As Tab Ramos and the US U20s are gearing up for the 2017 U20 World Cup, several players are helping their cases to be on the roster. However, some players are also playing themselves off of the roster. With that in mind, here are updates on some of the players in contention to play in South Korea. (All statistics from WhoScored)
College
Jonathan Klinsmann, JT Marcinkowski, Aaron Herrera, Jeremiah Gutjahr, and Eryk Williamson all remain with their respective college teams. Marcinkowski is on trial with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Injuries
Justen Glad has begun training, but probably won’t be available this weekend. Cameron Carter-Vickers is also still out injured. In more postive news, Jonathan Lewis is healthy and will be in line for more playing time due to Khiry Shelton’s long term injury.
MLS
Tommy Redding once again played a full 90 minutes with Jose Aja out injured. Orlando City SC only conceded one goal to an LA Galaxy side boasting some strong attackers, like Romain Alessandrini. Redding chipped in to the defense with seven defensive actions (one tackle, five clearances, one blocked shot). Redding is getting a good run of games at the perfect time. This strong performance boads well for his chances of being on the roster in South Korea.
Tyler Adams helped the New York Red Bulls keep a clean sheet with a 2-0 win over D.C. United. Adams won two aerial duels and made 10 defensive actions (four tackles, three interceptions, and three clearances). However, he wasn’t as strong going forward, with 72% accuracy on 47 attempts. He did complete three accurate long balls. Adams will make the roster, but if he wants to start in an advanced role, he will need to improve his distribution.
This week, three US-U20 players started for Real Salt Lake. Brooks Lennon had the best evening, with the game winning goal, his first for RSL, and Man of the Match award. He also had two key passes, two successful dribbles, and three defensive actions (two tackles, one clearance). Sebastian Saucedo chipped in two successful dribbles and three defensive actions (one tackle, one clearance, one interception). Finally, Danilo Acosta improved from last weeks mediocre performance. Acosta had one accurate cross and eight defensive actions (two tackles, one interception, five clearances). Lennon and Saucedo are locks to make the team, and Acosta’s strong performances could help vault him onto the team.
Derrick Jones did not appear off the bench for Philadelphia Union.
USL
Coy Craft played 60 minutes in OKC Energy’s 1-0 win on the right wing. He won four duels, with 83% passing accuracy on 12 passes.
Auston Trusty and Derrick Jones each played 90 minutes in Bethlehem Steel FC’s 3-2 loss to Harrisburg City Islanders. Trusty featured at left center back, making seven defensive actions (three tackles, three clearances, one interception). He also won six duels and three aerial duels. Jones, at defensive midfield, won two duels and made four defensive actions (one tackle, one clearance, and two interceptions).
Jeremy Ebobisse played 90 minuted in Portland Timbers FC 2 1-0 loss. He didn’t play that well, not finishing three chances, but winning three fouls. If Ebobisse wants to make the team, he needs to start scoring and accrue some first team minutes.
Erik Palmer-Brown played 90 minutes in Swope Park Rangers 1-0 win. He won one aerial duel and made five defensive actions (two tackles, five clearances, three interceptions). His passing accuracy was 93%, which is good because he will need that in South Korea when playing defensive midfield.
