There’s nothing wrong with making people earn it. It’s a fair comeback to what I’m saying. But what on earth has Haji Wright done to earn it? a good month and a half in Turkey? Jordan Morris?I see what Teddy is saying, but Gregg has also been very good about giving slots to guys who have earned them. From the outside, that seems to be part of why the program’s culture has improved so much - there are no free passes on to the roster for dual nationals, old friends, or kids too green to contribute.
Like Slonina - he certainly seems like the future in goal for the USMNT and many would argue that he should go to Qatar as the #3 to soak in the experience. But Johnson was the better keeper this year and more likely to excel in the emergency situation that the 3rd keeper gets thrown in.
There’s no single right answer here and having quality forth that generates these controversies is a good thing. But I think Gregg has been pretty steady on his principles here.
FWIW I’d have taken Slonina as well as I think the exposure and just being there pays long term but you’re probably correct that it’s important to throw a bone to players in cycle who do all the right things. I just don’t think he’s been all that consistentabout that principle here.