Latest news with #U.S.Men'sNationalTeam
New York Post
5 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Tyler Adams calls USMNT rift between current, former players ‘strangest thing'
Tyler Adams became the latest U.S. Men's National Team player to comment on the growing rift between current and former players. The USMNT captain addressed the topic during an interview with The Athletic that was published this week, calling the disconnect 'the strangest thing.' Former players who have become pundits have been critical of the current national team amid struggles by the program in recent years. Tyler Adams of the United States on the ball during the second half against Mexico during the finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2025 at NRG Stadium on July 6, 2025 in Houston, Texas. Getty Images Things took an uglier turn recently after star Christian Pulisic decided to skip the Gold Cup this summer, drawing the ire of USMNT alumni, including Landon Donovan. 'I can't even explain it,' Adams said about the rift between the current and former players. 'I'm not a social media guy, so I don't follow anything, but when people bring up some of the things that are being said and some of the stories that are being created, it feels weird, because it feels like not long ago that every single one of those people were on board with, like, the direction that the federation was going and how well the players were doing. And it feels like any setback, is [treated] like a disaster is happening. Do you know what I mean? 'And that happens in football. I get it. Some people have jobs where their job is to speak about the sport, and if that's their opinion, that's their opinion. My goal is to try to create an environment, especially within our team, where guys feel like they can go out, be themselves, be comfortable. We're all on the same page and want to grow the sport in America. People's opinions are people's opinions at the end of the day.' Adams also defended Pulisic for the decision that he made and pushed back at the notion that he had anything to prove to the group. Tyler Adams of the United States moves with the ball during a game between Guatemala and the United States at Energizer Park on July 2, 2025 in St Louis, Missouri. Getty Images The comments came the same week as comments by Pulisic and Timothy Weah caught attention in a Paramount+ documentary, which featured an episode where the two USMNT players slammed critics for their comments surrounding the Pulisic drama. Alexi Lalas, a former USMNT player and current Fox Sports soccer pundit, responded to Adams' comments this week on his 'State of the Union Podcast,' calling Adams 'immature and naive.' 'This was a strangely immature and naive and weak kind of take,' Lalas said. 'Not that he's defending Christian Pulisic, because we're all going to do that. But the way he seemed to think that there should be no criticism and we should all be kumbaya.'
New York Post
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Christian Pulisic blasts ‘cop-out' criticisms from Landon Donovan, ex-USMNT players
Two U.S. Men's National Team stars hit out at their critics who questioned them for not participating in the Gold Cup earlier this summer. Christian Pulisic and Timothy Weah fired back at the players-turned-media pundits during a newly released episode of the Paramount+ documentary, 'Pulisic.' The American soccer star faced criticism from the likes of Landon Donovan and other USMNT alumni for doing 'the best thing for myself' and not participating in the summer Gold Cup tournament. Christian Pulisic clapped back at USMNT stars. REUTERS In the eighth episode, which focuses on the national team's struggles, Pulisic defended his decision with some pointed language. 'I'd say the most annoying thing, and for me, the biggest cop-out of all time, is when, especially, you know, all pundits want to say: 'They didn't want it. They didn't have the heart, you know, back in our day, we would fight and we would die on that field,'' Pulisic said. Weah had a similar feeling when he discussed the criticism, taking it a step further. 'Those guys are chasing checks, and for me, I just feel like they're really evil, honestly, because they've been players, and they know what it's like when you're getting bashed,' he said. 'Those are the same guys that will turn around and shake your hand and try to be friendly with you.' 'Don't get me wrong, I respect all of them, I mean, they were the players I looked up to,' Weah added. 'But quite frankly, the guys before us didn't win anything either.' Christian Pulisic REUTERS The spat between some of the current players and the former ones took a very public turn earlier this year when Donovan said on air, 'I can't help but think about some of our guys on vacation, not wanting to play in the Gold Cup. It's pissing me off.' Donovan did not name any players specifically, but Pulisic's father, Mark, fired back with a post on social media. The United States went on to lose to Mexico, 2-1, in the Gold Cup final.
Mint
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Mint
Who is Christian Pulisic? USMNT star beats Lamine Yamal to win 2025 ESPYS best soccer player award
Christian Pulisic, the captain of the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT), has added another accolade to his growing resume by winning the Best Soccer Player award at the 2025 ESPYS. Pulisic outshone a formidable trio from Barcelona, Lamine Yamal, Aitana Bonmatí, and Alexia Putellas, to claim the award, determined by public vote. This victory also highlights his remarkable 2024-25 season with AC Milan. Christian Pulisic delivered his best professional campaign yet, tallying an impressive 17 goals and 10 assists in 50 appearances for AC Milan. His contributions were instrumental in securing the Italian Super Cup for the Rossoneri, their first since 2016. A standout moment came in a dramatic 3–2 comeback win against rivals Inter Milan, where Pulisic scored a crucial goal. 'That goal against Inter was one of those moments you dream about as a kid,' Pulisic said in a post-match interview, reflecting his passion for big stages. Despite his individual brilliance, AC Milan struggled in Serie A, finishing eighth and missing out on European competitions. However, Pulisic's performances earned him widespread admiration. Pulisic's ESPYS win is particularly significant given the caliber of his competitors. Lamine Yamal, an 18-year-old sensation and a frontrunner for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, recorded 18 goals and 21 assists while helping Barcelona secure a domestic treble. Aitana Bonmati, the 2024 Women's Ballon d'Or winner, and Alexia Putellas, a two-time Ballon d'Or recipient, led Barcelona to another Liga F title, a fifth Spanish Super Cup, and an 11th Copa de la Reina. However, Pulisic's strong fanbase and exceptional season made him claim the win. By claiming the Best Soccer Player award, Pulisic has joined an exclusive list of soccer icons, including Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, David Beckham, Ronaldinho, and Mia Hamm. The ESPYS, an annual ESPN-produced ceremony, celebrate athletic excellence, and Pulisic's victory underscores his growing influence. From his early days in Hershey, Pennsylvania, to starring for top clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, and now AC Milan, Pulisic has amassed 56 goals and 41 assists in 258 appearances, including a hat trick. His 2025 ESPYS win is a testament to his talent and a sign of even greater achievements to come.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Meet Rayyan Arkan Dikha, the viral ‘Aura Farming' kid from Indonesia
Meet Rayyan Arkan Dikha , the 11-year-old Indonesian sensation whose boat-top dance has taken the internet by storm. A video of Rayyan performing a stylish, rhythmic dance on the bow of a racing canoe has gone viral across social media platforms, making him an unexpected global star. His performance sparked the rise of the phrase 'aura farming', which is now being widely used in internet culture. How Did He Go Viral? The video, originally posted to TikTok in January by user Lensa Rams, shows Rayyan dancing at the front of a long traditional boat during Pacu Jalur , an annual rowing festival held in Riau, Indonesia. Rayyan's calm demeanor, slick black outfit, and sunglasses — combined with his hypnotic, repetitive dance moves — captured the imagination of millions. Social media users began remixing the video with different songs, celebrities chimed in, and creators worldwide tried to mimic his movements. His newfound fame even earned him the official title of Tourism Ambassador for Riau Province , and he was awarded a government scholarship in recognition of his cultural impact. What Is 'Aura Farming'? According to Know Your Meme, 'aura farming' became popular in 2024 as a term describing someone who repeatedly does something cool or stylish to project an aura or vibe — especially in the context of anime or Gen Alpha slang. Rayyan's graceful and effortless moves made him the perfect embodiment of the term. Live Events Why Is He Dancing on a Boat? Rayyan's dance isn't just for show — it's part of Pacu Jalur, a centuries-old rowing competition where each boat includes a Tukang Tari (literally, 'dancer') who performs on the bow to boost team morale and energize the rowers. Rayyan has been a Tukang Tari since he was 9 years old and has now become the face of the tradition thanks to his viral fame. From Local Hero to Global Meme Though Pacu Jalur takes place every August, Rayyan's clip found new life this year as it spread rapidly online. Celebrities like Travis Kelce, who compared his own dance moves to Rayyan's, helped boost its reach. Kelce's video alone racked up over 13 million views. Soccer star Diego Luna even used the dance as a goal celebration during a U.S. Men's National Team match against Guatemala. The dance has been recreated by everyone from party teams like the Party Animals (a spinoff of the Savannah Bananas) to global brands and influencers like Steve Aoki, Adidas, AC Milan, and PSG. Rayyan Arkan Dikha may just be 11, but his viral moves have connected centuries-old tradition with modern meme culture — all while putting Indonesia's cultural heritage on the global map. With Inputs from NYT
New York Post
13-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
USMNT captain comes home to New York, has high hopes for 2026 World Cup
As Tyler Adams stood tucked away from the adoring group of youth soccer players, family and friends that had gathered in Wappinger Falls for a special ceremony to honor the U.S. Men's National Team captain, he couldn't help but smile. In the grand scheme of things, Adams has had a lot to smile about as of late, first with the United States' run in the Gold Cup — which ended in a frustrating 2-1 loss to Mexico in the final — and now having the soccer field where he grew up playing renamed in his honor. Advertisement With the house his grandmother used to live in steps behind him and the field that he told The Post this week had 'too many memories to tell you' about in front of him, it was difficult to distinguish what he was prouder of in the moment. 'This one means an awful lot to me,' said Adams, who has partnered with Scotts lawn care products to support youth access to natural-turf sports fields and give away five natural-turf field refurbishments to youth sports nonprofit organizations. 'I was a camper there once. Now to see so many young kids there that have a role model and kind of shows that I'm doing the right thing, or continuing to try to do the right thing, is really cool.' Advertisement The quick stop home was a welcome break after the grueling run the USMNT had during the Gold Cup that took place from June 14-July 6, the final competitive matches the team will play before next year's World Cup — which will be hosted, in part, by the United States. The attention now will only increase in the lead-up to the World Cup, which is being viewed as a monumental moment for soccer in the United States. The U.S. team faces pressure to make a run with the tournament on home turf. 3 USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams takes a penalty shot during penalties in their quarterfinal win over Costa Rica in the Gold Cup. Matt Blewett-Imagn Images Advertisement Asked if there was any concern when several marquee American players didn't participate in the Gold Cup — star Christian Pulisic created the biggest waves opting to take time to rest — Adams said he didn't 'feel any single way' about it and they 'made a decision that was best for themselves.' 'We are continuing to build a culture that we want to build, and I think that showed throughout the tournament,' Adams said. Days after the Gold Cup had wrapped up, Adams looked back and noted the growth the team went through during the tournament and the depth it developed heading into 2026. 3 Adams will return to his club team — Bournemouth — now that the Gold Cup is over. AP Advertisement 'When you come away from this tournament, the amount of players that gained experience now going into a World Cup,' Adams said. 'There's so many variables that go into a World Cup, and to give these guys experience now, every single player that represented the national team during that tournament deserves to be. They've all played amazing at their clubs. They've all grown tremendously.' Adams noted the excitement he got from seeing so many MLS players as part of the USMNT — one of whom was New York City FC goaltender Matt Freese, who became a breakout star during the Gold Cup. Freese appeared in every match during the Gold Cup and made six saves in the loss to Mexico. 'I knew that he would be important to our team, and the way that he stepped up in so many different occasions,' said Adams, who started his professional soccer career with the Red Bulls. 'People obviously talk about the penalty shootout and the saves that he had, but just his personality and how he grew into himself throughout the tournament was amazing. You know, he made big saves in the final against Mexico. He's going to be an important player for us moving forward.' 3 Tyler Adams passes the ball during USMNT's loss to Mexico in the Gold Cup final. Getty Images Adams will return to his club team — Bournemouth — now that the Gold Cup is over. The New York native will play locally later this month when Bournemouth visits MetLife Stadium as part of the Premier League Summer Series. The 26-year-old mentioned one thing his teammates will need to do to be ready for 2026 is to put themselves in the 'right environment,' noting that some players will move teams, among other potential changes between now and the World Cup. 'We have guys that were on loan, guys in MLS that want to move to Europe, and vice versa,' he said. 'It's just about finding that balance and understanding if it's the right move for you to put yourself in the best position for the team next year.'
