PMT DB
PMT DB
Live from Lake Tahoe, the energy was high but the vibes were decidedly low regarding the state of American soccer. Big Cat and PFT didn't hold back on the absolute shellacking the USMNT took at the hands of Belgium. It was a game that felt over before it even really started, leaving the guys questioning everything they thought they knew about this "golden generation" of talent. PFT was particularly scathing regarding the effort level on the pitch.
PFT CommenterThe 4-1 loss to Belgium was the worst USMNT performance in years
That was the worst performance from the US that I've seen in years. Just completely lackluster from the start. So much blame to go around. Tim Ream, friend of the program, good guy over the hill, turned into soccer Shawn Bradley before our very eyes got dunked on twice.
The defensive lapses were one thing, but the goalkeeping was on a different level of catastrophe. Matt Freeze had a moment that will live in USMNT infamy for all the wrong reasons, and Big Cat was quick to point out just how brutal it looked on the replay.
Big CatThe goal allowed by the US goalie was the most embarrassing possible
What about the goalie? Yeah, I mean he... that was the most embarrassing goal that I've ever seen. Possible.
While some fans were holding out hope for Captain America, Christian Pulisic didn't exactly step up to the plate. The lackluster performance from the team's biggest star became a central theme of the recap, with PFT noting that the face of the program appeared to be checking out when the team needed him most.
PFT CommenterChristian Pulisic was a 'no-show' and looked like he didn't care against Belgium
Christian Pulisic, the long anointed Captain America future face of this league for American soccer. Absolute no show of a game, I would say worse than a no show of a game. And then he checks himself out. Just looks lackluster, looks like he doesn't care at all. Had the most turnovers on the field of anybody. That played just really, really, really bad.
Big Cat eventually reached a state of soccer nirvana where the pain can no longer reach him. He compared the team to a college football program that just can't win the big one, finally accepting that the US is exactly who they have always been on the pitch.
Big CatThe USMNT is the 'James Franklin Penn State' of soccer
People were making very mean jokes online that we were James Franklin, Penn State. And it is actually perfectly appropriate because if you look at who we played, we beat the teams we're supposed to beat... and then we absolutely got ass fucked by the team that was better than us in Belgium. We are not who we thought we were.
The Tkachuk Brothers in the Sunshine State
Transitioning from soccer misery to hockey excellence, Matthew and Brady Tkachuk joined the show to discuss their new life as teammates on the Florida Panthers. Matthew, fresh off a Cup run, is already planning how to initiate his brother into the locker room culture. Brady, for his part, is fully prepared for the frosty reception he'll get when the Panthers eventually make their way back to his old stomping grounds.
Brady TkachukI expect to be booed when I return to Ottawa to play against the Senators
I think I'm for sure gonna get booed. Yeah. [Big Cat: Are you gonna get a video?] I don't know. We'll see. We'll see. I heard some rumblings that it's early on in the season.
The brothers discussed their competitive nature, their childhood fights, and the surreal feeling of living three minutes away from each other in Florida. Matthew also shared a terrifying story about pulling nine and a half Gs in an F-16, which is apparently the only thing more intense than a Stanley Cup playoff game.
Taylor Twellman’s Post-Mortem
Friend of the program Taylor Twellman stopped by to provide some actual expert analysis on why the USMNT looked like they were running in quicksand. Twellman pointed to a variety of factors, including the off-field distractions and the personal struggles of the team's top players.
Taylor TwellmanChristian Pulisic's poor World Cup performance is directly linked to his breakup and terrible club form in Serie A
None of us can be surprised that Pulisic had a bad World Cup when, from January 1st to the beginning of World Cup camp, he had zero goal contributions after six months where he led Serie A on goal contributions. That is 180 degrees difference. ... So I don't know what happened. We know publicly that he broke up with his longtime girlfriend. I don't know if that's it. If personally he's going through something... but the last six months for Christian Pulisic were opposite of [when he was] ballin'.
The conversation turned to the future of the sport, specifically the officiating and the technological bloat of VAR. Twellman predicted a major shift in how the game is called to avoid the "circumcising a mosquito" level of scrutiny on offside calls.
Taylor TwellmanThe offside rule will be changed to 'daylight' between players after this World Cup
I bet you a million dollars that after this World Cup, there will be real consideration of Arsene Wenger and his idea of offside, of being daylight between the defender and the attacker.
Hot Seat, Cool Throne, and Aquatic Animals
Before heading out to the grill, the guys hit on the latest sports news. Big Cat gave a huge Cool Throne to the Big 12 for leaning fully into the corporate chaos with their new Monster Energy branding.
Big CatThe Monster Energy Big 12 conference branding is a smart financial move
The Monster Energy Big 12 conference because they signed a deal today with Monster Energy and now they are gonna be referred to as the Monster Energy Big 12 conference. ... I love it. It's gonna be on patches, on all the jerseys on the field... the concept of it is smart in the fact that if you want your conference to do better, just sell everything.
Finally, the Mount Rushmore of Aquatic Animals led to the usual debate. Hank and Zac's chemistry was tested early when they took a "chick animal" at the 1.1 spot, leading to some predictable chirping from the other side of the table.
PFT CommenterDolphins are 'chick animals'
I think it's a good pick. I did say kind of a chick pick. Dolphins are kind of chick animals. I love women and women love dolphins. Nothing wrong with that.
At least the USMNT didn't lose on penalties, because Big Cat definitely would have missed his shot.
