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Who Should Get Called Up?

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We sit in the wake of one of the most embarrassing losses in US history, certainly a single game that shouldn’t have been lost, but also getting knocked out in one of the weakest confederation in World Cup qualifying. Insult to injury losing to one of the smallest teams in the world with few professionals even on their roster. We are out of the World Cup 2018 and must now begin focusing on rebuilding and preparing for 2022. With that in mind and the MLS playoffs having an influence on this of course I  lay out my recommendations:

Goalkeepers

Bill Hamid (DC United, MLS), Ethan Horvath (Club Brugge, Belgium JPL), Jesse Gonzalez (FC Dallas, MLS)

Bill Hamid and Ethan Horvath have led a long list of young goalkeepers who have wanted to take over the mantle of USMNT goalkeeper for years. Both have been called in as the third keeper and had limited opportunities in Gold Cups and Friendlies to get time in front of net. Neither has performed poorly, yet neither has really been presented the opportunity to take control of their own fortune. Hamid has now announced his desire to leave DC United after this season to try to break in Europe. This serves as his announcement to the next coach, whoever it might be, that he wants this spot after Howard. Jess Gonzalez is a very young goalkeeper that I think now early in the cycle, with so little at stake, is a great opportunity to get him some reps with the process of playing internationally. I don’t think it’s time yet to bring in Jonathan Klinsmann, but he should be on this radar as well.

Defenders

DeAndre Yedlin (Newcastle, EPL), John Brooks (Wolfsburg, Bundesliga), Cameron Carters-Vickers (Sheffield United, English Championship), Matt Miagza (Vitesse, Eredivisie), Erik Palmer-Brown (Manchester City, EPL), Matthew Olosunde (Manchester United, EPL), Danilo Acosta (RSL, MLS), Justen Glad (RSL, MLS)

Yedlin’s success at Newcastle may be the highlight of the USMNT for the year. Pulisic is continuing his development and threatening to turn into a real star, but he’s still very young and considered one of the hottest prospects. DeAndre after playing a fantastic match against Liverpool a few weeks ago is getting recognition as one of the more talented current players in the arguably the best league in the world. He is no longer considered a project, but a real talent and one that sports writers have wondered if Tottenham Hot Spurs gave up on too early on the young American. He has opened the door for more young Americans to get attention and one only need look at Erik Palmer-Brown’s signing in Manchester Ciy and likely others may come out of the U17’s successful World Cup campaign in the near future. I like Acosta and Glad here, though there are a number of young American defenders in the MLS, but these two play together and their team may be eliminated from the playoff race this weekend.

Midfielders

 

COMMERCE CITY, CO – JUNE 08: Christian Pulisic #10 of the U.S. National Team celebrates scoring a goal against Trinidad & Tabago in the second half during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on June 8, 2017 in Commerce City, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 700029581 ORIG FILE ID: 693921308

Christian Pulisic (Dortmund, Bundesliga), Paul Arriola (DC United, MLS), Cristian Roldan (Seattle, MLS), Kellyn Acosta (Dallas, MLS), Lynden Gooch (Sunderland, English Championship), Emerson Hyndman (Bournemouth, EPL), Kenny Saief (Ghent, Belgium JPL), Tyler Adams (NYRB, MLS), Derrick Jones (Philidaphia, MLS), Luca de la Torre (Fulham, English Championship)

This is a tough area to select because the right level of veterans and young players. A full on flushing out of the old guard is needed in all areas, but the appropriate level of mentors is needed as we develop this young team. I selected Pulisic, Acosta and Arriola as young mentors, but now experienced in how the international cycle works. We also need to begin developing new young leaders in the locker room and I can see this group working well together. Gooch, Hyndman and Saief have all played with the first team and have gone through this process. Adams, Jones and de la Torre might seem like an odd mix, but they have played together and made a fantastic run at the U20 World Cup earlier this year. This core group from the U20 team could be a nice group to build as a second unit. There is a deep and long list of midfielders both veterans (Julian Green, Darlington Nagbe and Michael Bradley come to mind) and young players (Brooks Lennon, Jonathan Gonzalez and  Giovanni Reyna) that could be called in here.

Forwards

 

Bobby Wood (Hamburg, Bundesliga), Clint Dempsey (Seattle, MLS), Haji Wright (Sandhausen, 2 Buldesliga) , Timothy Tillman (Bayern Munich, Bundesliga)

There are once again a number of players who could be included here both young and old. Bobby Wood is the only forward who should remain in the 2022 pool from the old guard. However, Clint Dempsey is a strong veteran presence with one goal left to pass Landon Donovan’s record. It’s unlikely he’ll be completely cut out unless his Seattle team makes a deep run. It’d be good to get that positive story line for USMNT going as soon as possible in the wake of disaster, but also behind the team so they can focus on youth development for the next cycle.  Josh Sargant, Ayo Akinola, Andrew Carleton and Tim Weah could all be great replacement if Tillman won’t commit to the US, but my hope is they’ll still be busy in the late rounds of the U17 World Cup.

 

 

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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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