Well, I missed the matches yesterday, but I'm trying to catch up. Reading this thread is telling, I guess. USA is not performing at the same caliber as last year.
But I don't see how blame can be dispersed to anyone. First and foremost, USA was in a lockdown with most pool competitions closed. Europe, on the other hand, did have a few tournaments in recent months. Justin Bergman was replaced by Corey Deuel, and Corey didn't have enough time to prepare as in other years. Jeremy Jones and Joey Gray are excellent coaches, but they were not afforded the same amenities as Johann like having the players travel to Russia and competing on an international scale. This year, quite frankly, sucked for pool in USA.
Team Europe's comradery is strong, like a well-oiled machine. Each one is close with each other. Our team, I noticed Joey Gray was talking to Corey Deuel on the rail while other USA members were in combat, and I never once saw Corey speak back to him. It was as if Corey was uncomfortable talking to Joey. He was emotionless and almost nonresponsive.
And let's face it. Team USA has made some mistakes, as has Team Europe, but those mistakes cost us matches that might have narrowed the score.
I hope to watch some today, but today may be the last day, I guess. I appreciate and congratulate Matchroom for giving the players a beautiful stage, with excellent commentary. They could have canceled, like most other pool events did this year, but they went forward. Each player is guaranteed a payday, whether it's 30 large or 10K, and without the gate monies due to no audience and the cost of this venue with the production crew and flown-in commentators, Matchroom still gave us the Mosconi Cup XXVII.
It's not fun losing, but, heck, it's better than nothing at all.
But I don't see how blame can be dispersed to anyone. First and foremost, USA was in a lockdown with most pool competitions closed. Europe, on the other hand, did have a few tournaments in recent months. Justin Bergman was replaced by Corey Deuel, and Corey didn't have enough time to prepare as in other years. Jeremy Jones and Joey Gray are excellent coaches, but they were not afforded the same amenities as Johann like having the players travel to Russia and competing on an international scale. This year, quite frankly, sucked for pool in USA.
Team Europe's comradery is strong, like a well-oiled machine. Each one is close with each other. Our team, I noticed Joey Gray was talking to Corey Deuel on the rail while other USA members were in combat, and I never once saw Corey speak back to him. It was as if Corey was uncomfortable talking to Joey. He was emotionless and almost nonresponsive.
And let's face it. Team USA has made some mistakes, as has Team Europe, but those mistakes cost us matches that might have narrowed the score.
I hope to watch some today, but today may be the last day, I guess. I appreciate and congratulate Matchroom for giving the players a beautiful stage, with excellent commentary. They could have canceled, like most other pool events did this year, but they went forward. Each player is guaranteed a payday, whether it's 30 large or 10K, and without the gate monies due to no audience and the cost of this venue with the production crew and flown-in commentators, Matchroom still gave us the Mosconi Cup XXVII.
It's not fun losing, but, heck, it's better than nothing at all.
