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It is Good, it is Only Going to Get Better

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USSF called in 26 players for the first World Cup Qualifiers since the disaster in Couva.  The roster includes almost all the top players (Tim Weah and Yunus Musah had to withdraw with an injury).  However, there are some players missing.  What is nice to think about is that this roster is strong enough, by far, to get the job done but we could see a turnover of 4-8 names by the next window, in October to make it even stronger.  

Let’s go back in history to before Couva even.  After winning the Gold Cup, the USMNT faced Costa Rica, at home, in a World Cup Qualifier.  This was a pivotal loss and I believe the coaches and managers of the USMNT have taken a lesson from that game.  That lesson is Fabian Johnson.  Fabian was one of my favorite players and a great USMNT player.  He would play wherever you wanted him to and frequently played out of position to help the team.  However, he had been injured much of the previous season and had not played much at all going into that September 2017 game.  In the training before the game, Bruce Arena said Fabian looked great and was the most technical player in the squad.  He started him at LW, his preferred position.  Fabian though was just not able to positively impact the game.  I believe Berhalter and his brain trust think this was a mistake by Arena and they are looking to correct it.

The timing of this first week in September window, and the lesson of September 2017, has made two groups of players ineligible in Berhalter’s mind:

  1. Players that have not played much club soccer because they have not integrated back into their club team after participating in the Gold Cup.  
  2. Players that have not played because they have recently transferred or are working on a transfer or loan.

Players in the first group include Reggie Cannon, Shaq Moore, Nico Gioachinni, Darryl Dike, and Matthew Hoppe (he could be in both groups).  Players in the second group include Chris Richards, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Gianluca Busio, Sam Vines, Matt Miazga.

Then there is a third group of players who are simply injured:  Gyasi Zardes, Yunus Musah and Paul Arriola.

Then there is a fourth group of players that were caught in No-Man’s land this July.  They could have come to the Gold Cup or not.  If they had gone, they wouldn’t probably be starting now for their clubs and would have fallen in Group 1.   That they stayed, they didn’t get integrated with the team so haven’t been called.  This group of damned if they did or didn’t are Julian Green and Luca De La Torre.

Who knows which of the above would have been called over such players as Walker Zimmerman, James Sands, Tim Ream, or Cristian Roldan.  Maybe none of them.  But there is an argument for many of the 15 players listed above.  That puts the serviceable player depth at 41 and doesn’t include any of the exciting 2003 birth year players making waves in MLS this season like Kevin Paredes, Cade Cowell, and Caden Clark.

Could you have come up with 17 players you thought could have been on the roster for Couva?  The depth has grown so much and so fast and just in time.  If in 2017, we had had a starting Champions League striker/winger get hurt the game before a qualifying window, it would have been a big problem to fix.  Now, Weah gets hurt and people are discussing which of five guys can be brought in.  This is going to be important with a very grueling qualifying schedule going on at the same time as MLS has condensed their schedule and European leagues get back to their normally busy schedule.

In October, we could see higher level players brought into the team at several spots.  Chris Richards will presumably have played 3-4 games for Hoffenheim (Tier 2), Matt Miazga might have another 3-4 games for Alaves in La Liga, Yunus Musah might be healthy and again on the field for Valencia in the same league.  That will just make an already strong roster stronger!

Chris Richards USMNT USYNT Bayern Munich

EL Salvador vs USMNT Roster Analysis

Let’s compare the current roster to the roster in Couva and the first opponent, El Salvador.  If you remember my article on league strength and player tiers, we can analyze the two rosters.  If you don’t remember, and it has been awhile, here it is:

https://chasingacup.com/change-is-afoot-usmnt-tier-improvements/

The 14 players that were on the field for the USMNT in the loss against T&T had an average Tier rating of 2.85.   The 14 players break down to 13, Tier 3 players and 1, Tier 1 player.  2.85 is probably a decent MLS team level, such as the Columbus Crew or an English team such as Norwich.

Here is my projection for El Salvador’s best team:

Position Player Tier

GK

Gonzales

4

RB

Tamacas

4

CB

Zavaleta

3

CB

Rodriguez

4

LB

Larin

4

CM

Ceren

3

CM

Roldan

3

CM

Moreno

4

RW

Perez

4

CF

Rivas

4

LW

Henriquez

4

 

That works out to 3.73 tier rating.   Of course, the original article didn’t have a 4th Tier.  Fourth Tier is basically the USL, non-Concacaf Champions League regional teams not in MLS or Liga MX, and 2nd divisions of UEFA leagues ranked 5-12.  A 3.73 tier rating is basically a League 1 team from England like Accrington Stanley or a USL team like Phoenix Rising.  

Now let’s look at the USMNT current Tiers:

Position Player Tier

GK

Steffen

2

RB

Dest

1

CB

Brooks

1

CB

Robinson

3

LB

Robinson

3

CM

Adams

1

CM

McKennie

1

CM

Acosta

3

RW

Reyna

1

CF

Sargent

3

LW

Pulisic

1

 

That works out to a Tier average of 1.81.  That equates to a club team that is sometimes in the Champions League, but mostly in the Europa League.  A team like Tottenham or Wolfsburg.  So, when looking at talent in a vacuum, the upcoming game against El Salvador will be like an FA cup match where Tottenham is visiting Accrington Stanley.  Or a Bayer Leverkusen versus Saarbrucken.

The USMNT historically has not done well on the road in Central America.  However, the USMNT has never had talent like they currently have.  It is young, inexperienced, but hungry and how this plays out is going to be fascinating and exciting!

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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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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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