What’s inside this week’s Footy Fix…
Eric Wynalda hits back at Alexi Lalas for his comments on diversity.
Tim Howard calls out the USMNT.
Chris Richards on Weston McKennie and Tim Weah’s White House visit.
Malik Tillman talks about newcomer in the USMNT squad, Damion Downs.
Hugo Pérez on why Alex Roldán and Eriq Zavaleta no longer play for El Salvador.
Landon Donovan explains why the USMNT don’t deserve unconditional support.
“We are all sons of immigrants, and so are you.”
Eric Wynalda Hits Back at Alexi Lalas
Alexi Lalas’ latest opinion on diversity holding American soccer back has gotten people scratching their heads. His former teammate Eric Wynalda spoke about how Lalas’ parents are Greek immigrants and he shouldn’t be going down this route.
Our take on the situation: People have reacted very negatively to this opinion from Lalas, and for a good reason. Wynalda’s response was perfect, even revealing Lalas’ real first name— Panayotis.
‘You Don’t Get a Free Pass for Being Average!”
Tim Howard Calls Out the USMNT
Tim Howard says people inside U.S. Soccer want people like him and the fans to keep supporting the USMNT no matter what, instead of criticizing them. He calls them out, saying you don’t get a free pass for being average.
Our take on the situation: Howard is right. This “shut up and cheer” culture needs to go away. Fans and pundits need to keep this team on their toes.
“We Are Not Politicians for a Reason.”
Chris Richards on Tim Weah and Weston McKennie’s White House Visit
Tim Weah and Weston McKennie’s White House visit with Juventus got everyone talking. Chris Richards was asked about it. He explained that one of the most beautiful things about America is people can have different opinions and still be united.
Our take on the situation: Richards was put on a tough spot with that question and he gave a neutral answer. It was a good response as he wasn’t trying to divide the fanbase that’s already divided with different soccer opinions.
“He’s Been in the Almost Same Spot as Me.”
Malik Tillman on Damion Downs
Damion Downs is a German-American who’s new in the USMNT squad. Malik Tillman was asked about him and of course, he revealed that they share a special connection given the similar background.
Our take on the situation: Downs is a great young prospect. It’s great to see him in this camp and Tillman acting like a big brother to him. Let’s hope he gets more minutes in this tournament.
They Were Killed By Two Things…
Hugo Pérez Explains Why Alex Roldán and Eriq Zavaleta No Longer Play for El Salvador
Former USMNT player Hugo Pérez recruited Salvadoran-Americans Alex Roldán and Eriq Zavaleta for El Salvador. He said they were the most professional players in the squad but their Federation’s incompetence and being labelled not Salvadoran enough killed them.
Our take on the situation: Pérez did a fantastic job with El Salvador but things have been a mess since he got fired. They just got grouped in the Gold Cup, it’s not looking good down there.
“You Don’t Get Unconditional Support If You’re Bad.”
Landon Donovan Explains Why the USMNT Don’t Deserve Unconditional Support
Landon Donovan has been one of the strongest critics of the USMNT these days. And his point is simple, if you are bad, you will be getting criticized— not unconditional support. And that’s a good thing because it will motivate players.
Our take on the situation: Donovan is right on this situation. In every other national team, players will get criticized if they aren’t performing. It shouldn’t be any different in the U.S.
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