https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2018-10-16-us-mens-national-team-vs-peru/lineupI'm going with Sweat starts tonight.
And an atrocious start to this game for him so far
LOL the world is roasting him. He's not having the best starting debut.Search “Ben Sweat” on twitter and prepare for all the lulz
He's going to have a busy night later blocking peopleSearch “Ben Sweat” on twitter and prepare for all the lulz
Its really bad. Hate to see it from a guy who plays an important role on our team, but this has not gone well at all.Search “Ben Sweat” on twitter and prepare for all the lulz
LOL the world is roasting him. He's not having the best starting debut.
But was the fault of the fullback on the other side.Just as we say that the goal comes from the right side.
In the second half he was. In the first he often allowed the winger to get behind him or send in a dangerous cross. I know he led the team in defensive stops, but I got the impression that that was due to the sheer number of attacks coming down that side.But was the fault of the fullback on the other side.
Sweat was better defensively than going forward. Certainly better defensively than Robinson against Colombia.
Last nights back line in the middle was nowhere near the A, B, C team in terms of quality, ability, and familiarity with each other. Sweats ability to defend the flank hinges on the guys in the middle being organized and competent- it looked like Sweat was positioned more to the inside than outside as a way to help the CBs. Not sure if that was by design/tactics or Sweat shifting on his own, but that allowed wingers to get extra width and space before Sweat could shift out/over.In the second half he was. In the first he often allowed the winger to get behind him or send in a dangerous cross. I know he led the team in defensive stops, but I got the impression that that was due to the sheer number of attacks coming down that side.
Robinson defensively against Colombia was bad (so was the 15' that Sweat was in), and I'm not certain that last night's display against a weaker opponent (though still a quality opponent) was much better.
For filler games, I wouldn't understand calling up a 27 year old who, as you say, shouldn't be called up for important matches. I would much rather take fliers on Brandon Vincent, George Bello, Danilo Acosta, or someone else young enough to potentially play in meaningful USA match down the road.Last nights back line in the middle was nowhere near the A, B, C team in terms of quality, ability, and familiarity with each other. Sweats ability to defend the flank hinges on the guys in the middle being organized and competent- it looked like Sweat was positioned more to the inside than outside as a way to help the CBs. Not sure if that was by design/tactics or Sweat shifting on his own, but that allowed wingers to get extra width and space before Sweat could shift out/over.
The second half he more than held his own and had one of the nicer shots on goal get blocked. With the exception of a few mistimed tackles in the first half, he’s got an uncanny ability to successfully tackle and win the ball in both open-field challenges and in the box - always a hold your breath moment (for anybody going to ground and committing themselves) and yet he seems to be successful more often than not.
Now do I want him called up again..... err... not for important matches, but for filler games when the stars are injured and a hodge-lodge lineup is gonna get used, then sure bring him in. I’d be surprised if he wasn’t one of the most eager and focused guys in camp who did more than asked so as not to look like a chump in practice or with the opportunity.