ASN’s Brian Sciaretta appears to be like in any respect the information and video games that ended 2023 and began 2024. Right here is his report.
BY
Brian Sciaretta
Posted
January 02, 2024
11:05 AM
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LET’S START the primary column of 2024 off by wishing everybody a Completely satisfied New 12 months. It’s going to be a busy time forward with the Copa America, the Nations League, the Olympics, the 2024 MLS season, the CONCACAF Champions League, People overseas, busy switch home windows, CONCACAF U-20 World Cup qualifying, and many different surprises we don’t even find out about but. So, buckle up and let’s get this began.
However earlier than we begin that, it was largely a terrific vacation interval for Yanks in England and Italy.
Sargent returns
Josh Sargent is again and the USMNT striker little waste of time in showcasing himself. He made his return for Norwich simply after Christmas in a 1-0 loss to Millwall as a late substitute. Then on New 12 months’s Day, Sargent got here into recreation within the 66th minute with Norwich and Southampton scoreless.
After Southampton had taken a 1-1 lead within the seventieth, Sargent equalized within the 78th with a pleasant run and end that was performed to his strengths as a cellular and deadly finisher.
Sargent’s objective for Norwich. Very good run and end. He’s again! pic.twitter.com/gAWanWWakP
— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) January 1, 2024
Sargent’s objective for Norwich. Very good run and end. He’s again! pic.twitter.com/gAWanWWakP
— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) January 1, 2024
Wright retains scoring for Coventry
Haji Wright is in an awesome run with Coventry proper now. His newest strike got here on New 12 months’s Day in a 3-1 away win over Middlesbrough that moved them into eighth place and simply three factors out of the promotional playoff line. His 58th minute strike put Coventry up 2-1 and the 2022 USMNT World Cup ahead now has six targets in his final 12 Championship video games, and he has eight within the season in about 1611 minutes performed. That’s spectacular given the time he wanted to regulate to the English recreation from Turkey. He additionally has two assists over the previous 12 video games as nicely.
Are we even now, lads? ????
This time it was Haji Wright who made positive Ellis Simms’ effort made it over the road.
Our second on the Riverside. ???? pic.twitter.com/4X1g17HaRe
— Coventry Metropolis (@Coventry_City) January 1, 2024
Wright is just not solely enjoying striker, however he’s additionally getting minutes on the wing whereas he’s slicing centrally from large positions.
It’s simple to see Wright maintaining along with his strong run. Coventry is on the rise, he’s getting service, he’s assured, and he’s adjusting nicely into the league. He ought to be an enormous participant to look at within the coming promotional race.
Vazquez on the transfer
It’s broadly anticipated that Brandon Vazquez might be on the transfer in January after a second massive 12 months for FC Cincinnati. Vazquez, 25, emerged as among the best middle forwards in MLS and helped Cincinnati in successful the Supporters Defend and advancing to the Jap Convention remaining earlier than falling to Columbus in additional time (with Vazquez scoring within the loss).
The Telegraph linked Vazquez to a transfer to Bentford. ASN has heard that is appropriate and, for now, Brentford is the entrance runner. It’s an enormous transfer for Vazquez to make a switch to a Premier League staff and it’ll take time for him to regulate. If he does nicely, it is going to solely assist encourage extra scouting eyes on MLS video games sooner or later.
Vazquez has dealt with himself nicely all through this time. He had severe curiosity from Borussia Monchengladbach however Cincinnati didn’t need to lose each him and Brenner as they chased silverware. Vazquez continued to play nicely and play arduous for the rest of the season versus turning into disgruntled.
USMNT strikers
For many of 2025, the highest two USMNT middle forwards have been Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi. They’ve not often taken a 3rd middle forwards. They did on the World Cup when the roster was 26 gamers. However in a typical 23-player roster, Gregg Berhalter and his employees have solely taken two.
It’s arduous to argue with Balogun and Pepi. These two ought to stay in the meanwhile if they’re wholesome and enjoying nicely. But when they slip in kind, or endure an damage, there are others now pushing in Josh Sargent, Haji Wright, and presumably Brandon Vazquez if he hits the bottom working on a switch. Behind these three gamers are others like Jordan Pefok (presently injured), Daryl Dike (additionally injured), Jesus Ferreira (within the offseason), and Duncan McGuire (on the U.S. U-23 staff).
It is a good, aggressive listing and it ought to maintain everybody motivated as nobody’s spot is de facto set in stone both.
One other factor to contemplate is that it appears very potential that U.S. U-23 head coach Marko Mitrovic may look to make use of one among his three overage Olympic spots on a striker as a result of McGuire is the one set choice at that place.
Sargent could possibly be a superb alternative as an Olympic overager if it’s simply Pepi and Balogun on the Copa America.
Turner, Forest win once more
Nottingham Forest ended 2023 with two straight wins, first a 3-1 away win over Newcastle adopted by a 2-1 residence victory over Manchester United. Matt Turner began in objective for each video games. In every recreation, he made massive saves that have been essential to the wins.
Towards Manchester United, nevertheless, his error with a nasty move out of the again led to a objective for Manchester United. His performances confirmed that he could be a superb shot stopper however he struggles with the ball at his ft when he’s being requested to provoke the primary distribution in an assault.
The wins will assist, however with out the flexibility to confidently play of the again, he could possibly be in bother to Forest in search of one other keeper who can play the way in which they need.
It is a powerful save for Turner.. massive change of route final minute pic.twitter.com/SlxPRf5irq
— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) December 30, 2023
Robinson unbelievable for Fulham
One of many massive upsets within the Premier League over the vacations was Fulham’s 2-1 win over Arsenal on New 12 months’s Day. It despatched Arsenal to its second straight loss and into fourth place.
Antonee Robinson was among the best gamers on the sector for Fulham and the USMNT left again lined a lot floor to be efficient in each offense, protection, and in duels.
???????? https://t.co/R8rS1C5IZs
— Fulham Soccer Membership (@FulhamFC) January 2, 2024
It was a mistake for US Soccer to not even nominate Robinson for its male Participant of the 12 months for 2023. In my eyes, he was one of the best American participant for membership and nation over the calendar 12 months by a large margin. He’s been particularly stellar the final three months – undoubtedly among the many higher Premier League left backs over that restricted run.
Ream reups
Staying with Fulham, Tim Ream reupped with the Cottagers on one other one-year deal by means of 2024/25. He won’t be an everyday Premier League starter come 2025 however he clearly desires to remain there so long as he can. Why not? He’s beloved at Fulham, it’s an awesome space of London to dwell, and he’s aged so nicely as a participant.
Richards rising into D-mid function
Chris Richards continues to play as a defensive midfielder for Crystal Palace. At first, he was awkward within the function however progressively he has grown into it nicely sufficient to assist his staff win video games. As you’d anticipate, his protection was superb nevertheless it was asking so much for him to get into the assault.
On December 30, Richards had his greatest recreation in midfield as Palace defeated Brentford 3-1. At occasions, he regarded very snug going forwards.
The query now turns into how lengthy this continues and what occurs to Richards in January? As everybody is aware of, Palace supervisor Roy Hodgeson has admitted Richards is enjoying this place as a result of there aren’t some other good choices for Palace. However a Premier League staff is just not going to be a stage for gamers to study roles for lengthy. That is the most important league on this planet, and groups will spend cash on upgrades when wanted.
There may be the probability that Richards has been enjoying as a defensive midfielder in a stopgap method till the switch window once they can get an actual defensive midfielder. If that’s the case, then what? Do they promote Richards or is he moved again to the bench? However since they don’t have many good choices, they in all probability can’t transfer Richards till they purchase one other defensive midfielder and provides that participant time to regulate.
It is nice that Richards is enjoying nevertheless it doesn’t repair the issues over his standing or future at Palace. This switch window goes to be very telling.
Yanks sturdy in Serie A
It’s been vacation interval for People in Serie A. First, Yunus Musah’s muscle damage for AC Milan is minor and the membership says he may return for this weekend’s recreation at Empoli.
On December thirtieth, Milan defeated Sassuolo 1-0 with Christian Pulisic scoring the successful objective. Pulisic ended up going the complete 90 and his second half was wonderful whereas his first half was okay.
I didn’t assume Pulisic was having an excellent recreation up so far however he was there to place Milan up 1-0 pic.twitter.com/CrQ9CrJtwz
— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) December 30, 2023
It continues to be an excellent season for Pulisic as he has six targets in 1139 minutes in Serie A. He has two extra targets mixed within the Champions League and the Coppa Italia. He’s stayed largely wholesome, and he’s contributed so much on the sector.
Milan have gained all eight of the video games this season which Pulisic has scored.
In the meantime, Tim Weah and Weston McKennie began collectively for Juventus for the primary time since Weah returned from an damage as Juventus defeated Roma 1-0 on December 30. It was an enormous win and each Yanks performed nicely. Weah performed all 90 minutes whereas McKennie was subbed off in second half stoppage time after taking a tricky knock.
TIMO 2??2??? pic.twitter.com/56nQesS8EH
— JuventusFC (@juventusfc) January 1, 2024
McKennie was particularly sturdy, and it stays to be seen if he’ll miss time with an damage. He almost put the sport away within the 84th minute however his shot went straight on the keeper. However McKennie has been among the best surprises for People overseas this 12 months. He’s simply been so regular and constant. Most significantly, he has the complete belief of Max Allegri.
As for Weah, defensively he was not overwhelmed at proper again and paying with three central defenders in again of him has helped so much.
Different Yanks
Sheffield United has misplaced each of its video games since Christmas and has only one level from 4 video games since its final win on December 9. The final loss was a 2-0 defeat at Manchester Metropolis on December 30. Auston Trusty has been pretty strong as he continues to start out however issues look grim for Sheffield United remaining within the Premier League. Trusty will possible go down with the staff, however this season has been nice for giving Trusty a style of the calls for of the world’s high league. That may solely assist as Sheffield United will look to bounce again up.
Within the Championship, Lynden Gooch has missed Stoke Metropolis’s final two video games (each attracts) with a calf damage. Previous to that, he was in high kind so it will likely be attention-grabbing if this damage impacts that momentum.
Duane Holmes continues to have a season that’s stuffed with highs and lows for Preston North Finish. On New Years Day, he was an unused substitute in a 2-0 loss to Sunderland. PNE fell to 14th place however are solely 5 factors out of the playoffs. PNE has one win and 4 losses of their final 5 Championship video games.
Queens Park Rangers briefly regarded on the verge of a climb however have only one level from their final 5 video games following a 2-1 loss at residence to Cardiff Metropolis on New 12 months’s Day. Reggie Cannon has been enjoying decently for QPR however the membership is 4 factors deep within the relegation gap. Cannon ought to be enjoying desperately as he doesn’t need to drop to the third tier or put himself right into a place the place he must power one other switch. I’m not positive how nicely Cannon has to play to draw patrons or persuade QPR to promote him if he goes down. However at his age, League One could be a killer. American ahead Charlie Kelman went unused for QPR and looks as if match for League One.
Defeat in W12 ???? pic.twitter.com/UkHZVZt86I
— QPR FC (@QPR) January 1, 2024
Whereas his final damage gave the impression to be precautionary (it compelled him out of Celtic’s win over Dundee on Boxing Day), Cameron Carter-Vickers has missed the final two video games for Celtic – together with the Previous Agency win on December 30 and a win over St. Mirren on Tuesday. Celtic is now again answerable for the Premiership after a tricky patch pulled Rangers into place.
Levingston stays deep within the basement of the Premierhsip and has misplaced its final two, first a 3-1 loss to Motherwell on Saturday and on Tuesday it was a 2-1 loss to Hearts at residence. Scott Pittman began each video games and scored the staff’s lone objective within the Motherwell loss. However the staff’s prospects of staying up are grim.
Aberdeen misplaced at residence to St. Mirren 3-0 on December 30 however rebounded with a 3-0 away win over Ross County on January 2. Dante Polvara performed the ultimate half-hour in opposition to St. Mirren and got here in with the rating 1-0. He then performed all 90 minutes and was efficient within the win over Ross County.
USMNT January roster this week
Gregg Berhalter is predicted to announce his roster for January camp on Friday. Camp will conclude with a pleasant in opposition to Slovenia on January 20 in San Antonio. Of explicit significance would be the contingent of Olympic gamers who’re referred to as up as a result of that’s the one match this staff camp can function essential preparation. A lot of the U-23 pool is domestically based mostly and it will likely be essential to offer these gamers essential repetitions.
Different American transfers to look at
Switch rumors are beginning to fly and we’ve already talked about Vazquez and Richards. However who else?
Gio Reyna would be the most watched American participant adopted by Miles Robinson who’s out of contract.
So far as different USMNT gamers, Ethan Horvath ought to be a assured participant to go away as he’s not even registered with Nottingham Forest and the membership has mentioned he’s free to go away. He constructed up a positive fame within the Championship and that looks as if touchdown spot. As for Zach Steffen, a transfer residence inside MLS looks as if one of the best guess.
There have additionally been grumblings that Brenden Aaronson may return to Leeds United – who’re in a promotional race.
The U.S. U-23 pool contains a number of gamers who’re being watched. RBNY left again John Tolkin is a primary goal and Salzburg wouldn’t look like a stretch given the hyperlink between the golf equipment together with former RBNY supervisor Gerhard Struber now main Salzburg. Struber and Tolkin labored nicely collectively. Duncan McGuire had an awesome first season with Orlando scoring 13 targets throughout all competitions. Orlando may need to promote McGuire given his excessive worth. Aidan Morris is itching to make the bounce after successful his second MLS Cup with the Crew. However what’s the asking worth and is the demand there?
Venezia can have powerful selections over Tanner Tessmann as his worth is excessive proper now. Do they promote or do they maintain him for a promotional hunt?
Djordje Mihailovic will possible be on the transfer in January as he’s not even on the roster for AZ Alkmaar’s winter camp journey to Spain. A number of MLS groups are rumored to have an interest however there ought to be down the pecking order in Europe. However will the decrease European groups have the cash to swing a transfer?
As reported by Kicker, Terrence Boyd could possibly be out at Kaiserslautern with different lower-league groups in Germany . Kaiserslautern has had a brutal final two months within the 2.Bundesliga and has fallen right into a relegation battle.
There have been extra studies linking Leon Flach with Werder Bremen. This isn’t the primary time of those rumors since there have been a number of studies final summer time. Flach, 22, accomplished his third season with the Philadelphia Union in 2023 however his minutes dipped on account of a sports activities hernia. He was born within the USA however was raised in Germany. The plan was for him at all times to return to Germany, which is his residence. He got here to MLS in search of enjoying time, and he obtained a great deal of it with Union staff. It’d make sense for all events if this have been to occur and it could clear the way in which for Jack McGlynn to start out each recreation.
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