I didn't see any of the roster announcement coverage live, but was pretty stunned that it was a Haji Wright OR Pefok and a Pepi OR Ferreira according to Berhalter. To say I didn't have even the slightest idea Berhalter was thinking would be an understatement because he really has been a little bit of a system slave or appeared to be. WCQ was built around what his 9 could offer in buildup as complimented by the 9's ability to press and counterpress which he may the point very publicly on the ESPN FC appearance with Herc Gomez the one very visible strength through qualifying was the belief we were miserable to play against because of how McKennie, Musah, Adams and Aaronson at points run around in front of a high line wrecking midfield buildup. It's why Arriola got so much run when Weah wasn't on. Not in either Wright or Pefok's wheelhouse at all compared to Ferreira, Sargeant and Pepi. It suggests to me that Wright sees the field only as a second 9 subbed on in need of a late goal, but even then that is more Pefok's strength because Wright isn't known for his aerial ability whereas Pefok is a classic danger aerially on set pieces.
I think leaving off Pepi is a big mistake, but I rarely question coaches in any sport on stuff like this; Berhalter sees or feels something that led him away from Pepi but it is still shocking to me because he was more a part of WCQ than any of the previous names. It suggests also that Sargeant is at the top of the chart. Pepi is so young compared to the pool but I would have brought him; I also don't like the optics of leaving a Mexican-American who was such a big part of qualifying home...like it or not, we are ALWAYS going to be in recruiting battles for Mexican-American youth and given we are essentially cohosting in 2026 we have equal parts to offer that Alvarado, that Luna, that Obed Vargas or JoGo.
...and that is just one position. Steffen being left off probably shouldn't be a shock...he's been in bizarre form going prior to his gaffe in the FA Cup that got him practically dumped by Man City anyway and hasn't exactly lit up the Championship. Tillman left off...surprises me. Shaq Moore being put on with Morris and Roldan gives the "MLS roster Quota" guy alot of fodder because if Moore and Roldan in particular get much run somebody or many are either hurt or we go into Game Three without a snowball's chance in Hell of making it out of group and they get on the field as consolation. Alot of derision gets thrown on Long and it's fair...but if Myles Robinson and Chris Richards were healthy Long's not on the plane. I was pleasantly surprised at Ream being put on; pared with his Club mate Robinson and naturally leftfooted and captaining a midtable Premier League squad so he will be very familiar with England at minimum.
