Diego Luna declines to be an US Olympic Alternate

Reports surfaced of Diego Luna not being called into the US Men’s Olympic team but was chosen as an alternate. He declined that invitation.
The crew discuss.

[@mpagan15]

Let'a just overlook the fact that less talented players were selected ahead of him.

[@SacaPuuntas]

@@mpagan15 we got some parents working overtime to make sure their kid gets an Olympic experience.

[@herculezg10]

Such a wild statement to make without the list being finalized

[@SacaPuuntas]

@@herculezg10 Any reason this kid should not be on the squad? From a talent and game form standpoint should he not be a pretty easy choice?

[@Djaermi]

@@SacaPuuntas I think he's got the talent to be on the main roster too, but he was called into the squad as an alternate. That could have been an opportunity for him to force the issue if his name got called. Now he'll stay at home and he'll have to make himself undeniable the next time he's up for a roster.

[@kaijusportsclub5440]

​@@herculezg10 Now that the actual roster matches the expected roster, is the statement no longer "wild"? Do you agree with the OP, now?

[@SacaPuuntas]

Nope! The kid knows his value and has given everything as a youth US player. He knows he got snubbed due to the continuing politics inside US soccer and that they were only going to use him if they were put in a bad spot. He’s easily one of the most talented US youth players over the majority of those called in. He’s not playing their game and is dedicated to his club. They can kick rocks when they lose him to Mexico

[@bryseisme2]

There should be a documentary on USSF's hatred of creative players.

[@SacaPuuntas]

He probably wasn’t tall enough for their standards. Or somebody’s kids wanted the Olympic experience. Reminds me of when they said they only wanted a coach who could speak English as if most pros don’t deal with the language barrier in their clubs. What a joke US soccer is.

[@mrvee5395]

It's just baffling. American coaches are so confident in their own abilities despite there being zero evidence to back up that confidence. How about some humility to admit we don't know what we're doing and asking someone from the outside?

[@stevegali4973]

How about a documentary of their overall incompetence and corruption? Don Garber, Jay Berhalter, all of them.

[@raulbarron5250]

Mexican American players

[@raulbarron5250]

Nah! This why Americans lose… loser mentality! He’s young and much better than most those dudes on the squad… and yeah he’s being snubbed it’s because he Mexican

[@carlosmejia7801]

You guys are ridiculous. He's a professional player starting every game for his club. Why would you go be an alternate for a u23 tournament where you won't play unless someone in your position gets injured.

[@drewferd2720]

USSF has no clue what they’re doing

[@Tpnathan38]

It the coach,he is th one picking the players

[@drewferd2720]

@@Tpnathan38 who picked the coach haha it’s the whole organization that needs disassembled bud.

[@Tpnathan38]

@@drewferd2720 are u slow?😂

[@gilligan1350]

​@@Tpnathan38seems you are

[@Tpnathan38]

@@gilligan1350 who the fook are u?

[@mrvee5395]

You guys can't be serious? The reason he feels slighted is because he has been. For a team that has trouble creating chances, a U-23 squad passing up the guy who is now third in MLS in assists (Messi is 2nd) is asinine. Who the hell has earned that spot more than him in the U-23 group (that is actually being allowed to go)? Jack McGlynn? Maybe. Tanner Tessman? Maybe. Patrick Schulte? Probably. Then who? He should not only be on the team, he should be starting for it. He doesn't owe this team any more than they owe him. Snub for a snub. Seems fair.

[@justinbergmans36]

It also shows he’s not a team player that wants to represent. They’re better off.

[@SacaPuuntas]

@@justinbergmans36 being a team player works both ways.

[@Jeremyjensenbyu]

@@justinbergmans36 Naw, he's choosing to support the team that actually supports him, appreciates him, and knows his value with RSL. Stay where you'll be appreciated instead of taking the scraps others will offer when you deserve the whole meal. Never settle for less than your own worth.

[@rickyfraschy6834]

well you have to mention the counter point that if he does accept as an alternate, he might leave for a month from RSL and then not play at all

[@gilligan1350]

Tanner Tessman is a yes, pick a different example

[@jaytovar6465]

I stand with Luna. It seems like the group here had an agenda and were asked to sway a certain way. These responses seemed so biased. Luna should’ve been chose and many many people know it.

[@AndyofCT]

The biggest mistake I ever made was giving up my last two years of college eligibility to be a reserve squad player, so I will never fault someone turning down the opportunity to sit on a more prestigious bench in favor of regular play time.

[@chuckchuck8643]

They take Djorde Mihailovic as a 10 who was no chance of breaking in to the senior squad, who is 25 over 20 year old Luna who has better potential and is better. Woooow

[@KenDaKingArrives]

Do people really think Mihailovic is even good? I don't see it at all! Why is he even on the squad let alone over Luna, unreal. I smell "good ole boy", "daddy's kid" -type politics.

[@Sethantoniorodriguez]

@@KenDaKingArrivestbf mihailovic was insane in mls like 2 years ago and didn’t do too bad in eredivisie despite almost never getting game time in each club he was at. With that being said, I still agree with you about him being 25 yet picked over Luna. My point is, djordje is a good player, but shouldn’t be prioritized. Rn, he’s very stagnant and isn’t as good as he once was, which means other players like Luna has to be prioritized

[@esgil1]

Luna ought to be part of the team as a starter.

[@ivand0007]

Lmao

[@nbballstarballislife]

@@ivand0007what’s so funny?

[@SacaPuuntas]

@@ivand0007easily one of the most talented out of those called in.

[@justinbergmans36]

That’s beside the point. He chose to be selfish and basically throw away any opportunity to represent his country. It’s an honor to be asked to be an Olympic athlete, regardless of the situation

[@alexz.8302]

​@@justinbergmans36If Luna wasn't such a promising player, this wouldn't have been an issue. This speaks volume on how important Luna is to the team. They should keep that in mind next time they disrespect him with an alternate spot and not a starting line up position.

[@DGoose512]

What is this? This panel is legitimately ignoring some major facts. 1. He doesn’t get paid to be on the team unlike the women (guaranteed Ali didn’t play in the Olympics for free) 2. He’s an alternate so he wouldn’t get to play even if he kills it in practice. He’d have to hope there’s an injury to someone in his position and 3. If he stays and kills it for RSL he’s gonna get a bigger move which opens the door for bigger money and an opportunity for bigger national team tournaments if he plays well in Europe. I don’t blame the kid for not wanting to be a practice squad player/bag boy when he’s better than the majority of the wing/attacking mid players on the real team. It’s not like this U23 team is teeming with talent in his position. Also this coaching staff are like lame ducks anyway so why play the good soldier when you can just impress the next staff. Surprised Herc is agreeing here

[@christiannavarro2498]

Kid is right. If there is a lesser player ahead of you and you are snubbed, why go?!

[@elosoguymon]

Another reason to hate usmnt. Why show the respect to an organization that has mistreated him and many others much less how they treat the fans. Luna is one of the few players with real creative talent

[@remowilliams7029]

Zlatan doesn't do trials or alternate. This kid is following that path, now you have to become a lion.

[@albertojurbina11]

Another example of USSF not knowing how to handle talent from the hood … keep labeling these kids as “problems” SMH

[@tashdc17]

It's sad. He's so good. We're lucky to have him at RSL. The USMNT should pick him up as a youth and train him.

[@mothfran]

Dogshit takes all around wow so glad Luna is staying with RSL

[@KenDaKingArrives]

This is one of the worst snubs of a domestic player in recent US history. Luna always passes the eye test when he puts on the shirt, fans of other teams loved watching the guy. He should be starting, not be an alternate. I agree with him declining, i wouldn't be happy with someone lesser than me starting either. Make your stance, to hell with the USSF they don't know what they're doing. For example, Berhalter should've been fired since the Uruguay game ended, now they better hire Klopp.

[@judah400yrs2]

Screw that, they didn’t choose him! Now you want Luna to choose them!

[@BookJay35]

Reyna was the best midfielder - Berhalter doesn’t play him benches him in the World Cup, USA doesn’t select Luna to take him on the main roster wants him as an alternate. We have no one to blame but our federation for the nonsense decisions especially with bringing Berhalter back as head coach. If I’m Luna I don’t go either this isn’t about selfish this is about why aren’t we fielding the best under 23 squad if we are really serious about winning. The US soccer federation needs a overhaul it needs to clean house the folks running it certainly don’t get it.

[@user-fh8tk4sp2e]

Why would Luna go to the Olympics as an alternate? This isn’t a fifa official event and he wants to get a European move this winter. He needs to finish the season strong

[@brandonjones557]

so if the guy is performing and contributing to the group, but then see the lesser player getting rewarded,. What message does that send? If we are going to blast the young man on national television, lets make sure we can get the whole story. As you can see US soccer has had its share of issues with the current administration.

[@christiannavarro2498]

Kid should start. We are losing him to Mexico

[@dagosegovia843]

Thats actually the reason he declined, they said it over here in Mexico they spoke to him already

[@mrvee5395]

@@dagosegovia843 It would be malpractice for the Mexican Federation not to. The fact that he one day _could_ be good enough is reason enough to call. Hell, Argentina called in Cremaschi once.

[@FumarMota]

Start over who????? 😂😂😂

[@dagosegovia843]

@@mrvee5395 youre right, everyone deserves a look, i guess time will tell what happens with him

[@mrvee5395]

@@FumarMota Yow, Mihailovic, Cremaschi, maybe Booth. Maybe not Paredes, but I think Paredes should be playing fullback since I think that's his future with the USMNT.

[@SuperRavensfan101]

Quite frankly he's right to feel disrespected by this federation when you look at some of the players that the federation favors, it's very frustrating to see US Soccer have nothing change in the systems or types of players it favors.

[@user-benjamin0958]

As messed up as usa soccer is I wouldn't go either. I bet gregg will be the coach for olympics as much as he sucks, its the good ole boy mentality that keeps usa soccer down

[@dr.joemarquez3956]

How is he overlooked for Djordie... why would you bring him over Luna.

[@MrBongobongbongo]

Federation is broken. Rip

[@nbballstarballislife]

You guys are totally wrong. There is a problem with US Soccer and he got robbed of a spot and players who are not better is in place of his spot. They looked terrible against Japan and had no creativity

[@alexmontes6275]

He’d be in the starting 11 if he was white…dnt get butthurt

[@MrCovert23]

Nepotism of the USA is unfortunate.

[@sedmundson]

What nepotism. Is Mihailovic’s dad a coach?

[@lacandela69]

Happens with club “pay to play” soccer in our country too

[@augustusalexander5774]

@@sedmundsonBerhalter’s brother is a higher up in USSF stop coping lol

[@nahyoudontsay7537]

Wow really. You know what Luna should pick Mexico after the disrespect. Other duel nats should think twice before picking usmnt.

[@joshuarichardson6854]

Honestly surprised they all don’t understand why he is staying to maintain his league form instead of riding bench. Just bizarre takes. And if we lose him to Mexico all that talk of national pride is out the window. Former athletes know pride is a big part of the gig too. Nobody wants to feel disrespected

[@iabdgogogo1234letsgo]

If he's good enough to go have him on the team. It's not an honor or an opportunity to pass up an alternate spot.

[@Jeremyjensenbyu]

If you're good enough to have your bosses position, but then it goes to someone else who's significantly less qualified but gets in because of money or nepotism, then you start looking for a new job. Same thing here. Don't settle for less than what you are worth.

[@adellelo956]

Luna is betting on the same thing the rest of us are hoping for; complete overhaul of US Soccer. It’s beyond time.

[@coopersy]

What about respecting his decision.

[@Kbandz313]

He should’ve been on the actual roster not an alternate. Starter or just stay at RSL and it’s the U23.

[@lucha9305]

Diego Luna being disrespected and I don’t blame him for refusing to be an alternate. Focus on that he is better than being an alternate. I originally thought he was selfish but the assist numbers proof he is a team player. Would you rather sit and hope to play or continue playing and stay in form?

[@wolfblack66]

He made a decision, he knows his worth...can these people just respect that...

[@dvm2971]

Herc, this kid was slighted. Very little addressing that and the "type" of player the USSF leans on. You know the hardworking, athletic person who can barely make a pass.

[@zkkauffm9140]

They are so dumb , Luna has 5 goals and 12 assists

[@allthatihave14]

No I understand his frustration he wanted to play in copa where there’s more eyes looking at you the Olympics you risk a chance to get injured where there’s no stakes. He got snubbed from the squad in copa he’s better than half of our current squad.

[@randygonzalez8060]

mexico needs a player like him

[@thydevdom]

I mean why is he an alternate? That roster has some players on that have no business being there.

[@joh3628]

He's not the only one who declined. He's undervalued by the coach.

[@ThaTyphon]

He guna join Mexico now

[@javierandrade2017]

His not first pick due to his ethnicity background. Not the first time they do this.

[@BBrefWhitebear]

I would reject the offer as well. It'd an obvious insult that he didn't get selected to the actual 18 man squad

[@iabdgogogo1234letsgo]

For Allie Krieger, with all due respect, you would have been out of your depth playing in the tournament as the third alternate. Had you been on a level similar to Luna, you wouldn't have taken the third alternate spot.

[@MrCovert23]

I can’t stand Allie

[@dreddmann6532]

@@MrCovert23 She doesn't know who you are, so you'll be just fine!

[@jakecole8719]

@@dreddmann6532 hope Ali appreciates you sticking up for her🤡

[@oscarresendiz2679]

​@@dreddmann6532she dont know you either... so whats the difference

[@dreddmann6532]

@@oscarresendiz2679 The difference is I don't get offended by someone who doesn't affect my life, meaning i aint a softie!

[@elfaraon383]

Diego was right. I'm surprise that Hercules doesn't get it.

[@kakaroto7578]

He's a good actor, i didn't know he was also a football player

[@datkiddfresh1]

Come play for Mexico Luna 🇲🇽🙏

[@landoc05]

I hope he switches to Mexico. No point staying where you're not wanted.

[@sunshinemagicalrainbowunic4004]

He can do what he wants

[@Mr.Thomas_Anderson]

How can you blame him? If you’re country doesn’t believe in you than why should you be there for them “just in case”

[@mikeytek]

USA and that business mentality. We consider you a great player, a talent and future but we are not willing to promote you or give you a spot but you better be appreciative and not ask for a raise lol

[@chrismackinnon3336]

Your national league is playing no one cares about olympic soccer plus why would clubs release players

[@samplingmastersxlr8660]

people do care obviously

[@McClintonforThree]

What are we doing.

[@sindominator]

Ali playing the patriotic card, but kneels at the national anthem. -Rolls eyes...

[@gmosi8198]

Forget the organization. Luna should do what is best for him.

[@nahyoudontsay7537]

So I'm just going to point out one important fact that everybody likes to ignore. In today's International Football we have something called dual Nationals. These players have options. If Mexico is giving Luna an opportunity while ussoccer is not you cannot complain. This story sounds very familiar to what happened with Balogun and England. Southgate told Balogun he had to go through a process while US soccer offered him a starting spot. You must not be hypocrites.

[@lacandela69]

USSF horrible leadership

[@andrewmccarn5868]

We have a new usmnt coach yet?

[@brandonmendez4846]

Wasn’t he a big part in them qualifying for the Olympics

[@cindyholt7301]

These commentators act like he hasn't put in the time. He has represented United States on under-14, under-17, and under-20 youth national teams. He earned his spot. I am glad he said no to being an alternate. RealSLC is tied for first in the west and having him gone for 4 games just to practice with alternates would really hurt the team. I think he weighed all sides and made a mature decision about where he can make the biggest contribution and he chose whats best for his situation and his MLS teammates. Their are several talented duel nationals that were left off the team and frankly if they decide to transfer to Mexico's national team I will being cheering them on there. The US mens team hasn't got a great reputation for a reason. I won't even bother to tune in to their games this Olympics.

[@fredymendez855]

Ali krieger is looking at it in a women soccer perspective as the olympic soccer tournament is huge for women soccer but not so much for men's soccer ! Argentina is probably the only country to ever take their olympic truimph into a positive into their senior side. Mexico won it back in 2012 vs brazil and only hector herrera was the only one to make it into the Mexican senior side as I am not including peralta because he was already a norm in the senior side. The only thing I agree with Ali is that MLS should not be having a season throughout the summer but the MLS season is in full swing and he risks the chances of getting injured and being replaced by someone else from his club to play in a tournament that is not exactly high prise.

[@luvrete]

Ha! It's not the end of the world. Rabbiot did the same shit for France for the last World Cup.DeChamps wanted him as an alternate. Rabbit said no. After the WC all was forgiven. He is now a regular starter on the left side of the midfield.

[@fisterhr]

Making a big deal about an MLS player? Really?

[@thinkingman2000]

When you see flies lingering around poop, stay very far away. Good job Diego.

[@ihenriquez1991]

Kasey finally has a straightforward answer when the topic isn’t about Gregg Berhalter or the federation 😂

[@benjamingarza9486]

Why go when they themselves choose other players that are of less quality than Diego.

[@DengekiVR]

Im about be done with USA soccer.

[@scotie7437]

To assail his character as validation for a personal decision that is based in acceptable facts is intolerable. USMNT is in a horrible place now, why participate in a disaster, risk getting hurt, is validation enough.

[@riobabic8960]

He has to do what’s best for himself. He probably doesn’t want to wear rainbow numbers on his back also. I wouldn’t play for the States with all there political agendas !

[@evantasch1847]

My sense is that Diego has more respect for his fellow humans than you do.

[@mrjimi]

*their

[@oscarresendiz2679]

​@@evantasch1847being forced to wear rainbow colors on your back.... without a players consent? Thats ok?? But your right diego has more respect but you guys dont especially when one goes against your political agendas

[@lalocastillo7738]

Make Soccer Affordable Again

[@willythewhale2235]

Luna is 20??? I thought he was 30

[@marvinpreston6819]

FFS why should he be an alternate when he’s clearly better than others on the roster. Hard pass.

[@hectorambriz5421]

no worries luna will play for mexico national team soon.

[@jonjames-zk]

bro is talented but he's never going to make it to the main team with gio, tillman, then cavan in the future. He will join mexico and instantly be an upgrade over pineda.

[@purplesky4157]

True. Mexico is really bad right now but who’s to say in the next 2-4 years some top prospects come out? It totally can happen. It’s gonna be tough either way. I will say at the moment it’s way tougher to play in. The u.s midfield though

[@nyjahbakwa6026]

Gio can't even start for dortmund or a mid table prem club

[@narcisoa.valencia3599]

He can go play for Mexico. He has the upper hand. USMNT…🙄

[@leonardmason3216]

Once again. US not selecting best players. They will learn eventually

[@gustavovz8431]

You guys are so disappointing. If you took the time to really understand Diego then you would have a more logical opinion. Otherwise you come off as ussf shills.

[@jonathansuarez8338]

Well Mexico is in need of good forwards, the current ones are below average.

[@alexgranados8719]

Call Gael Garcia Bernal. Might be ready to play.

[@nerychristian]

LOL. I think he is already playing his body double

[@chriswhetton3584]

comparing the women's olympic team vs the mens is an apples to oranges comparison. The women's game, it is the second biggest competition in which women tend to make far more with the national teams than their clubs, in the mens? It is a youth tournament outside of an official FIFA window. If they wanted Luna to prioritize them, then invite him to the standard roster. I don't anyone should shame the kid for opting to stay with his club for this tournament. As an alternate, he may at best get to sit on the bench if someone gets hurt. He doesn't want to give up his club to ride the bench.

[@smfhsergio1728]

Mexico here we go

[@ulisesbracamontes332]

how mexico team it's now? besides he doesn't feel the mexican colors, it will be like a convenience marriage, not good, i recommend to wait an opportunity in the usa team he love and feel. Just lets remember chicharito story.

[@purplesky4157]

What tf are u talkin about? 😂😂 chicharito? Luna is Mexican American they live Mexico as much as America. He’ll switch ina heartbeat especially after the disrespect of the ussf

[@jdvo707]

Most Mexican Americans feel the Mexican colors

[@gpcfutbol5821]

Estas bien wey jajaja muy team usa pero ni ingles sabes😂

[@bodarkghost1864]

Usmnt usually don't favor mexican descendants to present the usa team

[@irvinhernandez3734]

What happened to all the other Mexican Americans that got left out… why we not talking about… the usmnt loves caping then just so they don’t go play with Mexico or other national teams

[@boootybounce420]

The only reason why anyone would want to be on the Olympic team is to score some easy gash in the village. It’s a pointless exhibition and the federation won’t even pay their players.

[@CryptoCryoto]

Looks like a gang member 😂

[@dagosegovia843]

Theres a page “Jovenes futbolistas mexicanos” that has good insiders has said he spoke to the Mexican 🇲🇽national team and that would be the reason he declined

[@benjamingarza9486]

Good for Luna for telling USSF to go suck eggs. Better than any of the 10 or 8 that were selected. He will probably go to the Mexico Team. Wouldn't blame him

[@travisclements1032]

Pundits towing the company line. If the coach doesn’t believe in him, why go where you aren’t valued? Good for him for having principles and a backbone.

[@d05wtt]

With the way our team is right now and the coaching deficiencies…he did the right thing. Stay away from this failure of a team. If we lose him to Mexico, then we lose him to Mexico. There will be others. He’s no Messi. He’s no Pulisic even.

[@LetterSignedBy51SpiesWasA-Coup]

Allie is right. If you decline a backup spot, you’re a fair weather American, and hurt your chances going forward.

[@boootybounce420]

It’s a meaningless unpaid tournament. I don’t even know why we’re talking about this. Olympic soccer shouldn’t be a priority to anyone

[@therealryufromjapan3051]

He’s had an offer from the dark side

[@thein-famouselguapo15]

The "dark side" is in the eye of the beholder. Some would say US is the "dark side"

[@Butter.Toast11]

US don’t deserve to be in that tournament lol

[@jamsterMD]

Pure example of what's wrong with U.S. Soccer parents aren't in the click

[@joshv5369]

🔜🇲🇽

[@user-eg9lq8cc5k]

He wants to play for mexico ??