The United States U20s won the CONCACAF championship on March 5, securing a U20 World Cup spot in South Korea. The roster in South Korea will look different than in Costa Rica because many European based players were unavailable. Coach Tab Ramos named several other players who are in contention if their clubs release them. Some European-based players are Cameron Carter-Vickers, Weston McKennie, and Nick Taitague, while US-based Derrick Jones recently received clearance to play.
USA U20s Return to Club Teams: How Did They Fare?
Many spots will be up for grabs and all these players will need to have regular minutes in order to be on the team in South Korea. These minutes will keep them match fit and help Tab Ramos evaluate them. They will also be facing tough competition for playing time, as many of them play in MLS.
College Players
Five members of this roster currently play in college soccer. Jonathan Klinsmann, JT Marcinkowski, Aaron Herrera, Jeremiah Gutjahr, and Eryk Williamson all returned to their respective schools. They will most likely be playing in some friendlies with their school. Marcinkowski’s rights are owned by San Jose Earthquakes, Herrea by Real Salt Lake, and Williamson by D.C. United. These players are all candidates for MLS’s new homegrown policy. Marcinkowski is the least likely to be signed because San Jose already have a strong keeper, David Bingham. Williamson is most likely to be signed because he had a strong tournament and D.C. United need help on the wings. However, it is unlikely the teams would wait this long to sign them, as it would be hard for them to assimilate into the first team. So, they will most likely play for a PDL or NPSL team this summer then return to their schools.
Injuries
Starter Justen Glad suffered an injury against Honduras, and is week-to-week. He would have started for RSL if healthy. When he returns, he will hopefully have enough time to get match fit.
MLS Players
Danny Acosta, Sebastian Saucedo, Jonathan Lewis, and Tyler Adams all made the bench for their respective teams but didn’t feature in the match. Brooks Lennon, Erik Palmer-Brown, Coy Craft, Auston Trusty, and Jeremy Ebobisse all failed to make the matchday 18. Tommy Redding’s match against the New England Revolution was postponed due to the weather.
While no players featured for their teams this weekend, there are some plausible reasons why they didn’t play. They missed all of preseason, so they may not have earned the their spot. The talent isn’t lacking, they just have to earn the trust of their managers and teammates. Also, several play for USL affiliates, who haven’t started their season yet. One promising example is Jonathan Lewis being given a spot on the NYCFC bench over the more experienced Khiry Shelton. However, all of these players will need to play regularly, or else they will not be going to South Korea.
International Players
Marlon Fossey and Luca de la Torre returned to the Fulham second team starting lineup. Both were very active in the attack. Fulham conceded a late goal, but Fossey wasn’t at fault for it. Now, they need to push for the first team, while continuing to appear for the second team.
Emmanuel Sabbi is not eligible to appear for UD Las Palmas yet. Jonathan Gonzalez plays for C.F. Monterrey’s U20 team.
