Was the USMNT September Camp a Waste of Time? | Camp Recap

[@mattbennett3589]

I feel like Pulisic, right now and rightfully so, is mainly concerned with staying fit and healthy for Milan. Maybe he’s just chillin right now.

[@BrutalFates]

He def is. The Milan Derby is coming up along with Newcastle. No way he is risking an injury playing friendlies with these two teams.

[@conorwellman8592]

I also feel like under BJ in the nations League and At Milan he got a taste for a whole new style of playing that suits him better than the robotic style Greg wants to have his players play. After playing with that style for a while he probably really struggled to accept he had to move back into Greg's style.

[@patrickjunior9342]

He should be playing on the right side

[@inelhuayocan_aci]

@@BrutalFates Even if we can excuse his play on the field, we must hold him accountable for not speaking against the idea of rehiring Gregg as the most important player/leader figure of this team. That responsibility was on his shoulders as an individual of that status. The game is played both on and off the field.

[@BrutalFates]

I dont blame him for that, I understand not wanting to upset the boss. Look he can talk but it isn't going to do him any favors especially when you got USSF and MLS controlling everything @@inelhuayocan_aci

[@michaelhennessy6860]

I was at the game in St. Louis and sat 2 rows behind the bench. I booed Greg and yelled gor BJ to take over. Lol

[@sushipizza4439]

Well done. Big up

[@devan6012]

W

[@archlefirth2279]

W

[@saylortusk8489]

Hero. We need more!

[@XxAlex530xX]

You’re a hero

[@ExileOnDaytonStreet]

In a true testament to the size and scope of America's: an American can actually claim that it was "cold" in Minnesota at a temperature where many (most?) Minnesotans would've been comfortable in short sleeve shirts. Growing up there, a low of 60 was usually my barometer for whether I could wear shorts without my mom telling me I should be wearing pants.

[@georgeobrien1682]

Pulisic right now is mainly concerned with staying fit and healthy for Milan

[@iowadrummer7]

Can’t blame the guy. Piloi loves him. Giroud loves him. The Curva Sud loves him. Gregg wears cool sneakers and can do a bounce pass behind his back.

[@dustinperez8248]

I am looking for seeing Gio and Adams vs Germany and Ghana next month! Oct Friendlies

[@mcw3560]

Do you think Gio will start? If he does, it will be in a possession system, not Gio's strength.

[@black.sasuke.uchiha]

100% a waste of time. Cohosting the next World Cup, yet playing against teams that have never went to the thing. I was a few seconds into the game against Uzbekistan, I said to myself “what am I doing watching this” I shut off the game to skip to your 2 recaps LoL.

[@mikehunt5637]

How does the head coach of a national team not know how to use a forward? That is literally his fcuking job. Why hire (rehire even) a coach who doesn't know how to do his job? BJ seemed to know how to use Balogun. Obviously, the USMNT needs more BJs...

[@dontforgetusername23]

Sprained my thumb pressing like. Thanks felipo

[@wuxiagamescentral]

I think we learned what we needed to know. Gregg Berhalter has not changed and will continue to not change

[@johndougall3743]

We’ll learn a lot in October. If Berhalter adapts, which I doubt, I hope we play well. If it’s Berhalter-ball, the best outcome would be for us to get thrashed so it’s clear for all to see that we have tactical issues.

[@eddielorentz8019]

Fr I'm praying the boys ignore him and play quick fluid ball

[@agustinjr.enriquez6238]

5/10; Pros- 2 wins, 7 goals none conceded, A/B squad. Cons- Weak opponents, back to playing Greg Ball, Mexico drew drew against Uzbekistan. The US has a chance winning against Germany and Ghana if they go back to using Callaghans tactics.

[@teachereugene8803]

The September camp was great. 1st: It highlighted GGG's incompetence. 2nd: It exposed USSF attitude about the growth of soccer in the US. 15,000 attendance for a USMNT game on home soil. That reminds Me of the USA vs China game in Oakland 20 years ago. 3rd: It revealed that US Sports Media are a bunch of cowards with no courage to expose and honestly report about the incestious relationship between GGG and USSF board members. Let alone criticize the prevalent level of mediocrity. The sole exception being Hercules Gomez. Don't be surprised when Gio Reyna does not show up in the October Camp.

[@guacamoleunited]

Apparently 7 NFL games have ended 3-0. In the 1920s and 30s, and then Steelers-Dolphins in 2007.

[@gregory596]

4-0 would be an NFL Scorigami

[@thejackofalltrades5171]

During halftime, I remember greg saying they were going to switch from crosses to up the middle ground penetration. If that’s the case, I can see this being a good camp then. Practicing crossing the ball (which I believe we suck at at this time). Running it up the gut is something these players seem a lot more comfortable with. So it’s important to practice a different style of play in case you have to adjust to that.

[@tripperdelaluna1]

lol

[@josh0g]

So, on the Scuffed Pod they brought up that we had Argentina and Brazil lined up for this window, but then CONMEBOL restructuring made that impossible. On late notice, a lot of opponents were already booked, and this is who we could get. Mexico was also supposed to face Argentina, and that's why they played the Uzbeks as well.

[@gordwilkes]

Good question? Canada Soccer had no games scheduled because they have no money, even though they're a 2026 World Cup host. Yet, soccer officials reason that these friendlies for Canada would've been a waste of time. Because of that notion, we lost John Herdman as our national team coach and our players our without a collective bargaining agreement with Canada Soccer... Playing friendlies is never a "waste of time." It's the reasons not to play that are a "waste of time" to discuss. We (any country) should always be playing during the international windows... Best of luck to the USMNT and much gratitude to Tactical Manager- I'm a big fan after seeing you're interview with Josh and Alex up in Canada.

[@keegan_mcwethy]

Why is that the USMNT back office can’t cope with hiring a foreign manager. The American managers just suck and are holding the players back.

[@BALOGUN2026]

Berhalter ball is melatonin bal!

[@markrubio1286]

😮 amazing!

[@GiffordGribley]

I miss Callahan, not because he's some kind of tactical genius or motivating force, but I think he put the best players on the field in the best positions for them to thrive, and then let them play and have fun. It isn't club football it's a group of talented players who are already playing a top tier clubs where it can be really cut throat and intense, and just my opinion but just keep a fairly similar group together for the next few years and let them gel and find what works for them.

[@TheCheeseBaron]

Maybe just that some players got to add some goals to their totals. Can't think of much else

[@aidanlandwehr8295]

We only score off crosses or or far post coming in off the wing we are very predictable when Greg is coaching thing I like about bj was the tenacity to attack from the middle the guys had

[@cjlondon]

I went to a football game that ended 3-0. It was slightly worse than watching the USMNT vs. Uzbekistan.

[@mdfrenchy]

Why the hate for St. Louis? I don't get it. Maybe it's just that you define "capital" in a way that is different than everyone else. Maybe you think the "soccer capital" is the city with the most current rabid fans or the largest population of fans for the sport. That's fine, but that's not really what most people view as a "capital". For example, the US capital is Washington DC, not New York or Boston or Chicago or Dallas or Los Angeles. It's the capital for historic reasons. That's why St. Louis is the soccer capital of the US. It is the OG of soccer in this country. It was really the only major soccer hub in the country for nearly a century. It's the only city from which the USSF asked to supply their entire World Cup Qualifying squad from one of the city's amateur teams. It was the location for the first pro league in this country. Those are historic facts and the reason St. Louis is considered the soccer capital of the US. More importantly, why are you being such a troll? Is it just for attention? For saps like me to comment on your thread? I totally respect your soccer analysis, and when you stick to it, I am with you 100%. But when you throw in childish nonsense like the constipation video or your attempts at being a troll, it just makes you seem like you are 15 years old. You really don't need to do that. Stick with what brings you respect and dignity. Stick with serious analysis and I think you will find it better advances your career as a soccer pundit. No offense intended.

[@HubertofLiege]

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

[@mcw3560]

Washington DC is the capital because our federal government is there. The US really does not have a soccer capital. The sport is still too young. St. Louis sounds like it played an important role in the history of soccer in USA. Duly noted. PS Do other professional leagues in the USA - NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL - have capitals?

[@Gerson8lima]

It’s extremely early in the season, weak opponents, and friendlies. I wouldn’t even read into how they played too much. Only important thing is that they got time together to build that chemistry

[@davidbrick6325]

That and no injuries.

[@ToxicGamerDaddy]

BJ did way better against stronger opponents during a tournament vs GGG 2 friendlies against weak teams. We should have lost to ubezkistan or drew them

[@guillermoalvarez9400]

I felt like they scheduled these teams to ease Greg back into the fold, since there were better teams that were available to play friendlies this window, if they really wanted to and planned ahead. Now there’s less pressure on him if he flops against Germany and Ghana. It’s what top college teams do

[@wuxiagamescentral]

USSF doesn't plan ahead. Remember we didn't have any friendlies before the 2022 world cup

[@MrGA555]

U didn’t need a better opponent. Uzbekistan just needed to be slightly luckier. And they are good. They’re a very young growing soccer federation. I’ve been following their progress since the u17 WC in 2011. They’ve been consistent in the youth games making many play-offs and winning the u23 afc games in 2018 and the AFC u20 Championship this year.

[@dirks6550]

I can't even comment on Berhalter not knowing how to utilize Balogun. 😱

[@karlpk3907]

Totally agree Filippo, aside from getting the players together, and maybe Lund needs a second look, virtually nothing. I thought I've come to the point where nothing GGG says or does will shock me, and then he comes out and says we're not sure how to integrate Balogan. Are you kidding me? You are the manager of national team side that is 11th ranked on the planet and you DON'T know how to use a player who just got bought for 40 million Euro? Who scores goals in bunches? Have you even watched this kid play? Did you see Balogun's expression as he was subbed out? I bet he knows that our approach to team play is a cluster fuck. "Wait, I played key roles in every youth level England, learned how to play at Arsenal, have been coached by the likes of Arteta, and THIS is what I signed up for?" More of the same old same old from GGG. I may get used to it but I will still loathe it.

[@wheelz114]

Berhalter is an incompetent fool. Balogun is probably kicking himself now having to play for him

[@karlpk3907]

@@wheelz114 Well, Balogun did make the rational choice. With all the attacking talent that England has, he would likely be on the outside looking in for this this cycle as well as the next. But it has still got to frost him how incompetent Greg is. While I certainly get his frustration, which I share, on the other hand, barring career ending injury and if the kid takes care of himself, he will make a lot of money playing soccer. I wish him nothing but the best for him and us. He is supposedly a quality character.

[@wheelz114]

@@karlpk3907 didnt he have a 3rd option? That would have been the most rational choice. Berhalter will ruin Balogun.

[@dschrads13]

Matt Turner was great against the Uzbeks

[@barcelona909]

If its useless, would it be better off not having September at all? What were the teams available for this camp we couldve played? And even if the opponent are chosen, would they be satisfied playing against the USMNT? CONMEBOL, CAF (Africa), and EURO were unavailable due to 2026 Qualifying, African Cup of Nation Qualifying, and Euro 2024. The remaining teams available to play are very limited. They are stuck with AFC and Oceana. Side note - I heard USA and England were in talks of September friendly until it all went down cause of money. Instead, England chose Scotland for their friendlies match-up.

[@GM-ie2zl]

Dont make the berhalter haters think. They just hate

[@albert8797]

We could’ve played Japan & South Korea we would’ve just had to play in Europe which would’ve been better than Uzbekistan & Oman

[@albert8797]

@@GM-ie2zlstop meat riding a mediocre coach

[@GM-ie2zl]

@@albert8797 and here is where you show your true colors......... I was talking about y'all hating, no where did I meat ride berhalter. This comment was under scheduling. I hope you have better reading comprehension when it comes to anything other than berhalter. Asking a bunch of whiny people to quit hating about every single thing.

[@barcelona909]

@@albert8797 - That would've been my ideal match up if that's is one of the few competitive teams available

[@brettmccarty9400]

Yes

[@mdfrenchy]

One positive I think you failed to mention, and which I often overlook with GGG, is that the US did not give up a goal in either game. I know the competition was slight but Mexico gave up 3 in one game. I am a massive critic of Berhalter Ball and wish he wasn't our coach. I think he has no clue how to attack a defense. But maybe I'm missing a point. Maybe Berhalter would rather win 1-0 than 3-2. Maybe his philosophy of soccer is defend first. No one blames another defend first coach, Jose Mourinho. I'm definitely not saying GGG is anywhere in the same stratosphere as Mourinho. But maybe Berhalter Ball, while not flashy, is effective at stopping the opponent from scoring. I could be wrong. Just trying to spin something positive from the Berhalter hire. We're stuck with him until 2026.

[@justinsumner7937]

I can’t wait to boo Greg at the game in Austin in a few months.

[@wheelz114]

bring a crew

[@michaelgonzalez619]

Yes, it was. They made sure to give Gregg two easy teams on his return.

[@alikhanbakhshullayev2916]

To play with Uzbekistan wasn't easy. Uzbekistan couldn't take advantage from chance and they had a lack of accuracy while USA did it.

[@archlefirth2279]

Hey Uzbekistan isn’t easy, especially if you play for L Tri!

[@coletripp4814]

This is called well informed. I believe these two opponents were "last minute" because Brazil and Argentina couldn't play us due to changes in the CONMEBOL world cup qualification play dates.

[@kanizmajorys2572]

Uzbekistan is fine, hope they qualify to the 2026 world cup

[@davidmiddleton6479]

Btw, Balogun doesn’t fit this system. Gregg only knows a 4-3-3. That’s it. Change the shape to an3/5/2 and run Pepi and balogun as a double striker. Pepi can play the hold up game and help feed Balogun. Or he can go with a 4-4-2. I just don’t think he knows how to integrate that style into his game management. GGG only knows 4-3-3. That’s it. Accept it.

[@wheelz114]

saying he knows the 4-3-3 is being generous. but it is all he plays

[@loganhill6601]

At this point with the lack of goal contributions I think Musah might be more of a 6 probably better in dual pivot but it does seem like a good place for him

[@sabii416]

How is this team suppose to progress when you play lesser opponents and don't try different tactics. This is just rinse and repeat of the last 4 years.

[@HubertofLiege]

“The beatings will continue until moral improves”

[@BlakeClass]

Bro why’d you say Turner was “unavailable Due to personal reasons - his wife was having a child” like that joint ain’t his 😅😂🥺

[@benwhealler4278]

Would rather have played Mexico again tbh. But Australia was already in the US. Why the hell didn’t we play them?

[@danimorales6453]

I think Ferreira is going to have more playing time than Balogun under GGG Berhalter

[@yval8957]

If it can help in getting some of the new guys like Paredes, Lund accustomed to the team then it wasn’t a complete loss.

[@bryseisme2]

Not a complete waste of time like a Camp Cupcake, but we dont get many chances to have our A team, and we really should be testing them against stronger competition rather than weak nations to make Gregg look good.

[@aarchiewaldron]

Greg Berhalter is a waste of time. Please get a manager for USMNT who can coach beyond crappy, mid-level MLS tactics and preparation

[@davidmiddleton6479]

Hey we could have been Mexico. Oof. 3-3 draw with the same opponent. That being said, game 1 was brutal. One thing is obvious, Balogun doesn’t fit this system. He’s not a cross striker. Pepi was far and beyond our best 9, in this system. He’s taller, and can create his own chances. Balogun needs runs into channels and direct balls fed into him

[@johelectrix7927]

Its Pulisic fault why Gregg goes hehe that's half joke still its USSF overall because there's an interested coach and that's Patrick Viera

[@rodgermurphy5721]

Greg is far from perfect but two games, two wins combined score of 7-0 is quite good! Uzbekistan put up three against mexico.

[@TacticalManager]

Mexico is a low standard these days but I guess in October we get good opponents and will be able to get a better understand of where we stand. Hopefully with good results again.

[@angryroy6277]

Anything that involves Gregg Berhalter is a waste of time.

[@Ducks4Life14]

Why did you fail to mention Yunus Musahs haircut?

[@loganhill6601]

Balogun did look visibly upset and when i saw it my 1st thought he was getting sick of the way GGG plays and how little he gets the ball in dangerous areas

[@wheelz114]

He will regret agreeing to play for us with our shill of a coach. Hope he starts making a stink when he gets frustrated and he will get frustrated playing our boring and predictable style

[@loganhill6601]

@@wheelz114 I hope so because the only other guy that has pull like him on the team is Pulisic and we all know he just kisses Gregg's ass. If we are lucky they get rid of him after Copa America when we look like shit again, against actual teams, not Caribbean islands or Oman and Kazakhstan. But we are most likely stuck like this until after 2026

[@black.sasuke.uchiha]

If the soccer capital isn’t St. Louis, what is it?

[@hunter24seven]

6 out of 10. When they beat Germany and Ghana next window, I’ll explain.

[@sharkboi9348]

Not huge Pepi fan… but why don’t you just play Em both? 4-2-3-1 Pepi CF/CAM feeding Flo and Reyna his sub and it’s like a Nkunku & Jackson and play through the center and stop crossing 🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️ and you still have Sargent plus others as subs and you have CM subs with Weston, Adams, musah, de la torre etc to keep legs fresh

[@dremarley4388]

Big woopie freaking do. They beat two crap Asian teams. I want to see this team play tough teams.

[@learningvideosbynikhil8308]

Ok what makes Uzbekistan bad explain

[@learningvideosbynikhil8308]

They outplayed us the whole game except for stoppage time and they had only 10 people for stoppage time

[@chaoqi]

I love people from Florida commenting on Midwest weather, thinking the 50s is cold. 🤣 What do you call -20?

[@chaoqi]

Also as a side note, completely agree on all points (other than 50 degrees being cold).

[@johnmccrillis6299]

STL deserved some trouble for floating “soccer capital.” Though it is entirely trolling Kansas City with even less history to use such a term. 2/10 for the outing because it didn’t mean anything and we criticize fans for not paying to go in person? Watching STL City 2 games feels more important after Gold Cup.

[@davidvandruff9368]

I'd like to say you're being a negative Nancy, but sadly I couldn't agree with you more. Felt like a waste of time and nothing learned by Berhalter. How does he not see what this team can do in a proper system that utilizes the strengths of this group.

[@TacticalManager]

I had the same thought while making this video, I asked myself. Am I being too negative? But the more I thought about, I could not figure out Whatelse to say ir how to be positive about this camp.

[@coletripp4814]

National team matches are never a "waste of time" So few dates on the international calendar, is it even a question?

[@TacticalManager]

Something can be limited yet no maximized when it happens till a point where it can be considered a waste of time. But yes, it’s never entirely a waste of time.

[@iowadrummer7]

Yes. We obviously play better with a 10. G-Regg is obsessed with 4-3-3 and refuses to be flexible tactically. He chooses to instead force his players into his system. A shocking waste of talent that is almost on the level of hiring Roberto Martinez to coach Belgium’s Golden Generation

[@TheBradyCollier]

Bro...a word of advice... We all know how you feel about Greg, and most of us agree. But if everything you say for the next two years is negative, people will stop listening. I like your channel and have watched all your videos, but the negativity isn't going to change the coaching decision.

[@TacticalManager]

I agree, it does not help that things never change for the best. I might reduce USMNT coverage and focus more on covering our players abroad and Interviews.

[@rodgermurphy5721]

​@@TacticalManagerI love your channel, and work but at some point the blind hate of Greg gets really tiring

[@TheBradyCollier]

i dont know about that...i like keeping up to speed on it and you are one of the three guys i listen to. preciate you...keep up the great content. @@TacticalManager

[@garyviii]

The two wins don’t mean much. Japan’s opponents are more meaningful.

[@SojuNinja]

Why can't anyone in USSF realize that GGG ain't it for this team? What a waste of talent.

[@saylortusk8489]

Oh but they do. The point is, they don't care. #MLSagenda uber alles.

[@moloko5]

Watching your video is so I didn't, but have a comment.

[@alikhanbakhshullayev2916]

We sure that Uzbekistan will come back to win USA

[@servantofgod3546]

😅😅😅😅 That would be funny.

[@alikhanbakhshullayev2916]

@@servantofgod3546 Don't overestimate the team which you don't know about it. Everything is possible in soccer. Now, I advice you to watch a game Uzbekistan vs Mexico.

[@servantofgod3546]

@@alikhanbakhshullayev2916 bruh , seriously, Let's see USA vs Netherlads or Germany and see what we can say . No we don't know

[@oyaml1211]

If friendlies are meaningless then just cancel all friendlies and let USMNT play only in official tournaments.

[@Eli-213]

International friendlies are the same as club friendlies, coaches get to know the players, lineups, and tactics and players build that chemistry. Only thing, Gregg sucks and isn’t a real coach.

[@barcelona909]

Concacaf Nation League were in play for the September windows, but USA gets a bye to the Quarterfinals on November.

[@oyaml1211]

@@Eli-213 then just cancel the friendlies cause Gregg isn't a coach and just play official tournament.

[@danimorales6453]

Second

[@manuelexebio8133]

Where is Reyna?

[@familyguyfan8899]

One of the players blacklisted by Berhalter

[@richardfarrington1504]

Just returned to training for Dortmund

[@dotty2x]

Had a fractured leg in nations league final, just returned to training in Germany

[@luckymark571]

​​@@familyguyfan8899bro he was injured...

[@HubertofLiege]

With any luck Gregg will get fired Oct 1 and we’ll beat Germany in German style.

[@robertmanzanares4269]

Berhalter style very boring.

[@aidanlandwehr8295]

St. Louis is defiantly soccer capital they got a funeral home with more u.s open cups than most of mls. But yeah die on that hill

[@aidanlandwehr8295]

St. Louis Tied Liverpool in 1964 with catholic youth players

[@benwhealler4278]

Yes, an NFL team has won a game 3-0.

[@jonathonedwardmiller]

Big waste...

[@waltergonzalez1478]

It was such a waste of time. I can’t believe we are going to waste this golden generation of USA. Our federation is embrassing.

[@josepheads5589]

Most national federations suck - just ask the grossly underperforming Mexicans or Germans or Italians. This is not a golden generation, it’s the new floor. The US player pool in twenty years time will head and shoulders above this group. Who on the current roster is a “star” in Europe? Maybe Pulisic. Maybe Reyna. The other guys are, at best, solid players for their club teams.

[@wheelz114]

@@josepheads5589 wrong. This is the best talent we will ever produce.

[@thomasopp9104]

​@@wheelz114how do you know that with such absolute certainty? Maybe toss me some stock picks for the next 50 years while you're at it

[@wheelz114]

Complete waste. We learned nothing of significance in these two games. Our idiot federation only scheduled these cupcakes to get their boy some empty stats

[@wileyjackson9945]

Wait a minute. Are you saying that we have to qualify to the copa america? I thought we were in it as hosts. Here is a question for you then, or anyone for that matter. Would you rather us not qualify for the copa and gregg is gone? Or qualify for copa and keep Gregg through 2026?

[@estefaniamoran3469]

Mexico is at a decline but the US is not a sharp team as well hahah

[@HubertofLiege]

They’re pulling us down. Time to finish the wall! Lol

[@garyviii]

I agree with most of the comment here: GGG is actually holding back the whole team. If it’s not GGG, QF in the WC would be a reasonable goal for 2026. With GGG, I am not so sure.

[@yddubbud8229]

putting Beerholder as the thumbnail of the title says it all 😅

[@MrJAV1987]

Time to say again that Berhalter is just not the right coach for this team.

[@Berlin-Amerikaner]

Erster!

[@agn855]

Man, your Berhalter-rant is getting lame. Grow up and get over it. You could have ended up much worse, with Hansi Flick.

[@TacticalManager]

What did I say that is inaccurate would have been the dialogue of a grown up… But you went with this instead. Yea, I am tired of repeating the same crap on Berhalter. But nothing changes… its always the same issues.

[@tripperdelaluna1]

Flick would be much better than Gregg.

[@Henryg1181]

pepi>balogun

[@tacticalmanagervlogs]

inflate the likes!!