They're Putting the Band Back Together, USMNT v Wales Nov. 12

By Sean McCaffery, October 23, 2020

USMNT HC Gregg Berhalter had mentioned that he expected to have 2 separate camps for the US & European based players, now that opportunity will come to pass at 2:45 p.m. ET on FS1, Uni Mas & TUDN. We expect at least one more game during this window. 

Given the pandemic that continues, under the UEFA Return to Play Protocol it will be sans fans. Just shy of a year from their last game on a FIFA date where the USMNT had a 4-0 victory over Cuba, putting the US in the lead of their Group A in the Concacaf Nations League and the final four, to be played in June of '21. Their last match overall was way back on Feb. 1 in Carson a 1-0 defeat of the Ticos. With this being during a FIFA window, Gregg is in fact able to bring in US and other based players, bear in mind it is a good 3 weeks away and that to may change. 

Berhalter stated "First and foremost, we are looking forward to getting the group together after such a challenging year. Wales is a quality opponent with high-level players, so it's a good opportunity to test ourselves. We appreciate all the work by the Football Association of Wales and here at US Soccer to provide this opportunity to compete."

Never before has the USMNT played in Wales, they are #20 in the FIFA rankings. They are seeking to slay the Dragons, the 4th top 20 team to play with Berhalter at the helm and the 10th such game in the last duo of years.

Giggsy is the HC of Wales and the Man. U legend has a 4X UEFA Champions Cup winner in Gareth Bale along with Aaron Ramsey, now of Juventus with Weston McKennie . Juve, are now atop Group 5 in League B of the UEFA Nations League, facing Ireland days late on the 15th and Finland the 18th.

The US will be in a controlled environment at a nearby hotel to Cardiff. All in these environs are subject to many tests before travel, on arrival, and no less than every 2 days in camp. Until all arrival test results are known, there will be no full team training.

There is really no history here as this is only the 2nd meeting overall and first since 2003 in San Jose with Donovan and Lewis each getting a goal and Rimando the clean sheet, Brian Ching, out of Copa Latina had his first start and the visitors had their 10 game unbeaten streak crushed.

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