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MLS 2022 — American U21 Impact Rankings — Matchday 4

Published

3 years ago

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This weeks rankings catch us up on the events from matchday 3 and 4, the third and fourth games for each MLS team. After four weeks of play there are a few storylines that have caught my eye. First, it’s going to be tough to dethrone Gaga Slonina if he continues to perform as a top end goalkeeper in the MLS at the astonishing age of 17. Ben Bender has been the surprise of the group and looks like a player to pay attention to. Ben is the only American U21 with multiple score contributions. On the concerning side, some of the big name prospects are struggling to carve out consistent roles for their clubs, most notably: Caden Clark, Cade Cowell, Moses Nyeman, Paxten Aaronson, Jack McGlynn and Quinn Sullivan. We’ll see if that changes over the coming weeks. Here are the updated American U21 Impact Rankings in MLS 2022: 

#1 | GK, Gaga Slonina, Chicago Fire (2004)

Previous Ranking: 1

360 minutes
GA/90: 0.25
PSxG +/-: +2.0

Gaga conceded his first goal in matchday 4, but Chicago is looking really good, especially defensively and Gaga continues to play very well. If he continues to be a top level keeper in the MLS, it’s going to be hard to knock him off the top spot. We’re lucky to be witnessing a star in the making.

#2 | CM, Ben Bender, Charlotte FC (2001)

Previous Ranking: 21

196 Minutes
1 Goal
2 Assists
Shot Creating Actions: 11
Goal Creating Actions: 2

The #1 overall pick in this year’s Super Draft skyrockets to number two after back to back fantastic performances in his first two starts as a pro. The Charlotte offense changed when Ben entered the starting lineup. His first assist was off of a cross and his second in open play, followed by his first career goal, a really nice finish. Ben leads this entire category in goal contributions (3) and shot creating actinos (11). Ben is a very smart and skillful player that’s going to start getting US Soccer’s attention if he keeps this up. 

#3 | LB, John Tolkin, New York Red Bulls (2002)

Previous Ranking: 2

360 minutes
xGoals: 0.3
xAssists: 0.4
Shot Creating Actions: 8
Goal Creating Actions: 1

John has played every minute of the season for the Red Bulls and continues to look like one of their better players. He hasn’t yet contributed to the scoreline, but he’s had some dangerous chances and he’s been solid defensively and as part of the offensive build up. It’s a matter of time before he gets his first goal or assist this year. 

#4 | CM, Leon Flach, Philadelphia Union (2001)

Previous Ranking: 11

336 minutes
xGoals: 0
xAssists: 0
Shot Creating Actions: 1
Goal Creating Actions: 0
Dual Success Rate: 68.8%

Leon continues to be a key piece to a high performing Union side. He has yet to get too involved in goal creating activities, but he’s a duel monster and is having another solid year, picking up right where he left off last year.

#5 | RB, Nathan Harriel, Philadelphia Union (2001)

270 Minutes
1 Assist
xGoals: 0.1
Shot Creating Actions: 5
Goal Creating Actions: 1
Dribbles: 7/7 (100%)

Harriel moves up the list after a couple of weeks of strong defensive play and his first assist of the season. Harriel has taken the starting right-back job and doesn’t appear to be looking back.

 

#6 | DM, Obed Vargas, Seattle Sounders (2005)

Previous Ranking: 4

485 minutes (CCL + MLS)
*xGoals: 0.1
*xAssists: 0.2
*Shot Creating Actions: 7
*Goal Creating Actions: 0

*Stats are only from two MLS matches

Obed has been a consistent starter for Seattle between both CCL and MLS. He has the most minutes from any American U21. He’s been up and down, which you’d expect from a 16 year old, but he’s been solid defensively and learning how to make himself more available as an outlet and in the attack. I want to see him continue to drive the ball forward and get more involved in build up. 

#7 | CB, George Campbell, Atlanta United FC (2001)

Previous Ranking: 10

288 minutes
xGoals: 0.1
xAssists: 0.3
Shot Creating Actions: 4
Goal Creating Actions: 1
Long Pass Success Rate: 51.5%

George started matchday 3 with Miles Robinson out with a red card and came in at half for a poor performing Alan Franco in matchday 4. Atlanta has been a bit of a mess defensively this year and George is not without fault. He still has too many mental errors, but he’s outplayed Franco and he’s been an asset sending balls forward. I would expect him to get a chance to start alongside Miles going forward.

#8 | RB, Andres Jasson, New York City FC (2002)

Previous Ranking: 14

465 Minutes (CCL + MLS)
1 Assist
xGoals: 0.1
*Shot Creating Actions: 5
*Goal Creating Actions: 1

*Stats are only from two MLS matches

With NYCFCs first choice RB out with injury, Tayvon Gray, Andres Jasson has been getting the majority of those minutes. He is converting from winger to right-back and you can see that in his play. He is effective on offense, but struggles defensively. He did get an assist in matchday 3, but he struggled defensively in the CCL collapse and in matchday 4, where he was subbed at halftime. 

#9 | AM, Tyler Wolff, Atlanta United FC (2003)

Previous Ranking: 6

252 minutes
xGoals: 0.3
xAssists: 0.2
Shot Creating Actions: 7
Goal Creating Actions: 1

Tyler has started every match while Atlanta’s high priced Designated Player, Thiago Almada, gets up to speed and fellow DP, Araujo, is out. He hasn’t fully taken advantage of the opportunity. His minutes are likely to soon decrease and while Tyler was solid, I am not sure he made the most of his starts.  

#10 | LWB, Adam Armour, Charlotte FC (2002)

Previous Ranking: NR

66 minutes
1 Goal
xAssists: 0.1
Shot Creating Actions: 4
Goal Creating Actions: 0

Adam Armour goes down in history as the first ever Charlotte FC player to score a goal. It was a header that came off of a corner kick from Ben Bender. Adam has yet to get a start for Charlotte, but has been an impact player off the bench. 

https://twitter.com/SiriusXMFC/status/1503135355205206018?s=20&t=wvX1GWazvXafyYkwWJxF-w

 

#11 | CM, Caden Clark, New York Red Bulls (2003)

Previous Ranking: 3

94 minutes
1 assist
xGoals: 0.2
Shot Creating Actions: 3
Goal Creating Actions: 1

Caden got extensive sub minutes in matchday 3, but Lewis Morgan was not interested in passing and struggled to get in the game. He did not come off the bench and matchday 4. Struber’s use of Caden is becoming quite frustrating. 

#12 | AM, Brian Gutierrez, Chicago Fire (2003)

Previous Ranking: 20

95 Minutes
1 Assist
xGoals: 0.2
Shot Creating Actions: 2
Goal Creating Actions: 0

Brian Gutierrez has yet to get a start this season but he has been Chicago’s best attacking option off the bench and I think he’s now pushing for some starts. The recent U-20 call up continues to improve and is becoming a legit prospect for the US. Here is his assist on matchday 4: 

#13 | WING/AM, Griffin Yow, DC United (2002)

Previous Ranking: 5

183 minutes
xGoals: 0.4
xAssists: 0.4
Shot Creating Actions: 6
Goal Creating Actions: 1

Griffin started the first two matches, did not come off the bench in matchday 3 and subbed in and didn’t do much in matchday 4. With Ted Ku-DiPietro back in the mix, we could see Griffin continue to trend this way. 

#14 | WING, Matko Miljevic, CF Montreal (2001)

Previous Ranking: 17

259 Minutes (CCL + MLS)
xGoals: 0.5
*xAssists: 0.1
*Shot Creating Actions: 3
*Goal Creating Actions: 0

*Stats are only from two MLS matches

Matko is a regular off the bench in both MLS and CCL, but has yet to make a major impact. His expected goals are high at this point in the season after missing a couple big chances. 

#15 | WING, Cade Cowell, San Jose Earthquakes (2003)

Previous Ranking: 8

132 minutes
xGoals: 0
xAssists: 0.1
Shot Creating Actions: 4
Goal Creating Actions: 0

Cade Cowell was sick during matchday 3 and came off the bench on matchday 4 in what was a very tough game for San Jose. San Jose and Miami are probably the two most dysfunctional clubs in the MLS right now and Cade is not benefitting from that. It’s surprising to me that he hasn’t started since the first game and I wonder if big changes are coming for San Jose, most notably at the managerial position. 

#16 | LB, Caleb Wiley, Atlanta United (2004)

Previous Ranking: 7

41 Minutes
1 Goal
xAssists: 0.2
Shot Creating Actions: 1
Goal Creating Actions: 0

Caleb did not see action in matchday 3 or 4. 

#17 | RB, Tayvon Gray, New York City FC (2002)

Previous Ranking: 9

260 minutes (CCL + MLS)
*xGoals: 0
*xAssists: 0
*Shot Creating Actions: 1
*Goal Creating Actions: 0

*Stats are only from two MLS matches

Tayvon was out with injury the last two weeks. Reports are that he should be back soon. 

#18 | CM, Cameron Duke, Sporting Kansas City (2001)

Previous Ranking: NR

133 Minutes
xGoals: 0.3
xAssists: 0
Shot Creating Actions: 2
Goal Creating Actions: 0

After recording very few minutes in the first two weeks, Cameron has started the last two matches for Sporting KC. He’s had some chances, but yet to impact the team in a major way.

#19 | LB, Noah Allen, Inter Miami (2004)

Previous Ranking: 13

153 Minutes
xGoals: 0
xAssists: 0
Shot Creating Actions: 0
Goal Creating Actions: 0

The good news is that Noah Allen was recently awarded a homegrown contract, the bad news is that he’s taken a dip in impact the last couple of weeks. He had a DNP and sub appearance where he was bullied in the air by Brandon Vasquez for a goal.

#20 | DM, Moses Nyeman, DC United (2003)

Previous Ranking: 12

144 minutes
xGoals: 0
xAssists: 0
Shot Creating Actions: 0
Goal Creating Actions: 0

Moses received a red card on matchday 2 and may have lost his starting spot as a result. He did not start matchday 3 and was an unused sub on matchday 4. 

#21 | AM, Paxten Aaronson, Philadelphia Union (2003)

Previous Ranking: 24

39 Minutes
xGoals: 0.1
xAssists: 0.5
Shot Creating Actions: 2
Goal Creating Actions: 0

Paxten has shown the flashes that we’re used to from him in the few minutes he’s had. The Union are playing well and he’s yet to find big minutes, but rest assured, he looks ready when the time comes. 

#22 | AM, Reed Baker-Whiting, Seattle Sounders (2005)

Previous Ranking: 16

90 Minutes
xGoals: 0.2
xAssists: 0
Shot Creating Actions: 1
Goal Creating Actions: 0

Did not see action on matchday 3 or 4.

#23 | DM, Sebastian Berhalter, Vancouver Whitecaps (2001)

Previous Ranking: 18

144 Minutes
xGoals: 0
xAssists: 0
Shot Creating Actions: 1
Goal Creating Actions: 0

Did not play on matchday 3. He started matchday 4, but struggled to find the game.

#24 | CM, Harrison Robledo, FC Cincinnati (2002)

Previous Ranking: 19

43 Minutes
xGoals: 0
xAssists: 0.1
Shot Creating Actions: 2
Goal Creating Actions: 0

Did not see action on matchday 3 or 4.

#25 | CM, Jack McGlynn, Philadelphia Union (2003)

Previous Ranking: 23

22 Minutes
xGoals: 0
xAssists: 0
Shot Creating Actions: 2
Goal Creating Actions: 0

Did not see action on matchday 3 or 4. 

Dropped from the list: DM, Aidan Morris (Columbus Crew), WING, Serge Ngoma (NYRB)
Matchday 2 Rankings >

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USMNT

Launching Caring Excellence in Northern Kentucky

Published

2 months ago

on

July 21, 2025

By

  • Caring for Villa Hills, Fort Thomas, Union, Florence, Crestview Hills and Northern Kentucky


Over the past few years, I’ve written here at Chasing A Cup about family, faith, leadership, and walking through life with intention. Some of you have been reading since the early days. Some of you prayed for my family. Some of you even rolled up your sleeves and gave blood — blood that was meant for my mom and others like her in their time of need.

I’ll never forget that.

Three years ago, my mom passed away. It was a season of heartbreak, but also one of clarity. As I stood beside my family — and as I supported others in our community grieving their own parents — I came to understand how deeply care matters. Not just in hospitals or emergencies, but in the everyday: the quiet, complicated, deeply human moments that make up the final chapters of someone’s life.

That realization stayed with me. And over time, it changed the direction of my work.

For most of my career, I worked in product management — building teams, delivering systems, and leading with structure and strategy. I still believe in all of that. But I also wanted to build something more personal. Something rooted not just in outcomes, but in presence and compassion.

That’s why Sarah and I decided to open a Caring Excellence office in Northern Kentucky.

Caring Excellence has been serving families across Kentucky for over 13 years. It’s a family-owned, fully licensed home care agency that specializes in non-medical, in-home support for seniors and adults — help with daily living, memory care, companionship, and more. And now, we’re proud to bring that same level of compassionate, character-driven care to Florence and the surrounding region.

Our new Northern Kentucky office serves families in places like Villa Hills, Union, Fort Thomas, Crestview Hills, and Florence — communities filled with multi-generational households, strong family ties, and seniors who deserve to age with dignity.

At Caring Excellence, we focus on people first. We don’t just fill schedules — we carefully match caregivers to clients based on personality, needs, and values. Sarah leads our caregiver hiring, drawing from her years of experience as both a caregiver and healthcare professional. She looks not just for skill, but for heart — people of integrity, empathy, and real compassion.

As for me, I now use my business background to support the team behind the scenes — building systems, developing processes, and making sure our caregivers have the tools and training they need to serve others well.

This new venture is deeply personal. It’s also missional. It’s about stepping into people’s lives when they need support most and offering something simple, but powerful: peace of mind.

We’re not moving to Florence, but we’re fully committed to this region. We’re investing in it — by hiring local caregivers, building relationships with local providers, and offering families home care in Northern Kentucky a trusted option for high-quality home care.

To those of you who’ve been on this journey with me — through writing, through prayer, through donating blood when we needed it most — thank you. I hope this new chapter reflects what we’ve always believed in here: that service matters, character counts, and small acts of care can ripple further than we think.

If you know someone in Northern Kentucky who needs support — in Union, Villa Hills, Crestview Hills, Fort Thomas, or Florence — we’d be honored to walk alongside them.

Thanks for reading, and for being part of the story.

—Marcus

Learn More
To learn more about Caring Excellence and our in-home care services for Northern Kentucky families, visit:
https://caringexcellenceathome.com/northern-kentucky-office

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USMNT

Concacaf Gold Cup is becoming tarnished

Published

3 months ago

on

June 14, 2025

By

Thomas Deschaine (@uskeeper on X and us_keeper on Instagram)

Not long ago, winning your confederation’s tournament earned a spot in the FIFA Confederations Cup, a prestigious competition held in the World Cup host nation the summer before the world’s biggest tournament.

The tournament featured the champions of all six confederations (AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, OFC, and UEFA), along with the reigning FIFA World Cup winner and the host nation, rounding out the field to eight teams. The tournament was last played in 2017.

The Concacaf Gold Cup is a semi-cycle tournament played in the first and third years of the cycle. The CAF Africa Cup of Nations is the only other confederation that plays two tournaments a cycle, and in many circles, the frequency of the Concacaf Gold Cup and the addition of the Concacaf Nations League has made the Gold Cup a throwaway tournament for the USMNT, as it’s been six years since the so called A list player pool has played in the event.

It raises the question for FIFA and Concacaf: should the Gold Cup be played once a cycle, and should FIFA consider bringing back the Confederations Cup?

The USMNT won the inaugural Gold Cup in 1991 and has claimed seven of the 17 editions since. Only two other CONCACAF nations Mexico (9) and Canada (1)—have lifted the trophy, and both are contenders in this edition.

The USMNT has a strong track record at the Gold Cup, finishing first in their group every year except 2011. They’ve reached 12 finals, with a record of 69 wins, 12 draws, and 9 losses, scoring 189 goals and conceding just 60


Gold Cup Player Stats

Across 17 editions of the Gold Cup, the USMNT has netted 189 goals, conceded just 60, and recorded 50 clean sheets. Here’s a look at the players who made it happen, those who found the back of the net, and those who kept it out.

Goals


18-Landon Donovan
13-Clint Dempsey
9-Eric Wynalda
8-Brian McBride
7-Jesus Ferreira

Assists


16-Landon Donovan
7-Michael Bradley
6-DaMarcus Beasley
6-Alejandro Bedoya
6-Eric Wynalda
5-Clint Dempsey

Wins


17-Kasey Keller
11-Tim Howard
8-Tony Meola
7-Matt Turner

Shutouts


14-Kasey Keller
8-Tim Howard
6-Tony Meola
6-Matt Turner

Captain

10-Michael Bradley
10-Kasey Keller
9-Carlos Bocanegra
8-Tony Meola
7-Claudio Reyna

Gold Cup Manager Stats

Over the past 34 years, the USMNT has reached 12 of the 17 Gold Cup finals under the leadership of seven different managers. Here’s a look at how each of them performed.

Matches Coached


25-Bruce Arena
18-Bob Bradley
12-Gregg Berhalter
12-Jurgen Klinsmann
10-Bora Milutinovic
8-Steve Sampson
5-B.J. Callaghan

Matches Won


19-Bruce Arena – GF-52-, GA-14
14-Bob Bradley – GF-34, GA-17
11-Gregg Berhalter – GF-26, GA-3
9-Jurgen Klinsmann – GF-32, GA-9
8-Bora Milutinovic – GF-15, GA-8
6-Steve Sampson – GF-14, GA-5
2-B.J. Callaghan – GF-16, GA-4

Gold Cup Trophies


3-Bruce Arena
1-Gregg Berhalter
1-Bob Bradley
1-Jurgen Klinsmann
1-Bora Milutinovic

Conclusion

In the future, U.S. Soccer and the USMNT should clearly communicate roster expectations for the Gold Cup, especially if a full A-list squad is not planned. Transparency on this front is essential, as it directly affects fan interest and attendance.

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Club News

From Louisville to Lisbon: Joshua Wynder’s Journey with S.L. Benfica

Published

3 months ago

on

June 13, 2025

By

The current state of the USMNT has been at an all-time low since Couva in 2017.  One of the positions in dire situation is Center Back.  Tim Ream will be 38 by the time of the 2026 World Cup.  Chris Richards has too many highs and lows and has not shown his club form with the US.  Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty have yet to perform for the national team.  Miles Robinson, despite what many MLS fans want to believe, is not good enough and makes too many errors, like the second Turkish goal on June 7th, 2025.  Walker Zimmerman has one World Cup left in him and he has a history of making critical errors as well, like the penalty against Gareth Bale in the 2022 World Cup.  Lastly, Mark McKenzie has improved his game since his move to Toulouse, but he is lacking the deserved opportunities and a good partnership.

Our U20 CBs will need to be called up sooner rather than later, either before or immediately after the 2026 World Cup.  The top 3 prospects by fans and analysts are Noahkai Banks, Matai Akinmboni, and Joshua Wynder.  Of the three, Joshua Wynder is the oldest at 20 years old and is part of a club that is world-renowned for their development, S.L. Benfica.

How did Wynder manage to accomplish such a move from Louisville City in the USL Championship to Benfica?  To summarize, Wynder had a breakout season for Lou City at 17 years old in 2022, so much so that he was included in the US U20 World Cup team in 2023. 

LOUvOKC.Photographer: EM Dash Photography

Wynder secured a spot to go on trial at Benfica and passed.  On June 8th, 2023, Benfica officially acquired Joshua Wynder from Lou City for a record-breaking $1.2 million transfer fee, which still stands today.

Louisville City FC, LOUvPIT.Photographer: EM Dash Photography

Benfica registered Wynder with the second team for the 2023/2024 season, who participate in Liga Portugal 2.  Due to Portuguese rules (players play in the youth system until they are 19 years old), he spent the season with Benfica’s UEFA Youth League team and U23 team and only received 21 minutes with the B team until a season-ending injury.  What began as a promising start, with the support of the fans, was cut short after just six matches.  The following season went according to plan for Wynder.  Wynder became a consistent starter for the B team where he started in 29 matches and appeared in a total of 31 matches.  He also scored four goals, all headers from corners. 


His success with the B team made him a fan-favorite and several calls to be called up to the first team by fans on social media.  That day came on April 9th, 2025, when he made the team sheet for Benfica’s Taça de Portugal Semi-Final match against FC Tirsense.  Wynder made his first team debut when he was subbed in at the 76th minute mark of that match.  He made a following appearance on the bench for the first team in their second leg match against FC Tirsense.

As early as November 27, 2024, it was reported by Glorioso 1904 that Joshua Wynder had gained the attention of the Benfica manager, Bruno Lage.  The report further said that Wynder was becoming an option for the next season’s first team.  A similar report surfaced on March 25, 2025, by Record, in Portugal, that Wynder is on track to be with the first team for the 2025/2026 season.  That day may be coming sooner rather than later.  Joshua Wynder will be joining Benfica on their 2025 Club World Cup campaign.  This will be a true test for him to prove to Bruno Lage that he is ready to be part of the first team for the upcoming 2025/2026 Liga Portugal and UEFA Champions League season.  If he is given serious minutes with the first team and performs, Joshua Wynder needs to be considered for the 2026 World Cup or immediately following the World Cup.


Benfica is in Group C of the Club World Cup with Auckland City, Bayern München, and Boca Juniors.  Their first match is against Boca Juniors, 33-time Argentine champions, on June 16th.  Game two is on June 20th against 10-time New Zealander champions, Auckland City FC.  Lastly, their 3rd group stage match is against the 6-time UEFA Champions League winners, Bayern München, on June 24th.

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