The return of top-flight European soccer this weekend means the return of the top Americans Abroad and the latest episode of The SBI Show digs into what to watch for this weekend.
Episode 320 of The SBI Show looks back at the impressive Bundesliga debut of teenage fullback Joe Scally, who turned in a strong showing against Bayern Munich on Friday. Also discussed is Christian Pulisic’s UEFA Super Cup win, his playing situation at Chelsea, and much more.
Host Ives Galarcep also digs into the U.S. men’s national team’s options in midfield and at forward, with a closer look at the players Gregg Berhalter is likely to bring to the World Cup qualifying camp.
David Ochoa’s decision to play for Mexico is another topic we take a deep dive on, as we ponder what Ochoa’s decision means for the USMNT program, and what, if anything, can be done to prevent more Mexican-Americans from choosing to play for El Tri.
The MLS weekend slate is the last topic, with a look at this weekend’s top picks, and a look back at the midweek results in Leagues Cup and Concacaf Champions League.
You can listen to The SBI Show on Spotify, the Apple Podcast App and Soundcloud, and you can listen to Episode 320 here:
You mentioned Pulisic as a False 9. I’ve been thinking this might be the best role for him on USMNT. He seems to go for long quiet periods on the left wing in some games. If he played more of a free roaming #10 or false 9, it could cause defenses more chaos. Add in that some of our best #9 candidates, Sargent, Hoppe, Weah, Morris are all good playing wide also. MAybe it’s a mid-game formation shift where Pulisic moves into the middle, Sargent and Weah/Hoppe play a little more wide, Dest makes some runs to cut inside to play off Pulisic and Mckennie… Could be dangerous.
I just wish Williamson played more during the Gold Cup. Not sure where he fits in our 8 pool. Moving Reyna to the CAM is coming as we see more wingers come into the picture.
In the Bundesliga, Gio scored his first goal for Dortmund this season in a 5-1 big win over Frankfurt.
Sargent is gonna make his PL Norwich City’s debut coming in at the 76th minute with Norwich down 0-3 against Liverpool at home.
10 minutes after coming in, Sargent did manage to get over on the right side of the box and unleashed a shot that went past the far post.
get open
Yup. Saw it. Sargent’s speed, burst, movement, all top shelf. Was even giving Liverpool fits.
And then of course he pulled a very makeable shot wide. Dude just does not score.
He came in the 76th minute! You really going to complain about him not scoring
Just saying, Cylo, what we’ve seen from Sargent thus far is more flash than dazzle, and very few actual goals in the back of the net.
He does everything except that last thing, and that was again the case today. He shows all the ingredients right up until he lines up and hits it. Dunno if it’s a case of the light just needs to go on and he needs to find his groove and confidence or the guy just does not have that natural nose for goal and never quite will. I’ve coached state-level, academy, ODP, and I’ve seen both cases so I’ll reserve judgment.
David Ochoa going to Mexico is more about being 3rd-4th in the goalie pecking order than anything else
Thanks, Ives! Your work rate is unbelievable! Really appreciate it. Pulisic just scored for Chelsea at the 40th minute in the first half.