USMNT
Five Players Who Must Hit for USMNT To Be Successful in 2020
By John Roche ([email protected])
For the die-hard USMNT fan, 2019 was a frustrating year, with much angst attributed to Bert’s dull and inept player selection. (Quick—who was your USMNT breakout player of the year?)
If we can draw on one encouraging data point, though, it is this: if you are healthy and playing regularly in an elite Top Flight European league, you are getting a call-up. These pickings are very slim currently largely due to injuries, but the current injury trend will endure, as it always does. We have to consider that, in 2020, the core of our most talented, European-based contingent will likely never be on the field together because, at some point, any one of – and probably multiple of – Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Josh Sargent, John Brooks, Sergino Dest, DeAndre Yedlin, Alfredo Morales, etc. will be hurt.
Right now, Bert’s backfill to this plague is a markedly less-talented MLS contingent. And while we have seen encouraging spurts from some of them, we largely know what we can expect from this bunch, and it’s simply not good enough. Few supporters would argue that USMNT will be successful heading into World Cup Qualifying in September with the current “Group” of Berhalter-favored MLS options like Christian Roldan, Daniel Lovitz, Paul Arriola, Gyasi Zardes, Jonathan Lewis, Corey Baird, etc. Even the in-form Jordan Morris is not known for dissecting hunkered-down Honduran or Jamaican defenses, a skill that is so critical to grinding-out results in a brutal Hexagonal qualifying cycle (Hex).
So, what do we do in September 2020, when the Hex kicks-off, if Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, and Josh Sargent are all on the shelf? Ideally, we call on the below players, each of whose development is crucial this year because their core strengths address critical attacking gaps.
I would go so far as to say that if these five players are not all regular contributors by the time of the Hex, USMNT senior team is doomed in 2020. A combination of Bert’s poor talent selection and awful in-game management, coupled with an inevitable rash of injuries, will cripple USMNT in the early stages of qualifying. So, no pressure guys, but you have to perform at the club level in a way that Bert simply must call you in!
Please note a few caveats: Firstly, as always, I do not talk about goalkeepers.
Secondly, the emergence of these players is weighted by combining a positional need with the likelihood that Bert will call them in. At CB, for example, I consider that Chris Richards or Miles Robinson emerging as a top-choice option would serve as a relatively moderate upgrade over current starters in the short-term. Hence, they are not on here. Similarly, Julian Green might garner another seven MOTM performances in 2020, but so long as he does it in Bundesliga 2, he will not be a blip.
Lastly, we would all LOVE for there to be an as-yet-unknown player in the pool somewhere, perhaps a youth player whose stock skyrockets quickly, or a dual national who declares unexpectedly, who could jump to the front of the line. For good measure, I have included a couple of Dark Horse candidates, but – while I would love to be wrong – I think the best emerging prospects are in plain sight.
Let’s dive in.
1. Paxton Pomykal, ACM or Winger, FC Dallas
So, after all the buildup of the European contingent, an MLS player tops this list! Pomykal is simply the most practical candidate to inject a much-needed attacking flair into the midfield in 2020 under Bert. (Emphasis: under Bert.) He is slippery, creative, versatile, and –though not big – can play physical, as he demonstrated most capably against a group of larger, more seasoned French U-20’s. An injury slowed his progress post U-20 World Cup, but few doubt that a full-fitness Pomykal is an upgrade at ACM or winger.
Bert has already called him into a couple friendlies, so the hope is that a dominant January Camp – which is very feasible considering how he distinguished himself against his MLS peers in 2019– means he should leapfrog a thoroughly underwhelming Christian Roldan in a Starting XI. He could realistically do so by March, at which point Dallas would justifiably keep him and his $650k annual salary out of Olympic Qualifying.
Given his new contract, he is likely to remain in MLS for this full season. However, at his current trajectory and with access to a European passport, he is almost certain to be in a Top Five European league by January 2021, ideally through a $7m-$10m transfer fee. But that is for later; USMNT needs him in 2020.
2. Richie Ledezma, ACM, PSV Eindhoven
Ledezma may be second on this list, but his upside as a creative midfield force – the vision, the pivots, the ball control in tight spaces, the open field sprints, GLORY BE! – is higher than anyone else in the current pool. His physicality needs to evolve, but put him next to a destroyer in the midfield, and that wart just about disappears.
PSV’s situation is an interesting one, with a new manager at the senior team and a relegation-threatened Jong side, but the organization clearly rates Ledezma. He should see first-team opportunities in 2020, and the hope is that he seizes his chances and makes Bert bristle at the prospect of an all-European midfield. Likely the only inhibiting factor is another long-term injury.
3. Tim Weah, Winger, Lille
More compelling than his obvious athleticism and versatility – in peak form, he is an upgrade at winger or striker – Weah brings a much-needed intangible: leadership. Did you see how, after he scored the game-tying goal against Ecuador in the U-20 Quarterfinal, he demonstrably huddled and rallied his teammates with an emphatic pep talk? Can you think of anyone in Bert’s current arrangement (maybe McKennie?) that would do something like that?
Perhaps it’s bold to think he would be such a strong presence for the senior team right away, but his competitive fire will be needed during away games in the Hex: humid nights, hostile crowds pelting the players with debris, belligerent opposing players hacking them at every touch, the pitch coming apart under their feet, etc. At minimum, Weah needs to be a first option off the bench in these circumstances.
4. Giovanni Reyna, Winger/ACM, Borussia Dortmund
Stop us if you have heard this one before: a US teenage phenom ascending the first-team latter at Dortmund before his 18th birthday! Reyna, like Weah, offers positional versatility, with a significantly higher goal-scoring upside that the senior team desperately needs right now. Few who have seen him play believe he cannot transition to senior team football in 2020, and others (this guy!) would argue to include him in the Hex even if he is not yet playing senior team football every week.
If you think calling him a “must hit” for 2020 is aggressive, you might be right, but I would argue his indoctrination into Dortmund’s first team and the senior USMNT squad at such a young age would be a continued momentum builder for the broader player pool by adding to the unprecedented number of young Yanks thriving at football’s highest levels.
5. Chris Gloster, LB, PSV Eindhoven
Sergino Dest’s decision to play for the US has somewhat offset the need for Gloster to emerge right away, but adding a pure LB with Gloster’s rigid defending and probing, crafty attacking thrusts would allow Dest to play his more natural RB.
Gloster’s trajectory since the 2017 U-17 World Cup – from RBNY to Germany to commanding a premium salary as a foreign-born player at one of the top clubs in Holland – is hugely encouraging. A first-team chance at a very unsettled PSV side could well emerge in 2020, and if Gloster grabs it, Bert would have no choice but to finally stop calling in Daniel Lovitz!
Dark Horses:
Ulysses (Uly) Llanez, Winger, VFB Wolfsburg
Most USMNT die-hards would probably have Llanez higher on this list. His blend of audacious ball possession (both to get out of tight spaces and dart through the open field), deft give-and-go passing, and dangerous shot-taking is unparalleled in USMNT senior team player pool annals. He is dominating for Wolfsburg’s U-19 team and will almost certainly see a senior team debut in the spring for a senior team not brimming with creative options.
He is low on this list for two (2) reasons. First, his physicality against senior competition has not yet been tested, and I worry there is a 3-to-6-month injury spell lurking just after his emergence for his senior club team. Secondly, USSF leadership is so inept they are not actively courting him, even for the U-23/Olympic qualifying tournament. (This came from his father on social media.) They will likely come around just in time, but well after most supporters would like to see him.
Nick Tatigue, Winger, Schalke
The sample size is extremely small and has been gathered against far inferior competition, but when he is healthy, the 20-year-old winger looks and plays like Christian Pulisic. He was once rated in the Guardian’s Top 50 teenagers in the world (along with Pulisic) and it’s not outrageous to think a healthy, productive spell on the U-23’s could land him on their first team come spring. He will impress if he gets that call-up; the only question is health, which has been an even bigger problem for him than most.
Brenden Aronson, ACM, Philadelphia Union
Aronson was something of a surprise debutant in 2019, taking MLS by storm in the spring. He tapered-off a bit, as any youngster thrust into a grueling MLS schedule would. But he followed-up a slow end to the season with an impressive performance against a Brazil U-23 team in the fall, shielding possession, taking players on, and architecting scoring chances – all against top-level competition. Like Pomykal, we hope he can dominate a January camp and supplant more tired CM options.
Jesus Ferreira, Striker, FC Dallas
Finally a US citizen, Ferreira is lower on this list because Dallas no longer employs him as a pure striker, so Bert may not be evaluating him as such. But someone will have to player striker in January Camp! Let’s hope that it is him, as striker depth is much-needed, and the 19-year-old Ferreira projects to see the pitch for FC Dallas regularly in 2020.
Owen Otasowie, CB/DM, Wolverhampton Wanderers
He is lower on this list because he has recently transitioned to being a CB for Wolves, where he has made the bench twice in the Prem and seen time in Europa League (where he almost scored in his first touch) at the age of 18. Apparently larger clubs are beckoning with his contract due to expire in the spring of 2020, so England – where he also has citizenship – might take notice. If Bert can find a way to employ him as a destroying CM, he would be higher on this list.
USMNT
2026 USMNT Roster Predictions
USMNT
Side by Side: The Looking at USMNT Center Back Pairings – Past & Present
If the March 2026 window revealed anything about the United States men’s national soccer team, it’s that their center-back group, whether in a two- or three-man setup, lacks cohesion heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The partnership, continuity, and communication between center backs are critical to organizing the entire defense, and right now, that foundation doesn’t look fully settled.
That realization prompted a look back over the past 40 years, examining the different center-back pairings, how they developed chemistry, and the impact those partnerships had on the USMNT at the highest level.
The Steadfast Anchor of the 1990 USMNT Defense
Mike Windischmann, captain of the 1990 USMNT World Cup team, was a cornerstone of the squad throughout the 1990 cycle. For much of that period, he was paired at center-back with Steve Trittschuh, though the two didn’t start together at the World Cup itself. Windischmann also formed defensive partnerships with John Doyle, Marcelo Balboa, and Paul Caligiuri at various points. At the World Cup, he teamed up with Jimmy Banks in two of the three matches, providing leadership and stability at the heart of the U.S. backline.
Trailblazers Building a Solid Back Line for the Future
Much like the 1990 cycle, Marcelo Balboa was a constant presence on the USMNT back line, whether playing as a sweeper under Bora Milutinović or in a back three with six midfielders in front of him under Steve Sampson. He formed key partnerships with emerging talents like Alexi Lalas, who joined the team in 1992, and dual-national Thomas Dooley. This defensive core enjoyed significant successes throughout the 1994 and 1998 cycles, including advancing out of the group stage at the 1994 World Cup, defeating Argentina at the 1995 Copa América, and taking Brazil to the brink in a hard-fought semifinal.
A Defensive Anchor in U.S. Soccer History
Widely regarded as one of the top center-backs in U.S. men’s national team history, Eddie Pope featured in three consecutive FIFA World Cups (1998, 2002, and 2006), starting in all three for the USMNT. At the 2002 tournament, he anchored a formidable back line alongside Tony Sanneh and Jeff Agoos, forming a disciplined and resilient defensive unit for the United States men’s national soccer team. That group played a key role in one of the program’s deepest modern World Cup runs, but does it stand as the best defensive unit the USMNT has ever produced?
A Peak Partnership Interrupted
For me, one of the strongest center-back pairings in United States men’s national soccer team history emerged during the 2010 cycle, anchored by Carlos Bocanegra and Oguchi Onyewu. The duo arguably reached their peak at the 2009 Confederations Cup, forming a physically dominant and well-organized backbone.
Unfortunately, Onyewu’s injury leading into the 2010 World Cup limited his effectiveness, preventing the partnership from carrying that same level into the tournament. In his absence, Jay DeMerit stepped in seamlessly, providing valuable depth and steady performances, highlighting the overall strength of the USMNT’s center-back pool during that period.
From Breakthrough to Breakdown
The center-back pairing of Omar Gonzalez and Matt Besler came together late in the 2014 cycle but quickly developed into a reliable and cohesive duo at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Their understanding and physical presence helped stabilize the back line on the world stage.
That tournament also introduced a rising presence in John Brooks, who memorably scored the game-winning goal against Ghana after Besler picked up a knock, announcing himself in a major moment.
As the cycle turned toward 2018, Brooks continued to establish himself, often partnering with Geoff Cameron, while Gonzalez and Besler remained in the mix depending on form and fitness. However, as the 2018 cycle progressed, inconsistency and a lack of cohesion among the center-backs became an issue, one of several factors that ultimately contributed to the United States men’s national soccer team failing to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Emerging Stability Ahead of the 2022 World Cup
Heading into the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the United States men’s national soccer team faced real uncertainty at center back, with no clear anchor or leader emerging. That quickly changed, as Tim Ream stepped in and solidified himself as the steadying presence of the back line.
A major turning point came when Miles Robinson suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in the summer leading up to the tournament—a significant blow given his form and importance to the group. His absence opened the door for Walker Zimmerman, who had already been in contention, to establish a strong partnership alongside Ream.
Meanwhile, Aaron Long, returning from his own Achilles injury in 2021, earned a place on the roster, and Cameron Carter-Vickers also featured, with both players contributing minutes during the tournament. Together, this group brought stability to a position that had looked unsettled just months earlier.
2026 at Center Back Uncertainty and Opportunity
There are more questions than answers surrounding the United States men’s national soccer team center-back picture heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Chris Richards appears to be a near lock, while Tim Ream, though still a trusted presence, has shown signs of decline compared to four years ago, yet could still find his way onto the roster based on experience and leadership.
A key variable will be how Mauricio Pochettino sets up tactically, particularly whether he opts for a two or three center-back system. In a back three, players like Joe Scally and Alex Freeman could slide into right center-back roles given their versatility, while Mark McKenzie and Auston Trusty provide options on the left. Miles Robinson also remains firmly in the mix as competition for a roster spot.
Perhaps the biggest unknown is Noahkai Banks. The 19-year-old dual national, currently playing in the Bundesliga, opted out of a recent USMNT camp while weighing his international future between the United States and Germany. If he ultimately commits, his emergence could significantly impact the depth and ceiling of the USMNT’s center-back pool heading into 2026.
USMNT
Voices of USMNT on the World Stage
Thomas Deschaine (@uskeeper on X and us_keeper on Instagram)
Over the decades, the United States Men’s National Soccer Team has been accompanied by a wide range of voices behind the microphone, delivering some of the most memorable calls in World Cup history.
Along the way, several standout broadcast duos have helped shape the viewing experience and left a lasting mark on the USMNT landscape.
Here’s a look back at the voices that have defined US World Cup broadcasts since 1990.
1990 FIFA World Cup – Italy
Network: ESPN
Play-by-play: Bob Ley
Color: Paul Gardner
Coverage of the USMNT at the 1990 World Cup was limited, particularly in the early rounds, but Bob Ley emerged as one of the defining voices of soccer on U.S. television during that era. His presence helped introduce a new generation of American fans to the international game, providing context and credibility at a time when the global stage still felt unfamiliar to much of the US audience.
1994 FIFA World Cup – United States of America
1998 FIFA World Cup – France
2002 FIFA World Cup – Japan / South Korea
Networks: ABC / ESPN
Play-by-play: JP Dellacamera
Color: Ty Keough
This play-by-play and color commentary duo called three World Cups for the USMNT, becoming the defining voice of the team during my peak viewing years. Ty Keough the former USMNT midfielder from the late 1970s and early 1980s.
JP Dellacamera stands out as one of, if not the, best play-by-play announcers and remains one of my favorites. While others on this list delivered memorable moments, they didn’t quite match that same level of longevity.
2006 FIFA World Cup – Germany
Networks: ABC / ESPN
Play-by-play: Dave O’Brien
Color: Marcelo Balboa
New England native Dave O’Brien, widely known today for calling major sports across his career, had just one World Cup as the primary play-by-play voice for the USMNT. His run calling USMNT matches, primarily in the mid-2000s on ESPN, was relatively brief but still memorable. While he isn’t as closely associated with the USMNT as some other broadcasters, he was behind the mic for several standout moments during that era.
2010 FIFA World Cup – South Korea
Network: ESPN
Play-by-play: Ian Darke
Color: John Harkes
Ian Darke brought a global voice to American audiences as the lead play-by-play announcer for the USMNT during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Already well known around the world, he made the tournament easy to connect with for U.S. fans and delivered one of the most iconic calls in American soccer history.
Darke’s iconic call of the USMNT game winning goal by Landon Donovan in must win final group stage match against Algeria to advance to the knockout stage of the 2010 World Cup gives me chills every time I see it.
2014 FIFA World Cup – Brazil
Networks: ESPN / ABC
Play-by-play: Ian Darke
Color: Taylor Twellman
This duo might be my favorite to date. Ian Darke brought a clear, global voice to USMNT viewers during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, making the tournament easy to follow for US fans while elevating the biggest moments with calm, sharp, and memorable calls.
Alongside him, Taylor Twellman emerged as one of the most recognizable and influential voices of the modern era, primarily as a lead analyst on ESPN. His passionate, unfiltered style stood out, most notably with his unforgettable “What are we doing?!” reaction following the USMNT’s failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, a moment that’s still talked about today.
2022 FIFA World Cup – Qatar
Network: FOX Sports
Play-by-play: John Strong
Color: Stu Holden
If the USMNT had qualified for the 2018 World Cup, this broadcast team would have called their matches, marking what would have been a third straight World Cup cycle with the same primary commentary crew. It’s also likely he’ll be paired again with Stu Holden for USMNT matches at the 2026 World Cup.
John Strong has served as a lead play-by-play voice for U.S. soccer on FOX Sports since 2018, bringing a modern, high-energy style to the booth. Since taking on major international assignments, he’s become one of the defining voices for USMNT audiences in top competitions, known for his clear, sharp calls and a big-game tone that fits the moment.
2026 USMNT Roster Predictions
Side by Side: The Looking at USMNT Center Back Pairings – Past & Present
Voices of USMNT on the World Stage
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