Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams said he had a “tough discussion” with manager Gregg Berhalter about coming off at the interval after scoring a spectacular goal in the USMNT’s 2-0 Concacaf Nations League final win over Mexico.
On his first USA start in 478 days, Adams fired in a beauty from outlandish distance on the stroke of half-time to put his country on course for a victory they sealed through Giovanni Reyna’s second-half goal.
“I told him I wanted to play 120 yesterday, so to come out at half-time was obviously disappointing, especially after scoring a goal,” Adams told CBS Sports.
“I understand we have to be smart for the long-term plan: it’s not just to play for the minutes now, it’s to play for the Copa America, the World Cup and so on.
“I still have a long career ahead of me – I want to be smart in what I’m doing, but it was a tough discussion.”
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The USA have now won the tournament on each of the three occasions on which it has been held, triumphing in front of more than 59,000 fans at the AT&T Stadium in Texas.
“This team means a lot to me, said Adams. “We’ve been through a lot, I’ve known them all for a long time and Gregg has done an amazing job.
“When I knew I was starting, I was really excited. I know the impact I can have.”
TYLER ADAMS FROM THE PARKING LOT ARE YOU FOR REAL??? 💥🚀🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZrK7PoxCST
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 25, 2024
Tyler Adams goal vs Mexico
Asked about his goal, Adams said he was “happy I hit one like that”. “I always get up for big games,” he explained.
“It means everything. These guys are like brothers to me. I grew up with a lot of them, I’ve known them all for such a long time.
“To see how long we’ve come in the last couple of years means a lot. We continue to grow, so it’s special.”
Berhalter’s side will return to the same setting to meet Bolivia in their 2024 Copa America opener on June 23.
Adams made his first Premier League appearance of the season in Bournemouth’s epic 4-3 comeback win at home to Luton Town on March 13. The Cherries host Everton on Saturday.
