell, Savannah DeMelo, Olivia Moultrie, Alana Cook/Tierna Davidson
Time will tell when Emma releases the roster for Korea friendlies next month.
Beautiful selection. i havent seen the young players in your roster, but hopefully we'll see them in the next couple of friendlies .
i wonder whats the status of lavelle injuries. Who you got if she cannot make it?
lyn williams is way better than . . . . . ?.
A key to your more “risky” picks is whether they play ( and how much) in the matches against South Korea. Same with Cat. She barely appeared in last 2 matches
4-4-2Diamond starting: 1-Naeher, 2-Fox, 3-Dunn, 4-Girma, 5- Davidson/Sonnett, 6-Coffey, 7-Smith/Rodman, RM- Lavelle, (false)9/10-Macario/Shaw, LM-Horan, 11-Swanson, Other Subs: GK-Campbell, CB/FB-Kruger, FB/LW- Nighswonger, DM/CM-Albert
nishal?.
I love that there's so much choice! Things could definitely be worse for the coaching staff haha
Let’s just hope everyone stays healthy and Girma is back on the field soon. PS I agree about Sonnett and Dahlkemper, too.
Excellent roster guys
We appreciate that Rob! Thanks for hanging out!!
A bit too early to make the roster call at this moment. The health of every individual player will determine whether they are on the roster or not. This of course applies in particular to Macario who isn't at full fitness, Swanson who just returned from major injury, Lavelle who isn't consistently healthy, and Lynn Williams.
All four of the above should be on the roster if they are healthy.
I have to agree with the user who wrote that Krueger was at the time of that quote and probably still is the team's best 1v1 defender. She has to be the second defender on the roster after Girma. Krueger has been really fast since returning. Either that's something new or I didn't notice it before. Historically she has always been a fringe player for me because while she has been excellent defensively she didn't bring much in the attack. She has somehow also returned to the NT post-pregnancy with attacking ability as well. The USWNT have been really aggressive in the attack and can get caught out. If Krueger were an outside back then her recovery speed would be essential. I like Krueger offensively because she provides width. Both Nighswonger and Fox like to cut inside and I'm not sure it is best to have two outside backs who both cut inside playing at the same time.
One of you commented on criticism of Nighswonger that you've seen. Nighswonger getting caught out up field is mostly a feature and a conscious choice on the part of the coaches. You all are right about that. Her lack of speed does leave something to be desired though. The USWNT seem determined to play Dunn or Nighswonger at left back and both of them have poor recovery speed. Then to add insult to injury Davidson is usually the LCB providing cover for the LB. I'm entirely fine with the argument that if the USWNT weren't so risky in attacking and if they were to play a possession style game that Davidson would be a better option as a CB than Krueger. As is though, Davidson's lack of speed in covering for Dunn or Nighswonger is problematic.
Dunn and Morgan both aren't good enough anymore.
The USWNT don't get enough ball progression from the back line. Then the first choice currently in the double pivot is Coffey whose ball progression is poor when she is under pressure. She is slow and plodding and we've seen her turn recently but then she won't run with the ball because she is scared of the player who is just over her shoulder. DeMelo is essential in the six. She is exactly what the team would need offensively and probably good enough defensively. Lavelle or Sanchez are needed as the other half of the double pivot. The USWNT would now have plenty of speed, creativity, and ball progression in the midfield to make up for what is lacking from the defense.
Horan is the captain so the USWNT will be starting her. In actuality she shouldn't be starting though. Swanson should be a winger. Macario should be the striker. The other two attackers should be Shaw and Rodman. Personally I would have Rodman as the central attacking midfielder because she is a player whose offensive skillset should be played centrally, she can be a workhorse defensively, and you want her taking shots but not at an angle. The USWNT see it differently, Rodman has been forced as a winger and it isn't as if she is incapable there. Her skills and physicality dictate that she should be playing centrally.
I wouldn't have Sonnett starting but after being a fringe player for me for years she is now an auto include. Sonnett's best position is the six and she has been playing it better than Coffey. Sonnett could play in an emergency anywhere across the back line, though she is definitely better as an outside back than she is as a centerback.
Lynn Williams is a must if healthy. She is a superb athlete and a workhorse defensively. This team struggles for width and she provides it. She would only be a sub. With Lynn Williams being a better athlete than most already, she is quite effective against already tired legs.
Sophia Smith has a few goals as of late and drew the penalty against Japan. As for my personal roster, she wouldn't be on it as of now. I guess she has three games to convince me otherwise. In the end she has been really inconsistent. Smith is smaller than what the team should want at striker. I don't view her as a winger. I would rather have Macario, Rodman, or Shaw at striker than Smith.
I suspect neither Gaetino nor Yohannes will be on the Olympic roster. As of now neither has a cap and they are only in discussion because they were on a training camp roster. Gisele Thompson was in training with the team at Gold Cup but doesn't seem to be in the conversation and I expect the same for Gaetino and Yohannes. That is unless they get caps and really impress. The USWNT are lacking at centerback so there would be an opening if personnel decisions didn't move as slowly as they do.
The Olympic Roster is too small to have handout roster spots like the World Cup. Moultrie is possibly deserving of a roster spot and that is based on talent and not age.
There is a lot that this team has to clean up and there is little time to do it. At least one (DeMelo) if not two (Sanchez) essential players are on the outside looking in. The USWNT has work to do on the back line. They need to find an alternate outside back because Dunn isn't good enough and that is assuming that Krueger would be counted as an outside back in addition to Fox and Nighswonger. So this next camp will need Huerta, Vignola, Mace, or whoever else. The only good centerback option right now is Girma if Krueger is deemed an outside back. Dahlkemper is bad and Davidson and Cook are only so-so options.
Spain is definitely the best team in the world right now. The US players aren't going into the tournament thinking they are second best though and the coaching shouldn't be doing that either. Second place is theoretically there for the taking. But with the decision making of the coaches both player and tactics wise, second place is not actually there for the taking if the status quo is maintained.
Jeff Kassouf has Korbin Albert on the team--have to agree with Jeff.
Prefer Sophia Smith over Cat for the simple fact that Sophia looks to be in great form and Cat hasn’t played in two years for the team. But agree with everything else. Though I could see Rodman coming off the bench
Sonnett was the worst player on the field in the game vs Canada all 90 mins. Having her in the roster is not good. That's where I have Albert. Agree with Gaetino.
The Sonnett pick was not based on just the Canada match, more for body of work. I think we mighta missed on not having Korbin on our 16. This is still a learning podcast though and we appreciate you chiming in and hanging out!!
@@IntoTheChannelPod it's more than just the Canada game. She's 30 and she wasn't even USWNT quality in her prime. She's always been an outside looking in bubble player, same as Kreuger, though even Kreuger has more ability. As a 6 she doesn't play penetrating forward passes and also doesn't have the technical skill to beat players imon the turn in press or tight spaces. Athletically she is also lacking. When teams break on us she doesn't close spaces well and is rarely around the ball making an impact. She's not a disruptor as a 6 defensively, she lacks athleticism, she's a back pass merchant, she lacks the technical skill on the ball to break press, she doesn't close spaces well which combined with a slow Horan and potentially Coffey who isn't a burner also concerns me. All of this begs the question of...what does she even bring to the squad other than "she's a vet"????
Love your 15 & personally will take Dahlkemper for her experience & her precise long passing for "my" 16. Enjoyed the podcast.
Locks: Naeher, Murphy, Shaw, Swanson, Smith, Rodman, Horan, Coffey, Albert, Girma, Fox.
Probable: Davidson, Dahlkamper, Lavelle, Sonnet, Morgan, Macario, Nighswonger
Maybe: Dunn, Kruger, Yohannes, Moultrie
Unlikely: O'Hare, Cook, Williams, DeMelo, Campbell, Hatch, Thompson, Kingsbury Mewis, Sauerbrunn
albert is not a lock LOL
Moultrie has been “ forgotten” since she scored two goals in copa. She has been here. But she has been overlooked
We did mention Moultrie as one of our tough cuts. If it was a 23-person squad she’s absolutely on it. She might make it to the Olympics anyway. We really appreciate you chiming in and hanging out with us Theodore!! 💪
Swanson is one of the key ingredient in our secret sauce (Germa is the one on defense; Coffee is 1b).....we are just way better when she is on the field.
Swanson is looking like she’s all the way back back! Agree with you on Coffey and Girma. All three feel like locked in starters.
Korbin Albert is a quality and beast mode pick
I like her as a player too. Not worried about team chemistry?
@@malber2000 you have to be worried about team chemistry, which is why imho I don't think she makes it, unless we have injuries to other midfielders. If we didn't have the social mediagate issue involving Korbin, she's a shoe in, but in tournaments like this where you're with your teammates all of the time, chemistry has to be fluid and not forced, and I think Albert will be left off because of it!
Naeher ,Murphy, Rodman, Smith, Swanson, Lynn W, Shaw, Garma ,Fox,Davidson, Krueger ,Shaw ,Coffey ,Lindsey, Lavelle ,Demelo, ? Macario ,Sonnett, Dahlkemper
Agree with almost everything. My exception would be Korbin Albert in place of Gaetino.
Love the Yohannes pick but it is not going to happen . Who is the defender who left ND early to play in Europe? We need a back up defender.
You’re thinking of Korbin Albert, she went to PSG. She’s been playing as more of an attacking midfielder these days though, so it might be Krueger who gets that extra defender spot.
Many thanks. Do you really believe Emma will give an Olympic spot to the 16 year old, or is it more of a faint hope? I just can’t see it
Great draft....Krueger or Dahlkemper are the "Kriegs" of the Paris World Cup. We are cooked if something happens to Girma so must have someone that can step in to that super important spot. I think the first one on offense to bring on if injury to a drafted - Williams. And great remarks regarding Rose. Lastly, your entire draft is the World Cup team minus maybe a retired goalie.
Casey Kruger is the best one on one defender we have
Naeher, Murphy
Fox, Nighwonger, Girma, Dahlkemper, Davidson, Kruger
DM, Coffey, Horan, Albert, Sonnet
Swanson, Macario, Smith, Rodman, Shaw.
Sorry guys, but Morgan is going to the Olympics.
You are probably right. Who do you think we are talking about as the potential snub for that spot? Or do you feel like she out and out deserves the spot? Thanks for
stopping by and hanging out!
LOL - you lost me when you had Horan as a top player on the team. Her lack of mobility makes her either a liability on offense and defense. Against lesser teams, you don't always notice her liabilities, but against good teams, she is constantly exposed.
Great roster.. However, an in-form Sophie Smith will start over Trinity Rodman on the right. Rodman may be the best athlete on the team, but Smith is the best finisher. A front 4 of Macario, Swanson, Smith, and Shaw is the most potent.
Also, Dunn has never played midfielder for the USWNT because she isn't a good enough midfielder to make the roster as a midfielder. And claiming she is a midfielder just to keep her on the roster just hopium. Dunn's usefulness is waning. Krueger is a better 1v1 defender, with more pace. Krueger needs to start against the Salma Paralluelo types.
Love the insight and enthusiasm.
I think Olympics may come a couple months too soon for Macario but hard to leave talent like that out. Lavelles durability always a concern, but same story.
Agree with both.
Dahlkamper in for me.
Solid, finally in form after tough long term injury, and she has a long ball that springs the forwards that, imo, others on the team try, but cannot replicate
Finally, I’d take Morgan over one of the other young uncapped phenoms.
Your points are valid, but she has a presence (see Columbia match) that only Swansin can match up front, and the forwards seem more “connected” when she is in.
I feel like maybe the things she does are a little underappreciated, (a la OlivierGiroud :). Her time is ALMOST over, but not yet.
Just thoughts. I’m sure it’ll all work out. Looking forward to what happens this summer.
Thanks.
The good thing about this 18 Olympic roster team is that the alternates can travel and train with the team as they will be available to replace any injured athlete. They get up to 5 spots.
My issue is just to have the IOC make it 23 period so it’s just like all other tournaments in FIFA. This whole elitist Olympic decision is really unfair to all federations.
Cat Macario is by far the best player in the pool.
Has Yohannes chosen to play for US yet? She has dual citizenship
She hasn’t chosen yet. Sources close to Lily told us she had a great time at SheBelieves camp though.
What? no Korbin Albert?
This was recorded a while back. Based on how Korbin looked against Korea I think she’s in (Dino).
albert and dahlkemper .
NC courage/NY Flash football legend Sam Mewis 😊
Great episode fellas
I see you guys are part of the
Corbin Albert icing gang..
But what you don’t know and about to witness is seeing her name on Emma Hayes list as a starter…
Put judgment and politics on the side and let’s play ball
No icing out. With Shaw looking more like a 10 and assuming Lavelle is back that leaves room for three. Horan and Coffey seem like locks and sonnett is more versatile which matters in the 16 field player squad. I would also take Yohannes over Albert just we can lock her up playing for the USA over Netherlands. Just numbers and overall pieces leaves Albert out IMO
What a wierd segment...there's a lot of domestic club play before the Olympics....so people may not be in form by July.
There’s tons left. Totally right about that but it was a really fun exercise and gave us a chance to celebrate some players and put ourselves through the exercise of building a squad.
Y prefer smith instead Macario in the front she doesn’t fight the ball instead she waits for the ball to get her
I disagree with this.....knowing Emma's record at Chelsea, you are putting too much stock on the US league, and the players playing there, when in fact Emma said that one of the handicap the players who play in the US league face is the unfamiliarity with the European players they have, which according to Emma is a disadvantage for the US players.......so I suspect Emma will put more stock in those players playing in Europe, who play regularly against European players, so they would have a better understanding how to play against players who they regularly practice with....
Based on that, in a classic 4-3-3 formation, I think Emma would favor Eva Gaetino over Davidson on the central defender position......especially that at PSG, Eva plays behind Korbin Albert, who also plays at PSG at central midfielder position.....those are 2 positions which are very important, and Emma will look at continuity.
On the midfielder position, Horan is almost a lock, but here I think Emma will have a close look at Lily Johannes, who plays at Ajax, and she is very good at distributing the ball to the attackers....btw, this is a position which will be challenged by Coffey, but I think Emma will chose Lily .....
On the attack, at the right winger position, I think Emma will chose Macario, who also plays at the right wing at Chelsea, and at center forward position, this will go toJaedyn Shaw, who I think is the most capable in playing at #9.......on the left the position is Swanson's to lose, so this is my starting 11....Naeher, Fox, Gaetino, Girma, Nighswonger, on defense......Johannes, Albert, Horan at midfield......Macario, Shaw, Swanson on the attack. This will indeed be probably the youngest team put together by Emma, and is indeed heavy on players playing in Europe, but they are players Emma is most familiar with....
This presupposes that Emma had no say over who was playing in the gold cup and the shebelieves cup… my understanding is she and Kilgore decided together. I think we saw that players like Johannes and Gaetino didn’t play presumably because of their youth. Can’t see them starting in the Olympics because of this.
@@malber2000 I have no way of knowing....however, I did hear about discussions about the younger players, after the US veteran team lost to Mexico......that loss opened up quite a few eyes
@@kssaint6290 absolutely. I think that Mexico game saw a lineup that was very similar to what the US put out in the World Cup. And they were punished for it. But I think this is an argument for not playing players like Alex Morgan and Crystal Dunn as much, opting for a faster forward line and a more technical midfield. But if the plan is to play Johannes and Gaetino in the Olympics, they would definitely have gotten some play in the shebelieves cup. Which they did not. I think the Olympics comes a little bit too soon for them, although I’m sure we will see them in the World Cup.
@@malber2000 Yeah....lots of people are saying that the Olympics are a bit too close, and in reality they are eyeing WC in 3 years.....and if that's the case, then maybe that is the real reason a player like Johannes was called in at such a young age....in 3 years she'll be 19 years old, just like Shaw is this year....although the US will play 2 friendlies against S Korea, and maybe Emma wants to see first hands just how good both of these 2 players are...??
IMO those who are leaving Morgan behind are missing the important role she will play both and off the field with a young team on the big stage. She is a necessary part of the entire team. So, girma, Davidson, fox, and Nighswonger/ Dunn in the back. Abby D as the 6th. Horan, Coffey, Shaw with the utility player Sonnett and Lavelle (I am all in favor of Yohannes but will she commit to USA? This soon?) up front Morgan with Smith coming off the bench maybe even. In the first half! Swanson and Rodman with Macario coming off the bench. Killer team. Let’s go!
Cristal dunn .NOOOOO