Taylor Twellman returned to ESPN to make a World Cup prediction

Taylor Twellman’s World Cup evaluation of the U.S. staff: When america males’s soccer staff failed spectacularly to make it to the World Cup in 2018 — shedding unexpectedly to Trinidad and Tobago 2-1 within the ultimate sport of a depressing qualifying cycle — it was the apoplectic voice of former Revolution ahead (and soccer pundit) Taylor Twellman that got here to represent American frustration.

“What are we doing?” a visibly upset Twellman thundered in a viral ESPN section following the fiasco in 2018. It turned a rallying cry for these seeking to reform the U.S. program. The end result, for higher or worse, is a gifted however imperfect roster that’s beginning to take form in 2026.

Because the U.S. prepares to formally unveil its World Cup squad on Tuesday (a model of it has already been reported by The Guardian), Twellman rejoined SportsCenter to supply his ideas on the staff and its 2026 World Cup targets.

“Best accomplishment of my broadcasting profession is the truth that I didn’t curse in that 11-minute rant, and I nonetheless maintain my hat on that,” Twellman joked of his 2018 look.

Entering into his evaluation of the reported roster, Twellman pointed to the inclusion of 10 defenders as a attainable tip that U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino might go for a three-back formation.

“My first thought was it’s just a little bit protected,” Twellman stated of the roster. “It’s very defender-heavy, it’s very midfield mild, and I feel all of that’s I feel Pochettino and his workers take a look at it and say, ‘If we’re going to get to the quarterfinals, we’re going to should do it on our defensive facet of issues.’”

Requested what he felt was an affordable expectation for the house facet, Twellman offered context for his response. Noting that the final time the U.S. hosted a World Cup (in 2026 the U.S. are literally co-hosts with Mexico and Canada), Main League Soccer didn’t exist and the purpose for the staff was a lot decrease, Twellman ultimately settled on a definitive aim.

“I feel a practical expectation is win your group, you get to the quarterfinal,” stated Twellman. “And you then let the chips fall the place they could [and] you see who your opponent is. However the actuality is at house in your yard, I feel it’s quarterfinals or bust.”

Trivia: Taylor Twellman is considered one of two Revolution gamers to win MLS MVP. Are you able to title the opposite?

(Reply on the backside).

Trace: He initially comes from Valencia, Spain.

Scores and schedules:

Immediately, the Pink Sox start a three-game collection in opposition to the Braves at Fenway Park at 6:45 p.m.

On Saturday, Boston Legacy FC journey to face the Present in Kansas Metropolis at 1:30 p.m.

Extra from Boston.com:

A lacrosse title: Princeton downed Notre Dame on Sunday to win its first lacrosse nationwide championship since 2001.

On this present day: In 1987, Larry Chicken stored his head within the sport and delivered probably the most clutch performs in Boston sports activities historical past. After a mishandled effort to hit a game-winning shot led to a turnover and Detroit ball with 5 seconds remaining, all of the Pistons needed to do was inbound the ball to win.

However Chicken charged seemingly out of nowhere to steal Isiah Thomas’s cross earlier than turning and dishing to teammate Dennis Johnson (who made the layup to provide the Celtics the lead).

Boston held on 108-107, ultimately profitable the collection in seven video games. It stays an iconic play in NBA playoff historical past, and longtime Boston radio play-by-play announcer Johnny’s Most call can also be value a hear.

Every day spotlight: When Australian-born Washington Nationals outfielder Curtis Mead hit a house run on Sunday, it was caught (utilizing one hand) by a fan carrying an Australia t-shirt.

WHAT A CATCH 😯

Australian Curtis Mead hits a two-run homer, and a fan rocking an Australia shirt makes an excellent one-handed seize 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/kcnzFR1rc1

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 25, 2026

Trivia reply: Carles Gil