It took 120 minutes to get past both Mexico in the semifinals and 120 more to beat Canada in the final as the guys had little left in the tank as the tournament came to a close. It's hard to really assess how the players did as the CONCACAF isn't filled with world class talent. There were some fringe senior team players who did play well throughout the entire tournament. Jonathan Amon was very active on the left wing. Also, Juan Pablo Torres was excellent in the number 10 role as he was a constant threat on the counter attack. Timothy Weah is a very interesting player. He's played quite a bit of minutes with the senior team on the right wing even though that's not his natural position. The PSG youngster has a ton of potential, but really hasn't broken out quite yet. He played in his preferred number nine role in the final against Canada, but didn't offer much. He had an excellent chance to score in the opening ten minutes on a counter attack, but put his shot well wide. With Sargent proving himself at the senior team level and Haji Wright getting consistent minutes at club level in German it will be interesting to see where Weah fits going forward.
Had no idea the U.S. were going to be taking part in the Copa America. Regardless, this will be a great chance to face some of the best footballing nations in the world as we drawn against Brazil and Uruguay in the group stage. I'm excited to give some youngsters and fringe players an opportunity in a U.S. shirt. I'm assuming the A team will be playing matches at the same time.
The roster has been announced for the final two matches for the U.S. in 2019. One name that really jumps out is 17-year old Efrain Alvarez. He made his professional debut in the U.S. second division at just15-years old with L.A. Galaxy II in 2017 and followed that up with 23 starts last year. This season he has become a regular in the MLS with the Galaxy starting six matches and making 18 substitute appearances.
We see a new name amongst the goalkeeper in the shape of Sean Johnson. The NYCFC keeper has been called into the U.S. squad a handful of times, but hasn't seen the field since 2015. He recorded 16 shutouts last season and has followed that up with 11 this season. The other two names are the two regulars in Ethan Horvath and Zack Steffen.
The fullbacks are four names we all recognize. Yedlin has struggled this season in Ligue 1, but it's too hard to ignore his talent compared to the rest of the right backs at tbuc's disposal. Even at 30-years old, Jorge Villafana continues to get called in. The left back position is pretty thin behind he and Antonee Robinson. There are a handful of youngsters, but there time is yet to come. In the middle John Brooks is still the clear first option at center back. Behind him tbuc choose to go young with two 21-year olds in Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty. This is CCV's third season in the Championship and is having a strong season. Trusty, who left the MLS for Borussia Dortmund in January, has been loaned out this season and has nine 2. Bundesliga starts thus far.
In the middle we see a lot of attacking minded players, which means we will be seeing tbuc continue to use the 4-2-3-1 formation. With Michael Bradley and Kellyn Acosta out injured, Russell Canouse is back in the squad. He now has seven caps to his name, all under tbuc, and has gotten off to a great start to his international career, that positive display has been replicated at club level as well for the DC United. Cristian Rolden and Weston McKennie were also called in with Darlington Nagbe and Tyler Adams other options to play in front of the defense. Juan Pablo Torres and Efrain Alvarez are the two nature number tens. Nagbe and Kenny Saief, who are natural winger, have experience playing behind the striker as well.
Not much to saw about the wingers and strikers as we see the regular names. Timmy Weah is out injured, so Paul Arriola keeps his place behind Pulisic.
View attachment 22921 We stay perfect in the Nations League with another three points against Jamaica. After they beat us in the Gold Cup Finals, we have taken nine from nine against the Reggie Boyz. This match was a pretty boring one and if it ended in a draw no one really could complain. In the end, a simple threw ball over the top from Russell Canouse to Jozy Altdore was the decider. Altidore was one on one with the keeper and in the final seconds of the match the Toronto FC striker won it with his 43 international goal. The win means the U.S. will finish atop of their group and are onto the semifinals of the inaugural Nations League tournament. With just one match left in each group we know the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and either Honduras or Trinidad will advance.
The U.S. close out the Nations League group stage with four wins from four matches. This match saw two youngsters make their senior team debut. Auston Trusty was thrown right into the starting eleven. The central defender proved he deserves another look as he won 85% of his headers and even had two shot on two set pieces. 17-year old Efrain Alvarez was given ten minutes of action and should've scored a goal on a tap it, but instead hit it right at the keeper instead of into the net. On a positive note, he did completed all seven of his passes. As for the match, it was a walk in the park for the U.S. as you would expect. The U.S. had plenty of chances, but really didn't turn up the heat until they scored their penalty after Josh Sargent was tripped inside the box. He converted on the PK to put the home side up. Darlington Nagbe, who was brought on as a central midfielder, put the match to bed with a goal from the top of the box. It was a good win to close out the 2019 calendar year.
My hiatus is over… Let’s start with a quick recap of 2019 as it surely was a busy one. We had to wait three months to get started and we began the calendar year with a win in Australia. All three goals came from three of our core youngsters. Weston McKennie has proven to be a vital piece to our side and with Michael Bradley nearing the the end of his career, the Schalke man has proven to be the next in line as the leader in the middle of the pitch. His strength and physicality has shown how important he is to this team.
The squad got together for the Gold Cup as well this year and played well allowing only four goals in six matches, however, we were held scoreless against Mexico in our only group stage loss. We did reach the finals, but lost in penalties to Jamaica. After the disappointing lose, the U.S. did win six of their last seven matches with a 1-1 draw to South Africa being the only hiccup.
We’re halfway through this World Cup cycle and the team has definitely taken shape. In 21 matches thus far it's clear that Zack Steffen and Ethan Horvath are the top two options in net with the latter looking to be the top choice. Horvath has 13 caps compared to eight for Steffen since tbuc has been here. However, it was Horvath starting between the pipes for the entire Gold Cup and the last two Nations League matches.
In the middle of the defense we seen a few names. John Brooks is the main man, but his partner may still be a question. Matt Miazga has 15 caps, while Besler has ten, and Cameron Carter-Vickers has seven this cycle. One name to look out for is Auston Trusty who just recorded his first U.S. cap in November. He is someone who could be on the verge of breaking into the first team. He made the move abroad this past January for Borussia Dortmund and has been on loan in the German second tier where he’s established himself as a starter making 14 starts this season. There isn’t any speculation on who the starters are at the fullback positions with Antonee Robinson and DeAndre Yedlin well established at those two spots.
The middle on the pitch is the most interesting. Up until recently we’ve seen three center midfielders with one dropping a little deeper. But now, as we see a few younger, more advanced midfielder breaking onto the scene, we could see things change. The U.S. are very deep in the middle with Weston McKennie leading the way with 19 caps this cycle. That’s followed by Emerson Hyndman with 16 appearances, Kellyn Acosta with 12, and Michael Bradley at ten. That list doesn’t included Russell Canouse who has been impressive in his nine caps and Cristian Roldan who hasn’t been given much of a chance with the depth in front of him. We know tbuc wants to run with a number ten behind his striker, but with all the talent in the middle it’ll be interesting to see when or if he makes that change. Juan Pablo Torres made his first five international appearance this year in that position and we also saw Efrain Alvarez given a brief cameo in the final match of 2019 as well. Add Gianluca Busio to the list of guys who could get a chance in that spot as well. He’s only 17-years old, but has 28 MLS appearance to his name over the last two seasons.
There aren’t many questions about the front three. Christian Pulisic is the man on the right wing with Paul Arriola and Timmy Weah proving to be reliable backups. On the left we’ve seen Darlington Nagbe the most and deservingly so, but we can’t forget Kenny Saief who could push for that starting spot. Up front we’ve seen four players given a chance. Bobby Wood is the starter with Jozy Altidore the backup while Josh Sargent gets eased in. It’ll be interesting to see if Sargent can pass those two on the depth chart by the time 2022 comes around.
At the youth level, the U20 team had a magical year after they won the U20 World Cup. Before this tournament the best finish the American had with fourth in 1989.
The U23 team qualified for the Olympics which is encouraging after they failed to do so the last time out.
Well, January doesn’t offer anything from the international front, so we look at where some of the notable Americans moved during the winter transfer window. First, there were two first team players who drew interest from some Premier League clubs. First choice keeper, Ethan Horvath’s name was linked with Leicester City for the entire month, but no bid was ever made. Staying put was probably the best option for the Colorado native, as it would’ve been hard to see him gain first team minutes with Kasper Schmeichel having three more years left on his contract. Striker Bobby Wood was linked with a move to Burnley and Crystal Palace, but like Horvath, nothing amounted to the rumors. There were some players who were on the move, however. Some quick notables were Brad Guzan moving to the LA Galaxy and Tim Ream leaving Fulham for Championship side, Leeds United. Julian Green, who has two caps and a goal under tbuc, made the switch to Greek Champions PAOK from the second division in Germany. The move means the winger should see the pitch in some Champions League matches which will only improve his stock. Tyler Adams and Kellyn Acosta, two young Americans who have 12 caps each under tbuc, both left the MLS for Europe. Adams left NY Red Bulls in a $6.75M move to Belgium side Club Brugge where he will become teammates with keeper, Ethan Horvath. Acosta, on the other hand, leaves Colorado for French side Saint-Etienne for $5.25M. Both moves are very encouraging as it’s always exciting to see Americans going abroad to test themselves.
Big news this month as DeAndre Yedlin will be out for about five months with a hip injury. That will rule him out for next months Nations League Semi-Finals match against Mexico and either the Finals or three place match a few days later. With the 2020 Copa America only four months away it’s doubtful we’ll see the right back take part in that tournament as well. Losing Yedlin is big as he is a key member to this American side and after the U.S. lost in the Gold Cup finals last year, if the don’t win the National League their coach could be on a tight leah. Behind Yedlin we’ve seen five different player get a chance at right back this cycle. At this point we can rule out Reggie Cannon as a possible replacement. After falling out of favor at Dalles, he only managed 10 appearance for the club last year before recently signing with Swedish side, Djurgardens. He’ll need to establish himself there before he’ll be considered again. Tyler Adams and Keegan Rosenberry will be the likely right backs called in next month. Rosenberry continues to be one of the best defenders in the MLS, while Adams just left his home country for Club Brugge in January and already has five starts to his name in Belgium.
We’re two years into the 2022 World Cup cycle and another two years away until the World Cup itself. I figured since we’re halfway there, this would be a good time to quickly break down each position and see who are pretty much locks to be on the World Cup roster, who are still considered fringe plays, and which youngsters have a chance to breakout in the next year or two to put their name in the running:
Locks: Ethan Horvath and Zack Steffen Fringe: Sean Johnson and Bill Hamid Outsiders: Brad Guzan and Alex Bono Youth: Jonathan Klinsmann and Brady Scott
Ethan Horvath and Zack Steffen look to be locks at this point with Horvath the frontrunner to be the starter. They are the only two keepers to play under tbuc up to this point. The big question mark is who the third choice keeper will be. Brad Guzan has been in the picture since 2006, but at 35-years old it’s hard to see him continue to get a chance, especially with two younger names ahead of him.
I would say there are five keepers who have a legit chance. The favorites are Bill Hamid and Sean Johnson. Hamid was one of the best in the MLS for several years before moving to Denmark. After failing to establishing himself there he spend a season and a half on loan at DC United. Now he’s back in Midtjylland, but moving ahead of Jasper Hansen on the depth chart could be tough. Johnson has been a journeyman in the MLS and continues to be one of the best in the league. He was on the shortlist for MLS Goalkeeper of the Year for the last two seasons and was named to the MLS Best XI two years ago.
A look at the younger option, Alex Bono broke into the first team in Toronto two years ago and has been called up to the U.S. team more times than not under tbuc, but the Syracuse product still has a lot of learning to do if he wants to pass both Johnson and Hamid on the depth chart. Jonathan Klinsmann is the top prospect of any American keeper. At 22-years old he does have nine Bundesliga appearances to his name. Tbuc has tried to call him in a few times, but he’s currently holding out in hopes for a call up to the German national side. It’ll be interesting to see what happens with him over the next few years. Lastly, and the biggest longshot is Brady Scott. Currently on loan in the German third division, the 20-year old is playing very well. If he can manage a loan to the second tier next year and with a good display at the Olympics this year he just could play his way into the first team.
View attachment 13910 A hero at the 2014 World Cup, Brooks is the U.S. top option in the middle of the defense.
Locks: John Brooks Fringe: Cameron Carter-Vickers, Matt Miazga, Auston Trusty, Tim Parker Outsiders: Aaron Long, Matt Besler, Justen Glad, Walker Zimmerman Youth: Mark McKenzie and Erik Palmer-Brown
The center back position is definitely an interesting one. John Brooks continues to have a successful Bundesliga career and is the top option for the U.S. in the middle of the defense. Behind the German-born defender we have some younger players trying to establish themselves as well as some MLS regulars trying to prove they are a top option for tbuc. Cameron Carter-Vickers is the most promising player of the bunch and at 22-years old he has been a regular in the English Championship for three straight season away from his parent club, Tottenham. Matt Miazga, who is under contract at Chelsea, had a successful stint in Ligue 1 last year with Nanes, but that only earned him a loan move to Ukrainian side Dynamo Kyiv this term. Auston Trusty just earned his first cap for the U.S. in 2019 after leaving the MLS last year for Borussia Dortmund. He’s spent this season on loan in the German second division where he is getting regular minutes. Like Carter-Vickers, he has a lot of upside, and if he continues to progress he should be in the 2022 World Cup squad. The last of the fringe players is Tim Parker and he is one of the five MLS players on this list. He’s been one of the best in the league, but at 27 it’s hard to see him getting a move to Europe to really test himself.
Of the outsiders, Matt Besler is the best of the bunch. He has more international cap than any other center back in this pool, but at 33-years old it’s hard to see him still be considered a top option in two years. If the World Cup were tomorrow then he’s probably a starter. The rest of the bunch, Aaron Long, Justen Glad, and Walker Zimmerman are all quality MLS defenders, but nothing more at this point. Glad is the guy who has the most to gain. He is the youngest at 23 and really had a breakout year last season with NYCFC. If he can build on that, then he could push for a spot in two years.
Two youngsters made this list and Erik Palmer-Brown is the one who has a legitimate chance of making the World Cup roster in two years. He was a regular in the Eredivisie last year and is continues to get consistent minute with his parent club, Manchester City’s U23 team. If he can land a move to a first division team next year, then he should get some serious looks.
View attachment 13905 The English-born left back, Antonee Robinson could the the starter by default.
Locks: Antonee Robinson Fringe: Jorge Villafana, Eric Lichaj, Greg Garza Outsiders: N/A Youth: George Bello and Jaylin Lindsey
As you can see by the lack of names, this is the United States weakest position. Robinson is the best option and at 22-years old, he should only improve as a player. With that, it’s hard to see anyone over take him within the next two years. Behind the pacy full back are two 30+ year olds as well as a MLS player who probably isn’t of international quality. Villafana and Lichaj do have 26 and 19 caps respectively and are good options for tbuc, but are coming out of the peak of their careers. Greg Garza is no more than a good MLS full back, and you would most likely think be overmatched against top quality winger running at him. With that said, tbuc can only hope one of Bello or Lindsey will breakout and become an international level talent much sooner rather than later. That could be the case for Bello, however. He did just turn 18 a month ago, but does have 20 U20 caps and 13 MLS starts to his name. He is listed as a first team player for his club team, Vancouver, and if he has a strong MLS season, then I can see his first U.S. senior team call up soon.
View attachment 13904 If DeAndre Yedlin can stay healthy he will easily be the first choice right back.
Locks: DeAndre Yedlin Fringe: Keegan Rosenberry, Tyler Adams, Shaq Moore Outsiders: Eric Lichaj Youth: Reggie Cannon
DeAndre Yedlin has plenty of top European experience playing in both the Premier League and now in Ligue 1 with Marseille. With that he is the clear first option, however, he has missed a good chunk of time through injury. Luckily the U.S. has a lot more depth on the right side of the defense compare to the left. All the names listed above have played under tbuc this cycle and have a chance to make the 23-man roster which will head to Qatar in 2022. Cannon was a top prospect, but fell out of favor in Dallas and just signed with Swedish side, Djurgardens. It will be hard to imagine Cannon being a top option for the U.S. if he’s still playing in Sweden in 2022.
There are four players who will most likely fight it out to be Yedlin’s backup in Qatar. Eric Lichaj has the most experience of the bunch and is having another strong season in the English Championship with Hull City, but 31-years old, his best days are likely behind him. Keegan Rosenberry has had a very successful MLS career thus far. He was third in rookie voting in 2016, on the shortlist for MLS Defender of the Year in 2018 and was on the MLS All-Star team that same year. He does only have two international caps, but I’m sure we will see more. Tyler Adams is probably the frontrunner. He’s only 21-years old and has the ability to play as a central midfielder as well as at right back. Regardless of where he plays, he should be on the roster in a few years. He just made the switch from the MLS for Club Brugge in Belgium and has already established himself in the first team there. Lastly, Shaq Moore has been playing in Spain since 2014. He spent three seasons in the third division before playing six matches in La Liga for Levante two seasons ago. This year he’s made ten starts in the top division, and if he continues to get minutes in one of the best leagues in the world he should be in Qatar with Yedlin.
World Cup 2022 Position Preview: Central Midfielders
View attachment 13903 Weston McKennie has done nothing but impress and could be our future captain.
Locks: Weston McKennie and Kellyn Acosta Fringe: Michael Bradley, Tyler Adams, Emerson Hyndman, Russell Canouse, Juan Pablo Torres Outsiders: Danny Williams, Wil Trapp, Cristian Roldan, Joe Corona Youth: Efrain Alvarez, Gianluca Busio, Handwalla Bwana
As you can see by all the names, this is our deepest position. Weston McKennie has played in 19 of the 21 matches for the U.S. this cycle and looks to be the future capitan for his nation. Kellyn Acosta has also taken major step forward in his career over the last two years. He just made the move from the MLS to Saint-Etienne in France this January where he’s played in six games (five starts) before he got hurt.
Looking at the list of fringe players and the guys on the outside looking in, they all are international quality players, but with all the options it’s hard to call any of them a locks when we still have two more years to go. Michael Bradley is the current capitan and has 150 caps to his name, but age is not on his side. At 32-years old, he hasn’t lost a step yet, so he still is a top option until proven otherwise. Tyler Adams was on the list of right backs and finds himself here because of his versatility. Because of that he’s probably a lock to make the roster in two years, it’s only a matter of which position he’ll be needed. Emerson Hyndman is in a tough spot. If the U.S. use a 4-3-3 formation it’s likely he’ll be a starter as a deep-lying playmaker, but if they do switch to a 4-2-3-1, then he could be watching from home. Russell Canouse is someone hoping the U.S. switch to the more attacking 4-2-3-1 as he’d likely surpass Hyndman because he’s stronger defensively. At 20-years old Torres could be in the “youth” category, but as the top option in the number ten role he’s graduated from there and is a fringe player until tbuc decides he’s really to be a regular and wants to implement the 4-2-3-1.
Cristian Roldan is in the same boat as Hyndman as he too is a deep lying playmaker, which likely won’t be used in a 4-2-3-1 formation. If tbuc doesn’t change his system them he does have a legit chance to make the roster in two years. However, for now he’s behind Hyndman in the pecking order. Wil Trapp has always been and will continue to be a outsider. He’s a top MLS player, but will only get a call if the U.S. are depleted with injuries. The final two, Danny Williams and Joe Corona, have been crowded out by younger guys. They have a combined 48 caps, but seem to be overlooked by tbuc. Corona is an advanced playmaker, so his name would be forgot completely if the formation is to be changed to a 4-2-3-1 as well. Williams has been a starter for multiple seasons in both the Bundesliga and the Premier League, but at 30-years old it seems tbuc is looking at Tyler Adams and Russell Canouse to prove they can be first team regulars instead.
There are three youngster hoping to make a push into the first team. All three play in the number ten role. Efrain Alvarez recorded his first cap this past November, and at 17-years old he already has 25 MLS appearances for the LA Galaxy and also starter the first game of the season this year (we’re only one game in). Another 17-year old on this list is Gianluca Busio who has 28 MLS appearances for Sporting KC and has already signed a pre-contract agreement to join Liverpool once the summer transfer window opens. There is little doubt both of those player will be first team regulars in the future for their country. The last name is Handwalla Bwana he is only 20 and established himself as a first team regular in the MLS last season with Seattle. He was given his chance with the U23 team during the Olympic qualifiers, but struggled. He and Juan Pablo Torres played in the “CAM” role and it was clear Torres was the better player which is why we see him as a fringe player.
View attachment 13902 Darlington Nagbe is second to only Weston McKennie in caps this cycle with 17.
Locks: N/A Fringe: Darlington Nagbe, Sebastian Lletget, Kenny Saief, Jonathan Amon, Julian Green Outsiders: Fabian Johnson Youth: Zyen Jones
There aren’t any locks on the left wing. Nagbe is the best option right now, but he’s taken a minor step back allowing some of the competition back into the picture. Lletget is a MLS journeyman, but continues to be one of the best every year. He’s quick, good on the ball, and can put the ball in the back of the net, but at 27-years old he’s in his prime now. So, he needs to keep up his form or else a younger option could pass him on the depth chart. Kenny Saief is in the same boat as Lletget. He has all the attributes to be an international winger and has be key for Anderlecht in Belgium for the last three seasons. He’s 26 now and is in tight competition with Lletget for a spot on the roster. Julian Green is an interesting player. There were very high expectations for the German-born winger as a youngster coming through the Bayern Munich ranks and being apart of the 2014 World Cup roster, but he hasn’t lived up to the hype. He was a regular starter in the 2. Bundesliga for three a half seasons before making the move to Greece this January where he’s off to a great start with three goals and an assist in five starts.
The last two on this list an in opposite ends of their career. Jonathan Amon is 20 and has been tearing it up in Denmark for the last two years now. Let’s hope it’s been good enough for a transfer to a bigger club where he can really challenge and improve himself as a player. The other, Fabian Johnson, is 32-years old and has 57 international caps and over 200 Bundesliga appearances to his name. However, two years ago he only managed ten starts and added just two more last year. He did just make a move to the Houston Dynamo where he hopes to revamp his career in the MLS and prove he still can be a option for tbuc and the U.S. national team.
View attachment 13901 He may only be 21-years old, but there is no doubt Christian Pulisic is his countries most important player.
Locks: Christian Pulisic Fringe: Darlington Nagbe, Paul Arriola, Duane Holmes, and Timothy Weah Outsiders: Jonathan Amon and Sebastian Lletget Youth: Omar McKinze Gaines
Christian Pulisic is the best player in this pool and there is no doubt he will be a starter and very important to the U.S. success. The rest of the bunch are just hoping to be his backup. Nagbe is just as good on the right as he is on the left, but he’s competing to be a starter on the left. Arriola has been a starter on the right for DC United for three and a half years now and has been the frontrunner to be the backup for a couple years, but with Holmes and Weah getting better the competition will be tight. This is Duane Holmes second season in the English Championship and earned his first international cap last year. He is 25-years old, so should be entering his prime. If he can continue to get first team minutes for at Derby County, he should make tbuc decision a tough one. Lastly, Timmy Weah, has a ton of promise and is trying to prove that in the PSG ranks now. It will be very difficult for him to break into the first team in Paris, but a loan move to another club could do him some good. If he can prove his worth with the first team in a top league, then he will be on the plane to Qatar. Both Amon and Lletget are natural left wingers, but can play on the right. They really would only be needed if they injury bug hit hard.
View attachment 13810 Josh Sargent has a ton of promise as he's scored six goals in his 12 U.S. caps.
STRIKERS: Locks: N/A Fringe: Bobby Wood, Aron Johannsson, Jozy Altidore, Josh Sargent, and Timothy Weah Outsiders: Dom Dwyer, Jordan Morris, Andrija Novakovich, Emmanuel Sabbi, and Maki Tall Youth: Folarin Balogun, Haji Wright, Steve Ashton
There are only three spots available, yet there are 13 names listed. Bobby Wood, Aron Johannsson, and Jozy Altidore are hands down the most proven of the bunch, yet it’s hard to call any of them locks. Johannsson is the most talented, but it seems like he’s on the sidelines rehabbing an injury more times then he’s on the pitch. This season has been different as he’s managed 19 starts and 24 overall appearances for Serie A side, Fiorentina, which is a good sign. Bobby Wood is next in line and has been getting regular minutes in the Bundesliga for three seasons now and has played well. Those two are nearly locks and will be on the plane to Qatar barring injury or a major dip in form.
Jozy Altidore has 120 caps and 43 international goal which is good enough for third most all time, but his club form hasn’t been great. In fairness to the big striker, he did test himself overseas playing for Villarreal in La Liga and Hull City and Sunderland when they were Premier League sides. This season will be his sixth in the MLS, but he hasn’t really stood out like most had hoped, but his international success should still be enough to warrant him a call under tbuc. Josh Sargent and Timmy Weah are both very young and are proving they are the future for the U.S. in the striker position. Sargent has nine Bundesliga appearances this season for a struggling Union Berlin side. Regardless, a 20-year old getting a handful of minutes in a top league in the world in big news for an American. Weah has been stuck in the youth ranks at PSG, but has 14 U.S. caps, most of which coming on the right wing. He did play as a striker for the U23 team during Olympic qualifying, but struggled. It’ll be interesting to see where his future lies on the pitch.
The five names on the outsiders list have a pretty slim chance of making the World Cup roster, but I wouldn’t count them out yet as Johannsson is pretty unreliable because of injuries and Wood and Altidore tend to miss their fair share of match as well. Sabbi and Tall are the youngest of the bunch and have some promise, therefore, they have to be the favorites of the group. Sabbi has been dominating the Danish league for the last two years now, but how much stock can you put in a player who is in Denmark? Tall has been getting regular minutes in the French second division for three season and has 11 goals and five assists this term. He could the next in line for a call up behind the fringe guys.
The youth guys probably won’t get their chance until the next cycle. Haji Wright did manage eight Bundesliga appearances last season for Schalke, which is very encouraging. This season he’s been on the pitch for 22 2. Bundesliga matches for Braunschwieg. Steve Ashton (next gen) is only 19-years old and made 15 appearances (14 off the bench) for the Philadelphia Union last year. If he can break into the first team soon, then who knows! Lastly, Folarin Balogun is definitely the most promising. He has youth caps for England before switching his allegiance to the U.S. He’s only 18-years old and has 7 goals in 16 matches this year for Arsenal’s U23 team. Hopefully he can land a loan move next year and just maybe force tbuc into a call up before the calendar year is over.
Big news for the U.S. as Aston Villa youth player, Indiana Vassilev, decides to switch his allegiance from Bulgaria to the U.S. The left winger had started all six matches for the Bulgarian U21 side this European Championship Qualifying campaign before making the announcement. For this club team, the Georgia-born winger has made 23 appearances for Villa’s U23 side and has a 6.80 rating.
Where do he fit in the U.S. senior team picture? Well he is still a little ways away. He is excellent on the ball, a great crosser of the ball, and doesn’t lack pace, but for now he will be competing for a spot in the U23 team at this years Olympics.
This is a huge match for the U.S. After losing to Jamaica in the Gold Cup finals in 2019, tbuc is still in search for is first piece of silverware as the U.S. coach. If the Yanks can get past their rivals, Mexico, then they'll face either Honduras or Canada in the Finals. You would think the winner of this big Semi-Finals match will win the inaugural CONCACAF National League with no problem.
We knew going in, DeAndre Yedlin would be out through a hip injury. Tyler Adams and Keegan Rosenberry were both call in to cover for the Marseille right back. The midfield lacks Michael Bradley through injury. Kellyn Acosta, who did make the team, has not played for three weeks because of a groin strain. It'll be interesting to see if Adams will be paired up with McKennie in the middle of the park, or if it will be Russell Canouse. Lacking match fitness it's a doubt we'll see Acosta in the starting XI. 21-year old Auston Trusty is back in the team after earning his first cap last November. Also making his return is the promising youngster, Efrain Alvarez. He's been in the starting lineup for three of LA Galaxy's five match so far this season. With the match against Mexico being such a big one, it's hard to see him in the starting XI.
There are two big absences in the team. Those are Emerson Hyndman and Jozy Altidore. Hyndman has only been on the pitch for three of Bournemouth Premier League matches this season, so we'll have to assume match fitness is the reason he's not here. As for Altidore, his 2020 MLS season has starter as a struggle. With the stiff competition behind him, he'll need to improve in a Toronto shirt if he wants back in the U.S. squad.
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