After a disappointing return to MLS, several US U20 members were more involved this week. This playing time will positively effect their chances of going to the 2017 U20 World Cup in South Korea. Several European and MLS based candidates, who weren’t at the CONCACAF Championship, but might play at the World Cup, have been added to this list.
College
The five college players, Jonathan Klinsmann, JT Marcinkowski, Aaron Herrera, Jeremiah Gutjahr, and Eryk Williamson, didn’t sign a professional deal. However, Klinsmann is training with VfB Stuttgart’s U-23 squad. This trial will help him prepare for the upcoming World Cup, and will be more rigorous than training with Cal.
Injuries
Justen Glad hasn’t returned from injury yet but was impressive when healthy last year for Real Salt Lake. With his club hiring a new coach, it is important that he returns soon to keep his starting role.
MLS
Tyler Adams, Coy Craft, and Tommy Redding made the bench for their respective team, but didn’t feature in the match. Redding was recently loaned to Orlando City B. Palmer-Brown, Danny Acosta, Jeremy Ebobisse, and Auston Trusty didn’t make the matchday 18. These players will likely be plying their trade in the USL this season. However, three other players started, and one made a cameo off the bench.
One of Jeff Cassar’s last decisions as manager was starting the young duo of Sebastian Saucedo and Brooks Lennon. Both put in decent performances, and Saucedo was subbed out in the 79th minute. Playing on the wing, both had to track back defensively more frequently when Kyle Beckerman received a red card. Lennon only had one defensive action, but Saucedo had three. Offensively, each contributed a key pass apiece. Finally, they were mildly successful getting crosses in the box. Lennon finished two for four, and Saucedo connected on one of his five crosses.
With NYCFC knotted up 1-1 against the Impact, manager Patrick Vieira sent Jonathan Lewis on to win the game. However, he was pretty quiet, attempting four passes, with 50 percent success. While this debut is encouraging, he needs to have a more meaningful impact on the game if he wants to play in South Korea.
Another player who didn’t have the best outing was Derrick Jones of the Philadelphia Union. Against Orlando City SC, he came off in the 75th minute with two defensive actions (one tackle, one clearance) and 76 percent passing accuracy in 29 attempts. However, his first two games were much stronger.
International
Marlon Fossey featured in Fulham’s wild cup loss in penalties, while Luca de la Torre didn’t . Fossey played left back, and received a yellow card before being subbed out at the half. Meanwhile at Schalke, Nick Taitague and Weston McKennie both featured in their friendly versus Hannover 96.
