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USMNT

Are You Experienced?

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Following the first six games of the Ocho, a media narrative has tried to gain traction that excuses the inconsistent performances on the age of the players.  There is no doubt most of the players are young.  But are they so much more inexperienced than prior teams?

You might ask, well, if their average age is younger than past teams, how could they not be less experienced professionally?  It is a good question, and the answer is that the development of players in the USA has radically changed.  In the past, kids went to college at 18 and stayed amateur, playing the unique NCAA game on a limited schedule, until they were drafted by MLS teams or moved abroad at 21-22.  So, the starting Defensive Midfielder on the 2002 World Cup team, Pablo Mastroeni, could be 25 and thus three years older than Tyler Adams is now.  But Adams has been a pro since 16, with 6 years of experience.  Mastroeni went to North Carolina State for four seasons and didn’t turn pro until he was 22.  

If you look at past rosters, there were some older players that had more experience even with the delayed start.  But the difference isn’t that great.  Here is the lineup against Mexico in the 2002 World Cup versus the lineup against Costa Rica last month:

2002

age

years pro

Years Top

       

Berhalter

28

8

0

Sanneh

30

6

3

Pope

28

6

0

O’Brien

24

4

4

Mastroeni

25

4

0

Reyna

28

8

8

Wolff

25

4

0

Donovan

20

3.0

0

McBride

29

8

0

Lewis

28

6

1

       

Average

26.5

5.7

1.6

 

2021

age

years pro

Years Top

Dest

20

2

2

Miles

24

4

0

Richards

21

1

1

Jedi

23

4

1

Wes

22

4

4

Adams

22

6

2

Musah

18

1

1

Aaronson

20

2

1

Pepi

18

2

0

Weah

21

3

3

       

Average

20.9

2.9

1.5

 

The average ages are starkly different.  The 2021 team is, on average, almost 5 years younger.  But the 2021 team is only a little less than 3 years less experienced.  A number that is being reduced every day as the current players play.

The final column for both teams is the average seasons playing in a Top 5 league.  As you can see, the “inexperienced” team of “kids” has equivalent time at the highest level.  This is another consequence of the change in development path.  NCAA soccer is just not a good development environment for players looking to turn pro.   So, Americans coming out of college usually had to start their careers in second divisions or minor leagues.  If they started in MLS, very few were even allowed to be sold to Europe.  So, by the time a player settled, learned the game, and got good enough to get the interest of an EPL team, for example, they might be 24 like Clint Dempsey or 28 like Brian McBride.

The team against Costa Rica was missing several first-choice players.  If we add them in, then the “inexperienced” team is more experienced:

2021

age

years pro

Years Top

Dest

20

2

2

Miles

24

4

0

Brooks

28

9

9

Jedi

23

4

1

Wes

22

4

4

Adams

22

6

2

Musah

18

1

1

Pulisic

23

5

5

Sargent

21

3

3

Reyna

18

1

1

       
Average

21.9

3.9

2.8

 

The two 18-year-olds still bring the Years Pro number down a bit.  But you can see that experience at the highest level of the game is almost double even as the average age is still 4+ years younger.

So, while the current team is young, they are not wildly inexperienced by historical standards.  

Panama…

It seemed no performance was explained away as the vicissitudes of a “young and inexperienced” team than the loss in Panama.  It was a historically bad result, very few games have been lost over the last two decades against Central American teams not named Costa Rica.  But was it due to the team being young?  Here is the lineup that started the game:

 

Moore

25

4

0.5

McKenzie

22

5

0

Zimmerman 

28

8

0

Bello

19

4

0

Musah

18

1

1

Acosta

26

8

0

Lletget

29

6

0

Arriola

26

9

0

Zardes

30

8

0

Weah

21

3

3

       
Average

24.4

5.6

0.45

 

This lineup is the oldest we have fielded so far!  If you take Musah out, who is the only first choice player in the eleven, then you get a team that averages over 25 years old.   What stands out is this older group has almost no experience at a level above MLS.  The meager Top 5 experience was negligible with Weah pretty much the only player with more than a year at that level followed by the youngest player, Musah.  Shaq Moore had a cup of coffee a few years back in La Liga and then that is it.

If you, again, take Weah and Musah out (two new generation players), you have a lineup with the age profile of the 2002 team, with the same professional experience, but none of the top league experience.  This is the Lost Generation affecting qualifying again.  Dropping an important point or more, in a historically bad result.  It has been an emphasis of Berhalter to try and find players in the Lost Generation and force them into the team.  But when they were given a chance, together, in this game they came up short.  Just like they always have.

Former players will say that Top 5 experience or Champions League experience is no substitute for “Concacaf” experience.  I was a fan of all of them, but let’s face it, much of the previous USMNT players that say such cliches never played in the Champions League.  Certainly, never played for Champions League contenders like Barcelona or Chelsea.  If we look at the data above, age doesn’t seem to be an issue.  But experience in the top leagues in the world does seem to be.  

Going forward we need to change how we think of the words “young” and “experienced”.  It is very plausible that 22-year-old Pulisic has far more experience than 30-year-old Zardes.  That experience at the top of the world soccer pyramid trumps age.  That the coach that played so many older, but really less experienced, players together made a major miscalculation.

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USMNT

Concacaf Gold Cup is becoming tarnished

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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

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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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USMNT

A Legacy of Stars and Stripes: The Evolution of the USWNT Kits

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

The release of new kits is always an exciting moment for U.S. Soccer fans. Traditionally, U.S. Soccer unveils new designs during the spring or summer international windows. The USMNT did have their 2022 World Cup kits released in September, three months before the World Cup.

The USWNT recently debuted their new home kit during their last two friendlies, while the USMNT is expected to showcase their new away kit in the lead-up to the 2025 Gold Cup.

U.S. Soccer has unveiled two stunning new kits for the USWNT. The home jersey, dubbed The Brilliant Kit, will make its debut when the USWNT faces China. The away jersey, known as The Heartbeat Kit, will be worn by both the USWNT and USMNT. Both designs have been met with widespread praise from fans, with many calling them among the best in recent memory. I believe these are the sharpest U.S. kits we’ve seen in nearly fifteen years.

History of the USWNT Kit

For those who follow me on social media, you might remember a project I completed back in 2022, where I tracked the history of the USMNT from the evolution of the U.S. Soccer crest to the iconic team kits. Now, I’m channeling that same passion into a new labor of love: researching and recreating the kits of the USWNT to help preserve and celebrate their rich history.

USWNT Kits – 1985 – 1993

Forty years ago, the U.S. Women’s National Team played it’s first-ever match, wearing a white Adidas home kit with red diagonal pinstripes. But like many things in those early days, the kit wasn’t made with the women’s player in mind. The kits were designed for the men’s players in size and fit. For years, USWNT players were forced to pin back and alter oversized uniforms just to keep them from getting in the way on the field. It wasn’t until 1994 that they finally received a kit specifically tailored for women.

USWNT Kits 1994 – 2011

In 1994, the final year Adidas outfitted U.S. Soccer, the USWNT finally received its first uniquely designed kit made specifically for women. This marked the beginning of a new era, with the team continuing to wear custom kits through the 2011 World Cup.

USWNT Kits – 2012 – Current

Starting in 2012, Nike decided to unify the look of the USWNT and USMNT by having both teams wear the same kits. However, there have been a few exceptions over the years where one team debuted a unique design. A recent example is the newly released USWNT home kit, while the USMNT continues to wear the 2024 home kit.

USWNT and USMNT Kits Going Forward

Nike hit the most recent kit release out of the pitch, and it raises the question of what will be next for the USWNT and USMNT kit creations. The 2026 World Cup will see at least two new kits for the USMNT, with the USWNT likely wearing one or both of them.

For decades, both the USWNT and USMNT have struggled to establish a strong, unified identity through their kits. While some designs are instantly recognizable, there’s still a sense that both teams lack a distinct visual representation that truly reflects who they are. I hope that Nike continues to create kits that bring both teams together, while also allowing for occasional unique designs, once or twice per cycle, that capture the essence of American identity, something both teams have long needed

The true identity of the USWNT and USMNT is embodied in the Stars and Stripes, woven together in red, white, and blue, perhaps with the addition of a bold sash to complete the look.

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