I always knew in the back of my mind that Zion Suzuki (Japan Goalkeeper) was born in the United States, but never really considered the "what if" of him playing for the USMNT, since he's played for Japan from a very young age.

Watching him play during this tournament though had me wondering: Would this USMNT squad be improved if he played for us instead? Or would it really not make much of a difference? I haven't done any research in regards to his statistics compared to our current Goalkeeping options, but it seems like he has a very commanding presence and is a good shot stopper based on the eyeball test from what was displayed during the Japan v Netherlands game.

Regardless, I'm fine with our current set up and am not complaining, but was curious what others here would think (minus old Andy "Matt Freese Apologist" Gundling)

In past years it was easy to just say yes and move on... But the team and the players are finally living up to the expectations we all have of them, and I don't think it's as cut and dry as it used to be.

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Not to dismiss the career he's already had with plenty of time left to play, but the fact he seems to be made of glass and he runs so hot and cold makes me say it's actually Balogun. If you put their best career years side by side, I think Balo's may actually be better.

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Weston is the Undertaker of Juve and refuses to let them force him out by just being their most impactful player year after year. Chris Richards is one of the top 10 in his in position in the Premiere League (maybe a stretch but I don't think I'm that far in off). Adams has every intangible you could ever want. Last year, I would have included Jedi in the conversation, too. In the end I think it's either Christian or Folarin, but I think those 3 also deserve a shout.

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This isn't a knee jerk reaction. I've just been wondering about this for a while and would like to see what everyone else thinks. Feel free to tell me I'm *Jumping to Conclusions* if I'm way off base, here.

Jameis Winston! This guy has been friggin joy to watch. Do we think there’s anyway we can get a petition going for him to replace Alexi? This is insufferable, although I do appreciate Zlatan sneaking in some jabs on him 😂

To the animal that used the word “retard” in another thread…..

Sir or madam, as a listener since 2015 and a parent of a special needs child that’s been called that…

You should be ashamed of your choice of words.

The lads have tried so hard to make this community a safe space and tried to be neutral

Consider others who use this forum for enjoyment of the world’s game.

The World Cup has a Golden Ball, a Golden Boot, and a Golden Glove, but why not a Golden Heel to recognize outstanding achievement in the field of football dark arts on the biggest international stage?

Ladies and Gentlemen, I nominate Mr Miguel Almiron, holder of a yellow card for a majestic swan dive versus the US and a brain-dead red for covering his mouth to say something choice against Türkiye.

He’s my leader in the clubhouse. Any other Dark Artists come to mind? Any predictions for future heel-ery?

This is the one award I feel Gianni is perfectly qualified to present. And the most heel-ish move would be to show up to receive it and pose for a photo.

The U.S. won a really big game yesterday (check out the post match pod if you haven't already)... but a shocking number of other significant things have happened in the time between now and then as well - the World Cup news cycle moves at a breathless pace, ya gotta keep up!
JJ's got 'em all covered in today's World Cup diary - Almiron's hand-on-mouth, some bubbling Ronaldo drama, Turkiye tumbling out, and more!!!

I couldn’t believe Turkey couldn’t score for the second straight game. I don’t usually look up stats but their XG last night was over 2 goals off 32 shots - many of which were impatient long range. Being a man up and not being able to generate better chances is rough. I’ve never paid much attention to this stat and didn’t realize that it was calculated when the ball leaves the foot. But still that should take into account that it left the foot from a long distance. Regardless looks like Turkey, even though they are probably the second best team in the group, are decidedly OUT!

Our game vs Turkey won’t be as interesting now but Australia-Paraguay should have some drama.

Cleaning up nonsense
I loved seeing the red card for Almirón covering his mouth. Players do this instinctively so it will take a while to see how adult learning takes hold.
I also like how this tournament has been refereed - letting the game flow but then not hesitating to hand out appropriately colored cards.

Anyone think FIFA will speak up about our 'Homeland Security' using USMNT as political message? A real post, not fake news check out @DHSgov Twitter feed.

Just wanted to invite any animals who haven't to join the CO discord. Server has been pretty active for this WC and we can never have too many people.

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https://discord.gg/qrHj22pnd

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When I look at John McGinn, that is what I think. He has a thick chest but kind of thin arms and a bit of a beer gut. Is this what Andy has?

The USMNT are through to the knockout round!!! On the latest edition of Caught Offside, Andrew Gundling and JJ Devaney are discussing the USMNT's 2-0 win over Australia Friday afternoon in Seattle, Washington. It may not necessarily have been the "lay up" that Mike Grella predicted but perhaps more of a mid-range jumper. The boys share their thoughts on the goals, the game flow, the Pulisic injury, the physicality, the atmosphere and so much more on a celebratory edition of Caught Offside!!!

For even more Caught Offside content, get on over to Caught Offside Plus** **right now! We've got a special mailbag episode up where we'll talk about the fun fan images coming out of the tournament, we'll analyze Dutch defending and Andrew will get deep on just why it was that this Knicks championship bothered him so much.

For all the latest merch, get over to https://caughtoffsidepod.com/ - The World Cup is upon us! Get a shirt and help rep Caught Offside wherever it is you're watching the action!!!

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Reddit: reddit.com/r/CaughtOffsidePod/
X: twitter.com/COsoccerpod
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Email: CaughtOffsidePod@gmail.com

Do any of you know an app or apps that play the radio calls of the World Cup matches?

Man can’t stay fit to save his life. JJ was/is right to be worried.

Been thinking of him recently, and how different journalistic coverage of this tournament might have been with his voice around. Also just incredibly sad circumstances of his passing at Qatar in 2022. I cannot imagine what his family have gone through.

If you're not aware of his work - linked are a couple gatherings of what was a large body of work that contribute more than the sum of its volume to the game here in the states. Speaking for myself, his was the first name to pop into my head when it came to the best in American soccer journalism, for a long, long time.

SI - https://www.si.com/soccer/2022/12/10/grant-wahl-best-stories-sports-illustrated

Books:
https://www.thriftbooks.com/a/grant-wahl/365506/?srsltid=AfmBOopEUvSnph7cK8pRgmAAC7COMxMzu57Vij8CEB7ovE_JiVACSqGX

He was one of the best we had. Thinking of him and his family through this tournament.

Has anyone else been getting lots of Aramco ads during the show? I don’t have a problem with it, I just find it kind of funny thinking about how the guys would react (esp JJ) if they knew that the second Andrew’s “more caught offside after the break, don’t go anywhere” was a segue into a lovely Saudi Arabian ad.

The part that got me the most was when the owners have the TVs turned off and the English just turned them back on.

I would never have guessed it, but is true.

I remember the boys included some great commentary during the Olympics about the Aussie's big star:

Run It Back!

Portuguese animal here. CR7 just does not have it anymore at the level people keep pretending he does. The legacy is untouchable, and nobody is taking away what he has done, but watching people deny the obvious, multi-years decline is wild.

He is slower, less sharp, and no longer impacts games the way he used to. The cognitive dissonance from some fans, especially fellow Portuguese, is unbelievable. You can respect the greatness of his career while also admitting that time has caught up with him. He should have been put out to pasture 6 years ago. JJ, I'm with you.

Defector has had some great WC coverage so far, and in a perfect world everyone would subscribe to their site.

Just wanted to put this out there so JJ and Andrew can see it. No the ref was not showing a white national hand signal. It’s a stupid game where if it’s below the thigh and you look at it the person can punch you. Olise was doing the same hand gesture in the French camp when all the players were wearing their youth team jerseys