One day after his 26th birthday, Marlon Fossey delivered a strong showing in his U.S. men’s national team debut.
Fossey started and played 90 minutes in the USMNT’s 1-1 home draw with New Zealand on Tuesday night. The Standard Liege fullback earned SBI Man of the Match honors for his strong two-way performance, giving Mauricio Pochettino something to consider heading into the October window.
Fossey was impactful down the right flank, linking up with Ricardo Pepi on multiple USMNT attacks. He thought he had his first international assist on Pepi’s 23rd minute finish, but the goal was eventually waved off for offsides.
Fossey continued to be a thorn in the New Zealand’s side, delivering strong defensive work through the match. He made five interceptions, won six of 10 duels, and drew one foul.
Fossey helped spring the USMNT for their eventual breakthrough goal, which was scored by Christian Pulisic. A positive overall team play saw Fossey connect with Luca De La Torre in the 69th minute before De La Torre, Pepi, and Folarin Balogun all touched the ball before Pulisic’s well-taken strike.
New Zealand’s late equalizer left the USMNT frustrated for the fourth-straight match as their winless run continued.
Fossey edged Pulisic, Pepi, Balogun, and Brenden Aaronson for Man of the Match honors.
What did you think of Fossey’s performance? Do you hope to see him in the October camp? Can he be a long-term option at right back?
Share your thoughts below.
Yep both Fossey and Morris looked good. The buildup to Pulisic’s goal was very nice, and there were some other good moments, but still so much left to be desired. The defense is still a bit of a mess, and fixing it should be priority number one. I can’t remember a USMNT that gives up as many sloppy goals. The attacking pieces are there, just haven’t been arranged correctly IMO. I actually turned off the game to go to bed around the 85th min, assuming we had a comfortable, if uninspiring, win. Still shaking my head that we somehow gave that away.
He definitely made the best of his opportunity. The guy has an engine and skills as well. I would love to see him and Paredes together on that side one day soon.
No doubt Fossey was a bright spot! He really sees the field and makes line breaking passes, especially from a deep position. Lund needs some attention now and in the future. He really plays with a lot of positive energy. Fast, strong, aggressive, can dribble, and picks out a variety of passes.
Morris shined as well as an orchestrator. Showing maturity and calm on the ball. He is physically gifted at a young age. Would be great if he developed the characteristics of a 6,8,and 10 all in one.
P.s. I’m not sure why my post did not show up and was missing part of what I typed?
If Lund does not work on him pinging long balls for people to run onto he will always be an average Serie B player. If he wants to get better move up to D1 Serie A and more USMNT games, it would behoove him to get that skill mastered.
hopefully how well fossey and morris played ends the gibberish about how the team is perfectly selected from only the best players watched by perfect sorting coaches during practices we don’t see, and that anyone outside that is an inferior scrub. that and the fact right now the A team could probably barely beat jamaica in overtime.
that and if we barely escape group on a goal where we get kicked in the jewels as opposed to execute some amazing 20 pass build, and then get whooped in the round of 16, maybe consider that as feedback the scheme and team need work as opposed to can be locked in. if we ever want to progress.
it’s an odd thing where roster and position competition is something that happens other side of the pond in club but we don’t need it.
Definitely earned another look for that right back side. Scally is more of a 3-man backline player and lacks the speed for taking on and defending wingers. Fossey didn’t play perfect but he had that engine that kept going and he’s definitely quick on his feet.
I was happy to see the guy get a chance after all these years. On thing disappointed me about him though, he always played with a big smile on his face when he was with the US youth teams. I hope that smile comes back and we see much more of him.
You nail it I agree. He played like he was fighting for a position to be on the team. Plus he has the soccer hair! Start him against Panama back for another look!
I kept calling for Fossey instead of Shaq Moore to take to Copa America. I also feel Fossey is calmer on the ball than Scally. He also has that miniature tank mentality that Diego Luna has, when he tackles and move the ball.
No you wasn’t. You was on Scally sac like a pub Spider-Man.
Keep your weird fantasies and fetishes to yourself, It’s Not OK 2 be a douche bag troll.
I thought Morris earned at least a mention. Still it was mostly a case of less worse.
I agree
Well earned honor for Marlon. He was a bright spot.