For the second game on the US tour Newcastle made a poor start in Saturday night’s game and Sacramento Republic got the better of us in the first half, and but for some great goalkeeping by Tim Krul we would have been behind at half time.
Paul Simpson and Steve McClaren
But things picked up in the second half and again 18 year-old Freddie Woodman produced another good goalkeeping display and made some good saves.
The young goalkeeper has since talked about how Tim has taken him under his wing at Newcastle, and Krul is bringing the youngster through, just like Shay Given and Steve Harper mentored Tim.
Steve McClaren talked about the game on Saturday night in the Chronicle today:
“As always in pre-season we are stepping up a level.”
“We have had a tough week and you could see that in the first half, because we didn’t play at the right tempo against Sacramento Republic.”
“Once we got into the second half we started on the front foot and played 10 yards higher.” “We pressed them better and got more bodies on the box and caused them problems.”
“We got the goal and felt comfortable but then came the red card.” “What I liked was the way they dealt with having 10 men.”
“We didn’t panic and kept the ball probably better with 10 than 11 when trying to press forward.” “We played with a bit more composure and got through.”
“We could have scored again.” “It is so important that the subs come on and make a difference and they did.”
Newcastle managed to win the game 1-0 through an own goal from a good cross by left back Massadio Haidara.
Newcastle did play very well in those final 25 minutes when we were down to 10 men after Haidara had been sent for a high tackle.
Each player seemed to pick it up a notch and the subs – especially Rolando Aarons – came on and did their job very well.
Results are not all that important in pre-season, but it’s always nice to win – it gives the lads confidence and good teams find a way to win.
In this pre-season the players and the coaches are trying various things out – and the lads are getting to know the coaches and vice versa.
Tomorrow night against the Portland Timbers is the last game on the US tour, and then we are at Sheffield United on Sunday afternoon.
[table “37” not found /]Comments welcome.
71 comments so far
Altamullan
Jul 20, 2015 at 11:40 PM
Comment #1I’ve only seen the Sacromento game, but I felt there were signs of good things to come: moving the ball well, higher tempo, better structure. The coaching set-up and quotes released seem professional and well motivated. Get Mbemba plus one, another striker, then if ‘approaching their sell-by-dates’ are sold, a bit of back-up and I will be more excited about the coming season thanI have been in years (now just need stamp of shame off the kit, and I might even buy an up to date top!)
Unplugged toon
Jul 21, 2015 at 12:09 AM
Comment #2Long time reader first time poster.
I think mclaren is obviously doing a good job because how often did the players come out and say they liked the way the team were play or about the philosophy under pardew.
2 more defenders for me ship cisse out get a good right winger and I think we’ll be sorted.keep rolando on the left he will provide for mitrovic when.fingers crossed
loonie-toon
Jul 21, 2015 at 12:14 AM
Comment #3Does any one no if the next game agents Portland timbers is on YouTube again
Munster Mag
Jul 21, 2015 at 12:16 AM
Comment #4Tsunki there is no evidence that ashley was “pleading” because of the fans campaign. In fact he wasnt even pleading. Newcastles slump caused this, not a pressure campaign. I endorse the fans campaign but to say u forced ashley to do anything is fanciful in the extreme.
swemag
Jul 21, 2015 at 12:25 AM
Comment #5Munster,
Forcing is a big word but I had the feeling Ashley saw a lot of money slipping through his fingers and maybe a club in the championship without the same support as last time we were relegated.
I believe it certainly made him think.
swemag
Jul 21, 2015 at 12:29 AM
Comment #6My sources are telling me something big and extremely secretive is going on at St James’. I just plead to the higher powers that it is something positive.
expatmag
Jul 21, 2015 at 12:35 AM
Comment #7Swemag
Any indication of what?
Munster Mag
Jul 21, 2015 at 12:38 AM
Comment #8Swemag i think tsunki said ashley was forced into action. I dont think the campaign forced him at all. I think possible relegation shook him up. And fear of season ticket sales. Am sure charva wud force a lot of people to behave differently!!
Mister Tuff
Jul 21, 2015 at 12:49 AM
Comment #9Secret goings on at SJP.
Ryder from the Chronic said we were working on something which if it came off would excite Toon fans – that’s in addition to Mitrovic and Mbemba.
Must be a star surely?
Mister Tuff
Jul 21, 2015 at 12:55 AM
Comment #10Anyway back to Mitrovic. The more I learn about this bloke the better I like him. Think he is going to be a massive hit – type of player who’ll mix it and won’t be phased by big name defenders.
Few more signings and with Cathro’s ingenuity we might do quite well.
expatmag
Jul 21, 2015 at 12:55 AM
Comment #11Possible takeover?
Mister Tuff
Jul 21, 2015 at 12:58 AM
Comment #12expat – Tubbs hasn’t won anything yet.
kevymartins
Jul 21, 2015 at 12:59 AM
Comment #13For those who seen earler that ssn was reporting mitrovic cost us £3m I think it’s true. It rumoured that we paid £3m for mitrovic and are going to over spend on mbemba so that Mitrovic team before anderlect don’t get much in the sell on clause. Smart piece of buisness there like.
expatmag
Jul 21, 2015 at 1:02 AM
Comment #14He might have received an offer to good to refuse.
lesh
Jul 21, 2015 at 1:06 AM
Comment #15swemag @5
Wouldn’t be surprised if there was something big to come out of SJP.
I seem to recall either McClaren or Charnley say something about a transfer that if they could pull it off, would astonish folk. I think.
Anyway, silence from SJP? What’s new.
lesh
Jul 21, 2015 at 1:07 AM
Comment #16Kevy
Tsk tsk! Such cynical thoughts.
As if Ashley would collude to seal a deal.
Never!
Novocastrian66
Jul 21, 2015 at 1:10 AM
Comment #17Mister Tuff; if that is true it is absolutely shocking. Newcastle should not get involved in such underhand activities.
Novocastrian66
Jul 21, 2015 at 1:13 AM
Comment #18Sorry Mister Tuff, I was replying to Kevy’s post.
Mister Tuff
Jul 21, 2015 at 1:14 AM
Comment #19novo – ryder reported this a couple of days ago – he’s on the tour. You never know whether he’s been fed a “granny” or whether there is an element of truth in it.
I’m going to take an daft guess, pure speculation and say it’s Balotelli.
Shot Bru
Jul 21, 2015 at 1:21 AM
Comment #201year deal for Drogba
ShirebrookToon
Jul 21, 2015 at 1:25 AM
Comment #21Signing Shaqiri now that would be a surprise
nightfa11
Jul 21, 2015 at 1:32 AM
Comment #22fine..i’ll play that game..:)
signing that will excite fans..probably attacker..so my guess would be……Mata?
ilovetoon8788
Jul 21, 2015 at 1:37 AM
Comment #23I thought ryder said that quite a few weeks ago when we were ‘interested’ in aymen. I think it’s nonsense. He was just following up on rumors.
King Colback
Jul 21, 2015 at 1:39 AM
Comment #24Walcott?
Salah?
De Bruyne?
archaeomag
Jul 21, 2015 at 1:43 AM
Comment #25? ?
Somehow, I don’t think we will buy a *Star* from another Prem club, Austin maybe, but just buying good players is a big surprise!
awaydays
Jul 21, 2015 at 1:47 AM
Comment #26Anyone been thinking about line ups? Next season i have and picking the midfield is not easy
Brutooon
Jul 21, 2015 at 2:03 AM
Comment #27the difference between becoming a top 6 team and relegation battle is WILLIAMSON
get rid of him and we will be top 6 forever!!!
SBR an Kevin Keegan would NEVER ever play williamson in their team
kevymartins
Jul 21, 2015 at 2:07 AM
Comment #28@Novo I suppose it wouldn’t really be much on nufc’a side were just trying to et the player it would be anderlect being shady. It sounds complicated to do though and explains the hold up there has been on Mitrovic joining.
awaydays
Jul 21, 2015 at 2:10 AM
Comment #29King colback aiming high there arent you?
El Sleeve
Jul 21, 2015 at 2:14 AM
Comment #30Shaqiri?
El Sleeve
Jul 21, 2015 at 2:15 AM
Comment #31as for 3 mill for mitrovic, that would explain why mitrovic isnt announced until he’s signed mbemba first.
expatmag
Jul 21, 2015 at 2:18 AM
Comment #32Maybe a crafty bid for Arjen Robben
Dutch, soon to be out of contract. Would be the missing attacking link.
Aarons down the left, Robben down the right. Mitrovic in the middle……..mouth watering.
awaydays
Jul 21, 2015 at 2:22 AM
Comment #33Id like to see Victor moses was looking great at stoke last season… Dont get impatient lads signings are coming and we can all feel it
King Colback
Jul 21, 2015 at 2:33 AM
Comment #34awaydays why not? we gotta aim high
awaydays
Jul 21, 2015 at 2:38 AM
Comment #35Walcott has everything he needs at arsenal and wouldnt leave and de bruyne if im.right was brilliant last season and so his fee would be huge and there will be CL clubs in for him… But salah is a good shout but theres alot of speculation about him about his contract
honest fan
Jul 21, 2015 at 2:43 AM
Comment #36Expat now that would be something to rave about big time
I’m actually surprised in the player/s that have come or are currently linked with so if someone was to come in that was even better well then happy days
I’m gonna be crazy and say the man himself Alan shearer
honest fan
Jul 21, 2015 at 2:47 AM
Comment #37Not very realistic but would still make me excited and make travel the long journey to SJP to watch him play
GloucesterGeordie
Jul 21, 2015 at 3:01 AM
Comment #38Apparently Alexandre Pato is ready for the premier league and has been offered to a number of “mid level clubs”, could be him? I can’t believe he’s only 25! Seems to have been around for donkeys
AmeriToon
Jul 21, 2015 at 3:43 AM
Comment #39Does anyone know if the games tomorrow will also be on YouTube again? or any other way to stream the game?
Unfortunately I can’t afford to fly halfway across the country
King Colback
Jul 21, 2015 at 4:11 AM
Comment #40Apparently its gonna be on timbers.com