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Version 3 Version 4
USA v Paraguay: international soccer friendly – live! USA v Paraguay: international soccer friendly – live!
(35 minutes later)
66 min: Saief has taken a lot of the set pieces, and the left-footer bends his free kick around the wall and toward the upper right corner, but the keeper Fernandez is able to get to it.
That’ll be Saief’s last contribution. In now: Rubio Rubin, from Oregon via the Netherlands and a few other places.
65 min: Sustained U.S. possession. Wil Trapp is clattered to the ground, but advantage is played. DeAndre Yedlin meets the same fate, and the whistle blows.
Paraguay brings in Richard Ortiz for captain Cristian Riveros.
A U.S. sub will wait until after the free kick.
62 min: Yedlin sees yellow for retaliating after taking a bump on the sideline.
Through 55 minutes we've attempted 13 crosses and completed 0 forward passes in Zone 14 #USMNT pic.twitter.com/HxYHWtb7b0
And yet, no subs.
Justin Kavanagh writes: “Thanks for that nice recap of the Jonathan Gonzalez saga, Beau. So there must be no truth to the rumor that President Trump is trying to build a MAGA team for the co-hosted North American World Cup in 2026 and getting the Mexicans (and probably the Canadians) to pay for it? Stormy times ahead for the USSF too, methinks!”
I didn’t actually write that piece -- it was Matthew Hall. Let’s see it again:
59 min: Paraguay earns a prolonged possession in the U.S. half, but they have to keep taking it back toward the center stripe, unable to find a way through.
That Paraguay substitution: Hernan Perez (Alaves) replaces Nestor Camacho.
54 min: What do you tell your youth kids about short corners? Do NOT play it right back to the guy who took the kick unless you’re sure he’s not offside.
In this case, he was offside.
Paraguay substitution -- we’ll sum it up after the ref calms things down. We just had a flying studs-up challenge into Delgado, and Paraguay collects another yellow card. (Rojas in this case.)
53 min: The USA maintain possession after the corner, and Kenny Saief decides to do some fancy stuff in the corner. Junior Alonso takes exception and sweeps the leg. Saief gets up slowly as our referee produces a yellow card. The free kick results in ... another corner!
52 min: Paraguay figures out a way to stop Tyler Adams. In the NFL, it’s called a horse-collar tackle. Here, it’s a free kick from the right flank, and it’s headed away for a corner.
49 min: A U.S. corner kick gives them the opportunity to bring up some taller players in Miazga and Carter-Vickers, but it all comes to nothing.
48 min: A big cross from Villafana on the left and BRIAN MCBRIDE IS THERE TO HEAD IT HOME!
No, I’m kidding. It’s headed away from Nagbe. No target players for the USA in this game. Is that a bad thing?
46 min: We’re underway, and Paraguay tries a long throw-in. They’re playing a bit like a U.S. college team, which may confuse the USA’s new generation of academy kids who skipped NCAA ball.
Here’s the most confusing of the various data-plotting tweets spotted at halftime ...
Unsurprisingly with this lineup, everything for #USMNT is starting deep centrally and then going from the wings. Continuing a frustratingly long trend, there is a large hole in Zone 14 due to lack of creative playmaker. #USAvPAR pic.twitter.com/DTYdW6SmMd
Yeah, about that final-third play ...
First half numbers:- Comp passes: USA 270, PAR 202- Attacking third touches: USA 87, PAR 33- Non-PK xG: USA 0.18 on 1 shot, PAR 0.24 on 5 shots
No hyperbole here -- this was the play of the half ...
What a ball from @MarkyDelgado 👀Adams draws the PK and Wood converts for the USA 🇺🇸#TFCLive | #USMNT pic.twitter.com/JsXHX4HXps
The good (from the USA point of view): Tyler Adams and Marky Delgado are dynamos in central midfield. Matt Miazga and Cameron Carter-Vickers have dealt with everything thrown their way in central defense. Bobby Wood finally scored. Jorge Villafana and Kenny Saief are making things happen on the left flank.The good (from the USA point of view): Tyler Adams and Marky Delgado are dynamos in central midfield. Matt Miazga and Cameron Carter-Vickers have dealt with everything thrown their way in central defense. Bobby Wood finally scored. Jorge Villafana and Kenny Saief are making things happen on the left flank.
The bad: Most of the touches in the final third. Even on the play to set up the PK, Adams took a heavy touch.The bad: Most of the touches in the final third. Even on the play to set up the PK, Adams took a heavy touch.
45 min +1: Carter-Vickers concedes a free kick. Santander has a few words with Carter-Vickers, the Tottenham defender on loan to Ipswich Town.45 min +1: Carter-Vickers concedes a free kick. Santander has a few words with Carter-Vickers, the Tottenham defender on loan to Ipswich Town.
The free kick goes to the far post and then caroms tantalizingly across the 6-yard box, but no one’s there.The free kick goes to the far post and then caroms tantalizingly across the 6-yard box, but no one’s there.
Bobby Wood’s scoring stats for the past year are not good. But he confidently sends the keeper the wrong way and calmly slots it into the net.Bobby Wood’s scoring stats for the past year are not good. But he confidently sends the keeper the wrong way and calmly slots it into the net.
Marky Delgado springs Tyler Adams for a breakaway. He goes one-on-one with the keeper. Adams pushes the ball a bit too far but draws contact, and whistle is blown. Yellow card to the keeper.Marky Delgado springs Tyler Adams for a breakaway. He goes one-on-one with the keeper. Adams pushes the ball a bit too far but draws contact, and whistle is blown. Yellow card to the keeper.
42 min: A bit of chippiness here. Saief falls rather easily under pressure, so Miazga takes out Almiron.42 min: A bit of chippiness here. Saief falls rather easily under pressure, so Miazga takes out Almiron.
40 min: Wil Trapp with an amazing defensive move, standing in place while a Paraguayan attacker dribbles straight at him instead of passing to Almiron. Did we mention the Paraguayan team also is shy of experience?40 min: Wil Trapp with an amazing defensive move, standing in place while a Paraguayan attacker dribbles straight at him instead of passing to Almiron. Did we mention the Paraguayan team also is shy of experience?
39 min: Yedlin races forward to win the ball in the Paraguayan half but somehow neglects to take the ball with him as he continues moving forward. After that bit of excitement, we’re back in a lull.39 min: Yedlin races forward to win the ball in the Paraguayan half but somehow neglects to take the ball with him as he continues moving forward. After that bit of excitement, we’re back in a lull.
Here’s that Miazga move that youth coaches will be yelling at their kids only to try in certain circumstances:Here’s that Miazga move that youth coaches will be yelling at their kids only to try in certain circumstances:
You gotta be quicker than that. @MattMiazga3 with some clever 👣work. pic.twitter.com/8UcXenjlDtYou gotta be quicker than that. @MattMiazga3 with some clever 👣work. pic.twitter.com/8UcXenjlDt
36 min: Saief wins it cleanly, works it to Delgado, over to Wood ... and that’s as far as it gets. Wood will not want to check Twitter right now, and not just because he’s on the field and it would look suspicious if he suddenly took out a phone and started scrolling.36 min: Saief wins it cleanly, works it to Delgado, over to Wood ... and that’s as far as it gets. Wood will not want to check Twitter right now, and not just because he’s on the field and it would look suspicious if he suddenly took out a phone and started scrolling.
35 min: A giveaway by Villafana, and Paraguay are off to the races. But the U.S. center backs remain formidable.35 min: A giveaway by Villafana, and Paraguay are off to the races. But the U.S. center backs remain formidable.
Scott Bassett writes: “Funny to hear 19 year old Tyler Adams yelling at Kenny Saief, his senior by five years, when Saief miscontrolled Tyler’s pass.”Scott Bassett writes: “Funny to hear 19 year old Tyler Adams yelling at Kenny Saief, his senior by five years, when Saief miscontrolled Tyler’s pass.”
Adams probably has a bit more security in getting more call-ups, being young and being a known quantity in MLS and the youth system. Saief, clearly out to impress, seems alternately sharp and jittery.Adams probably has a bit more security in getting more call-ups, being young and being a known quantity in MLS and the youth system. Saief, clearly out to impress, seems alternately sharp and jittery.
32 min: Miazga beats an onrushing forward with a nifty bit of skill that makes the crowd gush. The reaction surely would’ve been different if that hadn’t worked, especially when he had an easy pass available to Carter-Vickers.32 min: Miazga beats an onrushing forward with a nifty bit of skill that makes the crowd gush. The reaction surely would’ve been different if that hadn’t worked, especially when he had an easy pass available to Carter-Vickers.
30 mins: Paraguay is starting to gain some possession now, and they look a bit dangerous. Nothing to seriously trouble Steffen yet, but this is clearly a team that can take advantage if the U.S. defense lapses.30 mins: Paraguay is starting to gain some possession now, and they look a bit dangerous. Nothing to seriously trouble Steffen yet, but this is clearly a team that can take advantage if the U.S. defense lapses.
I have mail, from one Daniel Stauss:I have mail, from one Daniel Stauss:
“I’m trying to care about the USMNT these days, but I don’t see the point in it. Caretaker coach, a bunch of never-capped-again shirt fillers, a meaningless Tuesday friendly... How do the English manage the ennui? Is jaded bitterness and Glendenning-like levels of disdain (I know he’s not English) for anything beautiful all that’s left?”“I’m trying to care about the USMNT these days, but I don’t see the point in it. Caretaker coach, a bunch of never-capped-again shirt fillers, a meaningless Tuesday friendly... How do the English manage the ennui? Is jaded bitterness and Glendenning-like levels of disdain (I know he’s not English) for anything beautiful all that’s left?”
I’m not English, either, but I can do ennui and disdain. So far, though, this game doesn’t really deserve it. Just pretend it’s an Under-23 game with a couple of overage players, like the Olympics.I’m not English, either, but I can do ennui and disdain. So far, though, this game doesn’t really deserve it. Just pretend it’s an Under-23 game with a couple of overage players, like the Olympics.
For which the USA also doesn’t qualify.For which the USA also doesn’t qualify.
26 min: A free kick from maybe 30 yards out on the right is the first decent chance for Paraguay, looking like Southampton in red-and-white stripes. They get a shot, but it’s a tame glancing header to Steffen.26 min: A free kick from maybe 30 yards out on the right is the first decent chance for Paraguay, looking like Southampton in red-and-white stripes. They get a shot, but it’s a tame glancing header to Steffen.
And the dissenting view ...And the dissenting view ...
We've been the better team, but with 1/4 of the game gone we've taken exactly one shot. Definition of a team that needs a 10 – a real creative type who can turn front-foot soccer into chances. #USMNT https://t.co/qHkhGyWGcyWe've been the better team, but with 1/4 of the game gone we've taken exactly one shot. Definition of a team that needs a 10 – a real creative type who can turn front-foot soccer into chances. #USMNT https://t.co/qHkhGyWGcy
All promising stuff for the USA thus far. If not for some crossed wires between Wood and Saief, this would deservedly be 1-0 right now.All promising stuff for the USA thus far. If not for some crossed wires between Wood and Saief, this would deservedly be 1-0 right now.
Entry passes between the lines into midfield 👌🏻. Continue to enjoy Tyler Adams btw.Entry passes between the lines into midfield 👌🏻. Continue to enjoy Tyler Adams btw.
22 min: Paraguay/Atlanta attacker Almiron runs over Wil Trapp in an effort to get the ball. The ref is not amused.22 min: Paraguay/Atlanta attacker Almiron runs over Wil Trapp in an effort to get the ball. The ref is not amused.
20 min: Paraguay enjoys a rare spell of possess- ... nope, never mind, they boot it up the field.20 min: Paraguay enjoys a rare spell of possess- ... nope, never mind, they boot it up the field.
18 min: Delgado has been productive so far, and he plays it wide left to Saief, who earns a corner kick. Miazga moves up to give the USA some height in the box, but it’s easily cleared, and the ball once again goes back to Steffen. Is he a goalkeeper or a point guard?18 min: Delgado has been productive so far, and he plays it wide left to Saief, who earns a corner kick. Miazga moves up to give the USA some height in the box, but it’s easily cleared, and the ball once again goes back to Steffen. Is he a goalkeeper or a point guard?
Replay shows Nagbe made a nice short pass to Wood and Saief, who were unfortunately occupying the same space. That’s why players need experience.Replay shows Nagbe made a nice short pass to Wood and Saief, who were unfortunately occupying the same space. That’s why players need experience.
Meanwhile, we have a foul in the U.S. box, much to the consternation of Paraguayan forward Federico Santander.Meanwhile, we have a foul in the U.S. box, much to the consternation of Paraguayan forward Federico Santander.
16 min: CLEARED OFF THE LINE by Paraguay. Villafana on the left with a nice move. Cross isn’t quite cleared, and it stays in the mixer.16 min: CLEARED OFF THE LINE by Paraguay. Villafana on the left with a nice move. Cross isn’t quite cleared, and it stays in the mixer.
14 min: It’s a good, lively crowd in Cary, N.C., a town in the Research Triangle area that also includes Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. Tons of college students in the area.14 min: It’s a good, lively crowd in Cary, N.C., a town in the Research Triangle area that also includes Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. Tons of college students in the area.
Shot-putters no more:Shot-putters no more:
This is also one of the smallest #USMNT XIs. Besides GK Steffen and CBs Miazga and CCV, no player talller than 5-foot-10.This is also one of the smallest #USMNT XIs. Besides GK Steffen and CBs Miazga and CCV, no player talller than 5-foot-10.
11 min: A U.S. counter-counter-attack sees Nagbe play the ball to Wood, but the move swiftly fizzles.11 min: A U.S. counter-counter-attack sees Nagbe play the ball to Wood, but the move swiftly fizzles.
10 min: Both U.S. fullbacks are in the attack. Villafaña races down the left to collect an impressive diagonal ball, plays it across the box, and Yedlin’s there on the other side.10 min: Both U.S. fullbacks are in the attack. Villafaña races down the left to collect an impressive diagonal ball, plays it across the box, and Yedlin’s there on the other side.
We’ve mentioned Paraguay’s interest in counter-attacking, yes?We’ve mentioned Paraguay’s interest in counter-attacking, yes?
9 min: The USA do little with a free kick, so Paraguay slams the ball forward for a counter-attack as if they were down 1-0 in the 89th minute.9 min: The USA do little with a free kick, so Paraguay slams the ball forward for a counter-attack as if they were down 1-0 in the 89th minute.
If you’re thinking the name Matt Miazga is familiar, and you’re not a fan of the Red Bulls, there may be two explanations: 1. You’ve memorized the names of all 35,972 players Chelsea have sent out on loan.If you’re thinking the name Matt Miazga is familiar, and you’re not a fan of the Red Bulls, there may be two explanations: 1. You’ve memorized the names of all 35,972 players Chelsea have sent out on loan.
2. You remember this incident from February.2. You remember this incident from February.
5 min: Miguel Almiron, ever dangerous, goes against Matt Miazga through the right-center of the field. But Miazga allows nothing, and Almiron gives up the ball.5 min: Miguel Almiron, ever dangerous, goes against Matt Miazga through the right-center of the field. But Miazga allows nothing, and Almiron gives up the ball.
3 min: So if the tone for the game has been set, expect the USA to possess the ball all night, with Paraguay looking for a quick break.3 min: So if the tone for the game has been set, expect the USA to possess the ball all night, with Paraguay looking for a quick break.
And as I type that, the USA go over the top to lone striker Bobby Wood, who’s offside.And as I type that, the USA go over the top to lone striker Bobby Wood, who’s offside.
1 min: The USA open with some possession in the Paraguay half. Then they decide to play it all the way back to goalkeeper Zack Steffen.1 min: The USA open with some possession in the Paraguay half. Then they decide to play it all the way back to goalkeeper Zack Steffen.
Our officials are Caribbean, led by Kimbell Ward of St. Kitts and Nevis.Our officials are Caribbean, led by Kimbell Ward of St. Kitts and Nevis.
And at 7:45 p.m. ET, we have kickoff ...And at 7:45 p.m. ET, we have kickoff ...
The national anthem of Paraguay is on. Sounds very dignified and calming, but the title translates to “PARAGUAYANS: REPUBLIC OR DEATH.” Then it breaks out into a sprightly section. The U.S. anthem will be performed live. Through the “pear-o-lus” fight, indeed.The national anthem of Paraguay is on. Sounds very dignified and calming, but the title translates to “PARAGUAYANS: REPUBLIC OR DEATH.” Then it breaks out into a sprightly section. The U.S. anthem will be performed live. Through the “pear-o-lus” fight, indeed.
Kickoff time update: 7:45 p.m. ET. So ... 10 more minutes. How is everyone tonight?Kickoff time update: 7:45 p.m. ET. So ... 10 more minutes. How is everyone tonight?
A pessimistic take on the lineup:A pessimistic take on the lineup:
Dual 8s, no 10, a pair of non-inverted wingers and a lone center forward who hasn't scored in months. Feel the excitement! #USMNTDual 8s, no 10, a pair of non-inverted wingers and a lone center forward who hasn't scored in months. Feel the excitement! #USMNT
Other scores today ...Other scores today ...
(Skip this if you’re recording things)(Skip this if you’re recording things)
Japan 1-2 UkraineRussia 1-3 France Switzerland 6-0 PanamaEgypt 0-1 Greece Hungary 0-1 ScotlandGermany 0-1 BrazilColombia 0-0 AustraliaEngland 1-1 ItalyJapan 1-2 UkraineRussia 1-3 France Switzerland 6-0 PanamaEgypt 0-1 Greece Hungary 0-1 ScotlandGermany 0-1 BrazilColombia 0-0 AustraliaEngland 1-1 Italy
Meanwhile ...Meanwhile ...
No seats left for Mexico vs. Croatia tonight at AT&T Stadium. You can stand on the big decks, though. Done it for a few football games...not the worst option if you really want to get in #ElTriEng pic.twitter.com/1f5NuEegyyNo seats left for Mexico vs. Croatia tonight at AT&T Stadium. You can stand on the big decks, though. Done it for a few football games...not the worst option if you really want to get in #ElTriEng pic.twitter.com/1f5NuEegyy
Meet the midfield ... To some extent, the U.S. defenders here are known quantities. DeAndre Yedlin is getting his 50th cap, the most on this team, and he’s coming into his own with Newcastle. Jorge Villafaña has been in and out of the mix for a while. Center backs Matt Miazga and Cameron Carter-Vickers played together at youth international level.Meet the midfield ... To some extent, the U.S. defenders here are known quantities. DeAndre Yedlin is getting his 50th cap, the most on this team, and he’s coming into his own with Newcastle. Jorge Villafaña has been in and out of the mix for a while. Center backs Matt Miazga and Cameron Carter-Vickers played together at youth international level.
The midfield is full of unfamiliar names. Out left is Kenny Saief, who was born in the USA but spent most of his childhood and his early soccer career in Israel. He now plays for Anderlecht in Belgium and is getting his second cap (first start) tonight.The midfield is full of unfamiliar names. Out left is Kenny Saief, who was born in the USA but spent most of his childhood and his early soccer career in Israel. He now plays for Anderlecht in Belgium and is getting his second cap (first start) tonight.
Darlington Nagbe (right mid) is getting his 25th cap. Wil Trapp (defensive mid) is getting his fourth, but we’ve seen him for years in MLS.Darlington Nagbe (right mid) is getting his 25th cap. Wil Trapp (defensive mid) is getting his fourth, but we’ve seen him for years in MLS.
Center midfield is intriguing. Tyler Adams is the pride of the Red Bulls’ academy, and he’s the youngest player in the starting XI at 19. Marky Delgado is getting his first cap.Center midfield is intriguing. Tyler Adams is the pride of the Red Bulls’ academy, and he’s the youngest player in the starting XI at 19. Marky Delgado is getting his first cap.
And how will that look?And how will that look?
USMNT PR was nice enough to come over and confirm that this is what the lineup looks like pic.twitter.com/PWhbSdIHZ0USMNT PR was nice enough to come over and confirm that this is what the lineup looks like pic.twitter.com/PWhbSdIHZ0
USA starters:USA starters:
12-Zack Steffen; 2-DeAndre Yedlin, 3-Matt Miazga, 5-Cameron Carter-Vickers, 19-Jorge Villafaña; 20-Wil Trapp (capt.); 6-Darlington Nagbe, 8-Marky Delgado, 4-Tyler Adams, 10-Kenny Saief; 7-Bobby Wood12-Zack Steffen; 2-DeAndre Yedlin, 3-Matt Miazga, 5-Cameron Carter-Vickers, 19-Jorge Villafaña; 20-Wil Trapp (capt.); 6-Darlington Nagbe, 8-Marky Delgado, 4-Tyler Adams, 10-Kenny Saief; 7-Bobby Wood
Paraguay:Paraguay:
1-Roberto Fernandez; 3-Gustavo Gomez, 4-Fabian Balbuena, 5-Bruno Valdez, 7-Nestor Camacho, 8-Rodrigo Rojas, 9-Federico Santander, 13-Junior Alonso, 16-Cristian Riveros (capt.), 21-Oscar Romero, 23-Miguel Almiron1-Roberto Fernandez; 3-Gustavo Gomez, 4-Fabian Balbuena, 5-Bruno Valdez, 7-Nestor Camacho, 8-Rodrigo Rojas, 9-Federico Santander, 13-Junior Alonso, 16-Cristian Riveros (capt.), 21-Oscar Romero, 23-Miguel Almiron
So we’ll have a matchup of Atlanta United teammates in Nagbe and Almiron.So we’ll have a matchup of Atlanta United teammates in Nagbe and Almiron.
Good evening everybody! Are you ready to watch the USA play Paraguay? Do you know who any of these guys are? We’ll try to explain as the game goes on.Good evening everybody! Are you ready to watch the USA play Paraguay? Do you know who any of these guys are? We’ll try to explain as the game goes on.
Beau will be here shortly, in the meantime here’s a little something on the saga of Jonathan Gonzalez:Beau will be here shortly, in the meantime here’s a little something on the saga of Jonathan Gonzalez:
The United States Soccer Federation must better engage with America’s Latino population and hire coaches who “think outside the box” if it doesn’t want a repeat of rising star Jonathan González’s defection to Mexico. That’s the takeaway from those who say the sport’s governing body is “arrogant” and ignoring the country’s ever-growing Hispanic population.The United States Soccer Federation must better engage with America’s Latino population and hire coaches who “think outside the box” if it doesn’t want a repeat of rising star Jonathan González’s defection to Mexico. That’s the takeaway from those who say the sport’s governing body is “arrogant” and ignoring the country’s ever-growing Hispanic population.
González, an 18-year-old American-born midfielder who never quite fit the US youth system, dreamed of playing for the US. The feeling wasn’t mutual. He wasn’t included in an experimental US squad that faced Portugal in a friendly last November – the Americans’ first run out since their World Cup qualification failure – nor the current national team winter camp. No big deal, maybe. Except in Mexico, González is considered an exceptional talent.González, an 18-year-old American-born midfielder who never quite fit the US youth system, dreamed of playing for the US. The feeling wasn’t mutual. He wasn’t included in an experimental US squad that faced Portugal in a friendly last November – the Americans’ first run out since their World Cup qualification failure – nor the current national team winter camp. No big deal, maybe. Except in Mexico, González is considered an exceptional talent.
The backstory reads like a love-gone-wrong romance novel. He appeared for US youth teams but was hardly a central cog. He did, however, stand out at the 2013 Sueno Alianza, a free-to-enter talent contest pitched at Hispanic players in the US that is heavily scouted by Liga MX clubs.The backstory reads like a love-gone-wrong romance novel. He appeared for US youth teams but was hardly a central cog. He did, however, stand out at the 2013 Sueno Alianza, a free-to-enter talent contest pitched at Hispanic players in the US that is heavily scouted by Liga MX clubs.
Click here for the full article:Click here for the full article: