Gregg Berhalter announced the United States men’s national team’s 26-man roster for the Copa América on Friday with an incredibly strong list. All 26 names were part of the squad that faced Colombia and Brazil in two June friendlies.
Our 26 pic.twitter.com/iUYFS4wGni
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 14, 2024
USMNT fans were mostly pleased with the roster, however one name caused a furious reaction online. Nashville SC right back Shaq Moore was called up for the big tournament.
This writer in particular isn’t the biggest Moore fan to graze the Earth, however the hatred and negativity being thrown the 28-year-old’s way isn’t fair. Here’s a taste of what Moore would see if he looked online.
Shaq Moore Copa América roster reaction
SHAQ MOORE IN 2024, GET A FUCKING GRIP MAN. WE ARE REGRESSING AS A NATION
— USMNT burner (@burnerusmnt) June 13, 2024
I don’t give a fuck what it takes get Shaq Moore on a plane back home immediately
— Dom (@KnowerOfBans) June 13, 2024
I can’t believe we are still bringing Shaq Moore and Sean Johnson in 2024.
With that said, this is still the strongest roster the USMNT has ever brought to a major tournament. https://t.co/GYyN9D5DQz— Tactical Manager (@ManagerTactical) June 14, 2024
Shaq Moore???#BerhalterOut pic.twitter.com/mIlANEbk3h
— Football Report (@FootballReprt) June 14, 2024
LOL Shaq Moore
— DColdest (@DColdestt) June 14, 2024
Could’ve replaced that bum Moore with auston trusty
— a (@aa778a76) June 14, 2024
"Shaq Moore" pic.twitter.com/Wa4DNQfq2Y
— Batistabomb ☄️ (@Batistabomberr) June 14, 2024
SHAQ MOORE?!?! pic.twitter.com/41W4BMsrTW
— Bustaaa14 (@MatthewBusta) June 14, 2024
— miz (@ShowMeBoy6) June 14, 2024
POV: Shaq Moore pic.twitter.com/uwOeGJKkQz
— Vandy Recruiting (@Vandy_Recruits_) June 14, 2024
Ouch.
Despite the backlash, Moore’s inclusion on the roster makes sense. With the injury to Sergiño Dest, Joe Scally has stepped up to be the starting right back. That means someone needs to fill Scally’s spot as the backup and guess what, Moore is the next-best option.
A look at the possible replacements illustrates that the USMNT has a lack of depth at the right back position.
Other options for Berhalter at right back — not including Bryan Reynolds who will feature in the Olympics with the U-23 team — are DeAndre Yedlin and Reggie Cannon. There’s not a huge gulf in class between the likes of Moore, Yedlin and Cannon.
In my opinion I’d rather have a backup ready to go behind Scally instead of having to shift the likes of Weston McKennie, Timothy Weah, Chris Richards or Tyler Adams out of their preferred positions.
Barring any injuries, Moore’s role in Copa América will be limited. He featured for all of five minutes in the two friendlies against Colombia and Brazil.
While I know they won’t, I implore USMNT fans to remember that these guys are humans at the end of the day. Throwing a tantrum over the backup right back who is arguably the best option available is ridiculous.
