The US U20s moved one step closer to South Korea this week, however they are still playing with their clubs. Also, the CONCACAF U17 tournament is going on right now. The U17s are also trying to win the championship. If some players on that roster play well, they might get a look in South Korea. With that in mind, here are updates on some of the players in contention to be on the roster. (All statistics from WhoScored)
College
Jonathan Klinsmann, JT Marcinkowski, Aaron Herrera, Jeremiah Gutjahr, and Eryk Williamson all remain with their respective college teams.
Injuries
Justen Glad is training, but isn’t fit yet. Cameron Carter-Vickers is trying to return to training before the end of the season. Hopefully they will both be fit in time for the World Cup.
MLS
Tyler Adams helped New York Red Bulls keep a clean sheet against Columbus Crew, one of the leagues more dangerous attacks. He made five defensive actions (three tackles, two clearances). He was solid offensively, with 36 attempted passes, and 83% accuracy. A solid performance from Adams. If he could improve anything to his game, it would be becoming more consistently involved in the attack.
Real Salt Lake could not use their US U20s players to propel them to victory. Danilo Acosta and Brooks Lennon both started, at right back and right wing respectively. Neither really impressed that much. Acosta completed eight defensive actions (two tackles, five interceptions, one clearance). But offensively, Acosta struggled. Lennon contributed one tackle, and Saucedo didn’t contribute any defensive actions. Lennon contributed one accurate cross, while Saucedo didn’t. Overall, a poor performance from all three.
Tommy Redding once again helped Orlando City to a victory, defeating NYCFC 2-1. He completed eight defensive actions (two tackles, two interceptions, four clearances). Offensively, he was poor with 57% accuracy on 28 attempts. He also didn’t complete any long balls on seven attempts. Distribution continues to be a problem for him. He has been excelling defensively, but in order to start he will need to improve distribution, as center back is arguably the deepest position for the U20s.
Derrick Jones was subbed on in the 86th minute to help the Union keep a lead. In the 87th minute, Anthony Jackson-Hammel equalized. Jones failed to do his job. Once considered a lock to make the roster, his playing time has diminished as Alejandro Bedoya replaced him as the box-to-box midfielder. However, his playing time in USL may help him sneak onto the roster.
USL
Auston Trusty, Derrick Jones, and Bethlehem Steel FC lost to Orlando City B 2-0. Trusty played at left center back, while Jones was at box-to-box midfielder. Jones and Trusty both had four defensive actions (three tackles, one interception). They also both picked up yellow cards.
Erik Palmer-Brown and Swope Park Rangers lost 4-3 to Phoenix Rising FC. EPB played 90 minutes at right center back. He completed four defensive actions (three tackles, one interception).
Portland Timbers 2 defeated Sacramento Republic FC 2-0, but Jeremy Ebobisse didn’t make the match day 18.
Coy Craft and OKC Energy did not play this week.
(All USL data from the USL website)
