United States vs. Ecuador
Friendly
1-0
Zardes
Orlando, Florida
Where Berhalter was right: Appointing Tim Ream as captain.
Where Berhalter was wrong: Playing Tim Ream at outside defender. Ream is best suited at center fullback. Plain and simple. His skillset is exactly what the USMNT needs back there. Everything starts with the back four. The back four have to be skillful. Tim Ream brings that. Place him at center defense, not outside defense.
Do people want a World Cup championship or more of the same? Despite a good start from Berhalter in the win column, it's looking like more of the same, just a lot of different names. If the World Cup were next month, this team would not escape the group stage.
Berhalter's starting lineup on 3-21-19.
United States vs. Ecuador
Johnson
Adams Long Brooks Ream
McKennie Trapp
Morris Pulisic Arriola
Zardes
A better option.
The 'ideal' lineup right now:
Keeper
Yedlin* Ream Bradley Shea
Pulisic Torres Nagbe
Nguyen** Wood Weah***
Alternatives
* Adams
** Sargent
*** Arriola
This is a better, possession-oriented, lineup. This is the only way to defeat the world's best.