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Generation Adidas U17 Report

Published

4 years ago

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I did it for you all. I watched every broadcasted U17 match that featured an American MLS team. That means I was able to watch these clubs, some multiple times: Atlanta, LAFC, NYCFC, Seattle, Minnesota, LA Galaxy, NYRB, San Jose, Philadelphia, Columbus, Austin, Charlotte, Cincinnati, DC United, Miami, Houston and Real Salt Lake. 

The following clubs did not get a broadcast at the U17 level: New England, Dallas, Orlando, KC, Portland, St. Louis, Colorado, Nashville or Chicago. 

The U17 level consists of players born in 2005, 2006 and there were numerous players born in 2007 that were playing up a level. The 2005 age group has been a bit of a forgotten one from a Youth National Team (YNT) perspective, though the USSF just announced the hiring of Marko Mitrovic to lead the U19 group, which will focus on the 2005 age group. The reason they have been a bit of an afterthought is because the 2023 U20 World Cup will mostly feature 2003s and 2004s and the 2023 U17 World Cup will feature 2006s and 2007s. 

Scouting players at this level is challenging. It can be messy. I rate players based on three categories: physical ability (strength, speed, quickness, explosiveness), technical ability (touch, dribbling, passing, shooting, tackling) and tactical/intellectual ability (creativity, mental processing, toughness). 

At this age, I am looking for peaks and am not necessarily too concerned about valleys. I am  looking for elite traits, even if they show up inconsistently. Obviously the players that do it more consistently get noted, but the key at this level is identify what a player could be and hope that through development, physical and mental maturation, and luck;  the consistency will come and the areas of weakness can become strengths. 

I’ve gone position by position to identify players that caught my eye: 

Goalkeepers 

Emmy Ochoa, San Jose Earthquakes (2005)

Emmy Ochoa is a Mexican-American that has played for Mexico at the U18 level, but is eligible to play for the US and is a likely target for the 2005 group. He signed as a homegrown player with San Jose as a 14 year old and currently starts for Earthquake II in MLS Next Pro. He’s the best 2005 US-eligible keeper that I have scouted. What stood out to me in the match I watched Emmy play vs River Plate was his ability with the ball at his feet and his intensity. 

Jonathan Munteanu, Houston Dynamo (2005)

Jonathan has not played as a Youth International and is not on a pro contract, nor has he played for Dynamo 2. Jonathan caught my eye because of the explosiveness and demanding presence he showed between the pipes. 

Left-Backs

Brian Alanis, Houston Dynamo (2006)

Brian Alanis is a youth international that has most recently joined a U17 camp in January. I liked Brian’s ability to maneuver in tight spaces and he has a really nice touch. He showed the ability to both initiate positive transitions and get on the end of transitional play by flying up the left sideline. 

Christian McFarlane, NYCFC (2007)

Christian was one of the few standout 2007s playing up a level. He is a British-American that signed a homegrown contract with NYCFC as a 14 year old, but has not yet featured for NYCFC or NYCFC II in MLS Next Pro, though I’d expect that to happen at some point this year. Christian is big for his age, already standing at 6-0 tall. That also makes him bigger than you typically see at the full-back position, but I really like him out there. He’s really smooth on the ball and does a really nice job with his first touch. He showed a good ability to progress the ball forward and place passes right where they needed to be. 

Right-Backs

Oscar Verhoeven, San Jose Earthquakes (2006) 

Oscar is one of my favorite youth players to watch because he is so creative with the ball at his feet. Oscar has been called to the last couple U17 YNT camps and I expect him to be a fixture in that team. He has not signed a professional contract and has not played for Earthquakes II, but I think he will at some point this year. I saw more of what I had seen from Oscar, lightning quick feet, highly creative and good long passing and crosses. His defenses isn’t quite at the level of his offense, but he puts in a shift and he’s plenty fine physically at this level. 

Izzy Boatwright, Inter Miami (2005)

Izzy played both Center-back and Right-back for Inter Miami, but played more so at RB, so I am placing him here. How Izzy develops physically will likely determine where he ends up. I first saw him play CB and loved his quickness and skill on the ball and as a passer. When I saw him play RB I was very intrigued, because he is a bigger guy. He showed even more creativity on the ball and was a monster in 1v1 defense. He was an absolute lock down 1v1 defender against the eventual championship side, Seattle. 

Diego Rossi, NYCFC (2005)

Diego was recently called into the U19 camp and has appeared for NYCFC II. I was impressed with Diego’s quick feet, pace and ability to connect play up the right side. 

Center-Backs

Francis Westfield, Philadelphia Union (2005)

Francis has appeared in two matches for Union II, starting one. He, like Izzy Boatwright, plays both RB and CB. He played RCB in a back three in the match I saw against Flamengo, maybe one of the most impressive performances I saw by a MLS academy team against a giant like Flamengo. Westfield showed an incredible feel for the game, he was intercepting everything. He isn’t the tallest CB, but he moves well and is plenty comfortable with the ball at his feet, but for sure his most impressive trait was the way he reads the game and disrupts the opponent’s attack. 

Ángel Martínez, Seattle Sounders (2005)

Ángel has played for the USYNT at the U15 level. Ángel might not be the most physically gifted CB in this age group, but he is so smart and reads the game so well. He and Stuart Hawkins were the most solid CB pairing I saw and was a big reason why Seattle one the U17 cup. Ángel showed some good long balls and good ability to dribble out of trouble, but his mental processing was what really stood out to me. 

Tyler Hall, Inter Miami (2006)

I only saw Tyler for a half, but you only need to see Tyler play a little to see that he is special. Tyler captained the USYNT U17s in the last camp and he has been a starter for Inter Miami II. I think it is only a matter of time before Tyler gets a homegrown deal with Miami. He’s clearly very well thought of within that organization and within the USSF. He has all the makings of an elite CB prospect, especially if he hits a little bit of growth spurt. He’s extremely mobile, physical, smart and is very comfortable with the ball at his feet. Unfortunately Tyler got a knock and missed the quarter-finals and semi-finals. I thought Miami really missed his presence in the backline and was a big reason they did not go through to the finals. Hopefully he gets fit soon and can get back on the field for Inter Miami II. Tyler is one of the best 2006 prospects I’ve scouted in the USYNT pool. 

Matai Akinmboni, DC United (2006)

Matai is a tall, left-footed Center-back that has played for DC United’s USL side, Loudoun United. He and Jace Clark are two highly regarded CBs within the DC program at the U17 level. These two had the tough task of taking on a high powered River Plate side in VERY windy conditions. It wasn’t a standout game from Matai, but there were enough flashes of his ability as a ball playing CB, and his ambition to break lines with his passes, to get me excited. Tyler and Matai would make a very exciting CB pairing at the U17 level. 

Defensive-Mids

Ethan Kohler, San Jose Earthquakes (2005)

You can’t miss Ethan on the pitch because he rocks the short shorts. Ethan has not played at the youth international level and is not on any sort of pro contract, but he did make his debut with Earthquakes II last weekend, starting at RCB. Ethan caught my eye at the GA Cup because he covers a lot of ground and is fearless going into tackles and challenges. He showed a lot of leadership qualities on the pitch and was also solid in possession and distribution. 

Bryan Moyada, LAFC (2005)

Bryan is more of a deep lying, playmaking 6 in the mold of a Danny Leyva. I watched LAFC U17 play Flamengo in a match where LAFC looked a bit over matched, however Flamengo struggled to put together any big time chances and I think that was in large part because of Bryan’s pitch control and his ability to minimize momentum through craft possession and passing. 

Center-Mids

Niko Tsakiris, San Jose Earthquakes (2005)

Niko signed his homegrown contract with San Jose earlier this year and has been getting some minutes with the first team and he’s looked good. Niko has the looks of being one of the top 2005s in the USYNT pool and with more success in the MLS, he could start getting looks with the U20s, otherwise he will be a staple with the 2005 group. Niko was very strong against River, showing good body control and an ability to progress the ball into the final third. He was a menace all match and looked exactly how you’d want a professional to look in a youth tournament. 

Benjamin Cremaschi, Inter Miami (2005)

Cremaschi is an Argentinian-American who signed with the Miami academy recently from Weston. Benjamin actually first caught my eye in a MLS Next Pro match against Philly where he scored a nice header goal against McGlynn and Paxten. He played really well all tournament as both an 8 and a 6. He’s physically advanced and plays very strong and aggressive. He reads the game well and breaks up a lot of plays defensively. He is also a good ball progressor and connects well with wings and strikers. He’s definitely one to keep an eye on. I think his future is as a 6. 

Daniel Ordonez, Austin FC (2005)

Daniel is a super smart and crafty midfielder. He’s tidy with the ball at his feet and he reads the game super well. He showed many different ways to progress the ball and help get the ball in dangerous positions. 

Brandon Tellez, LA Galaxy (2005)

I thought Brandon played really well against a very good Manchester United side. He was dangerous in attack, creative with the dribble and had very good ideas in getting out of tight situations. He was one of the bright players in a match where LAG went toe to toe with one of the best academies in the world. 

Caleb Borneo, Columbus Crew (2005)

Caleb has not signed a homegrown contract nor has he played internationally, but he has made the bench for Crew 2 and his debut should be around the corner. I really loved Caleb’s versatility in the match I watched. In the first half he played more as a playmaking 6 and in the second half he played more as an attacking 10 and he was effective at both. 

Nate Worth, NYRB (2007)

Nate is one of the four 2007s on this list. He has not signed a homegrown contract, but he is on loan to NYRB II in the USL and he has been with the USYNT U15s. It’s rumored that Nate is the best free kick taker in the USYNT pool, but we didn’t get to see too much of it. He did score a goal in the match I saw on a bit of a broken play. He looked a little bit overmatched physically, he’s not the biggest kid, but overall I thought he showed toughness and hung in well for someone playing up a level. 

Attacking-Mids

Cruz Medina, San Jose Earthquakes (2006)

Cruz is a premier 2006 player in the USYNT pool. He has not yet signed a homegrown contract, but he has trained with clubs like Bayern Munich. I expect the homegrown deal to happen this year and I also expect him to play with Earthquakes II at some point soon. He has been a consistent call up to the USYNT U17s. Cruz has more of a 10 profile, but plays the 8 for SJ and USMNT. In San Jose’s match against River, I saw more of what I have seen from Cruz. He’s got a rare and special ability with the ball at his feet. He’s so creative in tight spaces and has some sneaky acceleration to get by people. He’s not the biggest or fastest, but his technical ability is remarkable. 

https://twitter.com/USMNTZ/status/1513564802827755522?s=20&t=bXEVlYd42tJ7wYmsGNz7Ig
Christopher Aquino, Seattle Sounders (2006)

Mr. Aquino was one of the stars of the tournament and the championship team’s best attacking player. He came off the bench in the three matches I watched and played a false 9 type of role. He scored a goal in both the semi-finals and the finals. The goal in the finals was from about 25 to 30 yards out. He has a smooth left foot and is crafty in creating space in tight areas. Just when you thought the 2006 USYNT midfield couldn’t get anymore stacked, now you can throw Aquino in the mix. 

https://twitter.com/SoundersAcademy/status/1515871548380377092?s=20&t=bXEVlYd42tJ7wYmsGNz7Ig

Wingers

Álex Alcalá, LA Galaxy (2005)

Álex is on LA Galaxy II, but has not yet played for the USL side. He is eligible to play for the US and Mexico. He’s undersized, but boy did he put on a show in the round of 16 against Manchester United. He nutmegged the MU left-back four or five times. His dribbling and creative problem solving in tight spaces was a joy to watch. 

Justin Knighton, LA Galaxy (2005)

Justin is a pacey, aggressive winger who was up for the challenge against Manchester United. He was relentless in running at defenders and created a lot of problems. He scored the first goal in that match and it was a nice one. 

https://twitter.com/LAGalaxyAcademy/status/1514387655680688129?s=20&t=bXEVlYd42tJ7wYmsGNz7Ig
Andre Gitau, Houston Dynamo (2006)

Andre is another top 2006 and recently played with the USYNT U17s. Andre has a rare blend of athleticism and skill. He was a handful in the match I watched. He loves attacking players 1v1 and is able to have success with speed, power and skill. 

Micah Burton, Austin FC (2006)

Micah recently played false 9 for the USYNT U17s, but he is better suited as a 10 or a winger. He’s undersized, but has a wonderful feel for the game and good technical ability. He scored on a very nice goal in the match I watched and was active all match long. I loved the different ways he got out of tight situations and he moved incredibly well without the ball. 

https://twitter.com/MLSNEXT/status/1513198377093193728?s=20&t=bXEVlYd42tJ7wYmsGNz7Ig
Miles Perkovich, Inter Miami (2006)

The 2006 group has the looks of a historic one. Miles is another attacking player from that class that I am high on and he had some really nice moments in the GA Cup. He’s ambitious and creative with the dribble and loves to attack 1v1. I thought he held onto the ball a little too long in some instances and he wasn’t a major factor in the semi-final loss to Seattle, but there were tough circumstances in that match. Miles is more quick than fast and is very strong. I’d expect him to get a homegrown deal in the near future and also get a call from the USYNT. 

Etienne Veillard, Seattle Sounders (2007)

Etienne is another 2007 that played up in this tournament. He scored the second goal for Seattle in the U17 finals. He’s a pacey and hard working winger that was a nuisance all tournament long

https://twitter.com/SoundersAcademy/status/1515875769863475203?s=20&t=bXEVlYd42tJ7wYmsGNz7Ig

Strikers

Nelson Pierre, Philadelphia Union (2005)

I only saw Nelson for about 30 minutes vs Flamengo, but he was super impressive and an absolute load for the Brazilian side to handle. He has a rare blend of power and speed, reminiscent of Daryl Dike. He also had a goal that was Dike like with nice off ball movement and a killer finish from a tricky angle. Pierre is playing consistently with Union II and is a striker that the USMNT community should be excited about. 

https://twitter.com/USMNTZ/status/1513962637310107648?s=20&t=bXEVlYd42tJ7wYmsGNz7Ig
Bryan Destin, Inter Miami (2006)

Destin is a player I knew little about before the tournament, but I was left impressed. He scored a beautiful goal against River in a match where he had a brace. In that match he also showed some of the best hold up play you will see at this level. He knows how to use his strong frame to hold off defenders and keep the ball in a position that the defender cannot disrupt. From there he was effective in buying time for his teammates to enter the attack and find them in good positions. I’d love to see Destin with the USYNT U17s in the next camp. They need a target striker like Destin. 

Diego Rodriguez, Austin FC (2006)

Diego isn’t typically a starter for Austin’s U17s, but with Cruz Mesa out with an injury, he saw a lot of minutes in this tournament. I was impressed with his skill on the ball and his ability to make plays for his teammates.

Axel Kei, Real Salt Lake (2007)

I didn’t see much of Axel in the match I watched, but his physical profile at his age is undeniable. He and Christian McFarlane are the only two 2007s on homegrown deals. 

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The No. 9 Timeline: A Historical Look at USMNT Strikers

Published

3 days ago

on

April 10, 2026

By

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

Each generation of soccer can be understood through overlapping eras, each one feeding into the next. Some produce deeper pools of talent, while others rely on a handful of standout players. In a recent piece, I looked back at past USMNT goalkeepers and their impact on World Cup teams. That led to a natural follow-up: a deeper dive into the history of USMNT strikers.

For this article, I’ve divided that history into three distinct eras, focusing strictly on past strikers rather than the current pool. I’ll wrap up, however, with some thoughts on where today’s active strikers fit into that broader timeline. For each era I will spotlight four strikers.

According to their media guide, the modern era of the USMNT begins with the 1990 World Cup cycle. While that framing makes some sense, it does gloss over some of the program’s more challenging decades. For the purposes of this, though, we’ll start there as well, especially considering that from 1974 to 1986, the USMNT averaged fewer than 20 matches per cycle and scored less than a goal per game across those four cycles.

Trailblazers: The Early Era of USMNT Strikers

The story of USMNT strikers stretches back nearly 40 years, to a time when goals were often hard to come by, but a handful of players still managed to leave a lasting impression. This was an era defined less by consistent production and more by moments, flashes of quality that stood out during a formative period for the program.

Players like Chris Sullivan, Eric Eichmann, Frank Klopas, and Roy Wegerle all played roles in at least one World Cup cycle and delivered important goals along the way. However, consistency and longevity at the international level proved elusive, reflecting the broader challenges the USMNT faced during this period.

Even so, these players helped lay the groundwork for future generations, establishing the foundation for what the striker position would eventually become.


Bruce Murray (1985 – 1993)
85 Caps, 21 goals, 11 assists

A quick, opportunistic forward known for his movement and ability to capitalize on chances, Bruce Murray was the type of striker the USMNT hadn’t truly seen before. He filled that role throughout the 1990 cycle and into the lead-up to 1994, emerging as the team’s leading scorer during that stretch and helping guide the U.S. to its first World Cup appearance since 1950. At the 1990 World Cup, Murray contributed a goal and an assist, highlighting his impact on the international stage.

Despite his contributions, Murray was ultimately left off the 1994 World Cup squad, one of the final cuts as the program began to turn toward younger options and players competing in Europe at the time.

Eric Wynalda (1990 – 2000)
106 Caps, 34 goals, 17 assists

The premier striker of this era for the USMNT, Eric Wynalda featured in three consecutive World Cups. A dynamic and confident forward, he combined technical ability with a powerful shot, making him a constant goal threat and the focal point of the U.S. attack.

His iconic set-piece goal against Switzerland in the USMNT’s opening match of the 1994 FIFA World Cup remains one of the greatest in tournament history and stands among the best goals ever scored by the USMNT. Wynalda not only delivered in defining moments but also set the tone and standard for the strikers who followed.

Earnie Stewart (1990 – 2004)
101 Caps, 17 goals, 10 assists

Earnie Stewart was a key attacking figure for the USMNT throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, bringing a blend of technical quality, intelligence, and consistency to the squad. Comfortable as both a striker and a second forward, his versatility allowed him to influence matches in multiple ways while effectively linking midfield and attack.

While not a traditional No. 9, Stewart’s movement, awareness, and all-around contributions helped shape the evolution of the USMNT’s forward line during a critical period of growth for the program. He appeared in three World Cups—the 1994 FIFA World Cup, 1998 FIFA World Cup, and 2002 FIFA World Cup—and delivered one of the most iconic moments in U.S. soccer history, scoring the game-winning goal against heavily favored Colombia on home soil in 1994.

Second Generation USMNT Strikers (1996-2010)

The next era of USMNT strikers following the 1994 World Cup produced a tough, hard-nosed group. Several featured in one or more World Cup cycles, led by Josh Wolff, who made both the 2002 and 2006 squads.

Brian Ching and Eddie Johnson were also key figures, earning spots on the 2006 roster, with some arguing they were overlooked later in their careers. Other notable names from that period include Casey Coner, Ante Razov, and Taylor Twellman, players who all had opportunities with the USMNT, but whose form and timing didn’t quite align with World Cup selection. Twellman, in particular, still believes he should have been part of the 2006 squad.

Joe-Max Moore (1992 – 2002)
100 Caps, 24 goals, 14 assists

This was always a bit of a sneaky one for me. Joe-Max Moore was a consistently reliable attacking option for the USMNT during this era, even if he didn’t always get the spotlight. Currently ranked seventh all-time in USMNT goals, Moore contributed across three World Cup cycles and remained a steady presence in the attack.

He’s also one of just five USMNT players to score four goals in a single match, a standout performance that came against El Salvador in 1993. Despite his overall production and longevity, however, Moore was never able to find the back of the net on the World Cup (1994, 1998 and 2002) stage.

Brian McBride (1993 – 2006)
95 Caps, 30 goals, 11 assists

A traditional No. 9, Brian McBride was physical, relentless, and dependable, with a dominant aerial presence in the biggest moments. He put everything on the line for the USMNT, scoring in multiple World Cups (1998 and 2002) and cementing himself as a fixture at the striker position.

One of his most iconic moments came at the 2006 World Cup, when he was elbowed in the face by Italy’s Daniele De Rossi, leaving him bloodied and in need of stitches, yet he still played the full 90 minutes.

Clint Mathis (1998 – 2005)
46 Caps, 12 goals, 9 assists

While Clint Mathis had a relatively brief run with the USMNT, his impact on the attacking position was undeniable. Often deployed as a second striker behind Brian McBride, Mathis was anything but traditional—he thrived as a free-roaming attacker capable of changing a match in an instant, highlighted by his ability to score spectacular long-range goals.

He played a key role for the U.S. at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, scoring a memorable goal against South Korea in the group stage and adding an assist, helping power the team’s historic run.

The Evolving Striker Pool (2009 – 2018)

The striker pool from this generation is an interesting mix, some players were only involved with the USMNT for brief stretches, while others carried over from the previous era and overlapped with this group.

Strikers like Edson Buddle and Hercules Gomez, both part of the 2010 World Cup roster, had limited opportunities and production at the international level. Their inclusion was shaped in part by circumstance, as Charlie Davies’ recovery from his car accident less than a year before the tournament ultimately ruled him out of contention.

Looking ahead to 2014, Aron Jóhannsson and Chris Wondolowski earned World Cup roster spots but struggled to make a lasting impact in the biggest matches against top-tier opponents, which limited their long-term roles with the national team.

Players like Jordan Morris, Jesús Ferreira, and Gyasi Zardes emerged and saw increased opportunities following the failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. It’s easy to imagine that at least some of that younger group could have factored into the roster had the U.S. made it to Russia.

Clint Dempsey (2004 – 2017)
141 Caps, 57 goals, 19 assists

Clint Dempsey delivered some of the most iconic striker moments in USMNT history, big goals, clutch performances, and a relentless ability to show up when it mattered most. While he wasn’t a traditional target striker, his movement, instincts, and technical ability made him one of the most dangerous attacking players the U.S. has ever had.

He scored against top-tier opponents like Spain and Brazil at the 2009 Confederations Cup, found the net against England at the 2010 World Cup to help secure a crucial draw, and famously opened the scoring just seconds into the 2014 World Cup. He also delivered in the 2016 Copa América, with key goals against Ecuador in the quarterfinal and Paraguay in the group stage.

Dempsey wasn’t just a scorer, he was a moment-maker. Whether it was a scrappy finish, a composed strike, or stepping up in the biggest matches, he consistently delivered when the U.S. needed him most.

Jozy Altidore (2007 – 2019)
115 Caps, 42 goals, 14 assists

Jozy Altidore had a unique USMNT career, less about highlight-reel volume and more about physical presence, hold-up play, and stepping up in key moments. At his best, he was the focal point of the attack and a difference-maker. Jozy’s work ethic seemed to impact later stages of his club and USMNT career and impacted him becoming the all-time leading scorer in USMNT history.

Bobby Wood (2013 – 2018)
43 Caps, 13 goals, 3 assists

If it weren’t for Jürgen Klinsmann’s support after Bobby Wood secured a new club in Germany, it’s unclear whether his international career would have continued. While his peak was relatively brief at both club and national level, Wood made his mark with clutch moments, most memorably scoring game-winning goals in back-to-back 2015 friendlies: a 4–3 comeback victory over the Netherlands and a 2–1 win against Germany.

The Next Generation: Assessing the Future of USMNT Strikers

The current USMNT striker pool remains very unsettled. At the moment, Ricardo Pepi is the only regular forward to reach double-digit goals, with 13. He’s followed by Folarin Balogun with eight and Haji Wright with seven. Other notable names in the mix include Josh Sargent and Patrick Agyemang, each of whom has contributed five goals at the international level. However, Agyemang suffered an Achilles injury and has been ruled out of the World Cup, a significant setback given his recent form. For the USMNT to be successful at the 2026 FIFA World Cup their strikers will be a key role and contributing to the teams’ goals scored.

From a club perspective at the time of the article, Balogun is in excellent form, and the hope is that continues through the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At this point, it feels clear that Balogun and Pepi have established themselves as the top two striker options. The bigger question, though, is who else will step up to provide the depth and quality needed to sustain the position in this cycle and beyond.

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Entry into US Men’s National Fandom

Published

2 months ago

on

January 31, 2026

By

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

Every soccer fan has a player or a moment or signature win that pulls them into the game and binds them to a team, no matter how high or low the journey becomes.

For me, that moment was tied to the U.S. Men’s National Team hosting the 1994 World Cup, along with my own recent introduction to the sport as the starting goalkeeper for my school team. Tony Meola, in particular, stood out as one of many important icons and trailblazers for the USMNT during that era.

I imagine there are countless young fans around the world who have already had, or will soon have, that defining moment over the last few years: discovering their first international team and the players they’ll root for and follow for years to come.

Before the 1990 World Cup cycle, those moments were rare for the USMNT. The United States hadn’t even reached the final round of CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying. Their closest opportunity came during the 1986 cycle, when all the U.S. needed was a draw at home against Costa Rica, a result they had achieved just five days earlier on the road in Costa Rica.

In the 1980s, the USMNT qualified for the Olympics three times, once automatically as the host nation in 1984 and twice through the qualifying tournament. It’s also worth noting that Mexico was disqualified during both the 1980 and 1988 qualifying cycles.

Despite qualifying, the U.S. withdrew from the 1980 Olympics in protest of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. In the tournaments they did play (1984 and 1988), the USMNT struggled to make an impact, failing to advance out of the group stage and managing just one combined win across both competitions.

USMNT on the Rise (1988-1998)

This generation of trailblazers put the U.S. Men’s National Team back on the map—ending a 40-year World Cup drought, hosting the 1994 World Cup, and advancing further than the world expected.

1989 WCQ neutral side in Honduras vs El Salvador

A rare win away from home soil keeps US in hunt to qualify for 1990 World Cup. 

1989 – Qualification at Trinidad & Tobago

The win in Port of Spain sends the US to its first World Cup since 1950.

1990 – Return to the World Cup (Italy)

Results were tough, but simply qualifying restarted the program on the world stage.

1991 – USA 2–0 Mexico (Gold Cup)

The USMNT’s first “Dos a Cero” win against Mexico to advance to the first Gold Cup Final.

1993 – USA 2-0 England (U.S. Cup)

The USMNT first win against England since the 1950 World Cup.

1994 – USA 2–1 Colombia (World Cup)

One of the biggest upsets in World Cup history; launched U.S. soccer into the mainstream.

1995 – USA 3-0 Argentina (Copa America)

The apex win for this generation of USMNT trailblazers.

1998 – USA 1-0 Brazil (Gold Cup)

The USMNT only win over Brazil to date.

Earning Respect from the World (1999-2010)

After a disappointing performance at the 1998 World Cup, the USMNT reset by hiring American coach Bruce Arena. That decision, combined with the emergence of impactful young players, helped restore credibility and earn growing respect on the global stage—culminating in a deep and memorable run at the 2002 World Cup.

1999 – 2-0 Win over Germany (Confederations Cup)

USMNT second win over Germany in 1999.

2001 – First “Dos a Cero” vs Mexico in Columbus (World Cup Qualifier)

A rivalry-defining moment and a psychological turning point.

2002 – USA 3–2 Portugal (World Cup)

The world took notice. One of the greatest performances in USMNT history.

2002 – USA 2–0 Mexico (World Cup Round of 16)

Dominance over rival Mexico on the biggest stage.

2002 – World Cup Quarterfinal run (loss 1–0 to Germany)

Even in a loss the USMNT deepest World Cup run got attention from most.

2005 – USA 2-0 Mexico in Columbus (World Cup Qualifier)

USMNT WCQ win over Mexico qualified them for the World Cup.

2007 – Gold Cup Final: USA 2–1 Mexico (Gold Cup)

A signature win in Chicago with a classic Donovan goal.

2009 – USA 2–0 Spain (Confederations Cup)

Ends Spain’s 35-match unbeaten streak in a historic semifinal upset.

2010 – Donovan vs Algeria (90+1’)

The most iconic goal in USMNT history; dramatic group-stage escape.

The Klinsmann Era (2011-2017)

When Jürgen Klinsmann was hired to replace Bob Bradley, he introduced a new mindset for the USMNT, challenging players to compete at higher levels with their clubs. The opponents he scheduled during his tenure reflected that philosophy, consistently pushing the team against stronger international competition.

2012 – USA 1-0 Italy (Friendly)

A key road win for the USMNT under Klinsmann.

2012 – USA 1-0 Mexico (Friendly)

The Americans first ever win at Azteca in Mexico.

2013 – USA 4-3 Germany (Centennial Match)

Celebrating their centennial match in style with a win.

2013 – USA 4-3 Bosnia-Herzegovina (Friendly)

A comeback road win against the 13th ranked Bosnia-Herzegovina.

2013 – USA 2-0 Mexico (World Cup Qualifier)

Nothing better than Dos a Cero that qualifies you for the World Cup.

2014 – USA 2–1 Ghana (World Cup)

Revenge at last, with a clutch John Brooks header helping to advance from Group of Death.

2015 – USA 4-3 Netherlands (Friendly)

A thrilling comeback victory on the road against the Netherlands.

2015 – USA 2-1 Germany (Friendly)

Days after beating the Netherlands, the USMNT topped Germany in a hard-fought match.

2016 – USA 2-1 Ecuador (Copa America)

A quarter-final win for the Americans who advance to the semi-finals of Copa America.

The Rise of a New Generation (2018-Current)

After the failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, the USMNT landscape began to shift. A greater emphasis was placed on integrating younger players into the national team, even as it became increasingly difficult for the U.S. to schedule friendlies against top-level opponents from Europe and South America.

2021 – USA 3-2 Mexico (Nations League)

This extra-time win sparked a period of dominance over Mexico.

2022 – USA 3-0 Morocco (Friendly)

A victory over the eventual fourth-place finisher at the 2022 World Cup.

2022 – USA 1-0 Iran (World Cup)

A first-half strike from Christian Pulisic propels the U.S. into the knockout stage.

2023 – USA 3-0 Mexico (Nations League)

A dominant semifinal win preceded Gregg Berhalter’s rehiring.

2024 -USA 2-0 Mexico (Nations League)

Another victory over El Tri, extending the unbeaten run to seven matches.

A Chance to Win will bring in New Believers Ahead of 2026

The USMNT has a prime opportunity to build momentum and attract new supporters ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with upcoming friendlies against European powers Belgium, Portugal, and Germany, along with AFCON champions Senegal. These high-profile matchups offer a rare spotlight and a chance to measure themselves against the world’s best.

A deep World Cup run, reaching the quarterfinals or beyond, would go a long way toward winning and retaining new fans. But to truly grow the fanbase, success must be consistent, with fewer lapses and a standard of performance that reinforces belief long after the tournament ends.

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USMNT

Breaking the Mold: Freese a Unique USMNT Goalkeeper

Published

4 months ago

on

December 12, 2025

By

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

With only the March window left before Mauricio Pochettino finalizes the 2026 World Cup roster, one major question remains: who can truly be trusted to guard the net? It’s a debate still dividing media, fans, and observers alike.

The USMNT has produced some legendary goalkeepers over the past four decades, but the current pool has yet to see anyone truly seize the No. 1 spot. For a while, it looked like Matt Turner might start in back-to-back World Cups, but after a poor summer performance against Switzerland, he lost his place to Matt Freese. Freese went on to start the last thirteen matches, yet outside of his heroics in the 2025 Gold Cup penalty shootout, echoing Turner’s run in 2023, Freese hasn’t fully convinced me he should be the starter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Since the 1990 cycle, five USMNT goalkeepers, Tony Meola, Kasey Keller, Brad Friedel, Tim Howard, and Matt Turner, have earned the World Cup starting role. Each of them logged minutes in the grueling World Cup qualifying process before taking the job. But Matt Freese could become the first USMNT goalkeeper to start a World Cup without ever playing a single qualifier.

Tony Meola – 1990 Italy World Cup

1990 World Cup Finals, Florence, Italy, 10th June, 1990, Czechoslovakia 5 v USA 1, USA’s goalkeeper Tony Meola shouting instructions to his defenders (Photo by Bob Thomas Sports Photography via Getty Images)

Creator: Bob Thomas | Credit: Getty Images

Tony Meola remains the youngest goalkeeper ever to start a World Cup for the USMNT. He went on to start in back-to-back tournaments and later served as the backup at the 2002 World Cup alongside Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller.

First Cap (Age) – June 7, 1998 (19 years, 3 month & 17 days)

World Cup 1990 (Age) – (21 years, 3 months, 10 days)

Overall Stats heading into the World Cup
Matches Played – 17
Matches Started – 15
Minutes Played – 1,395
Wins – 7
Shutouts – 6

World Cup Qualifying Stats
Matches Played – 4
Matches Started – 4
Minutes Played – 360
Wins – 2
Shutouts – 4

Kasey Keller – 1998 France World Cup

21 Jun 1998: USA goalkeeper Kasey Keller throws out during the World Cup group F game against Iran at the Stade Gerland in Lyon, France. Iran won 2-1. \ Mandatory Credit: Ben Radford /Allsport

Kasey Keller, one of the backups to Tony Meola at the 1990 World Cup, was left off the 1994 roster but later reestablished himself in the USMNT picture. He went on to become the primary starter for the 1998 and 2006 World Cups and served as the backup on the 2002 team.

Creator: Ben Radford | Credit: Getty Images

First Cap (Age) – February 4, 1990 (20 years, 2 months & 6 days)

World Cup 1998 (Age) – (28 years, 6 months, 15 days)

Overall Stats heading into the World Cup
Matches Played – 34
Matches Started – 33
Minutes Played – 2,790
Wins – 18
Shutouts – 16

World Cup Qualifying Stats
Matches Played – 9
Matches Started – 9
Minutes Played – 810
Wins – 5
Shutouts – 6

Brad Friedel – 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup

1 Sep 2001: USA Goalkeeper Brad Friedel organises his defence during the FIFA 2002 World Cup Qualifier between USA and Honduras played at the RFK Stadium in Washington, USA. Honduras won the match 3 – 2. \ Mandatory Credit: Clive Brunskill /Allsport

Creator: Clive Brunskill | Credit: Getty Images

Brad Friedel, who started all five U.S. matches at the 2002 World Cup and made one start in 1998, earned a place on three USMNT World Cup squads during his career.

First Cap (Age) – September 3, 1992 (21 years, 3 months, 16 days)

World Cup 2002 (Age) – (31 years, 0 months, 5 days)

Overall Stats heading into the World Cup
Matches Played – 76
Matches Started – 74
Minutes Played – 6,453
Wins – 25
Shutouts – 23

World Cup Qualifying Stats
Matches Played – 13
Matches Started – 13
Minutes Played – 1,125
Wins – 7
Shutouts – 4

Tim Howard – 2010 South Africa

Creator: Ronald Wittek | Credit: Alamy

Tim Howard, the oldest first-time World Cup starter among this group, may also be the most accomplished. He appeared on three World Cup rosters, and likely would have made a fourth had the USMNT qualified in 2018.

First Cap (Age) – March 10, 2002 (23 years, 0 months, 4 days)

World Cup 2010 (Age) – (31 years, 3 months, 12 days)

Overall Stats heading into the World Cup
Matches Played – 51
Matches Started – 50
Minutes Played – 4,185
Wins – 31
Shutouts – 23

World Cup Qualifying Stats
Matches Played – 16
Matches Started – 16
Minutes Played – 1,440
Wins – 12
Shutouts – 8

Matt Turner – 2022 Qatar

goalkeeper Matt Turner of the United States clears the ball away with a header during the World Cup, group B soccer match between the United States and Wales, at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Monday, Nov. 21, 2022. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

Creator: Francisco Seco | Credit: AP

Turner seized his opportunity when an unwell Zack Steffen was forced off the roster to start the World Cup qualifying, stepping in to start the first of eight World Cup qualifiers. His performances solidified his place as the USMNT’s starting goalkeeper for the 2022 World Cup.

First Cap (Age) – January 31, 2021 (26 years, 9 months, 3 days)

World Cup 2022 (Age) – (28 years, 4 months, 21 days)

Overall Stats heading into the World Cup
Matches Played – 20
Matches Started – 20
Minutes Played – 1,800
Wins – 14
Shutouts – 14

World Cup Qualifying Stats
Matches Played – 8
Matches Started – 8
Minutes Played – 720
Wins – 4
Shutouts – 4

Matt Freese

Courtesy USMNT

Matt Freese would have the shortest runway of any USMNT goalkeeper, from earning his first cap to potentially starting at a World Cup. He would also become the first U.S. keeper to start at a World Cup without having played a single World Cup qualifier.

First Cap (Age) – June 5, 2025 (26 years, 9 months, 3 days)

World Cup 2026 (Age) – (27 years, 9 months, 12 days)

Overall Stats heading into the World Cup
Matches Played – 13
Matches Started – 13
Minutes Played – 1,170
Wins – 7*
Shutouts – 3*

World Cup Qualifying Stats
Matches Played – n/a
Matches Started – n/a
Minutes Played – n/a
Wins – n/a
Shutouts – n/a

It’s clear the USMNT doesn’t have a true front-runner in goal even though Mauricio Pochettino currently leans toward Matt Freese, but as we’ve seen, things can change fast. Matt Turner, Patrick Schulte, Chris Brady, Roman Celentano, and Jonathan Klinsmann will all need to push hard to earn their place on the final roster.

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