Michael J. Pagán

Poet. Writer. Husband. Galaxy's greatest father 🇵🇷🇩🇴 @mikejpagan.bsky.social

[Michael J. Pagán @mikejpagan]

I have a new personal essay up at Lunch Ticket if you're interested. Check it out: https://t.co/UhUJ7IEkQQ

[Michael J. Pagán @mikejpagan]

@11Yanks They want an American MLS shill to be coach so they can praise their mediocrity. The truth is, the fans take US Soccer more seriously than US Soccer.

[Michael J. Pagán @mikejpagan]

@RobUsry It'll be another MLS-level manager if Poch walks.

[Michael J. Pagán @mikejpagan]

@DaveOCKOP He can still do damage in Europe.

[Michael J. Pagán @mikejpagan]

@starsnstripesfc I've rocked with Fiorentina since Batitusta was there. We're not nearly where we need to be, but I love the Viola nonetheless.

[Michael J. Pagán @mikejpagan]

@_Zeets You know what's crazy? Had Ekitike not gotten injured, he would've been on this team too.

[Michael J. Pagán @mikejpagan]

@GeorgeFoster72

[Michael J. Pagán @mikejpagan]

@ManagerTactical This tells me Poch is gone.

[Michael J. Pagán @mikejpagan]

@AndrewMarchand No. Many were surprised he made the roster considering how little he'd been playing at the club level. The fact that he at least scored a goal (while Pulisic didn't) is a bonus.

[Michael J. Pagán @mikejpagan]

@MaxBretosSports It's the modern sports media landscape. He deserves the criticism, but he isn't irredeemable. He'll be at the tail end of his prime next World Cup. In the meantime, he needs to work on his body & mind. What's next is up to him. Remember, Everyone loves a redemption story.

[Michael J. Pagán @mikejpagan]

@DaveOCKOP No way

[Michael J. Pagán @mikejpagan]

@draper_rob Madueke is better

[Michael J. Pagán @mikejpagan]

@herculezg There isn't a single piece of valid & objective evidence in this article. It's all BS conjecture. This is the same guy who championed for Berhalter to come back. His opinion means zero.

[Michael J. Pagán @mikejpagan]

@MaxBretosSports Poch can't change a team's mentality when facing adversity. Whomever is hired needs to scour the player pool for players with both talent & the mindset not to crumble under pressure.

[Michael J. Pagán @mikejpagan]

Also, not having an open system (pro/rel) is a huge barrier as well.

[Michael J. Pagán @mikejpagan]

9 of 11 starters play in Europe & all of them choked vs. Belgium. The only one who showed the right mentality was Berhalter, an MLS player. Skill-wise, he may never belong at this level, but we need to start paying more attention to mentality & not just assume Europe is enough.

[Michael J. Pagán @mikejpagan]

@StanCollymore Landon Donovan recently shared a stat that less than 2% of youth players today come from households that make less than $50,000 a year. Believe me, those of us over here who know the sport know this is a HUGE problem. Unfortunately, all anyone cares about is money.

[Michael J. Pagán @mikejpagan]

@jnrosen @Eyesandvibes Agreed. I just want a team with more character. I know it seems cliché & moral victory-like to want these things, but when I see a team who on paper are the most talented group we've ever had fold like they did against Belgium, it's sickening.

[Michael J. Pagán @mikejpagan]

@NoahRiffe Kid was the only one who showed heart in that match. Skill-wise, he may not belong at this level. But give me more players like him & Diego Luna who are less talented, but are willing to die on that field.

[Michael J. Pagán @mikejpagan]

@jnrosen @Eyesandvibes Pretty much. But I have to be honest with you, I'd rather have a team full of dogs even if they're less talented than a team full of more talented players that crumble at the first sign of adversity. Maybe the goal should be to find the balance between the two if possible.

[Michael J. Pagán @mikejpagan]

@nehmdoge His goal against Portugal is a work of art.