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Way too young USYNT prospects

Published

6 years ago

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The Group That You Should be Paying Attention To on the USYNT 

Recently we took a look at the 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005 USYNT age groups and took a look at the top 50 u20 prospects.  Today, we will be looking at the top players born in 2006 and 2007.  These are the players who will be the youngest potential players for the 2026 World Cup as they will be turning 19 and 20 by that time.  Will any of these players become what Christian Pulisic was for the 2018 World Cup cycle or what Gio Reyna will likely be for the 2022 World Cup cycle?  Only time will tell, but in this article we will highlight every top prospect that I think is worth watching over the years.  These players turn 13 and 14 this year so take this list with a grain of salt, you never know which players will turn out to be solid pro’s.  

The 2006 and 2007 born players will lead a new generation of USYNT prospects.  This will be the group of players who will spend their high school years playing in the new league that arises out of the ashes of the Development Academy.  These players will be the youngest potential players in 2026 and will help form the core of the 2030 and 2034 World Cup cycles (feel old yet?).  The 2006 and 2007 age groups will have a USYNT timeline that consists of the 2023 u17 World Cup, 2025 u20 World Cup, 2027 u20 World Cup (2007’s only), 2024 Olympics (one will be in the pool based on historical data), and the 2028 Olympics.  I decided to cap this list at the 2007 age group as the 2008’s are too young to highlight as they turn 12 this year (look out for Kellen LeBlanc of the Philadelphia Union). 

Mostly attacking players will be highlighted in this post as center backs historically emerge at older age groups (most early bloomers do not make it to the u20 cycle) and there are no fullbacks that truly standout yet in either of these age groups.  The 2025 u20 World Cup cycle is building quite the attack as the USYNT midfield and attack are getting crowded with a lot of eye popping talents both domestic and abroad already.  The wingers and strikers for the 2025 cycle with the 2005’s and 2006’s by far are the most athletic and talented group that I have seen so far.  The midfield is producing more and more technical maestro’s year after year and the 2035 u20 eligible age groups show this.  So without further ado, let’s dive into the way too young players with notable talent.  

Adrian Simons-Gill

Who is the best USYNT player of the 2006 age group currently?  That title belongs to Adrian Simons-Gill for the time being.  Adrian currently plays at La Masia, the famed academy of FC Barcelona which has pumped out world class players like Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, and many more.  Being in the FC Barcelona system alone is a significant achievment and shows that a player has obvious talent but Adrian is going much further than just being any other player in the La Masia system.  The center midfielder is one of the top 2006 talents at the club and is not only leading his age group, but is standing out in games when playing up age groups.  

How good is this kid?  An answer to that is very as he made the La Masia team of the year for 2019.  Adrian is the center mid that fits the Barca mold as his playing style is very similar if not identical to Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez.  This kid is not going to physically dominate the other team, but he is going to keep the ball and find teammates every time in a way that will disorganize the opposition.  Normally the ideal situation for an American player is to move to Europe when they turn 16 with a European passport but this kid will have been in Spain for over six years by the time the domestic players with Euro passports will move abroad.  Adrian has the athleticism, the skill, the IQ, and the passing to make it very far at La Masia and if I were a betting man, I would bet on this kid being the Christian Pulisic of the 2026 World Cup cycle, he is special people.

Aaron Heard

Who is the most talented player in the Philadelphia Union’s stellar academy?  That would be Aaron Heard, the dynamic attacking midfielder USMNT need to know about.  Aaron Heard is the smooth and smart playmaking attacking midfielder that immediately will pop out when you watch a Philadelphia Union u14 or u15 game.  Aaron Heard moved to the Philadelphia Union in the summer of 2019 and quickly started to stand out when he won the golden ball at the u13 Concacaf Champions League tournament in Costa Rica last August. 

Aaron may be small in stature, but he quickly buzzes around the field making plays and terrorizing the other team.  No matter who he is playing against, this kid will impose his style of play on the other team and take over the game.  He can dribble by you, play a killer pass, and pop goals in from distance.  Aaron Heard is the total attacking midfielder package and will be the focal point in the attack for the 2006 age group for the upcoming years.  Expect Aaron to be moved up to the Philadelphia Union u17’s next season as the u15 level will be too easy for him.  

Here is a link to a Aaron Heard banger playing up with the Philadelphia Union u15’s at GA Cup

Bajung Darboe

Every u15 USYNT cycle has that kid who is an early bloomer and literally looks like a man among boys playing against his own age group.  In the past there was Alfred Koroma, Wesley Wade, Haji Wright, Ayo Akinola, and Dantouma Toure.  This cycle’s edition is Bajung Darboe.  To put it lightly, this kid is an absolute physical freak.  While playing three years up with the Minnesota United u17’s, Bajung is still one of the most athletically dominant players on the field (the other being Patrick Weah).  Typically, when you see these athletically dominant players move up to older age groups they tend to sink instead of swim because they do not have the necessary skills on the ball needed to succeed against older competition but Bajung Darboe is not like most kids.  Bajung even at 13 years old is still able to physically and technically stand out on the field.  

Bajung is a highly technical and pacy winger who excels in 1v1 situations and can create chances at will against players of any age.  If Minnesota know what is best for them, they will sign Bajung in August when he becomes eligible for a homegrown deal making him the first 2006 homegrown signing in the MLS.  Bajung is so good that he not only plays up one level in the DA, but two and still manages to stand out.  It won’t be long until the hype train starts building once this kid starts to release highlights, he is truly amazing to watch if I am going to be honest.  If Bajung was allowed to play against kids his own age, he would most likely score a hat trick within 15 minutes, he is that much better than other kids his age.  Barring a knee injury (RIP Dantouma Toure’s hype train) Bajung is on track to start getting MLS minutes by the time he turns 15.  

Matthew Cochoran

Like your token athletic kid, every USYNT age group also has their token Michael Bradley style center mid.  This age group’s version is Matthew Cochoran.  Like a young Michael Bradley, Matt is a patrolling center mid who can do it all.  He has a fantastic passing range, he is calm and collected on the ball, he has incredible vision, he has the ability to create danger at will, and he can run around the field breaking up plays.  Out of all of the center mid/defensive mids that the US has produced in recent years, this kid is the best one in my opinion.

Matt is yet another high level USYNT player to come out of the FC Dallas academy.  While FC Dallas is currently experiencing their first homegrown takeover with the first team, the next group of homegrowns that will take the MLS by storm is on the way.  The FC Dallas u15’s are incredible and have breezed through team’s in the DA and Matthew is the standout in this team while also playing a year up.  How good is this team?  Do you remember the Seattle Sounders 2002 team that won the GA Cup?  Well, this group of players is even better.  For Matt to be the clear standout in a team full of YNT level players in literally every position, it is a real testament for just how good this kid is.  Big clubs in Europe are already circling and this kid will be getting paid when he turns 18.  Matt should be the chiseled in stone starter at the 6 for the 2006’s u17 World Cup cycle unless the next player to be mentioned has something to say about it.  

Mark Cajamarca

For fans of Allan Rodriguez, imagine if Allan was a phenomenal deep lying distributor, that is Mark Cajamarca.  After the first wave of standout academy players for NYCFC the club has a little bit to wait for their next gem to break into the first team but once this kid is ready, the wait will be worth it.  Here’s to hoping that NYCFC launch a USL affiliate and build a soccer stadium to welcome this kid to the professional level because if they don’t, Mark should head over to Germany instead.

Mark is by far the best USYNT distributor that I have ever seen at the u15 level.  This kid sprays the ball around with the confidence and ease that is typically seen of a teenage 6 that is playing in the USL.  Mark will have to become faster and stronger to make it to the professional level but at the rate he is progressing, this kid will quickly become too good for MLS and will be Europe bound before he turns 20, he is one of those players that is that talented.  If I wasn’t so high on Matthew Cochoran’s game, I would lock in Mark as the starting 6 for the 2006 age group.  

Alex Wesolowsky

Unless you are someone who actively uses bigsoccer, there is a very small chance that you have heard of this kid before.  Alex currently plays for Slavia Prague, the best team in the Czech first division.  This kid has the starter pack of an elite 8 who can go far in his career.  A good academy where he can develop, physically elite, cool on the ball, a great passer, creative in the attack, and knows how to use his body language to disguise his moves on and off the ball which is a rare trait at this age.  Alex is one of those kids where he makes the game look easy. 

This is a player who USsoccer needs to give a look at the first opportunity as the Czech national team has expressed interest in Alex.  Alex will turn the 2006’s USYNT midfield from being very good to being great and giving USYNT depth.  Alex could very quickly become a target of even larger academies in Europe as he is a standout in his age group at Slavia Prague.  Alex should quickly standout if invited to a USA camp because he will be physically superior to most of the midfielders in his age group and will also standout for his skills on the ball as well.  This kid is a very good prospect at a club where he has a chance to earn first team minutes as he progresses, his progress should be closely monitored.  

Myles Perkovich

Imagine being told by David Beckham that you are an incredibly talented USYNT player.  That is exactly what happened to Myles when he was welcomed into the Inter Miami FC academy.  Myles is your USYNT box to box midfielder who knows how to keep possession, command space, and be the physical presence needed to dominate the other team’s midfield.  Inter Miami over the next two or three years should be expected to go on a rapid homegrown signing spree and Myles Perkovich will be one of the numerous talents that will be signed to the Inter Miami first team.

Every time I went to go watch an Inter Miami u14 or u15 game to observe Axel Perez (he will be highlighted later on) I was constantly blown away by Myles.  Myles takes over and truly dominates a game like very few that I have ever seen at this age group and I think he is a truly special talent.  David Beckham is keen on making homegrowns the face of the club and Myles is currently on track to become the start of the Miami soccer scene.  

Michael Luande

The Seattle Sounders have been steadily ramping up their academy and the latest mega talent to emerge in their system is Michael Luande.  Michael burst onto the scene when he lit up the Development Academy scoring 48 goals in 35 games over two seasons.  Michael’s goal scoring prowess earned him a call up to the u14 USYNT ID combine for the 2005 age group where he was one of the standout players.  Luande was quickly moved from the Sounder’s feeder club to the home base where he has been playing up an age group with the Sounder’s u15’s this season.  

Michael Luande is a physically imposing striker who is skilled on the ball, has pace, and is great at hold up play.  Michael is physically advanced for his age so it is very likely that he will never play a game in his own age group in a Sounders jersey unless it is at GA Cup.  Michael is currently the top striker prospect for the 2006 age group and stands out among the crowd.  If the 2006’s had a must win game, this kid would be a guarantee to suit up at the 9.  Being in the Sounders system where players are thrown into the USL at incredibly young ages will benefit Michael greatly and will lead to him establishing a gap in his level compared to the other strikers in his age group.  

Bento Estrela

Bento Estrela is yet another incredibly talented center mid in the 2006 age group.  Bento is so good that the New York Red Bulls were rumored to be moving him up to the u17 level.  Bento is an incredibly athletic center mid who oozes skill on the ball, has a good passing range, and has a very large frame.  Bento is a more skilled version of both Weston McKennie and Bryang Kayo.  The New York Red Bulls lately have been hesitant to play kids up when they are ready (I am still upset with how long it to Kenan Hot to be played with the u19’s and be brought into the USL team…the kid is good Red Bulls…use him) so when a player is not only played up one age group, but two age groups then people should take notice.  

If I chose my ideal USYNT roster for the 2006’s then Bento would be the last midfielder cut from the team and for one main reason: his soccer IQ.  Bento right now displays elite athleticism and skill on the ball in games with the Red Bulls but off the ball is where he needs some work.  Whether it is not making the correct movements to show for the ball or constantly being out of position defensively, there is a lot of room for improvement.  In games that I have watched, I have seen him walk around and lose focus when the Red Bulls are on defense when the ball is in the defensive third, this can’t happen at higher levels.  When Bento irons out this issue (not if, when) then Bento will be a top tier prospect who will be hyped by literally every USMNT die hard fan across the nation.  

Luis Moreno

What is the first thing that you should look for in a very young player for the USYNT?  Eye popping soccer IQ should be your answer every time.  This is why I highly rate Luis Moreno.  Luis is not the most athletic kid on the field, he does not have the best passing range for a center mid on the field.  What this kid does have is a demonstrated high level knowledge of how to move off the ball and how to connect with teammates and progress up the field.  Luis is the standout young prospect in the Houston Dynamo academy and is the big winner of being at a club who has brought in the best coach for developing young talent.  

For Luis to keep progressing and retain his elite prospect status he will have to become faster and stronger as he goes through puberty.  When playing at the u15 DA level he sometimes looked a little over his head because he was smaller and slower than the players around him.  However, at the u15 level he by far looked like the most technically advanced and smartest player on the field.  Luis is an amazing long term prospect who may have breaking into the YNT for his age group because of the previously mentioned players.  I think that Tab will do wonders with this kid so he is on this list because I am so excited about his future as a professional soccer player.  

Axel Perez

Axel Perez is the only 2007 USYNT that I see get continuously thrown in with the top prospects in the country and for very good reason.  Even though Axel is tiny, he is almost never played at his own age group because he is better than most of the players 1-2 years older than him on the field.  Every single age group has that special attacking playmaker who quickly jumps off the screen because of his ability to constantly make plays.  Axel Perez is one of those players.  Other players who were similar in level to Axel Perez at this age were Andrew Carleton and Evan Rotundo.  

As Axel goes through puberty and becomes faster and stronger he will become an elite prospect that should light the youth soccer circuit on fire.  Next season, Axel will likely be playing up with the Inter Miami u17’s even though he will be severely outmatched physically.  He will be able to keep up at that level because his soccer IQ is so high and his movement off the ball is so good.  Axel is the most talented player in the Inter Miami academy and it is not even close.  David Beckham will have his work cut out for him trying to convince this kid to stay stateside when he turns 18.  

Joah Reyna

Yes, you assumed correctly USYNT fans, Joah is the son of Claudio and younger brother of Gio Reyna.  I saw Gio play when he was Joah’s age and Joah may actually be the more talented of the two.  Joah is actually a much better player in front of goal than Gio was at 13 years old and may be more skilled on the ball as well.  Joah is the clear and obvious standout for the NYCFC u13 and u14’s and is the most talented player in their academy that will likely never sign for the NYCFC first team like Gio.  In 14 games this season, Joah banged in 18 goals and was on pace to score over 30 goals if the pandemic did not cut the season short.  

Joah’s playing style is very unsurprisingly similar to his older brother’s and is more efficient at Joah’s age as if he watched Gio play all the time and learned from him big brother.  Joah may move down to the Austin FC academy where Claudio is currently working his magic.  If watching Gio develop under the tutelage of a USMNT legend then watching Joah develop will likely be just as exciting as he will have a father and older brother who have both walked the walk and will show him the way.  Joah has all the tools his brother has and is in an even better situation for success than Gio was.  Obviously nothing is guaranteed, but I am officially starting the Joah Reyna hype train.  

Other notable 2006 USYNT players

  • Kelvin Da Costa: Center Back (NYCFC)
  • Gabrial Brandon: Center Back (FC Dallas)
  • Kimbikula Mbula: Right Back (San Antonio FC)
  • Zen Franco: Striker (LAFC)
  • Diego Bravo-Acosta: Striker (Total Futbol Academy)
  • Patrick Shaw: Striker (New York Red Bulls)
  • Diego Kochen: Goalkeeper (FC Barcelona)
  • Henry Canizales: Left Back (FC Dallas)
  • Solomon Straub: Center Mid (Minnesota United)
  • Owen Presthus: Winger (Columbus Crew)

Other notable 2007 USYNT players

  • Din Klapija: Striker (NYCFC)
  • Henry Bornstein: Midfielder (Philadelphia Union)
  • Brice Miller: Center Mid (FC Dallas)
  • Gavin Turner: Center Mid (DC United)
  • Jaime Vega Espinosa: Midfielder (New England Revolution)

Notable 2008 USYNT players

  • Kellen LeBlanc: Winger (Philadelphia Union)
  • Marius Aiyenero: Forward (Chicago Fire)
  • Christopher Cupps: Midfielder (Chicago Fire)
  • Jack Kortkamp: (Minnesota United)
  • Ryland Vue: (Minnesota United)
  • DeCarlo Guerra: Midfielder (LAFC)

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Club News

USL’s American Soccer Dream

Published

3 weeks ago

on

November 16, 2025

By

USL made national headlines when they announced on February 13th, 2025, their plans to launch a Division One league, followed by the announcement of promotion/relegation on March 19th for the new Division One league, the Championship, and League One.  If sanctioned by US Soccer, USL Division One would be of equal status to MLS and compete for the best major soccer league in the U.S.  The implementation of promotion/relegation in the USL would become the first in the U.S. and test the question asked for many years, “would pro/rel work in the U.S.”  USL HQ informed the public that they planned to have the inaugural season of Division One during the 2027-2028 season with promotion/relegation beginning in 2028.  

Until November 3rd, with the announcement of Tony Scholes being hired as the President of the Division One, only three teams have applied for membership to the inaugural season of Division one: Louisville City, North Carolina FC (who announced at the time of the Scholes news that they would fold until the launch of Division One), and Pittsburgh Riverhounds.  There has been a rapid expansion of teams in the already existing leagues since the two announcements.  Teams joining League One are: Fort Lauderdale FC (2026 debut), New York Cosmos (2026 debut), Port St. Lucie SC (2027 debut), Sporting Cascades FC (2026 debut), and Rodeo FC (2027 debut).  Fort Wayne FC and Sarasota Paradise would also be joining League One from League Two (2026 for both teams).  For the Championship, Reno, NV will once again have a team planned for a 2027 debut.  Along with those teams, USL is actively working to expand to other markets.  The markets and partners they are looking at are Brevard County, FL (Space Coast Pro Soccer), Riverside, CA (Riverside Pro Soccer), Brownsville, TX (City of Brownsville), Winter Garden, FL (Central FL Pro Soccer), Santa Rosa, CA (City of Santa Rosa), and Pensacola, FL (City of Pensacola).

Along with these recently announced teams and partnerships, USL has teams joining the organization just in time for promotion/relegation that were announced prior to the February and March news.  Starting with League One, these teams include: Corpus Christi FC (2026 debut) and Athletic Club Boise (2026 debut).  As for the Championship, they will be adding Brooklyn FC (2026 debut), Sporting Jax (2026 debut), Atlético Dallas (2027 debut), Milwaukee Pro Soccer (TBD), USL Pro Iowa (TBD), Buffalo Pro Soccer (TBD), and Ozark United FC (2027 debut), while Santa Barbara Sky FC (2027 debut) would replace Memphis 901 FC.

Other than that, news on the Division One and promotion/relegation had been quiet until USL snatched Tony Scholes from the English Premier League.  Tony Scholes will be the President of Division and help with the implementation of promotion/relegation.  Scholes served as the chief football officer of the EPL and will join USL at the end of the EPL season.  As of November 15, 2025, USL Division One has not been sanctioned as a division one league by US Soccer.  The hiring of Scholes indicates that they are confident this new league will get approved or they have already been told it will, behind closed doors.  The fact that we have not heard news on what the promotion/relegation format would be, and Scholes task would be to help implement it could mean that USL has not come to a decision on one.  Since we do not have any ideas on what the format could be, I want to provide a possible option that they could go with.


One of the biggest questions people have had since the USL announced promotion/relegation was how they would tie it to the playoffs.  There is an option they could do, but it would result in only having one playoff.  USL would have a playoff for Division One, but they would eliminate the concept for the Championship and League One.  It might not be the most popular idea here in the U.S., but the main goal for the lower leagues is to get promoted, not to win a trophy.  They would retain the league title for those two leagues with the winner being the team with the most points at the end of the season, just like how it is in the European leagues.  The purpose is to create fairness for the top performing team(s) in the two lower leagues and reduce confusion.  If there is a need for a playoff format, they could adopt the format the Bundesliga uses where the 16th best team in the first division and the 3rd best in the second division face-off in a two-leg match to see who would be in the first division the following season.  The other option is the Championship concept, where the teams who finished 3rd through 6th in the table compete in a promotion playoff.  The semi-finals are two-leg matches while the final is a single-leg match.  The winner is promoted to the EPL.  The execution of promotion/relegation must be done perfectly to retain fans, gain fans, prevent confusion, and be entertaining.

USL already has a division one league with their women’s Super League, who is competing against the NWSL.  Currently, the S League has only nine teams (Brooklyn FC, Carolina Ascent FC, Dallas Trinity FC, DC Power FC, Ft. Lauderdale United FC, Lexington FC, Spokane Zephyr FC, Sporting Jax, and Tampa Bay Sun FC) to the NSWL’s 14 teams (3 teams in the works).  The Super League will be adding an additional nine teams (Athletic Club Boise, New York Cosmos, Ozark United FC, Buffalo Pro Soccer, Chattanooga Red Wolves FC, Forward Madison FC, Indy Eleven, Oakland Soul SC, and USL Palm Beach) with all but three to have their inaugural season to be determined.  What makes the S League unique from the rest of the soccer leagues in the U.S. is that they use a fall-summer schedule.  Competing against a top five women’s league in the world is a tall ask, but it shows the ambitions of USL.  

They are also willing to take risks by voting to pass promotion/relegation for the men’s league and have a fall-summer schedule for the S League.  If the S League schedule format proves successful, it stands to reason that they would move the men’s leagues to the same schedule.  It would also avoid the organization from having to fight MLS for viewership when the leagues are in play, especially when they launch a direct rival and are at their most ambitious point in their history.  The same can be done for the S League if promotion/relegation is successful for the men.  USL can start establishing lower women’s leagues and introduce promotion/relegation to the women’s game here in the U.S.

Many would say USL still stands no chance at competing against MLS, even with promotion/relegation and having a division one league.  That is the case when you look at the quality of the players is finance, but that is the reason why the USL made these decisions based on the reports prior to the announcements and afterwards.  Promotion/relegation and the introduction of a division one league could see an increase in investors.  We are already seeing that with the likes of Gio Reyna joining Fort Lauderdale as an investor, BellTower Partners investing into USL, Sofia Huerta and Kasey Keller joining the Athletic Club Boise ownership group, and the Chickasaw Nation becoming an investor of the OKC for Soccer just this year alone.  Then there is the expansion fee for MLS, MLS Next Pro, and the USL leagues.  MLS charges an astounding $500 million!  Yes, the money is used to construct a proper stadium, acquire players, etc., but at this point it will discourage many from purchasing a franchise license.  MLS currently only has two leagues and one of them is advertised as a development league to prepare for MLS.  The expansion fee for an independent team to join MLS Next Pro is unknown, but Sports Business Journal reported in 2024 that it is significantly cheaper than the USL Championship.  The fee to join the USL Championship is $20 million while League One is only $5 million.  These two fees are significantly lower than MLS and that will be more appealing to potential owners, but unlike the MLS fee, it is not enough for a stadium, training grounds, and players.  As for what the fee is to join USL Division One, that is unknown at the moment.

I highly recommend reading the ESPN article by Jeff Carlisle titled “Will USL’s Move to Pro-Rel Change U.S. Soccer, Threaten MLS?”  In there, Carlisle discusses the reasons behind the decision and that it is mostly financial.  For example, a USL spokesperson said they expect to see an increase in commercial revenue by 15% to 30% due to promotion/relegation.  Also, the former owner of San Diego Loyal lost $40 million in 4 seasons.  As for the reaction from MLS, we have not heard one yet.  The only possible reaction we have seen from them is what the former MLS Next Pro president, Charles Altchek, told to Backheeled back on March 6th, 2025.  In the interview, he told them they aim to have 40 to 50 teams and a possible second league with one of the MLS Next Pro leagues being a second division, putting it in direct competition with USL Championship.  The biggest question is, whichever league that is, can compete for fans?  Due to the Apple TV deal, we currently do not have the ratings of MLS Next Pro.  The closest idea we have is the attendance, which is 5,580 for USL Championship per match to MLS Next Pro’s 3,361, according to Transfermarkt.  Unlike the attendance, the viewership for USLC is much higher where the season premiere match had 453,000 viewers.  MLS Next Pro’s massive expansion plan announcement date was either a coincidence, or MLS got word USL’s promotion/relegation implementation with the division one news, and this was their response.  I will let you come to your own decision.

It seems, as of right now, it appears MLS will sit back and wait to see how the USL’s Division One and promotion/relegation will play.  Division One and promotion/relegation will either be successful for USL and lead them to the financial success they are hoping for or lead to the possible collapse of USL.  American sports fans are not the only ones keeping their eyes on USL now, but the rest of the soccer world is after their two massive news.  The coming years are going to be exciting times for American soccer!

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Club News

The constructing of a World Cup roster

Published

3 months ago

on

September 13, 2025

By

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

With the September FIFA window now in the rearview mirror, and only three more windows left before final rosters are set in late May or early June 2026, Mauricio Pochettino has drawn a clear line.

He’s stated that September’s camp was the “last camp to have the possibility for new faces.”

If we take him at his word, the nearly 70 players who’ve been called across six camps and the Gold Cup will form the pool from which he selects the 2026 World Cup squad.

Of the 60 players named to the 2025 Gold Cup provisional roster, only five, Maxi Dietz, Richie Ledezma, Tim Tillman, Caleb Wiley, and Griffin Yow, have yet to appear on a #USMNT roster under Pochettino.

Comparing the 2025 Nations League provisional roster to the Gold Cup list reveals over a dozen different players, raising the question: are these minor differences simply the edges of the player pool Pochettino intends to draw from?

Goalkeepers 

Nine goalkeepers have been called into Pochettino’s camps, but it’s clear that Matt Freese is his first-choice right now, with Matt Turner likely the No. 2 as we sit just 10 months from the World Cup.

  • Chris Brady
  • Drake Callender
  • Roman Celentano
  • Matt Freese
  • Ethan Horvath
  • Jonathan Klinsmann
  • Diego Kochen
  • Patrick Schulte
  • Zack Steffen
  • Matt Turner

Fullbacks

Outside of Sergiño Dest and Antonee Robinson, the USMNT’s fullback depth remains a concern. Pochettino appears high on MLS defenders Alex Freeman and Max Arfsten, while Caleb Wiley, though yet to feature in a USMNT camp but named to recent provisional rosters, could still be on his depth chart.

  • Max Arfsten
  • Sergino Dest
  • Alex Freeman
  • Marlon Fossey
  • DeJuan Jones
  • Kristoffer Lund
  • Shaquell Moore
  • Antonee Robinson
  • Joe Scally
  • John Tolkin

Centerbacks

Center back remains another position with uncertain depth. Chris Richards and the veteran Tim Ream look like locks for now, leaving three spots up for grabs. If Pochettino opts for a back three, that tactical shift could influence which players ultimately make the cut. Notably, Jackson Ragen and Maxi Dietz are the only center backs from the recent provisional rosters who haven’t been called into a USMNT camp.

  • Noahkai Banks
  • Tristan Blackmon
  • George Campbell
  • Cameron Carter-Vickers
  • Mark McKenzie
  • Tim Ream
  • Chris Richards
  • Miles Robinson
  • Auston Trusty
  • Walker Zimmerman

Central Midfielders

The central midfield position is the deepest for the #USMNT, with many players in the pool capable of also playing fullback, center back, or winger. Although Richie Ledezma has primarily played as a right back and right wing-back for his current club and for PSV last season, USMNT coaches view him primarily as a midfielder. This likely explains why he hasn’t yet been called into a USMNT camp.

  • Tyler Adams
  • Sebastian Berhalter
  • Gianluca Busio
  • Johnny Cardoso
  • Ben Cremaschi
  • Luca de la Torre
  • Emeka Eneli
  • Jack McGlynn
  • Weston McKennie
  • Aidan Morris
  • Yunus Musah
  • Tanner Tessmann
  • Sean Zawadzki

Attacking Midfielders

There are several players at this position who could add real quality and play pivotal roles for the #USMNT at next summer’s World Cup. Gio Reyna remains a major question mark, but his talent is undeniable. With his recent club change, there’s hope he can return to the high level of form we’ve seen from him in the past.

  • Brenden Aaronson
  • Paxten Aaronson
  • Brian Gutiérrez
  • Djordje Mihailovic
  • Matko Miljevic
  • Gio Reyna
  • Malik Tillman

Wingers

The winger position remains thin for the #USMNT, though several players there can also slot in as attacking midfielders, strikers, or even fullback. Notably, two young wingers, Cole Campbell and Griffin Yow, appeared on provisional rosters but have yet to be called into any Pochettino camp.

  • Cade Cowell
  • Diego Luna
  • Christian Pulisic
  • Quinn Sullivan
  • Indiana Vassilev
  • Tim Weah
  • Haji Wright
  • Alejandro Zendejas

Strikers

Another area of concern for the USMNT is striker depth. While the top options have all produced well for their clubs when healthy, injuries have kept the pool thin. If everyone is fit, the primary competition for the starting role likely comes down to three players: Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, and Josh Sargent. Haji Wright and Tim Weah can also step in as center-forward options if needed.

  • Patrick Agyemang
  • Folarin Balogun
  • Damion Downs
  • Jesus Ferreira
  • Ricardo Pepi
  • Josh Sargent
  • Brandon Vazquez
  • Brian White

Conclusion

It’s tough to read Pochettino’s mindset right now. Many expect fewer MLS players to be called for the October window, partly because the league continues through FIFA dates and the regular season ends mid-October.

Most World Cup rosters largely select themselves, with only a few surprising omissions, think of the 1994 squad, which left out several players many felt deserved a spot.

But with Pochettino still showing a shaky grasp of the USMNT player pool, this cycle could produce more notable snubs than ever, though there’s still time for him to get it right.

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Club News

From Louisville to Lisbon: Joshua Wynder’s Journey with S.L. Benfica

Published

6 months ago

on

June 13, 2025

By

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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