With the impending U-20 World Cup, this week may have been the last opportunity for players to prove they deserve a place on the roster. Several players have helped their cause, but some have harmed it. It is imperative the US U20s get off to a good start, so club form is very important.
The US U-17s lost a close match with Mexico in the CONCACAF championship. This tournament has helped boost the stock of several players. Josh Sargent, the best player from the U17s, may even feature in the US U20 tournament. He was included in the preliminary 35-man roster. This addition could be big because forward is the biggest question mark in the pool. However, if Sargent plays in South Korea, he cannot play is the U17 World Cup.
With that in mind, here are updates on some of the players in contention to be on the roster. (All statistics from WhoScored unless noted)
College
Jonathan Klinsmann, JT Marcinkowski, Aaron Herrera, Jeremiah Gutjahr, and Eryk Williamson all remain with their respective college teams.
Injuries
Justen Glad and Cameron Carter-Vickers are both racing to be fit before the World Cup.
MLS
Tommy Redding played twice this week, and Orlando City lost both games. However, in the second game Redding was missing his partner, Jonathan Spector. Against Toronto, Redding completed six long balls, out of seven, and five defensive actions (one tackle, two interceptions, two clearances). Against Houston, Redding and the rest of the team struggled, conceding four goals. He completed six defensive actions (one interception, four clearances, one blocked shot). Overall, not a great last game before the World Cup.
Tyler Adams was an unused substitute in the Red Bulls 2-0 loss to Sporting Kansas City. Erik Palmer-Brown wasn’t in the matchday 18. Against the Union, Adams started and failed to protect the back line against a struggling Philadelphia team. Adams had 76% pass accuracy and six defensive actions (three tackles, two interceptions, one clearance). Again, not the best last game before the World Cup.
RSL once again were defeated, losing to FC Dallas 3-0. Danilo Acosta was an unused sub, but Sebastian Saucedo and Brooks Lennon both started. They both contributed as two-way wingers. Saucedo chipped in four tackles and two key passes. Lennon chipped in three defensive actions (two tackles, one interception), two key passes, and one accurate cross. Even though they didn’t get the result they wanted, they both had strong individual performances.
Jeremy Ebobisse made his first appearance for the Timbers this year. In a seven minute cameo, he touched the ball once, and drew a foul. Even though he was on the pitch for a short while, it is promising to see he made his MLS debut right before the U20 World Cup.
Derrick Jones came off the bench in the 63rd minute with the game tied at 0. When the match was over, the Union had a clean sheet and their first win in months. Jones contributed two tackles. Not much of a contribution, but he accrued some positive momentum, which always helps.
Jonathan Lewis, Coy Craft, and Auston Trusty were all not in the matchday 18.
USL
Auston Trusty played 90 minutes in Bethlehem Steel’s victory over FC Cincinnati. He played at center back, chipping in 10 defensive actions (two tackles, three clearances, five interceptions).
Erik Palmer-Brown played 90 minutes in Swope Park Rangers 2-1 loss to Real Monarchs SLC. He contributed seven defensive actions (two tackles, one clearance, four interceptions).
Coy Craft played 75 minutes in OKC Energy’s 3-0 loss to Rio Grande Valley FC. He had one shot off target an two unsuccessful crosses.
