Heading into the U.S. Men’s National Team for his first World Cup Qualifying experience, Tally Hall is riding a wave of momentum.
With his team battling suspensions and injuries against two tough road opponents in Sporting Kansas City and the Columbus Crew, Hall’s combined for 9 saves and some truly spectacular moments to help see out a pair of 1-1 road draws.
As Hall departs for his first World Cup Qualifying match, he’s surely riding a lot of confidence; even if he’s maintaining his focus.
“It’s always better to have some good games under your belt,” Hall told MLSsoccer.com
. “I’m coming into the national team with two good games, so yes, I have more confidence, but I know I’m constantly learning so I never get too high or too low.”
The last two games Hall’s shown what the highs can be. He’s been a rock behind a Dynamo defense that’s seen more than its fair share of attrition.
Hall’s last two games have been more than just saves, although he’s had some truly spectacular ones; just ask his fellow USMNT member Graham Zusi who he made a diving stop on two weeks ago.
Against the Crew he wasn’t without the eye-catching saves making a big double-save in the first half and hustling to save a shot that nearly went over in the first half that would’ve put Houston at an early deficit.
“He’s made some big saves and sometimes you need that when you’re on the road and under pressure,” head coach Dominic Kinnear said.
Hall’s steady presence for Houston has helped them turn around a brief rough patch with two road draws that have the team’s momentum moving back in the right direction.
With two weeks until the Dynamo play in MLS next, Hall will venture off to Jamaica and try and soak up whatever instruction he can while backing up Tim Howard and Brad Guzan, and show the USMNT coaching staff that he’s building on his time spent in camp earlier this year.
Hall’s not being called up for his last two games alone, that much is clear. And while he’s sticking to his mantra of constantly learning, coming off two strong games won’t hurt his cause.
“The fact that I’ve had two good games where I’ve made saves is nice, but there are still tons of things I could do better so I don’t get excited,” Hall said. “I try to just keep an even keel.”
Darrell Lovell covers the Houston Dynamo for MLSsoccer.com
