USMNT
Rebuilding the U-23 U.S. Men’s National Team, is it something that U.S. Soccer is serious about?
Published
2 years agoon
by Thomas Deschaine (@uskeeper)
With both the U.S. Men’s National Team summer Concacaf tournaments in the rearview mirror and with the 2024 Summer Olympics nearly a year away and it’s time for the U-23 U.S. Men’s National Team to focus on how they build a team for a deep run in the tournament. The U-23 USMNT qualified for the 2024 Olympics by winning the 2022 CONCACAF U-20 Championship played last June and July
It will be a great opportunity to incorporate some of the USMNT players who have already been part of the senior team along with some of the U-20 players who help that team qualify and play at the 2023 U-20 World Cup into building a quality and competitive Olympic roster, which will hopefully build and identify players needed to grow the depth and experience heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
U-23 Manager
It all starts with hiring a manager and moving away from last cycle’s manager Jason Kreis, who failed to qualify for the 2020 Olympics (played in the summer of 2021) and who was also part of the current coaching staff of the USMNT. The logical candidate for the job should be B.J. Callaghan, who led the USMNT for the past month and a half to a Nations League trophy but failed to advance to the Gold Cup Final.
The last four U-23 managers (Piotr Nowak-2008, Clive Charles-2000, Bruce Arena-1996 & Lothar Osiander-1992) who coached at the Olympics were already working with U.S. Soccer at the time they were hired to coach the Olympic teams. Whoever the next U-23 manager ends up being they help build the framework necessary to ensure the team’s success now and going forward at the Olympics.
U-23 Olympic History
The 1992 Summer Olympics was the first time an under-the-age-of-23 limit was set for the soccer team participants, since that time the U-23 USMNT has qualified for five of the nine tournaments but had not qualified for the three previous tournaments in 2012, 2016 & 2020. The U-23 team’s best finish was 4th place at the 2000 Olympics in Australia which featured players Landon Donovan, Tim Howard, John O’Brien, and Josh Wolff, along with overage players Jeff Agoos, Brad Friedel, and Frankie Hejduk.
U-23 Camps & Preparation
It’s expected that the U-23 USMNT will be conducting camps with Friendlies during the regular FIFA International windows in September, October, and November, which will likely be followed by three other possible 2024 camps in January (Mostly MLS players), March & June before heading to Paris in mid-July.
Tournament Possibilities
Preparation by the U-23 team has been lacking in the past for qualifying and in preparation for heading to the Olympics. There are at least two opportunities available for the U-23 team between now and next summer’s Olympics. First is the 2023 Pan American Games, which they also qualified for by winning the 2022 CONCACAF U-20 Championship. The tournament takes place this fall from October 20th through November 5th, in Santiago, Chile. The USA has participated in the Pan American game 12 other times and has only finished first once to win the gold medal in 1991 when held in Havana, Cuba, and featured players, Mike Burns, Brad Friedel, Cobi Jones, Kasey Keller, Alexi Lalas, Joe-Max Moore, and Claudio Reyna.
The second is the Maurice Revello Tournament previously known as the Toulon Tournament which will be played next spring in France. This youth tournament takes place annually and generally is a U-22 tournament. The US has appeared 10 times at this tournament, most recently in 2015 in which they finished 3rd featuring a 20-year-old Jordan Morris. The US also finished 3rd back in 1989 with featured players Jeff Agoos, Marcelo Balboa, Kasey Keller, Juergen Sommer, and Eric Wynalda.
Expectations & Possibilities
The Olympics hasn’t been a tournament where the USMNT has excelled. Since the Olympics went to a Group Stage format followed by the knockout stage in 1960 the US has only advanced to the knockout stage once in 2000 when the US advanced to the semifinals and finished 4th.
Since the Olympics isn’t a tournament where clubs are required to release players don’t expect to see many or any big-name USMNT players on the roster, those players will likely be playing in the 2024 Copa America tournament earlier that summer or not be released at all.
Winning the gold medal for the U-23 USMNT at the Olympics won’t likely translate to any successes or failures for the senior team, but it will provide needed tournament experience for the players involved. If the U-23 USMNT is able to make it to the knockout stage that would be a win for the federation.
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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.
Club News
From Louisville to Lisbon: Joshua Wynder’s Journey with S.L. Benfica
Published
1 week agoon
June 13, 2025By
Zach McCabeThe 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.
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.
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.
USMNT
A Legacy of Stars and Stripes: The Evolution of the USWNT Kits
Published
2 weeks agoon
June 6, 2025Thomas 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.
Concacaf Gold Cup is becoming tarnished
From Louisville to Lisbon: Joshua Wynder’s Journey with S.L. Benfica
A Legacy of Stars and Stripes: The Evolution of the USWNT Kits
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