GOAL US writers break down the biggest storylines in American soccer, with Inter Miami's MLS playoff concerns taking center stage
It's all happening in MLS. After nine months of simmering, the league has finally reached a boil. Yes, the playoff system has been criticized – and rightly so, in some ways – but it has also achieved some proper drama. Defending champions Columbus Crew are out, and Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, with a decisive game three against Atlanta to play, could be next. LA Galaxy, meanwhile, are suddenly on a roll, and looking like favorites.
Meanwhile, things are looking worse on the injury front for USWNT coach Mauricio Pochettino. The manager was already going to be forced to deal without Folarin Balogun for the upcoming Nations League matches with Jamaica. And now, an injury to Josh Sargent has only compounded his woes. It's fair to wonder when the new boss will actually have a full squad to work with.
And finally, Christian Pulisic is still grabbing headlines, this time for a majestic hour for AC Milan against Real Madrid as his side went to the Santiago Bernabeu and won Tuesday. Our GOAL US writers break it all down in the latest edition of… .
Getty Images SportHow worried should Inter Miami be?
Tom Hindle: Medium worried. They still have enough quality to beat pretty much anyone (wake up, Leo!) But there are some flaws in the team. Atlanta exposed that they can be easily hit on the break, while their right side is concerning. The Herons probably do enough to win the best of three, but in one-offs, there is every chance that they could be bounced from this whole thing. Is that what MLS wants? Not really. Would that be good for American soccer? Undoubtedly.
Jacob Schneider: Like every MLS Playoff game outside the LA Galaxy-Colorado Rapids series, it's been a toss-up for the most part. There hasn't been any single performance in the remaining matches that has made anyone confident in saying their team will win. On that note, Miami should be fine – Atlanta are not better. But on the concept of expectations, can they shoulder them? Or will the weight of pressure overwhelm Messi and Co.? If Miami shores up their defense, no worries.
Ryan Tolmich: Not worried at all. Yes, they slipped a little bit in Atlanta, but this team is too good to do that again. No disrespect to Atlanta, but they aren't talented enough to stun this Miami team twice. If they do, it'll be the biggest upset in MLS history, and Messi and and Miami will be sure to not let that happen.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWhich MLS Game 3 are you most excited about?
TH: Miami-Atlanta. So many storylines, so much potential chaos, and that Argentine at the center of it all. Gorgeous.
JS: LAFC vs Vancouver. The Whitecaps are playing as if they have nothing to lose, and it's free and exciting. Vanni Sartini is unhinged, too, and is giving Steve Cherundolo all the nerves as a result. Can Olivier Giroud finally have his moment? Or will the No. 1 seed go down?
RT: All eyes are on Miami-Atlanta, but keep a close watch on LAFC-Vancouver, too. Should the Whitecaps win, it would be nearly as colossal of an upset, particularly given the pure talent LAFC has. It feels more possible, too. While Miami's stars have shined, Giroud still hasn't got going. He can be a match-winner here but, if he isn't, the Caps have a slight chance.
Getty Images SportWhat will USMNT do at striker without Balogun and Sargent?
TH: Pray? Just kidding, welcome to the Ricardo Pepi show, everyone! Hope you like inconsistency!! The PSV man has been good off the bench this season, but a little lacking when trusted to play from the start. Issue is, there really isn't anyone else. In truth, Poch doesn't have much of a choice. Maybe Brandon Vazquez gets a look through the middle, but it's probably Pepi or bust.
JS: You're likely looking at Pepi, Vazquez, Paxten Aaronson or a change in formation for November. It would be interesting to see Malik Tillman or Christian Pulisic in a false-nine role, or even Tim Weah in the No. 9 spot – like he played at Lille in France. Pepi will likely be handed the reigns, though. He has been up to the task of late for PSV, and deserves a string of minutes.
RT: Choo choo! What's that? A train? Pepi will be the one to lead the charge and, based on his goalscoring record, that means there isn't much cause for concern. Whenever Pepi does play, he tends to find the back of the net, and this is another huge chance to prove it. He arguably deserves more minutes for club and country and, if he makes the most of these, it'll benefit both himself and, more importantly, the USMNT.
Getty Images What is the USMNT's starting midfield against Jamaica?
TH: Tyler Adams, Yunus Musah and Weston McKennie, although that doesn't look as sexy as it did two years ago. Adams can't stay fit, Musah can't hold a spot in a starting XI, and McKennie is in and out of favor at Juventus. It's a strange trio. When they're on – like they were against England at the World Cup – they can be a really effective unit. But when things are loose, or patterns are lacking, they're too easily played through. Either way, this is the closest thing Pochettino has to a tried-and-tested group. Don't mess with it – at least not now. Not buying the whole Johnny Cardoso thing, yet, either.
JS: Simply put: It's MMA. McKennie, Musah and Adams. If Tyler isn't ready for 90 minutes, you play McKennie and Musah with Tillman at the No. 10.
RT: It still feels too soon to turn to Adams, who really needs a few good months to build himself back up. We'll stick with Musah and McKennie, but the question will be who plays alongside them. Is it Aidan Morris? Cardoso? Maybe Aaronson as the 10? Let's go with Morris, who is a tone-setter, particularly for that first game on the road.
