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The USMNT doesn’t think it’s “ridiculous” that they could win the World Cup.
But the team has a greater purpose: creating new fans.
“There’s going to be kids running around wanting Alex Freeman jerseys. For me that’s what it’s about.”
@sanjaysujan.bsky.social ⤵️
Hosting the World Cup is a once-in-a-generation moment in American soccer, so is the USL living up to it?
I gestate on the league’s marketing approach, how it compares to MLS, and how fans (like me!) end up in the USL sphere in the first place.
Even without Christian Pulisic, the USMNT dominated Australia and find themselves locked into the top spot in Group D.
What did we learn from the team’s latest showing?
On tactics, star duos, and stage-setting ⤵️
The USMNT booked a spot in the World Cup knockouts with a win over Australia 🇺🇸
We break down the Winners and Losers from the U.S.'s latest match:
▪️ Pochettino's Pulisic replacement
▪️ The USMNT's right side
▪️ Center back concerns show
▪️ ...and more!
Read ⤵️
The USMNT admires Australia's defensive setup: "I love the way they defended, honestly".
Now they have to beat it.
Here's what U.S. players make of today’s World Cup opponent, and how they hope to gain an edge 🇺🇸
@sanjaysujan.bsky.social ⤵️
After another weekend of USL Championship action, @usltactics.com ranks all 25 teams in the league 👀
📈 New Mexico United, Orange County SC & more
📉 Phoenix Rising, El Paso Locomotive & more
Read up on the latest for your club ⤵️
Malik Tillman didn’t expect to play for the United States.
Now Mauricio Pochettino has made him central to the team’s World Cup run 🇺🇸
With Christian Pulisic’s injury, Tillman’s role could be even bigger against Australia.
@joeclowery.bsky.social ⤵️
"The biggest opportunity begins in the months that follow the tournament."
The USL says it's focused on the post-World Cup bump, not a marketing blitz.
But with pro-rel aspirations, is the USL missing its moment?
@usltactics.com ⤵️
A revealing moment from Sergiño Dest ahead of USMNT's next World Cup clash:
When asked who offers crucial dribbling to beat Australia's low block, he only named Christian Pulisic.
“Let me stay with Christian.”
The U.S. may desperately need Pulisic — if he's healthy.
@sanjaysujan.bsky.social ⤵️
“I don’t think it’s ridiculous to say that we want to win it."
By beating Australia, the USMNT booked a spot in the World Cup knockouts — and inched closer to capturing the country's imagination.
Mauricio Pochettino's team is dreaming big 🇺🇸
@sanjaysujan.bsky.social ⤵️
Against Australia, the U.S. didn’t just book a spot in the knockouts. It took a step toward capturing the country’s imagination.
"The biggest opportunity begins in the months that follow the tournament."
The USL says it's focused on the post-World Cup bump, not a marketing blitz.
But with pro-rel aspirations, is the USL missing its moment?
@usltactics.com ⤵️
The German-born midfielder didn’t expect to play for the United States. Now Mauricio Pochettino has made him central to the team’s hopes on home soil.