The Red and Blue Soccer Chat - 5/29/26

Greetings, Reds and Blues! Well, we’ve reached the end of another season. So how did we each fare, and what do we have to look forward to this summer with our USMNT? Let’s get into it!Chelsea’s season started promisingly enough. A win over the European Champions PSG at the Club World Cup set the stage for what should have been a top-4 season. They went the month of August unbeaten, had a bit of a mixed bag in September, then seemed to really get a head of steam through October and November. But bubbling underneath were some back-room and boardroom issues that would come to a head throughout December, culminating in Enzo Maresca’s decision to leave on January 1. The appointment of Liam Rosenior started well enough, with strong statements throughout January and February. But mid-March arrived with a trip to the aforementioned CL champions PSG, and from there it all went pear-shaped. The next 10 games saw 9 losses, with only a flattering, lop-sided victory over League One Port Vale giving any sense of hope. They lost 5 games in a row without scoring. And only a derby victory over Tottenham lifted the mood. They finished the season under interim manager Calum McFarlane (in his 2nd such spell of the season). But they also got some good news as they announced the appointment of Xabi Alonso as their new manager. He’s a big enough name, and surely negotiated terms that give him control and choice. Can he find the right combination to get things back on track?United’s season seemed to unfold in the exact opposite manner of Chelsea’s. They struggled for consistent results throughout the Fall, with a few statement wins over Chelsea and Liverpool (at least they were seen so at the time) scattered about. But results through November and December worsened until Ruben Amorim himself saw the light and essentially dared the board to sack him – and they did. Michael Carrick was appointed manager on January 13 just days before their Manchester derby. The new manager bump was alive and well in a strong win over City, which he followed with another statement over Arsenal a week later. Consistent, if not convincing, results would continue through the spring, with the occasional loss or draw smattered about. But he managed to secure a 3rd-place finish and Champions League football for next season, and that was enough to be appointed full-time for a 2-year contract. The resurgence of the leaving Casemiro and the restored-from-the-wilderness Kobbie Mainoo had a great deal to do with it all. And replacements/upgrades will be needed to improve on the latter half of the season’s performances. They are heavily linked with defensive midfielders, where reinforcements are needed for Case and the almost-certain-to-leave Ugarte. Bruno also set the record for assists in a PL season and was named Player of the Year as well. This bodes well, but Carrick will have to hope for proper backing and some smart decisions to compete again on multiple fronts.The USMNT roster was announced on Tuesday, though several leaks insured there were few surprises at the official unveiling. They have until June 1 to make changes, but the following are who have been announced. Did Poch get it right? Who should have gotten a call? Who shouldn’t have?GOALKEEPERS (3): Matt Freese (NYCFC), Matt Turner (New England Revolution), Chris Brady (Chicago Fire)CENTER BACKS (5): Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Auston Trusty (Celtic), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati)FULLBACKS (5): Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven), Alex Freeman (Villarreal), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew)CENTRAL MIDFIELDERS (4): Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps)ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS/WINGERS (6): Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Tim Weah (Marseille), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen), Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Alejandro Zendejas (Club América)STRIKERS (3): Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Haji Wright (Coventry City)We’ll be being fans and then some, so join us Wednesday at 7 p.m. live at Chatham Tap, or online via Facebook Live and YouTube Live as well. You can also catch us on the platforms listed below. Like, subscribe, comment, and raise a glass with us wherever you listen. Cheers!⚽🍺⚽🍺⚽🍺⚽🍺 #TheRedandBlueSoccerChat#ChathamTapFishers#ChelseaFC#manchesterunited#USMNT#USWNThttps://linktr.ee/theredandbluesoccerchathttps://feeds.captivate.fm/the-red-and-blue-soccer/https://www.youtube.com/@theredandbluesoccerchatinstagram.com/theredandbluesoccerchathttps://open.spotify.com/show/7gC93OQZpUrk1ZKkHG7byahttps://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-red-and-blue-soccer-chat/id1720060776https://www.facebook.com/TheEvanAndAaronShow