USMNT 3-2 Senegal reactions with Clint Dempsey, Presented by Allstate: The Deuce LIVE 05/31/26

31 May 2026 · 58 min · 33 chapters

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In short

The USMNT’s 3-2 friendly win over Senegal, reactions, and what it signals for the World Cup (including confidence, chemistry, and defensive concerns).

Guests

Clint Dempsey (former USMNT star, “King of Kings” on the show). He discusses tactics, player performances, and World Cup pressure from his own experience.

Key claims

  • The US started fast and played an “idea of football” in the first half; the issue is conceding too many goals and needing better transition defense.
  • The win is “what the doctor ordered” for confidence and optics, especially after recent defensive lapses.
  • Christian Pulisic’s assist/goal moment is narrative-changing and relieves his long drought pressure.
  • Matt Turner looked sharp despite conceding; Senegal’s Sadio Mané was dangerous.

Notable examples

  • Ricardo Pepé’s pass/run leading to Christian Pulisic’s goal; Pulisic’s finish after Alex Freeman’s build-up.
  • Sergiño Dest’s return and goal; Pepé involved in both goals.
  • Senegal’s second-half surge and the halftime defensive/goalkeeping disruption (debut for Chris Brady) leading to a costly mistake on Nico Jackson’s goal.
  • Senegal’s Sadio Mané scoring and leading by example; US needed to tighten up before the Germany match.

Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.

Chapters

Tap a time to open that second in VO

Analyzing the Match and Player Performances

0:00 to 0:30

Discussion on the importance of the USMNT's win and player contributions.

“For nearly two decades, almost as long as Tim Ream has been in the US Men's National Team, Allstate has backed the growth of this game in every corner of this great footballing nation.”

Analyzing the Match and Player Performances

0:34 to 1:42

Discussion on the importance of the USMNT's win and player contributions.

“Potential savings vary subject to terms and availability.”

Analyzing the Match and Player Performances

3:19 to 4:50

Discussion on the importance of the USMNT's win and player contributions.

“the best to ever do it for our men's national team, Sabastas Hassan.”

Lineup Changes and Strategies

4:50 to 7:35

Exploring changes in the starting lineup and strategies from the coach.

“Bring you on to this Zoom with our producer, Tony.”

Serginio Dest's Impact and Style of Play

7:35 to 9:23

Examining Serginio Dest's performance and unique playing style.

“I mean, I ask for Pochettino to make those decisions and see what's right.”

Christian Pulisic's Goals and Pressure

9:23 to 12:00

Discussing Christian Pulisic's scoring and the pressure surrounding him.

“I like the pace at which he takes people on.”

World Cup Pressure and Mentality

12:00 to 14:03

Clint Dempsey shares insights on the pressures of playing in the World Cup.

“I do want to say when Des scored, it was an ecstatic moment to see US joy, US team play, US coordinated dance celebrations.”

Pressure and Perspective in World Cup Play

14:03 to 15:10

Clint Dempsey shares insights on handling pressure during the World Cup.

“And so like, those are situations that there's pressure is always there.”

Matt Turner's Performance Analysis

15:13 to 16:34

Analyzing Matt Turner's performance and his journey back to form.

“Talking about control, things you can control.”

Celebrating Team Chemistry and Goals

16:38 to 18:44

Discussing team chemistry and the significance of goal celebrations.

“And my God, he has been through it since the last World Cup.”
Show all 33 chapters

Christian Pulisic's Game-Changing Goal

18:45 to 19:34

Exploring the impact of Pulisic's goal on team morale and fan engagement.

“Now we've got to keep these goals out the net, man, because it's nine goals in three games.”

Riding the Wave of Success

19:36 to 21:20

Dempsey and hosts discuss the high of scoring and maintaining momentum.

“And I think you're going to be speaking with him next week.”

Riding the Wave of Success

21:25 to 21:40

Dempsey and hosts discuss the high of scoring and maintaining momentum.

“Start planning your journey at meninblazers.com backslash cityguides.”

Ricardo Pepe's Growth and Contributions

21:40 to 22:39

Highlighting Ricardo Pepe's development and impact in the game.

Evaluating Player Performances

22:41 to 24:50

Assessing player performances, including Gio Reyna's contributions.

“so I'm looking forward to seeing his evolution.”

Defensive Issues and Challenges

24:51 to 28:00

Discussing the US team's defensive weaknesses and necessary improvements.

“There was a part in the second half when it was 2-2.”

US Defense and Transition Issues

28:00 to 29:56

Analysis of the USMNT's defensive performance and transition challenges.

“This is the part that I don't fully understand.”

Experimenting with Lineups

29:56 to 31:30

Discussion on the implications of using mixed lineups close to the World Cup.

“I might be a little old school, but that's what I would have wanted to see.”

Goalkeeping Concerns and Performance

31:30 to 33:19

Concerns about the USMNT's goalkeeper situation and communication with defenders.

“Like that communication in game, it just, it's not something that you just forge in a game or two.”

The Game's Highs and Lows

33:19 to 34:39

Reflections on the match's emotional rollercoaster and tactical decisions.

“for MLS haters, but Clint, why would you do this?”

Player Performances and Team Dynamics

34:39 to 37:09

Evaluation of player performances and the competitive spirit within the squad.

“And Ballo, God bless him, snapped it up with just a greedy clinicality, such a relish.”

Tactical Adjustments and Future Outlook

37:09 to 40:09

Discussion about tactical adjustments and what the future holds for the team.

“it's going to be tough to pick a striker.”

Audience Interaction and Q&A

40:09 to 42:01

Engaging with the audience for questions and comments on the match.

“It's nice when he showed them his laptop in the water break.”

Fan Interaction: Liam's Insights

42:01 to 43:30

Liam shares his experience and questions regarding the USMNT's performance.

“I hate that we keep taking everyone off at halftime.”

Clint's Reaction to the Game

43:31 to 45:40

Clint discusses the team's performance, emphasizing the need for continuity and teamwork.

“Yeah, like I said, we had a lot of great patterns of play tonight.”

Josh's Thoughts on Freeman

45:41 to 47:29

Josh expresses his thoughts on Freeman's performance and the need for a solid defense.

“Tell us where you're from and what's your question for Clint Dempsey?”

Balogun's Impact as a Forward

47:30 to 50:29

Discussions on Balogun's performance in the match and his role as a number nine.

“But if he's the captain, he's pretty much going to start.”

Chemistry Between Christian and Balogun

50:30 to 54:52

Clint and Raj discuss the partnership between Christian and Balogun and its significance.

“I want to see how you guys felt about that.”

Zach's Final Question: The Moment of Breakthrough

54:53 to 56:03

Zach asks about potential breakout players and moments for the USMNT.

“It was like playing pickup, like playing freestyle.”

Identifying the Breakout Player

56:03 to 56:30

Discussing potential breakout players for the USMNT and their impact.

Potential Heroes of the Tournament

56:31 to 58:08

Exploring various players who could shine in the upcoming tournament.

“I mean, that would be a remarkable moment.”

The Importance of Momentous Performances

58:09 to 59:14

Emphasizing how crucial moments define a player's legacy in football.

“I mean, that's what each of these players know, just one moment, one second, one magical piece of, well, not even thought, just action.”

Looking Ahead to Future Coverage

59:15 to 1:00:28

Previewing upcoming episodes and World Cup coverage plans.

“I could barely pull that off and that means it's time to go.”
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Transcript

Automatic transcript. May contain errors.

0:00For nearly two decades, almost as long as Tim Ream has been in the US Men's National Team, Allstate has backed the growth of this game in every corner of this great footballing nation. From grassroots pitches to the biggest stages, they've been here, believing in it, protecting its future, because supporting soccer, it's not just about match days. And that's why Allstate offers affordable coverage at personalised rates, so you can spend less time worrying and more time watching. Check Allstate first for a quote that could save you hundreds. Visit allstate.com or call a local agent today. Allstate, you're in good hands.

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2:24You're listening to the Men in Blazers media network, suboptimal radio.

2:40The United States of America have just beaten Senegal 3-2. a deeply symbolically important win in our second to last game before the World Cup begins on home turf. Yes, it was a friendly, but yes, we got permission to dream and lose our minds, don't we? And we'll also take your questions about this game and all that is to come. If you're here, I'm not the doctor, but I'm guessing you've got a nasty case of World Cup fever and you're in the right place. This is the Continental Classico special of the juice, made possible by our great friends at Allstate. So proud to team up with a brand that's committed to growing the game we love in the nation we adore.

3:18I'm delighted to be with the King of Kings, the best to ever do it for our men's national team, Sabastas Hassan. It's Mr. Clint Dempsey. What's up, Raj? How you doing, brother? Oh, Clint, I'm feeling good. You and I have sat here after some beatdowns recently. Man, this feels good. Yes, sir. Man, it's just what the doctor ordered, man. We needed that win like a fish needed water. So happy to see goals. happy to see fans getting out of their seats and cheering. But yeah, man, we needed that, bro. We deserve that, don't we? Yeah, just what the doctor ordered. And the doctor is Dr. Joe Machenick.

3:56Clint, we just beat Senegal. I don't know how it works. Does that make the United States the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions? I don't know. I don't know, man. Maybe, maybe. But no, great result. And once again, another great first half. I mean, to me, in my opinion, it's been a question like, can you put two halves together or not? But from what I've seen in the last three games in the first half, even though two of those weren't the results that we wanted in terms of how the game ended up, I think we've had good starts. We do start so fast. Even in the beatdowns, we own those first 10, 15 minutes.

4:32Chat is buzzing at JT called Comedy Right 2 remembers winning. We do. Let's get to it. We want to hear from you in the chat now. Tell us how you think the US men's national team is going to go this summer. Spoiler alert it. We'll also get to your live questions later in the show. Come on up. Scan the QR code in your top left of the screen. Bring you on to this Zoom with our producer, Tony. He'll get you up. Audio only to speak with the mighty Clint Dempsey and fire away with whatever you want to ask him about this game, about the World Cup to come. If you question or comment, can't wait. Slap it in the chat.

5:05Give us a like. Give us a follow. All that crap. at Brian Melander 1880 says, we had the biscuit in the basket five times. What's with this scoreline? At KUS says, this match got me so hyped I actually pulled the trigger and brought the overpriced jersey. Do it! So let's go back to the beginning here. Clint, Mauricio Pochettino, all the way through he's been trust the process, trust the process, telling us everything will come together around the World Cup. He said before the game, this is what he wanted to see today. He said confidence and fitness and the way that we want to play. That was the goal.

5:40You played in these kind of send-off games so close to the World Cup. What do they feel like? And what did you want to see in this match? Yeah, I mean, first of all, I got to say it's probably a difficult job for a manager to figure out a way to find that right balance of getting confidence into your players and in your team, letting everybody getting in a rhythm. You want to win the game, obviously, but then you also want to be fresh. You don't want people to be, you know, too tired to do what really matters. And that's to win in the first game of the World Cup in the group stage. So that's the main focus.

6:16But it's tough, man. But it's what you always deal with when you come into any type of game because you want to perform. You want to do your thing to where it's like, hey, you know I should be started. But at the same time, you're careful. You don't want to get injured. You don't want to get into stupid tackles that you don't need to. So, hey, we ticked all the boxes tonight except for keeping a clean sheet. I mean, these last three games and conceding these goals has been a little bit too much. We will talk about all of that big picture. The starting lineup, 7 of the 11 started in the 2022 tournament.

6:49This was a very familiar unit. Although thinking about it, so many of these players' realities have changed so much over the past four years. I was really fascinated to watch Matt Turner in goal, starting for just the second time this year. Last time, the five goal mauling against Belgium. Let's not talk about that anymore yet. Also to see Gio Reyna trying to silence the doubters. His first start of any kind. This is crazy. Club or country since December 19th. No Western McKinney, no Flo Balogun, no Tillman. When you saw this lineup, it had still a very experimental feel. resting players who've had long seasons.

7:29This was not our starting XI, was it? And if not, what is it? I mean, I ask for Pochettino to make those decisions and see what's right. But what I will say is I was surprised not to see Bolligan in the lineup. I was surprised not to see Weston McKinney in that starting lineup as well. But also I want to give a shout out to two players that took advantage of that opportunity. Pepe was involved in both of those goals. And Turner made some big saves. I thought he looked sharp. Even though he conceded one goal, I thought he looked sharp. And, hey, it's good to see, you know, Geo getting minutes and stuff like that.

8:06Shout out to Des coming in, like you said, been injured and dealing with those type of things. His goal, but also I just like the way he plays, man. I like the way he takes players on in the attacking third. I'm an attacking player, even though we need him to defend. I like the way that he I think he's dangerous you know what I'm saying so what do you see in Seginio Desclint because he is a hilarious player he's a player who even when he loses for his club team still puts out a mixtape of his highlights he lives to nutmeg opponents I mean he's like he's the kind of guy where it's like you know the cliche that all that matters is a W it's not about how I play he's kind of very brazenly the opposite it's like no all that matters is how I play.

8:50What do you see in him mentally? He's different. Yeah, I mean, I don't know about all that stuff. I don't keep tabs on that. But what I like is like the pickup style, the ability to take people on and beat them with the dribbling skills, the flair in which you show. I grew up loving that style of play. So I gravitate towards that. But it's important to find the right balance when and where to do it. And also you got to do the dirty work. You got to defend. And any player that can defend one-on-one and take people on one-on-one. I just feel like they can always find a spot on the team, right? So I'm happy with what I saw.

9:25I like his game. I like the pace at which he takes people on. And yeah, man, he was dangerous tonight. He's fearless, man. He is absolutely fearless. His brain is just wired differently, not from Nagadocches, but from the Dutch part of Nagadocches, if you know what I mean. And I do adore him. Let's talk about his goal because this game is number one in Africa, Senegal. A very good team. They're 14th in the world for whatever that means. They're AFCON champions, according to everyone apart from AFCON. I think they've not lost this year and beaten in qualifying. And we started, you've already said it, as we had against Belgium and Portugal with ambition and energy.

10:06There was an optimism to our play. The beginning was good. and six minutes in, what noise did you make when Ricardo Pepe, in his first start since 2024, spanned between two defenders with great wizard filth just free Christian and politic? It was beautiful, man. Yeah, that pass, the run from Christian, the way that he took it into space and then how he whipped it in and Dest making up the ground. You know what I mean? Timing that run how you needed to time it. Great. Just a great play, man. You know what I'm saying? That was a clean goal. That was a clean goal. Hey, I'd love to have a goal like that.

10:38And it kind of, you know, a little bit like Beasley, you know, when he whipped it across, it's bouncing perfect height. I took it with the top of my foot because it was bouncing a little bit too much. Serginio Dess able to use that inside of his foot and place it, man, showing composure. It was great to see, man, for sure. That must have felt amazing, Clint, for Serginio, who has missed so much of the past two seasons with a devastating series of injuries, ACL and then a hamstring. I mean, it must have felt absolutely ecstatic for him. Yeah, man. I think it was absolutely ecstatic for a lot of guys.

11:16You know, when I think about, look at Christian's situation, right? Hasn't scored since 2024 and was able to come into the night and get a goal and assist because all the talk's been about, hey, why hasn't he scored? When is he going to get this monkey off his back? And this and that. So it's great for the team to have Christian getting that goal. It's great for Sergino Dest to come back from the injury, still show that he can play his style, which is aggressive and taking people on and not being fearful. But yeah, man, it was good to see. And shout out Turner, man, because it's tough to concede five goals.

11:51Look like everything is not working out for you. There was a game in MLS, I think maybe had a mistake. And that also messes with your confidence. Terrible mistake. I mean, he's had a series. We'll talk about Matt in one second. I do want to say when Des scored, it was an ecstatic moment to see US joy, US team play, US coordinated dance celebrations. It felt so life affirming. Suddenly felt like everything was possible again. And perhaps most importantly, you just kind of hinted at this, Christian Pulisic getting that assist in that moment lightened his mood. You could see just a load off after this complete and utter freefall of a second half of the season in Milan.

12:34Um, in Mauricio Pochettino spent a lot of time this week, um, talking up Christian Pulisic. He is a good special player. Um, he predicted that he would score in the world cup. I think in my preview, I said that Christian would score today. I felt he would, I felt he'd be hungry. He would, you know, he spent the week Christian Pulisic talking about having, having to talk about the darkness, having to talk about the drought, the dry career, no goals in 19 straight games, not score for the U S team since 2020. the missed Gold Cup, something he wants to put behind him. He spent all this time often talking about the enormous pressure, the press are asking him all the time.

13:15You've lived it. Can you describe World Cup pressure, Clint? How you've felt it, how you feel it when you do feel it? Is it always there in the run-up? Even when you're in the shower, when you're watching Netflix, when you're having him with the boys? Or does it just impact you in moments before the games? How does it happen? It's always there, no matter what level that you're at. I remember when I first was in the national team and just being like, man, I don't want a World Cup to go by and not go out there and do my thing. Like, I don't want that to happen. I want to go and take advantage of that moment.

13:46So you had that pressure on yourself because you don't know you're going to have that moment again. And then when you start becoming more of a main player, you know, like, for example, 2014, I go to the last World Cup I played in, having the captain's armband, that's pressure because you got to get out of the group of death. You got to go in the first game and set the tone. And so like, those are situations that there's pressure is always there. and it feels like what Clint what does it feel is it just like you are constantly self-aware you're constantly feeling heaviness what is it nerves are they and also is it next level for the world cup in a way it's not for any other game yeah yeah it's next level for the world cup because that's what you dreamed about as a kid I mean I don't know but maybe certain players dreamed about playing with their club team and winning big trophies with them but for me it was my country and represent them in the world cup and like represent where you from and it's something special about your city your state your country that's just how how i was raised so i mean if you have that pressure but it's at the same time it's like nothing can be worse than some of the things i've experienced in my life so i just it's all how people put things into perspective everybody's gonna deal with pressure differently it's gonna affect them i just you know had certain tough things that happened to me that made me ready for those type of situations.

15:07And that's how it kept me like, there's worse things out there, man. Just go out there, control what you can control. Talking about control, things you can control. Matt Turner, Senegal, do have a delicious counter-attacking unit. Sadio Mane slipped through on goal within minutes of our opener. I was impressed, Clint. This is Matt Turner's second start in 2026. you know he was on the end of a beat down against belgian he has had challenges uh some of the goals he's given up in mls have been highlights for the wrong reason to see him step up with confident decision making on the number of occasion in this game strong new jersey wrist to shut him down that felt significant to me yeah and that kick save he had man that was that was a good kick save yeah but uh yeah man it's like it's tough right when you don't have a lot of confidence and you get the chance and it's just like you're only going to get so many chances right so eventually you got to go and take it man and I think I thought he performed well I thought he made some big saves even though he conceded one goal I don't know if there was much he could have done about that but it's it's good to see because look he's the guy that helped us qualify for the last World Cup 2022 I ain't gonna forget that you know what I'm saying so I want to see him do well he performed well in that World Cup uh also very well and he adds experience to the team from that experience, whether he's a starter or not, to help the team out.

16:31So I'm happy to see him. I hope he does well. And, you know, he did his thing tonight. It's one of the sweetest gentlemen you will meet. And my God, he has been through it since the last World Cup. Had a terrific World Cup and then has been through the darkness and on the outside of this potch squad for longer than I think was imaginable. And to come back in at the last and perform like this, it must have been unbelievable Matt Murphy 24 in the chat says even Sadio Mane admired that kick save on this truth when Senegal locked in in that first half they did cut us apart with ease through our back line very glad it was Nico Jackson on the end of a number of those chances but let's not think about that when we can talk about 20th minute doing it like the juice Clint picks the one play from the game that captured the team's drive win or lose and it was Matt Turner finding Alex Freeman who sprang Ricardo Pepe again who seized his moment nosebleed pace down the flank stunning pass into stride of a just charging Christian Pulisic my god he wanted this moment he needed this moment rounded the hour in goal as if he wasn't there rolled it home Clint five months of agony rolled off him in a second what does that feel like I mean first of all as a fan it was exciting to watch like you talk about the buildup the awareness playing the ball out Freeman running with it playing Pepe Pepe with the perfectly weighted pass and then Christian with taking that touch with his pace creating that little bit of space to slide it under the keeper uh near post great finish and you can see how much it meant to in the way he celebrated you know he went to his knees and he was like really giving it but what I wanted to pick up on as well is what you said about the celebration on the first goal and that's what I like to see people dancing, vibing, handshake, something that they spend a little bit more time than just on the field.

18:28So I was happy to see that because I was worried when we were watching the roster reveal and Gunnar was on stage rapping. People didn't know what to do. And it looked like there was a lot of chemistry on the team. So for me to see them celebrate, that's what I like to see because that lets me know, all right, we've got that chemistry going. We've got these fans off their seats. Now we've got to keep these goals out the net, man, because it's nine goals in three games. is not good enough. I mean, it is. It's so key. And we'll talk more about it together tomorrow, Clint. I mean, every time the US has done well at this World Cup or well-ish, 1994, 2002, 2014, you know, the brotherhood, the team play, the chemistry was at the center of all that was good.

19:09I thought this goal was so massive, Clint, to have a politic highlight, to crackle across TikTok and sports center style shows, to enliven the fan base, which we need so much right now more than anything. And for a player like that, who is such a form player, such a momentum player, to not have to be asked about the goal drought anymore. That goal was massive. Yeah, yeah, it was massive. And I think you're going to be speaking with him next week. So it's going to put him in better spirits for y 'all to have some good conversations. But you know what I'm saying? And what I like to call it is like you get back on a wave again.

19:51You know what I'm saying? That's the feeling. Is that what it feels like? Is that what it feels like? That's what it feels like, man. You're back surfing again. You're riding the wave, and you want to ride it for as long as you can. So you never want to be where you crashed out in the water, shark about to get you stressed out. But riding the wave, that's what he's doing right now. That's what you feel like in those moments, it just flips and you have the energy behind you. Everything you're doing is multiplied. Everything is possible again. And it is as if you are just back in that Zen place, in that zone, in that float.

20:20It's kind of like you, Raj, when you're doing all this work, flying places, place, you're in the zone, bro, doing all the shows. I tell you what, I'm so impressed with this guy. This is one of the hardest working people I've ever met. Clint, Clint, I'm always crashed out, man. My surfing is terrible, but I love you. This is the spirit of Frankie Hadrick, the greatest U.S. men's national team surfer of all time. Rit Lodge, this is his legacy. We are delighted to bring you the Men in Blazers City Guides, presented by Visa. A joyously assembled guide to the best places to eat, drink and explore and watch the beautiful game across the country.

20:58It's a guide aimed at helping fans experience the city as a local. It's built by you, our listeners, recommending some of the best small businesses in your communities. Like the finest Viet Cajun in Houston. Yes. The best burrito in San Francisco. Yes. Where to savour lemon pepper wet in Atlanta. Yes, yes, yes. A massive shout out to our sponsor Visa, who's made this guide possible. Visa gives local business owners the tools and support to be ready for moments exactly like this one, welcoming you to enjoy the games this summer. Start planning your journey at meninblazers.com backslash cityguides.

21:40another play i want to touch upon um i'm so happy for him too he's coming on this week and i cannot wait to speak to him i admire him so much ricardo pepe i know you love him fellow texan yeah i mean a goal and then assist for politic with two key goal involvements for ricardo pepe and also shout out to him man for dealing with the injuries that he dealt with not making the team in 2022 you know know what I'm saying I thought he should have been on that team but the way he went about it man he got his head down he busted his butt he worked hard even at times when he needed to be a super stub went out there and got the job done and he got his opportunity today and he did his damn thing so hey I'm happy to see it he had a part to play in both of those goals the only thing selfishly he probably wished he had got got him a goal but hey he was doing more than just scoring he was being part of build-up, making plays happen, getting assists.

22:36He's adding more to his game now. I started to switch a little bit, so I'm looking forward to seeing his evolution. It's beautiful to see, man. I mean, he actually played the kind of game we wanted Gio Reyna to play. The slip classes, the creativity, the chemistry, creativity, the glue, the cohesion in the point of attack. Derek Martinez, 2529, says, let's get back on the Pepe train. That boy can play. I mean, what did you think of Gio, by the way? You know, he had some good touches here and there. Tried to whip some balls in. Couldn't really get on the ball a huge amount to really influence the game, I think, in the way he would have wanted.

23:20Yeah, I mean, you could see in the first half doing different movements. There were times where he was getting the width of the team and trying to get the ball in those outside areas. And then there was time he was operating, trying to get in the middle to try to get on it more. and sometimes it's tough man the game don't really find you uh and you have to do more than just have people get you the ball you got to figure out ways to win the ball off for others and impact the game there so uh if you can start adding a little bit more of that to this game but you know how it is sometimes it takes you you know more time to get into the game that's why you know with the second half most people only got you know to play a half today but sometimes like in the second half by having something good happen for you you get going by the way we asked people in the chat who impressed you most in this US team.

24:03Pepe currently smashing that poll, 60 % of the vote. Get your vote in now. What thrilled me the most, I've got to be candid, in this slightly weird game, we'll get to the weirdness in a minute, was the idea of football that we saw in that first half an hour. This US team were playing an idea of football driven by Anthony Robinson on one flank, Seginio Dest on the other, two kings who we've been deprived of for long spells because of injuries. They were now back and they were really thriving. I think should be our two starting wing backs. You know, obviously it's going to be Anthony Robinson, but what's going to be the decision on the right side?

24:40I like Dest and what he brings, but hey, coach got to make those tough decisions. Also, Senegal can't defend. My God, this was a ragged panic performance. we'll get to the Ricardo Pepe Balogand of 8 in 1 quick minute lots of opinions coming in through the chat right now we only have two gears as US fans we've talked about this a lot we get into our overconfidence why are we hosting the World Cup just give us the bloody trophy now you know a switch can flick and we free fall into just catastrophizing agonizing doom we did experience both on this day But this moment, it felt like we were just tops off, wee back.

25:25It did feel magnificent, Clint. Hey, I ain't going to lie. There was a part in the second half when it was 2-2. I'm not going to lie. I was worried. I was sending you a text like, hey, man, why can't we never play our best team for 65 minutes or 60 minutes? But it's tough, the balance of keeping people fresh, getting confidence into the team, but also trying to win the game. It's a tough balance, and I get it. but I ain't going to lie. I'm happy now, but imagine if it had been 3-2 the other way. Would you still be talking this way? Don't even speak that. That was the moment. Don't even speak that evil into existence, Clint Dempsey.

26:03I mean, the feel we need to acknowledge was terrible here. It was like they were playing on a sponge. You'd watch that ball just loft and then just die as soon as it hit it. They just laid grass on top, I think last week, on top of the AstroTurf. I know the Senegalese players were worried about injuries, were seething about it. I mean, it was a very temporary setup, and I don't know how much that actually impacted the Senegalese players. But they didn't... Can I say something about that? Would you please? There's two things. Why not figure out a way to do that quicker, to give people the best chance to get an idea of what it's going to be like during the World Cup at certain stadiums, to kind of deal with that.

26:41And if it doesn't have time to settle or to do it properly, the game is not as good because the ball doesn't bounce the same. and there's more risk of injury because stuff's slipping and moving and not being the roots growing in and stuff like that. I don't think it's a good look, but then you find yourself in that situation where the Senegal player's like, hey, man, I don't know. Maybe I'm going to keep it in the lower gear. Yeah, that's why I mention it, Clint. That's exactly – I don't enjoy this conversation. But on the flip side, Sadio Mane, though, he played hungry. The second goal, he wanted that.

27:17You know what I'm saying? when he ran into the goal to score that and crashed into miles robertson like so he was leading by example and that's what some of them young uh kids watching look it's an older player and he was out there leading by example man i i gotta i gotta give him props for that he played he was phenomenal so i'm bringing it in a friendly when he had nothing to prove on turf which it was pretty clear many of the selling leagues did not want to play on um and in the stroke of halftime um I mean, this is what we do. We do lose focus around the half-time break. Senegal sprang to life.

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27:50Ball copped up in midfield. I think it was Diara who just dribbled pretty well the whole half without really being challenged by a back line that had never played together before. This is the part that I don't fully understand. This was Tim Ream, Mark McKenzie, and Alex Freeman. He then rolled the ball beautifully to Sadio Mane, who I thought finished just superlatively. This United States defense in transition, especially without Chris Richards, who's still recovering from his late season ligament damage. I mean, this is a problem that needs fixing this transition defense. Yeah, I mean, nine goals, three games.

28:28It speaks for itself. So, yeah, we need Chris Richards. We need them to do a better job in the back. Excited about what we see going forward in terms of the way that we created three goals tonight. But yeah, we need to figure out a way to be a little bit tighter and find that right balance. You know what I'm saying? Yeah. And then this is the strange part. Into the second half, 10 changes at halftime. A debut for third string goalkeeper, Chris Brady, who was the only member of the squad without a cap. Gentry looks just like a drummer in a Stone Temple pilot cover band. And we had Rolldown. We had Trusty.

29:06We had Miles Robinson, Arston. Weyer, Weston finally came. It's like a whole different unit. What does that say to you as a player this close to the World Cup if it was still split squads with the players we assume to be big players like Western players? I wouldn't have liked it. Yeah, I mean, the fact that it's all experimental together, what does that feel like? What would you have felt? My thing is I want to get reps with the people who are going to be in the battle with me. And we never had that qualifying process of having our backs against the wall and having to fight with each other. like to have each other's back to get the right results, right?

29:42That camaraderie you build during those tough times where you have to have each other's back. So for me, I'd have liked to see us go with our best 11 for like, you know, to the 60th minute. But it's a balance of keeping people healthy. I understand. I get it. But, you know, that's just me. I might be a little old school, but that's what I would have wanted to see. Can you think of a reason that we would not start the best players together? Or does it, I mean, we don't know. Does it mean that Weston McKinney is not in the first 11 or do we just not know or we just don't understand? And this is trust the process.

30:15Hey, great point right there. Could be mind games from the coach. Like, hey, y 'all don't know who my best 11 is. Like, I'm just going to, you know, pick and choose and see who works best together and kind of keep people on their toes and keep them guessing. Right. But like for me, I'd want to feel comfortable with like pretty much who my best 11 was. yes there's always room for one player that can if he's making the difference in training and he's outperforming somebody that's that's what you want a culture that creates that hunger in training to get yourself the pathway to the first team so i don't know man that'd be a great question to ask him if you talk to him i will i will i'll tell him you asked me that you beautiful man i gotta say it is crazy to me in particular this clint that we still do not know who our starting goalkeeper is and more importantly whoever it is is not getting the reps with the center backs that they're going to be playing with because you need reps you need comms you need chemistry in that threesome um that take time don't they i'll say it's it's tough to trust the process of conceding nine goals in three games i don't i don't care how faithful of a person you are that is tough that's tough to trust that but uh oh my god man like to your point you want to get those reps and you want people to feel comfortable and like you said your two main center backs and your goalie like for sure that that should already be decided you should already kind of know what's up and maybe he does I don't know but from the outside looking in I don't think anything has been working amazingly three nine goals in the last three games yeah I mean I remember chatting to Tim Howard in 2014 and he talked about how critical it was in the run up there to spend time with the centre-backs.

32:01Like that communication in game, it just, it's not something that you just forge in a game or two. It needs, particularly when you cannot hear each other in World Cup play, which those stadium are going to be loud, loud for these players too as a unit. They are not used to playing before, well, you know, even a full stadium. They need to know each other's moves mentally. They need to know each other almost like automations. I'm going to, you know, I'm not going to condemn anybody. I just think, thank God, well, the one goalkeeping mistake, you know, is not going to probably please God be from a starter.

32:39That would have been a piece of flapping skin if Matt Turner had not played as well as he had. Balikin thought he'd scored almost immediately, but offside and within seconds, let's talk about the calamity of a goal. Ball played back. Miles Robinson under pressure panicked his back pass smothered it was Nico Jackson went in on Chris Brady poor man seven minutes into his international debut I think he didn't look in the play I think he didn't know where he was whether he was in his box or out of his box didn't want to get sent off couldn't use it he could have used his hands but I think it was so close he didn't use it bull ran to Manny you loved how he finished that goal was like catnip for MLS haters, but Clint, why would you do this?

33:24This is what I did not understand about this game. The vibes were so good. The optics were so good. The scoreline was so good. A score we needed. We needed to not lose. We needed to not, you know, clap. And by our own hand, we just kind of threw the good stuff away. Yeah, I mean, it's one of those things that, like, he knows in the back of his mind, going, like, four games, like losses to lose four games in a row going into world cup is is not what you want to be doing right so you you want to win but it's it's that it's the toughest thing is that balance of like all right is it damage control the fact that oh i'm not starting my absolute best 11 if you don't oh i'm i'm experimenting i'm trying to find the best or is it a situation where you know that's what he thought was the best thing to win, to rest people.

34:14Hey, it ended up working out perfectly, like you're a genius. You know what I'm saying? But at the same time, when it was 2-2 in the second half, and let's just say another mistake happens or something, we conceded another goal. We're not going to be jumping up and down about this, right? So we're happy. We're enjoying our moment. We haven't had a lot to celebrate as of late, so we're going to enjoy it. But let's not forget. Let's don't get too high. But, hey, shut up. it's like that scene in star wars don't get cocky kid it is so self-destructive and you're right in that moment i thought again we as us fans have two gears we have the ebullience the transcendence the euphoria and we just have a plunge into hello darkness my old friend and it suddenly felt like the latter i've got to credit the us boys they kept battling tackles began to fly in western setting the tone um baligan had the ball in the back of the net at least 12 times by my account um he was hungry boy but he knew he knew what time it was he saw he saw what peppy didn't first have he's like okay i gotta turn it up i gotta i gotta let him know that i want to be starting so hey that's a good battle right there man yeah i mean i i want to hear you talk about 63rd minute he did get his uh western mckinney uh free tim weyer teased the ball across the box Senegal, honestly defended like they're in a Savannah Bananas game.

35:38And Ballo, God bless him, snapped it up with just a greedy clinicality, such a relish. He needed that because of what had come before in that first half. We needed that, Clint. And Balligan, you said he looked hungry. He looked straight. He looked ready to mix it up too. Who's your starter and why? I mean, I'm not going to change now. I'm going to stay with what I've been saying. I think Balligan is the more complete player right now. Even though Pepe's my boy is from Texas, I think, like, what a great situation that we're in because last World Cup we're worrying about, you know, do we have our main number nine or not?

36:16You know what I'm saying? Hadjir Wright did score in that last World Cup, so I'm going to give him his props. I know he's hungry on the bench wanting to get in and do his thing after seeing what he just saw, but I got to go with Balligan right now. I just think he gives you more. You know what I'm saying? But Pepe is starting to show his evolution of now creating more goals for others, the way his quality of passes. And then the only next thing is taking people on and beating them one-on-one and getting your own goal, too. So, hey, I'm excited about that battle. And also, you saw the battle on that right side.

36:48The way I saw what Des did with that goal, you know what I'm saying, taking people on, going forward, he had to make sure to get that good crossing. So you're seeing people fighting, people hungry, and I'm happy as a U.S. fan. I love that, man. I do. I love that Ballot and Pepe piece. As you say, it's a great problem to have, and it feels bloody good. At M Jones 5 in the chat said, it's going to be tough to pick a striker. I have to find a way to get Flo and Pepe on at once. You know what? If one of them can play in goal, I'm all for that idea. Other quick ones, I want to take as many questions as we can, Clint.

37:23I thought Tillman was mischievous. I thought Austin Trusty was really solid. He'd passed out. Would have loved to have seen Brendan Aronson, but I'm guessing he's still hung over from his wedding. You can find a really lovely interview with him on our YouTube. Congratulations, Brendan, you're a beautiful man. The game, ultimately with its mass substitutions, was honestly hard to read. You know, you were adamant, these substitutions should come 65, 70 minutes so we can really get a sense of the flow. Or 60, yeah. Yeah, I'm trying to work out what to take from it. Senegal are a bloody good football team.

37:58They were undefeated. They didn't play like one in this game, but we still take from it what we can. What can we take? Mass changes are friendly. Remember when we beat Morocco 3-0 in June 2022, we know how the World Cup ended up going and how ours did. They seem to recover very well from that 3-0 loss. How much can we read into this game and what it means? I think it's just what the doctor ordered. I mean, the only few negative things is conceding too many goals, maybe some mistakes on that second goal. But besides that, you got Turner getting confidence again from his performance. Christian getting the monkey off his back, getting the goal.

38:39Pepe showing that he's dangerous with the assist. Des getting the goal. Way up getting the cross. Balligan getting the goal that he got. Weston looking hungry. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Weston, getting involved, making great chances. You know what I'm saying? So, yeah, I'm excited about what I'm seeing. I just think we need to tighten up defensively, but there's a lot of positives to take, and I think people are going to be hungry and fighting, and that's what you need, man, if you want to be successful. So if we can keep starting how we've been starting in these first halves and have complete games and put a full second half together, stop conceding as many, whoo, it could be dangerous.

39:18I love that noise. I'd say for me, not losing was winning here. The Pulisic goal, I think, is truly, truly narrative changing and significant for the reasons we already talked about, both in his mind, what's going on in his head. Also, you know, for the whole team to have a moment that will play everywhere on TikTok, having Pepe so creative, having Ballot score, having Western Hungary. Team excited, confidence fans getting out their seats, jumping up, starting to believe, like, we need that 12th man. It hasn't been there, but they haven't been inspired. So it's good to see, man. It's so important.

39:55And Pochettino, he's getting a little breathing room and can talk his talk, you know what I mean, and be confident and let people know, hey, I got it right because it worked out. But if we can tighten up in the back, man. It's nice when he showed them his laptop in the water break. I love that. Just show him a couple of memes, make the lads. Do you think, honestly, people were paying attention and learning something? Or do you think it was for sure? Or do you think it was really like, oh, that's going to change the game? I don't know what he was showing them. I think it was probably Paul McCartney on Chicken Shop Day.

40:29But what do I know? You know, after a bruising week, it's got to be said, with the emails, the elite roster list, Mauricio Pochettino finding time for other job interviews, Pulisic's goal drought. We needed all of this. I mean, this was a win for the optics. I think this team's going to be able to score a lot. It's also going to be very open at the back. You tell us with the questions. Let's get to them in a moment and laugh and tell us how you're feeling. One other quick note before we do get to your questions. Last night, Mexico beat Australia, who we will play in our second game, 1-0 in Pasadena.

41:09Australia actually had chances they didn't take in the second half. They looked how we imagine they will look, robust. pragmatic, a collective, real missionary position opponents. Yeah, yeah. I mean, that is going to be a fight. And for those of you who love El Tree or Vamos Network, can be your home for all things Mexican national team. And CONCACAF this whole summer, we have Jule Nats with US men's national team hero Herc Gomez and his sparring partner, Seve Salazar. Give and go, Ed Reynoso and Christian Soltero host daily live streams during the World Cup. I adore those two um and for mexican insiders we got football asada on instagram tiktok and youtube at football asada at jewel nuts at the give and go let's get to your questions remind of how this works on youtube scan the qr code or click the pin comment in the chat get on the zoom with our producer tony will bring you up to ask clint anything let's start with you need some water after all that that was good i'm exhausted that was good thank god we've got the mighty liam Liam come on up tell us where you're from and what's your question for great great Clint how are we I'm from Fort Myers Florida this is actually my third appearance on Do It Live tonight so I'm very very excited here we go Hattrick are you buzzing Liam I'm buzzing the last time I came on here I told a long winded story about hosting US Men's National Team parties and how it was kind of dwindling a little it was after the Korea game so I'm definitely definitely feeling better Still got some sticking points.

42:44I hate that we keep taking everyone off at halftime. It makes me feel like we're not getting any continuity. But, you know, the thing that I wanted to come in and ask today is, you know, based on the patterns that we've seen tonight and, you know, the patterns of play, the stuff we've done, the fight, what do you guys think are the most important things to take from tonight into what's definitely going to be a tough game against Germany? First of all, how's the party? A lot of people show up or not? Today we had a few cancellations still, but it was a good one. But I have a bar rent. Hey, come on, bro.

43:16Hey, we got to start throwing better parties, man. Come on. We got to get home. I feel like I left the room. Fort Myers, listen to us. Fort Myers, come be with Liam. Just give him the good vibes. Come to that party. What is your question for Clint King, Liam? Yeah, like I said, we had a lot of great patterns of play tonight. We saw a lot of good turnovers. We saw a lot of good transitions. I think for me, seeing that fight is what I want to see going into Germany and keeping up that intensity for the full 90 minutes, not letting the goal in right before halftime. What is it that you want to see based off of what we saw tonight?

43:49I mean, we won. Thank the Lord. Scored some goals. That's what I'm talking about. Like you say, conceded goals, that ain't good. Fans getting out of their seats and getting excited. People fighting, battling for positions, and people still looking fresh. I mean, you got all the boxes tick except conceding too many goals. And like you said, a little bit more continuity. Continuity of figuring out who that best 11 is going to be. But, I mean, it was a great result in that regard. But like we said, second half, two, two. I was texting Raj, like, please, Lord, don't let it be another one of these.

44:30Yeah. Another one of these, meaning that Clint has to get on with me after an American defeat, which pains us both so excruciatingly. And we've got to talk to each other about it. You know, it was amazing. As you say, the patterns of play, the idea of football, the wingbacks, the battle for positions. I love that, Clint, that you saw that. And also, I mean, this is, you know, people can laugh. This is like optics. But for this team, in times of good managers, they've had great times. But in times of bad managers, they've still had great times when there is that sense of connectivity, that sense of brotherhood, that sense of positivity.

45:09You can almost always overlap those two things for this team. There's been cycles where the players will say, hey, we didn't really listen to the coach. We talk in the tunnel before we went on about how we were going to change what we were told to do and do what we wanted to do. This team can do things when they feel great about each other. And you saw it's a little miserable at times in this cycle for this U.S. team. Today, you saw a sense of joy, a sense of release, a sense of wonder. And I'm there for it. I want to take a couple quick more because a bunch of you coming on and you're all beautiful to wait this entire time.

45:46The next one up is the great Josh. Tell us where you're from and what's your question for Clint Dempsey? I appreciate you all taking my questions. Josh in Dallas, Texas Amen, Josh, we're coming We're coming to you, baby Yeah, I went to y 'all's one last year That was a lot of fun, I appreciate y 'all coming out Hey, I wanted to ask what y 'all thought about Freeman's performance tonight, I think he's Taken a lot of steps since the Gold Cup Last year And I think that our best Pochettino's going to go with a back three I think it should be Freeman Richards and then Ream And then have Robinson and Desch just going down the flanks the whole time.

46:26So I think that Freeman definitely needs to be a starter in my opinion, but I just wanted to see what y 'all think. And also, hey, man, I wanted to give you a shout-out on the documentary. That was a good documentary. And I was going to watch it. I was going to spread it out. Man, I watched the whole thing in a day. There we go. There we go. My only critique with the documentary was it wasn't long enough, Clint. Oh, I appreciate you, bro. It was a lot. It was a lot. It was a lot of episodes. That's kind of what I was worried about. I don't want people to fall asleep. So I appreciate you watching it.

47:01We need a second season, Clinton. We need a second season, baby. That's all she wrote. That's all she wrote, boys. But what I will say, man, I agree with you, man. I like what I saw from Freeman. He also has that ability to get forward if he needs to. But his ability to defend, his speed, his strength, the way that he held off Mane on that one, he couldn't separate from him and you know he's got pace so I like that and you have to have pace around Tim Ream I think you know what I'm saying I like what Tim Ream brings in terms of his composure quality on the ball ability to pass out and use angles and stuff like that but he's not as fast as he once was so I agree with you I like Freeman being in there with him and I think I think it solidifies that Chris Richards but still you know if they don't go with Tim Ream I still think he makes a difference there because who's to say what that back three is going to be?

47:53But if he's the captain, he's pretty much going to start. We can talk about that tomorrow when we do our preview of the entire World Cup, the Tim Ream captaincy era.

48:08Freeman, you've nailed it, Clint. Potch loves speed in that position. Freeman is that and more. I was really impressed with him today. He's taken some bold moves in this moment mentally, going off to Europe, adjusting, trying to fight his way there. It's really fascinating to think about A3 without Chris Richards. When I say fascinating, I mean bloody terrifying. I spoke to Chris's agent again today. He said, no, he's going to be fine. He's going to be fine. Hey, put some tape on it. You know what I'm saying? You can walk, you can play. Get out there. I'm glad he's healthy. Knowing Chris as a dude, and you do, there's no way he is going to want to miss this World Cup after what happened to him in 2022.

48:59But I would say right now, his ligament are the biggest issue for all USA fans. We need this man on the field. We are night and day in the back line with or without our winner. Alex, come on up, you beautiful human being. Tell us where you're from and what's your question for Clinton? Raj, Deuce, how are you guys doing? What's up? We're good now, baby. Where are you? I'm out of Tampa, Florida. I'm just a big fan of the show. This is the second time you guys have had me on. Thanks for taking the question. I just wanted to check in and see if you guys clocked kind of the same thing I saw in the game coming out of the second half with Balogun coming in.

49:42I watch multiple leagues day in, day out. throughout the year, whether it's Serie A or Premier League. And I think a big problem with the game right now is kind of a diminished role in the number nine. So I want to see, Raj, from your perspective as a lover of the game, induce one of the best to ever do it. You know, I think decisiveness has been the biggest thing that's been an issue with number nines across the world. You have your top names that do it good, but across leagues, I find myself wishing that they would shoot the ball more and to see Balogun come out in the second half and just take shots, you know, just trying, just putting stuff on net.

50:18That got me excited, especially for the World Cup coming up above anything else. You know, we had good moments. Christian, like you guys said, got the monkey off his back, finally scored. That's a great moment. But seeing Balogun willing to strike the ball was a big thing for me. I want to see how you guys felt about that. If that's something you guys kind of saw and got excited about and what that means going forward, how important that is. What a great question. And there's only one man that we want to hear from on this answer. and it is Clint. Alex, who do you support with your many league watching?

50:47With Serie A, Milan has been for years and then the Premier League is Chelsea. So I found myself screaming at the screen more often than not for them to see the ball. Two Mauricio Pochettino teams, baby. Milan and Chelsea. I love you. I love you. I love you. Clint, when you watch ballet, and I love this question, just a willingness to, you know, shoot and shoot. What do you see? I mean, I still think there's a lot of top number nines around the world. I think if there's a position where you don't see as much as that number 10 rule, a withdrawn striker sometimes. But, yeah, I thought it was great of what Bolligan did.

51:24He took advantage of the opportunity that he got because he saw, you know, anytime you get on the field and you can represent your country, you got to go out there and perform. He saw what Pepe did in the first half. So he was like – he was making sure to be aware of that and was going to empty the clip, and that's what he did. And like you said, the ball was in the back of the net a few times, and called all sides for this and that. But yeah, I'm happy with what I saw from him. And I'm happy for the fight that we have in that number nine position. Yeah, if you don't shoot, you don't score. But I'm excited for the next game and this battle, how it plays out.

51:59That's for sure. What about you, Raj? I mean, it's crazy, man, when you look at the evolution of this. I'm old enough to remember two games ago when we played without any strikers at all. We did the Christian Pulisic false nine thing for reasons I still don't fully understand. I love the question, Alex, because Flo Balogun is a gift to this US team for me. International football is not complex. It's actually, you know, when you look at some of the teams that have gone deep in the World Cup, England 2018 are a good example of it. They play a very risk-averse collective football, willing to spring forward in transition, like Morocco in 2022.

52:42You know, they're not trying to, it's not complex club football that they're trying to emulate. And what they need is a human being who will take those shots in those moments with a high sense of confidence. And we've not had that. It was a problem in the last cycle. Having him just come on so bloody hungry, be willing to put himself about, hungry to manufacture the shots, have a selfishness. I mean, Clint, good strikers, deeply, deeply selfish human beings, right? No, for sure. But, like, also, I would like to see what I think is going to be our best 11. And it's important, these attacking pairings, right?

53:20Like Christian and Balogun's relationship. Because I think that there are two best, you know, attacking threats in terms of if you were going to do a starting lineup, I think you'd have Balogun and then Christian right off of them, right? So I would just like to see their partnership get a little bit better, their chemistry and being able to create goals, celebrations. That's what you need in a pairing. They have each other's back to know, like, if I'm open, you're going to find me and vice versa. Hey, we know that if we fail, we're going to get blamed. So let's stick together and figure out a way to be successful.

53:54Yeah, I mean, it's also key. It takes pressure off Christian. I mean, the game plan for parts of this cycle is going to be Christian just taking it on his own shoulders, getting frustrated, trying to make plays happen. You're right. Ultimately, this interplay between Christian and Balogun is going to be so key if we can harness that. The way I would relate it is me and Oba's relationship and both being at Seattle and knowing and we're both being designated players. And if we're not, if the team loses, it's our fault. We're not doing enough. We've got to score goals and be dangerous. And we had that conversation.

54:26I think it's important to have those type things like, hey, bro, if you're open, I'm going to get you. If I'm open, get me. Like, let's make each other. Let's be successful, right? Let's win. Let's figure out a way to, like, succeed because we know that it's on us to make stuff happen. So hopefully they're having those type of conversations because it's like that's when me and Oba's relationship changed. It's like we started having each other's back. You know what I'm saying? Yeah, yeah. He was one of the funnest players, like most exciting players that I got to play with. It was like playing pickup, like playing freestyle.

54:58So I'd like to see that between Christian and Balogun. Yeah, you know what? That's a great question for me to talk to Christian about, is about that pairing with Balogun. It must take so much pressure off him. He doesn't have to be the sole point of attack. You saw it with Christian, though. You saw that Pepe hooked him up. So you know what I'm saying? I know that he liked what he had with Pepe because Pepe found him for that first assist and Pepe found him for that goal, too. so playing both playing both i'm convinced um go before me martin shout out to that incredible human being zach you've got the final question uh of the evening remind us where you're from you beautiful human being and fire up the last question of the day for the great clint dempsey gracias rob thank you uh clint you know legend and everything i'm coming to you from the land of enchantment beautiful new mexico uh texas's favorite most handsome cousin among the bunch of the southwest um i wanted to give you a huge shout out and nothing but love um to you clint as not only my favorite player but of course the favorite player of the southwest and representing us consistently my question my question to you all is where you think the the breakout moment's going to be and who might be the player that could bring that moment of madness and creativity that we saw clint do against juventus to quote bruce arena clint's always trying and you know he's doing something where he's bringing and elevating the game to a next level, where is that single moment and who is that player going to be in your opinion, both from Robin and from Clitzo?

56:30Muchas gracias. What a great, great question. De nada, amigo. You know what I'm saying? We can speak Spanish too. Texas' most handsome cousin. I just love it. What a question. Who is that human being? Hey, great question. What I'll say, shout out New Mexico, man that's a great state I spent some time there uh doing some elk cutting and stuff like that so uh much love uh to that state but I think the thing to be excited about man is it could come from anywhere could be Christian could be Bolligan could be Pepe could be Des could be could be way it could be McKinney you know what I'm saying could be Chris Richards on a set piece like that's where the moments could come from that's what I'm excited about because if it was only one or two you're like uh you're trying to find things but I feel like they rattling off you know hopefully we have some moments of brilliance of keeping some clean sheets that would be nice you know what I'm saying I would love it to be

57:31Seginio Dest I can imagine when he goes to sleep he dreams of the great moments which he of mischief which he is going to unfurl on the world Brendan Aronson who we didn't get to see today who has walked the hard yards with Leeds United you know leaving them when they were relegated having the bravery, the audacity as a very sensitive human being to go back to Leeds, be loath and win the love of those fans over again. I mean, that would be a remarkable moment. My God, Anthony Robinson. We could name these human beings. Ricardo Pepe, just the force of good. The one thing I will say, and this is why I love your question so much, whoever is that human being just commercially, just culturally, just to become and grab and become the face of US football in a similar way as in the wake of 2014, Tim Howard and Clint Dempsey became those human beings.

58:34The power of this moment, Clint. I mean, that's what each of these players know, just one moment, one second, one magical piece of, well, not even thought, just action. can be life-changing for them. I mean, it's your legacy. It's what you'll be remembered for, the biggest moments and how you did, right? Like the biggest tournaments, the biggest stages. That's what gives you goosebumps. That's what you dream about as a kid. So yeah, man. It's up for grabs. Up for grabs. It's always, and that's what's beautiful about life. Everything's always up for grabs. You got to go out and get it. Don't think someone's going to hand it to you because they're not.

59:15you got to go out there and get it got to go out there and get it um and i say tonight i want to thank all of you in the chat which has been incredible uh tonight at reese golchin hello reese you incredible human being sums it up feeling so much better tonight rog and clint like you boys we're going to spend the summer of highs and lows together um udkwifd you don't know where I'm from, dog. Hey, there we go. I couldn't even put that together. I was like, cross on. I could barely pull that off and that means it's time to go. As for the US Men's National Team, we're back tomorrow. Clint is taping another episode of The Juice.

59:57It will big picture preview all things US Men's National Team ahead of this. Just enormous tournament to come. It'll drop Tuesday as we kick off really a buffet of World Cup coverage, including our Cup of Cups previews Rory Smith is flying over as we speak to New York City for a marathon taping session. We'll go deep on every group and every team. Those will all drop every day next week. I cannot wait for us all to get our heads around all that is to come. Think of them as your prep before this summer's big exam. That's it for today. Clint Dempsey, you're an incredible human being. Life is better when we win, won't you?

1:00:33Yes, sir. It's always better. You know what I'm saying? Like we talked about, just what the doctor ordered. we need that 12th man only thing we need now is a little bit of defense come on the US were the worst thing to happen to Africa since Toto let's never take a second of watching football together for granted till next time big love thank you my brother peace

From the publisher

Rog and Clint Dempsey go live with their instant reactions following USMNT 3-2 Senegal, presented by Allstate. They discuss Sergiño Dest’s impact in his return, Christian Pulisic scoring his first international goal since 2024, Matt Turner getting a chance in goal, and if this could be Ricardo Pepi’s breakout moment.

Plus, Clint and Rog take listener calls and talk about Mauricio Pochettino flirting with AC Milan as the tournament looms. 

Find all of the best local spots around this year's big tournament with Men in Blazers City Guides: https://mibcourage.co/3R947x9

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