Haji Wright scores a brace in a DRAMATIC comeback for the USMNT | Morning Footy | CBS Sports Golazo

The MF crew breakdown last night's USMNT victory over Jamaica 3-1. The scoreline doesn't tell the story of what really happened as the US conceded almost immediately to start the game and it took an own goal late in stoppage time to send the match to extra time. The US were able to secure the victory by scoring twice in extra time thanks to a Haji Wright brace but things did not look pretty. Gio Reyna's impact on the match was massive which begs the question, why does he play so well for country but not club? Can they pull it together as they face a Mexican side who walked over Panama with ease in their semifinal match?
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[@RApollos107]

If you ever thought if it was possible to be angry that your team made a final, the US proved it.

[@LJ_S1K]

I'm happy they made it

[@dg5301]

Balogun should only start if Gio starts. He needs the service through the middle. If the plan is to send in crosses until Gio eventually gets subbed in, then they have to use the 9s who are more suited to that. Hard to believe GGG seems more concerned with rewarding Balogun with the prestige of starting than with putting the right pieces on the field together, but here we are.

[@jeffhamidi9423]

I keep saying the same. It has to crush Balogun's soul to see these sweet balls played in on the floor from Reyna to strikers subbed in for him.

[@saylortusk8489]

Berhalter simply does not understand these basic offensive tactics. You may find this surprising but he was fired from the Swedish 2nd Division for a "lack of offense." Unfortunately our head coach is not much of a thinker.

[@Agtsmirnoff]

100% this, it’s pointless to have them on the pitch if it’s an endless crossing fest. Even Brandon Vasquez would be better than Balogun in that situation

[@jeffhamidi9423]

@@Agtsmirnoff Vazquez, Sargent, Pefok, Wright, even Pepi would be better than Balogun. But Balogun is the one in the crowd that moves and finds space like a modern 9. He's just not a great option to track and convert formulaic, whipped in crosses.

[@willgreig4077]

Balogun is by far our best 9 but Gregg is to concerned with his system than trying to get the best out of our players

[@mrbuckmeister]

It's almost like Gio has been the missing ingredient for our offense all along. Why didn't he play in the World Cup again?

[@caregazo2100]

GGG, we have a half decent coach

[@StudioGREGORIO]

~~~ Respect to Jamaica. They managed to foul every player on our team and still finish the game with 11 players on the field. Gio is a lock picker. They ain't falling off trees. Play him.

[@robdogj]

These people failed to mention the fact Haji Wright was only on the squad due to an injury to Josh Sargent. If Wright doesn't come into this match, Berhalter would be under enormous pressure.

[@mrvee5395]

Though Sargent may very well have had the same sort of impact. He's been exceptional at Norwich. And Brandon Vazquez has been exceptional at Monterrey as well. And Pefok has been okay at a higher level at Gladbach too. We've got guys who can score, but we don't create chances.

[@robdogj]

@@mrvee5395 but history won't remember that. History will show Wright was that dude.

[@Zitolos]

This foo Alexis always got something to say about Gio and body language. Stays on mute when pulisic gets in his feelings though. Keep it a buck or keep it to yourself kid.

[@loganhill6601]

Exactly how many players had the same body language. Tyler Adams did it a lot. Many do what he does but it's only a problem when Gio does it.

[@Zitolos]

@@loganhill6601 true story 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@soldierboymedia]

The USMNT's performance with Gregg Berghalter's return could have been poor. It has not improved with Gregg! These types of performances will not get the USMNT out of the Copa America group stage. USOCFED must shake up the players by bringing in a new coach!

[@jakecollin5499]

Like every other person you think he needs to be out but can’t give any reasons.

[@richp6366]

@@jakecollin5499 I'll give you three. (1) Predictable set-up every time. He loves 4-3-3 no matter who we play, and loves just bombing crosses into the box hoping for a lucky bounce. The fact that this is all we ever do proves its what he wants, or he'd be changing players. The Dutch coach openly said we were predictable and easy to beat. (2) In-game tactical inflexibility. Inability and/or unwillingness to change tactics no matter what the situation. Never a plan B. (3) Poor substitution strategy. He throws people out there in desperation. He's asked Reyna to save him many times when he hasn't started him. Remember that Haji - who also saved him - wasn't even in the original call-up, so that was a lucky sub on GGG's part. Is that enough for you, or do you want a few more reasons?

[@caregazo2100]

Everyone know that he is not the right person for the job. We only won, because we have more talent. In the copa America we are going to play with teams with better talent, so we need the coach to help our player to reach the next step. He don’t have the technical ability, nor the experience to deal with the player ego. You should know the in the copa America we are the underdog. Better coach should know that.

[@willgreig4077]

​@@jakecollin5499He forces players into his system like it's a club team even though it is always the other way around u make a system that plays to the rosters strengths, he hasn't grown or adapted his "system" in 5 years, When was the last time we dominated a opponent despite our talent?

[@rdrap1376]

@jakecollins if you need to be given reasons maybe soccer/football isn’t for you. The impact he has on player performance is soooo obvious, just watch the 2 last nations league games he wasn’t involved in.

[@anlerden4851]

Haji Wright is so great striker for me like Christian Pulisic, Pepi and Gio Reyna.🥰😍🤗

[@mateo1726]

Gregg kept his job because of an own goal. I still love that serial game winner Haji Wright got a brace

[@kalmenbarkin5708]

Gregg’s job was not on the line with this game and I’m not sure why anyone thinks it was

[@traviswilson2589]

Dude the pass was good but haji still had plenty to do especially the first goal.

[@loganhill6601]

He had to take a couple dribbles and shoot on the 1st one and the 2nd if his 1st touch was better it would have been a 1st timer but he did a good job of keeping the ball and making a turn to finish

[@loganhill6601]

Nothing against Haji but those were world class passes, I hope he gets the start for Mexico on the left and Pulisic on the right and Gio must start

[@PrinceBalianOfIbelin]

One commentator got it right. If you got the players and the coach, you should be able to break a low block with ease. The USMNT doesn't have a good coach. It's just a shame that a lot members of the media don't say this because of their association with USMNT(EX PLAYERS OR EX COACHES). It is like they are afraid to step on someone else toes.

[@kalmenbarkin5708]

This same coach with the same tactics made it to the 2016 euro quarter finals against much better talent than we have with worse talent than Jamaica has. Once they had the lead we were screwed.

[@saylortusk8489]

Boom!

[@fcfedrick]

Our jersey is terrible. I wish we had the Waldo jersey again.

[@willemlecomtefootballer]

He's really good, I think he's the best striker we got.

[@willgreig4077]

He played on the wing though

[@loganhill6601]

Yeah he hasn't been good as a striker but from what I've seen last night and stats from his season at club he has done pretty good as a winger. We could definitely try him out there and move Pulisic to the right and bench Weah

[@willgreig4077]

How many games do we have to see where elite players are forced in a garbage system before USSF wakes up and sees Gregg isn't the guy???

[@caregazo2100]

Let fire GGG, we might do something in the copa America.

[@gr328]

Haji Wright is the number 9 now!

[@sparkplugs13]

Get Gregg out now

[@jakecollin5499]

Don’t even have a valid reason 😂

[@sparkplugs13]

@@jakecollin5499 are being a domestic abuser and terrible coach not valid reasons?

[@angelaboveall2297]

I’m disappointed they did not talk about GGG slowness to play and repetitiveness of USA with GGG we need new ideas

[@VaddyFC]

So do we play a 4-2-3-1 with Gio as a CAM or stick with a 4-3-3 and play Gio as an 8???

[@Valpo2004]

I think we played the 4-2-3-1 in the last Nation's league tournament under Callaghan and dominated the whole tournament so I'm partial to that.

[@VaddyFC]

@Valpo2004 That is facts! GGG is different, though, and is obsessed with his 4-3-3......

[@loganhill6601]

​@@Valpo2004YES Callahan and Hudson were smart enough to do that and look great and we haven't been able to do it since GGG came back even though he watched it work great but he's too damn arrogant to change and run his assistants system even though it may save him and the team

[@JohnnySoccer1977]

Nigel kept it buck, much respect 🫡🫡

[@JayRuf3438]

Gio really needs to find a team where he can start. Haji has been on fire. Would have been interesting to see what could have been is Sargent wasn't injured.

[@chrishenderson1262]

I respect McBride immensely as a player. The man battled every chance he got to wear his club or nation's jersey. But, he's just wrong with some of these opinions. Confusing something like composure, which was desperately needed in this game, with playing too slow. I honestly think he knows the difference and can appreciate that Gio brought that composure to the game. The young man was literally the difference maker, in combination with Wright providing the finishing, and then McBride calls out the biggest attribute he provided as if it was a fault. Wild stuff. Makes me wonder the motivations behind the commentary to a certain degree.

[@christinavonrassler5464]

Haji was the best player on the field. Reyna was solid and Pulisic was dependable. The rest was average at best.

[@inlivingcolor...abroad6099]

The Oakland Roots jersey is 🔥

[@D1JaredMcCainGlazer]

We are a banter nation

[@tsocanuck]

40 seconds from defeat

[@mrvee5395]

"If (Gio) gets injured or is unavailable, what's the next option?" After Luca de la Torre, unfortunately you'd have to go young. The only other two actual #10 types I can think of are Diego Luna (sorta) and Jack McGlynn (who only is allowed to play that role for YNTs). Both are steep drops in quality from Gio. Most of the rest of our attacking mid types are winger types. Even Tillman to be honest. But Gregg's system tends to eschew those #10s anyway, preferring a 4-3-3 with two way center mids and using the heavily in attack and keeping the ball wide.

[@24n8]

Watch Tillman play for PSV and he's a 10, through and through. He's a different type of player from Reyna - he's a bit more goal dangerous and his vision and anticipation isn't on Reyna's level - but he's definitely creative and far more effective as a 10 than on the wing.

[@frankieui5161]

Balogun on bench as sub. Haji Wright better start. Hes the only 9 that scores. Glad Greg threw the kitchen sink to win that game.

[@barbazzallc]

1. The game changed when Gio came in and we stopped playing so much Berhalter-ball with constant crosses. That's the toughest way to beat a low block. 2. I agree with the gentleman (don't know his name) to the right of Brian in this video. The players didn't seem like they knew where each other would be. I was pumped pre-game because I felt this was one of the best lineups/benches/squades the USMNT has ever fielded, but they just didn't seem to work well in Greg's system. I'm guessing their club teams just don't play the way Greg coaches 3. Pulisic is better on the right. He looked like he forgot how to play on the left 4. LET'S BEAT MEXICO. I root for Mexico when we're not playing them because I'm not a hater and they're our neighbor, but I really want to beat them this game.

[@robertodiaz7621]

Pulisic, balogun, weah with Sargent, Pepsi and wright as the back ups

[@thomaswright5492]

How many chances did we have that were missed until we were saved by an own goal--blaming the coach is for losers when the players did not finish good opportunities.

[@alex1vid]

Not having multiple creators at Reynas level is not a surprise. Most teams do not always have just endless elite at every single spot. But what the US has now is a type of quality of depth it didn't have in the past. For example, Adams is out but you still have a guy actually playing in La Liga no less. So what you need, really, is imagination and an ability to pivot, either more pragmatically or directly. And.. you know where THAT responsibility lies & ergo the issue.

[@djarthurlooby]

So many chances 26 shots u should win that game that chances made is bad. U where the better team but goal efficiency horrible. Jamaica didn't had many but took them much better. And Reyna and Pulisic always need to start and be part of the team. Most other players r replaceable in the US team but Reyna and Pulisic a must have in the team. Also the US team can't really count on the goal keeper they don't have that good goal keepers anymore. Definitely not a Tim Howard caliber. So the tream need to convert ur chances much much better.

[@DaddyFutbol]

The boys haven't played together in a while but got rhythm towards the end.

[@Brandon-qd2lb]

Balogun gonna get his act together or what??

[@David-to8bn]

Um.... I mean Geo is great, but I thought this was going to be about Haji Wright

[@dirks6550]

This final against Mexico will be big for GGG and US fans belief. If we play badly, and or even lose the fan base will lose all faith. If they win convincingly that would ease US fans concerns. BJ did it. Can GGG have the team do it convincingly?!

[@stephenjurewicz9354]

Goji,... Goji,... Goji, Goji, G-, Nope! Haji,... Haji,... Haji, Haji, Haji, Haji, Wright!!!

[@dirks6550]

Play the in form Striker.

[@garrydullaghan3207]

Babbling on and praise for certain regular home boys, hagi Wright finished both goals with confidence and expertise,yet hardly any plaudits,yet the same old back slapping for the number 10 , embarrassing Analysis ,poor punditry

[@fabainful]

Missing 6 starter bailey, Boza, gray, pinnock, bell, Antonio, and an og and cephas miss a easy goal, usa got lucky

[@dougieb8784]

GGG didn't miss a trap and lose a mark to give up a silly goal. GGG didn't blow a 3v1 scoring opportunity. GGG didn't take 25 shots only to put 7 on goal (Tillman and Robinson come to mind). He did make effectual subs. He did adjust tactics early (something you could ping him on in the past) which attacked channels and found gaps IN THE ATTACKING THIRD against a low block. His side did possess at almost 80%. Gio was good because GGG made great use of him and adjusted as the game dictated. I'm not his biggest fan, but you gotta have some sense about what transpired.

[@ethanberger3417]

How many years are we going to have this issue. Only sport where the same issues persist over 5 years and half the base says “it’s the players,not the coach”. 5 years means it’s the coach. These aren’t new issues. No players have ever been 100% perfect. Haaland has missed open nets. The reason you can point to those couple mistakes is because they were are only real opportunities. If we are consistently dangerous, mistakes become forgotten. Can’t forget them if they are your only moments of danger.

[@ozrix05]

You are right, we can't blame Gregg for the bad defense or the bad shots. But we can blame him for the slow pace and passing the ball around going nowhere, and having a bunch of high crosses that didn't work. This team will never play to their potential as long as Gregg continues to be the manager.

[@adweinstein10]

I don't think it's as simple as we started winning when Reyna came on, and therefore he needs to start. The game is a lot different after 45 minutes, down 1-0. To his credit, he absolutely was a game changer in this fixture. Reyna's great at breaking down a low block, but he clearly lacks something, which I imagine is a combo of work rate, attitude, and defensive posture. It's not reasonable to think Peter Bosz and Edin Terzic are wrong, and the fans are right. And McBride saying Timothy plays quicker than Malik is absurd.

[@traviswilson2589]

Totally agree it just looks that way because he’s playing against lesser opponents. Nothing against MLS. I love MLS been a fan since the beginning. Malik’s brother is good but cmon mane lol not as good as Malik. You’re completely right Gio is great offensively but playing against greater competition teams will pick up on it that he is a defensive liability and if you don’t have the mids that will do all the work and track back for him he gets completely exposed that’s why he’s getting no minutes at Nottingham.

[@tsocanuck]

american luck strikes again

[@Bklyntruth]

The racist guy used to play in mls when it was terrible He would be benched fir sure in this mls every club except 3 He used to the court jester I guess

[@traviswilson2589]

It wasn’t pretty, but it’s ok to grind out wins. In the future this team will sometimes need to get a result when not playing well. All wins can’t be comfortable.Gio is good at attacking and creating chances but he is a defensive liability so other mids will have to run for him and do his defensive work. Key word for all these pundits RELAX!!! It takes time to gel it will happen. A win is a win. With that being said the criticism is fair but can we move onto the next criticism or analyze why something may not be working. Stop saying the same thing in a different way or raising your voice but saying the same thing.

[@tommy39693]

They didn’t grind out a win. They were gifted a stoppage time own goal. Against a team missing 5+ of their best players. It’s the exact opposite time to relax when you’re hosting 2 tournaments in the next few years. On year 5 of a GGG’s term.

[@traviswilson2589]

So what dude a win is a win. So the game was tied. Didn’t they still have to go out there and win it in extra time??As far as who they are playing against, they can only play against whoever the opponent puts on the pitch so the fact that guys from the other team are out is not really a concern for me. Not a lot of positives understandable but fair is fair. They went out there and finished the job in extra time.Why is no one saying that? If you’re going to criticize you also should give credit when credit is due. I’m not a huge fan of Gregg but most of the players seem ok with him but if USSF wants to get rid of him they need to do it now. I think they will probably ride with him until after the World Cup.

[@tommy39693]

@@traviswilson2589 yes exactly. They can only play whoever the opponent is. And the opponent put out a significantly less talented team out there than it could have been. That makes it even worse that the US can’t score for 90+ minutes, and relied on an own goal to take them to extra time. Yes they played well in extra time. But people are missing the point if that’s all that they’re focused on. “A result is a result” pfffft.

[@Bhodisatvas]

I'm from the UK and the way these commentators talk about football is bizarre, absolutely clueless.

[@anlerden4851]

We deserved to win this game against Jamaica and won the game 3-1 and reached the final because I said before We will win this game 3-1 at least and my prediction was true.🥰😍🤗❤❤❤❤❤🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍💙💙💙💙💙💯💪🙏🙏👍