A Deep Dive Into the U.S. Roster
The upcoming clash of titans between the U.S. and El Tri is a high stake one. Both teams are aware of this. Granted, it almost always is, but this time they are coming into the game in not the most convincing of circumstances. They’ve yet to satisfy their fan bases mostly because of their lack of consistency. While there have been some sparks of brilliance, mostly, these teams respective fan bases have been fed gameplay bathed in dullness and inefficiency. No one is more aware of this than Gregg Berhalter, the man in charge of Team USA.
Bringing Out the Big Guns
Every time the CONCACAF giants clash it’s always a high stakes affair, regardless of the circumstances surrounding both teams. This time around, both nations are indebted to continue proving themselves to their fans but none more so than the Stars and Stripes. For that, Berhalter is enlisting the help of the best of the best. The only notable absences are those of Gio Reyna and Barcelona defender, Sergiño Dest. Both are out due to injuries sustained.
The Defense
The defense will be able to count on the most veteran player of the roster, Deandre Yedlin. The Galatasaray player will be an option available to take over the spot left open by Sergiño’s absence. The wild card comes if Berhalter decides to forgo experience for momentum and instead plays in current Borussia Mönchengladbach standout, 18-year-old Joe Scally. This would be the first call-up for the ex-New York City FC player, but he won’t be too out of place with this roster. He shares the two key characteristics that mark this USA team: he is incredibly young, and he is developing his craft in Europe.
Indeed, of the nine defenders called up, all but two are under the age of 24 (Deandre Yedlin and Walker Zimmerman being 28 years old). Of the nine, again all but two exercise their profession in European leagues. Only Miles Robinson (the author of that late goal which gave Team USA the Gold Cup trophy) and Zimmerman play in the MLS, for Atlanta United and Nashville SC respectively. The rest of the defending cast is comprised of Reggie Cannon (Boavista), Mark McKenzie (Genk), Chris Richards (Hoffenheim), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), and Sam Vines (Royal Antwerp).
The Midfield
The midfield is a bit more star studded with a healthy mixture of youth and experience. The biggest standout here is Juventus star Weston McKennie. While McKennie will be looking to support the offense, equally as important will be the presence of more defensive minded Tyler Adams. Adams also plays Champions League-level soccer, in his case with RB Leipzig. He’s proven to be a key fixture of the U.S. midfield. A possible comparison would be perhaps to Edson Alvarez on the Mexican side. What Edson is to Mexico, Tyler Adams is to the USA. These two pillars of the midfield will be joined by Yunus Musah (Valencia, La Liga) and recent European emigrant, Gianluca Busio (Venezia, Serie A). Here again, all four are under the age of 23 and exercising their craft in Europe. The rest of the midfield is rounded out with more experienced players such as the second-most capped player on the team, Kellyn Acosta (Colorado Rapids), and veterans Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders) and Sebastian Lletget (LA Galaxy).
The Forwards
As usual, all the attention will be on the forwards for Team USA. The biggest news is the return of Christian Pulisic from injury. Albeit this one is a bit misleading. While it is true that Captain America is back from injury, he is not one hundred percent through with his recovery. His Chelsea coach has even asked the USMNT to prioritize Pulisic’s health over playing time. While we may not see Pulisic play much, someone we will definitely see more of is fellow European league player, Brenden Aaronson (Red Bull Salzburg). The Philly product is second in goals and assists for the team, just behind the man of the moment, Ricardo Pepi.
Pepi for his part will be the center focus for the Americans as the matchup against Mexico will be arguably his most difficult task to date. All eyes will be on the young 18-year-old Mexican American who recently spurned Mexico for Team USA. So far his decision has paid off, both for him and the team. While he’s only played four games for the Stars and Stripes, he’s already recorded three goals and proven to be an injection of pure energy for the team. The true litmus test of his prowess will be Mexico, however. His previous goals had come against rivals such as Honduras and Jamaica, but now he’ll face a much more experienced and skilled defense. Here fans and foe alike will see whether the Pepi train really is going full steam ahead or if it’s all just smoke. Assisting in the front will be the young and developing Tim Weah (Lille), Jesus Ferreira (FC Dallas) as well as veteran Paul Arriola (DC United).
Will it be Enough?
Berhalter is showing up to the showdown with the best tools in his disposal. While it is true that the overwhelming majority of players are very young, on average below the age of 24, most do have some capacity of experience playing in Europe. But the questions remain: is that enough to beat out the experience and skill of Mexico? The Yankee defense is young, will that be effective against the likes of Lozano, Jimenez and ‘Tecatito’ Corona? Is the Pepi train full of steam or smoke? Or at least enough steam to get past Hector Moreno and ‘Memo’ Ochoa. Let’s keep in mind this game is being played in Columbus, a place where historically Mexico has struggled. Team USA has a decent chance against Mexico to pull off the win, that’s what makes this game, the first game between the two since that Gold Cup final, much more intriguing. And lets not forget, the USMNT has beat El Tri with less.
DETAILED ROSTER BY POSITION (CLUB/COUNTRY; CAPS/GOALS):
GOALKEEPERS (3): Sean Johnson (New York City FC; 9/0), Zack Steffen (Manchester City/ENG; 24/0), Matt Turner (New England Revolution; 12/0)
DEFENDERS (9): Reggie Cannon (Boavista/POR; 22/1), Mark McKenzie (Genk/BEL; 8/0), Chris Richards (Hoffenheim/GER; 4/0), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG; 17/1), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United; 14/3), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 0/0), Sam Vines (Royal Antwerp/BEL; 8/1), DeAndre Yedlin (Galatasaray/TUR; 69/0), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC; 20/2)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Kellyn Acosta (Colorado Rapids; 42/2), Tyler Adams (RB Leipzig/GER; 20/1), Gianluca Busio (Venezia/ITA; 7/0), Sebastian Lletget (LA Galaxy; 33/8), Weston McKennie (Juventus/ITA; 27/7), Yunus Musah (Valencia/ESP; 9/0), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders; 29/0)
FORWARDS (6): Brenden Aaronson (Red Bull Salzburg/AUT; 13/5), Paul Arriola (D.C. United; 41/8), Jesús Ferreira (FC Dallas; 2/2), Ricardo Pepi (FC Dallas; 4/3), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea/ENG; 40/16),Tim Weah (Lille/FRA; 16/1)
