USMNT Player Pool for the 2022 Cycle

MLS West - Preview 2022​

Prediction

1. Seattle Sounders
2. Los Angeles FC
3. FC Dallas
4. LA Galaxy
5. Nashville SC
6. Sporting Kansas City
7. San Jose Earthquakes
8. Minnesota United
9. Colorado Rapids
10. Real Salt Lake
11. Houston Dynamo
12. Portland Timbers
13. Austin FC
14. Vancouver Whitecaps

AUSTIN FC

+ USMNT: None

+ Fringe: Nick Lima (R/LB), Brad Stuver (GK), Ethan Finlay (RW), Jared Stroud (W/F),

+ Maybe Their Year: None

+ Must Watch Youngster: None

+ Prospect: Damian Las (GK), Owen Wolff (CM)


Best XI

————————-Djitte——————

Fagundez———Druissi———Finlay*

—————Valencia—-Ring————

Kolmanic—————————-Lima*

———Gabrielsen—-Cascante—-

————————Stuver*—————-


COLORADO RAPIDS

+ USMNT: Auston Trusty (CB), Jonathan Lewis (W/F)

+ Fringe: William Yarbrough (GK), Keegan Rosenberry (RB)

+ Maybe Their Year: Michael Edwards (CB), Aboubacar Keita (CB), Matt Hundley (WF)

+ Must Watch Youngster: Sebastian Anderson (RB), Darren Yapi (FW), Dantouma Toure (RW),

+ Prospect: Abraham Rodriguez (GK), Oliver Larraz (CM)

Best XI

————————Rubio———————

Lewis*————————————Barrios

———-Acosta—-Price—Kaye———-

Esteves———————————Rosenberry

————-Trusty*——Abubakar———-

———————-Yarbrough*—————-


FC DALLAS

+ USMNT: Paxton Pomykal (CM), Jesus Ferreira (FW), Paul Arriola (RW)

+ Fringe: Brandon Servania (CM), Marco Farfan (LB), Eddie Munjoma (RB), Nkosi Tafari (CB), Jimmy Maurer (GK)

+ Maybe Their Year: Edwin Cerrillo (CM),

+ Must Watch Youngster: Collin Smith (RB),

+ Prospect: Antonio Carrera (GK), Isaiah Parker (WF)


Best XI

———————-Ferreira*———————-

Schon————————————-Arriola*

———————-Pomykal*———————

———-Quignon————Cerrillo*———-

Farfan*————————————Smith*

————Hedges*————Martinez——-

————————-Paes————————


HOUSTON DYNAMO

+ USMNT: None

+ Fringe: Tim Parker (CB), Steve Clark (GK), Daniel Steres (CB), Griffin Dorsey (RB), Memo Rodriguez (RW), Fafa Picault (RW), Corey Baird (FW), Derrick Jones (CM),

+ Maybe Their Year: Ian Hoffman (CM)

+ Must Watch Youngster: None

+ Prospect: Brooklyn Raines (MF), Marcelo Palomino (AT), Juan Castilla (AM),


Best XI

—————-Baird*——Ferreira————-

Rodriguez*——————————Picault*

—————-Ceren———Vera—————-

Lundqvist———————————Valentin

—————Hadebe———-Parker*———

—————————-Clark*——————-


SPORTING KANSAS CITY

+ USMNT: None

+ Fringe: Tim Melia (GK), Khiry Shelton (FW), Graham Zusi (RB), Ben Sweat (LB)

+ Maybe Their Year: John Pulskamp (GK),

+ Must Watch Youngster: Kaveh Rad (CB), Cameron Duke (RB), Kayden Pierre (RB), Ozzie Cisneros (CM)

+ Prospect: Jake Davis (CM)


Best XI

———————Pulido—————

Salloi——————————-Russell

———Kinda—Mauri—Walter——

Sweat*———————————Pierre*

—————Rad*———Fontas——-

———————-Melia*——————-


LA GALAXY

+ USMNT: None

+ Fringe: Jorge Villafana (LB), Nick DePuy (CB), Eric Lopez (GK), Jonathan Klinsmann (GK), Marky Delgado (DM), Sacha Kljestan (CM)

+ Maybe Their Year: None

+ Must Watch Youngster: Jalen Neal (CB)

+ Prospect: Marcus Ferkranus (CB), Adam Saldana (CM), Cameron Dunbar (WF),


Best XI

————Chicharito—Joveljic————

Cabral———————————D. Costa

————Raveloson—Delgado*———-

Villafana*——————————-Araujo

—————Neal*———DePuy*———-

————————Bond————————



LOS ANGELES FC

+ USMNT: Kelyn Acosta (CM)

+ Fringe: Ryan Hollingshead (RB/LB), Sebastian Ibeagha (CB), Danny Musovski (FW)

+ Maybe Their Year: None

+ Must Watch Youngster: None

+ Prospect: Tony Leone (CB), Erik Duenas (RB), Julian Gaines (RB), Christian Torres (FW)


Best XI

———————Arango—————

Rodriguez—————————-Vela

———————Blessing—————-

————Acosta*——-Cifuentes——-

Palacios——————————Escobar

———Segura————-Murillo———

———————-Crepeau—————-


MINNESOTA UNITED FC

+ USMNT: None

+ Fringe: Tyler Miller (GK), Chase Gasper (LB), Brent Kallman (CB), Wil Trapp (DM), Hassani Dotson (CM), Jacori Hayes (CM)

+ Maybe Their Year: None

+ Must Watch Youngster: None

+ Prospect: Fred Emmings (GK), Patrick Weah (FW)


Best XI/ Season Opener

———————-Amarillo—————-

Fragapane——Reynoso———Lod

————-Arriaga———-Dotson*—

Dibassy———————————Fisher

————-Kallman*——-Boxall———

————————-Miller*——————-


NASHVILLE SC

+ USMNT: Walker Zimmerman (CB)

+ Fringe: Daniel Lovitz (LB), Joe Willis (GK), Dave Romney (CB), Taylor Washington (LB), Sean Davis (CM), Eric Miller (RB), Dax McCarty (CM), Alex Muyl (RW), Teal Bunbury (FW), CJ Sapong (FW)

+ Maybe Their Year: Jack Maher (CB/DM), Ethan Zubak (FW)

+ Must Watch Youngster: None

+ Prospect: None


Best XI

———————Sapong*———————-

Leal—————————————Mukhtar

—Godoy——-McCarty*——Davis*——-

Lovitz*——————————————-Miller

———Zimmerman*—Maher*—————-

————————Willis*————————-


PORTLAND TIMBERS

+ USMNT: Eryk Williamson (CM) - Injured

+ Fringe: David Bingham (GK)

+ Maybe Their Year: None

+ Must Watch Youngster: None

+ Prospect: Hunter Sulte (GK)


Best XI

———————Niezgoda———————

Asprilla————————————-Chara

————Williamson*——-Paredes———

————————-Chara————————-

Bravo————————————Van Rankin

—————-Mabiala——-Tuiloma————

—————————Bingham——————-



REAL SALT LAKE

+ USMNT: Justen Glad (CB), Aaron Herrera (R/LB), Bobby Wood (FW), Rubio Rubin (FW)

+ Fringe: Zac MacMath (GK), Andrew Brody (L/RB), Nick Besler (CM), Tate Schmitt (LW), Scott Caldwell (CM), Erik Holt (CB)

+ Maybe Their Year: None

+ Must Watch Youngster: Jeff Dewsnup (GK), Axel Kei (FW)

+ Prospect: Gavin Beavers (GK), Jaziel Orozco (CB), Zack Farnsworth (LB), Christopher Garcia (RW), Jude Wellings (CM), Bode Davis (LM), Julio Benitez (CM)


Best XI

————————Rubin*——————-

Menendez——————————Wood*

———————-Kreilach——————-

————Besler*————Ruiz————-

Brody*————————————Herrera*

——————Glad*——Kappelhof——

———————-Dewsnup*—————


SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES

+ USMNT: Cade Cowell (WF), Jackson Yuiell (DM)

+ Fringe: JT Marcinkowski (GK), Tommy Thompson (RB), Benji Kikanovic (FW)

+ Maybe Their Year: None

+ Must Watch Youngster: Casey Walls (CB)

+ Prospect: Emmanuel Ochoa (GK) - Mexico dual, Niko Tsakiris (CM)


Best XI

————Cowell*———-Ebobisse———

————————Lopez————————

————-Gregus———Monteiro————-

————————-Yuiell*————————-

Lopez————————————Thompson

—————Walls*————Calvo—————

————————Marcinkowski*—————


SEATTLE SOUNDERS

+ USMNT: Cristian Roldan (CM), Jordan Morris (WF)

+ Fringe: Steffen Frei (GK), Steven Cleveland (GK), Kelyn Rowe (CM), Will Bruin (FW), Samuel Adenarian (FW)

+ Maybe Their Year: None

+ Must Watch Youngster: Danny Leyva (CM), Josh Atencio (CM), Reed Baker-Whiting (CM), Obed Vargas (MF)

+ Prospect: Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez (FW)


Best XI

————————Ruidiaz—————

Morris*———————————C. Roldan*

————————Rusnak—————

——Joao Paolo—————Atencio*—

Tolo————————————-A. Roldan

————-Yeimar————Arreaga——-

—————————Frei*———————-


VANCOUVER WHITECAPS

+ USMNT: Brian White (FW)

+ Fringe: Tristan Blackmon (RB/CB), Jake Nerwinski (RB)

+ Maybe Their Year: None

+ Must Watch Youngster: Sebastian Berhalter (CM)

+ Prospect: None


Best XI

————————-White*————————

Dajome————————————Caicedo

————-Berhalter*———-Owusu———-

————————Teibert————————

Gutierrez——————————Nerwinski*

————-Veselinovic———Blackmon——-

—————————Hasal————————

 

That's phenomenal, Eleven Bravo- thank you for that.

 

Thank you! Hope it helps everyone have a general guide on what to look for this season. Granted, I’m completely guessing on a lot of line ups but it’ll be fun to see 1) how wrong some of my predictions were and 2) see how line ups evolve over the season.

 

USMNT - Player Pool - March 18, 2022​

GOALKEEPERS​

Favorites:

1. Matt Turner, 1994(27), Arsenal FC > New England Revolution [INJURED]
2. Zack Steffen, 1995(27), Manchester City FC

Contenders:

1. Ethan Horvath, 1995(26) Nottingham Forest
2. Sean Johnson, 1989(33), New York City FC
3. Gabriel Slonina, 2004*(18) Chicago Fire

Pretenders:

1. Brad Guzan, 1984(37), Atlanta United
2. Bill Hamid, 1990(31) DC United

Prospects:

1. John Pulskamp, 2001*(21) Sporting Kansas City
2. Alex Borto, 2003*(18) Fulham
3. Chris Brady, 2004*(18) Chicago Fire
4. Alex Rando, 2001*(21) Las Vegas Lights
5. Jeff Dewsnup, 2004*(18) Real Monarchs

Outsiders:

• JT Marcinkowski, 1997(25) San Jose Earthquakes
• Tyler Miller, 1993(29) Minnesota United
• Josh Cohen, 1992(29) Maccabi Haifa
• Brad Stuver, 1991(31) Austin FC
• William Yarbrough, 1989(33) Colorado Rapids
• Joe Willis, 1988(33) Nashville SC
• Tim Melia, 1986(36) Sporting Kansas City

~ Tomas Romero, 2000(21) Los Angeles FC [El Salvador dual]

Abyss:

• Carlos dos Santos, 2000(21) Benfica
• Matt Freese, 1998(23) Philadelphia Union
• Jonathan Klinsmann, 1997(25) LA Galaxy
• Mason Stajduhar, 1997(24) Orlando City
• Alex Bono, 1994(28) Toronto FC
• Stefan Cleveland, 1994(28) Seattle Sounders
• Earl Edwards, 1992(30) New England Revolution
• Jimmy Maurer, 1988(33) FC Dallas
• Bobby Shuttleworth, 1987(34) Atlanta United

Dreamers:

• Antonio Carrera, 2004*(18) North Texas SC
• Jonathan Mennell, 2003*(18) DC United
• Hunter Sulte, 2002*(20) Portland Timbers
• Damian Las, 2002*(20) Austin FC
• Chituru Odunze, 2002*(19) Leicester City
• Rocco Rios Novos, 2002*(19) Atlanta United [Argentina, needs to file switch]

Outlook:

• Gavin Beavers, 2005*(17) Real Monarchs
• KyMani Dade, 2004*(18) LA Galaxy
• Carver Miller, 2004*(18) Arminia Bielefeld
• Beckham Sunderland, 2003*(18) FC Cincinnati
• Vicente Reyes, 2003*(18) Atlanta United
• Gavin Krenecki, 2003*(19) Sporting Kansas City
• Anthony Ramos, 2003*(19) LA Galaxy
• Aaron Cervantes, 2002*(20) Rangers FC
• Abraham Rodriguez, 2002*(19) Colorado Rapids
• Brooks Thompson, 2002*(20) Sporting Kansas City
• Luca Lewis, 2001*(21) New York Red Bulls

RIGHT BACKS​

Favorites:

1. Sergino Dest, 2000(21) FC Barcelona [INJURED]
2. DeAndre Yedlin, 1993(28) Inter Miami CF

Contenders:

1. Reggie Cannon, 1998(23) Boavista FC
2. Joseph Scally, 2002*(19) Borussia Moenchengladbach

Pretenders:

1. Brooks Lennon, 1997(24), Atlanta United
2. Bryan Reynolds, 2001*(20) AS Roma > KV Kortrijk
3. Kyle Duncan, 1997(24) KV Oostende
4. Aaron Herrera, 1997(24) Real Salt Lake
5. Shaq Moore, 1996(26) Tenerife
6. Tim Chandler, 1990(32) Eintracht Frankfurt

Prospects:

• Michael Halliday, 2003*(19) Orlando City SC
• Cameron Duke, 2001*(21) Sporting Kansas City
• Kayden Pierre, 2003*(19) Sporting Kansas City

Outsiders:

• Henry Wingo, 1995(26) Ferencvaros
• Brandon Bye, 1995(26) New England Revolution
• Nick Lima, 1994(27) Austin FC
• Keegan Rosenberry, 1993(28) Colorado Rapids

~ Julian Gressel, 1993(28) DC United [USMNT declared, eligibility 2022]
~ Zak Swanson, 2000(21) Arsenal FC [England dual]

Abyss:

• Jaylin Lindsey, 2000(22) Charlotte FC
• Griffin Dorsey, 1999(23) Houston Dynamo
• Dylan Nealis, 1998(23) New York Red Bulls
• Matthew Olosunde, 1998(24), Preston North End
• Eddie Munjoma, 1998(23) FC Dallas
• Tristan Blackmon, 1996(25) Vancouver Whitecaps FC
• Tommy Thompson, 1995(26) San Jose Earthquakes
• Eric Miller, 1993(29) Nashville SC
• Joe Gyau, 1992(29) Degerfors FC

Dreamers:

• Cody Baker, 2004*(18) Tacoma Defiance
• Mauricio Cuevas, 2003*(19) Club Brugge
• Collin Smith, 2003*(18) FC Dallas
• Ethan Dobbelaere, 2002*(19) Seattle Sounders
• Nathan Harriel, 2001*(21) Philadelphia Union

~Erik Duenas, 2004*(17) Los Angeles FC {Prefers Mexico}

Outlook:

• Jace Clark, 2005*(16) DC United
• Justin Reynolds, 2004*(17) Chicago Fire
• Ian Mai, 2004*(17)San Diego Loyal
• Noah Hall, 2003*(19) Columbus Crew
• Sebastian Anderson, 2002*(19) Colorado Rapids
• Julian Gaines, 2002*(19) Las Vegas Lights
• Quincy Butler, 2001*(20) Hoffenheim
• Jacob Akanyirige, 2001*(20) unattached

CENTER BACKS​

Favorites:

1. Walker Zimmermann, 1993(29), Nashville SC
2. Miles Robinson, 1997(25), Atlanta United
3. Chris Richards, 2000(22) Bayern Munich > TSG Hoffenheim

Contenders:

1. John Brooks, 1993(29), VfL Wolfsburg
2. Aaron Long, 1992(29), New York Red Bulls
3. Erik Palmer-Brown, 1997(25), Manchester City > Troyes

Pretenders:

1. Mark McKenzie, 1999(23) KRC Genk
2. Cameron Carter-Vickers, 1997(24) Tottenham Hotspur > Celtic
3. Tim Ream, 1987(34), Fulham
4. Henry Kessler, 1998(23) New England Revolution
5. Matt Miazga, 1995(26), Chelsea > Deportivo Alaves
6. Auston Trusty, 1998(23) Arsenal FC > Colorado Rapids
7. Justen Glad, 1997(25), Real Salt Lake

~ Philip Sandler, 1997(25) Manchester City > Feyenoord [Netherlands dual]

Prospects:

1. Justin Che, 2003*(18) FC Dallas > TSG Hoffenheim
2. Kobi Henry, 2004*(18) Orange County SC
3. Tayvon Gray, 2002*(19) New York City FC
4. George Campbell, 2001*(20) Atlanta United
5. Jonathan Tomkinson, 2002*(20) Norwich City
6. Nico Carrera, 2002*(20) Holstein Kiel
7. Jalen Neal, 2003*(18) LA Galaxy
8. Casey Walls, 2003*(18) San Jose Earthquakes
9. Brandan Craig, 2004*(18) Philadelphia Union

~Bryan Okoh, 2003*(19) Red Bull Salzburg {Prefers Switzerland}

Outsiders:

• Jack Maher, 1999(22) Nashville SC
• Lennard Maloney, 1999(22) Borussia Dortmund
• Donovan Pines, 1998(24) DC United
• Mauricio Pineda 1997(24) Chicago Fire
• Sean Nealis, 1997(25) New York Red Bulls

~ Kik Pierie, 2000(21) Ajax Amsterdam > FC Twente [Prefers Netherlands]

Abyss:

• Aboubacar Keita, 2000(22) Colorado Rapids
• Jonathan Bell, 1997(24) New England Revolution
• Nkosi Tafari, 1997(25) FC Dallas
• Brenden Hines-Ike, 1994(27) DC United
• Tim Parker, 1993(29) Houston Dynamo
• Dave Romney, 1993(28) Nashville SC
• Ventura Alvarado, 1992(29) FC Juarez

Dreamers:

• Noah Cobb, 2005*(16) Atlanta United
• Thomas Williams, 2004*(17) Orlando City SC
• Marcus Ferkranus, 2003*(19) LA Galaxy
• Kaveh Rad, 2001*(20) Sporting Kansas City

~Antonio Leone, 2004*(18) Los Angeles FC {Mexico dual}

Outlook:

• Diego Rosales, 2005*, (16) Las Vegas Lights
• Joshua Wynder, 2005*(17) Louisville City
• Efrain Morales, 2004*(18) Atlanta United
• Samuel Jones, 2004*(18) Philadelphia Union
• Dante Huckaby, 2003*(19) Philadelphia Union
• Eric Kinzner, 2003*(19) Tacoma Defiance
• Ethan Hardin, 2003*(19) Fort Lauderdale CF
• Bobby Pierre, 2002*(19) Racing Strasbourg
• Ian Fray, 2002*(19) Inter Miami
• Nathan Sepulveda, 2002*(19) Las Vegas Lights
• Mason Judge, 2002*(20) 1860 Munich

~Jaziel Orozco, 2004*(17) Real Monarchs {Prefers Mexico}

LEFT BACKS​

Favorites:

1. Antonee Robinson, 1997(24) Fulham
2. George Bello, 2002*(20), Arminia Bielefeld

Contenders:

1. Sam Vines, 1999(23) Royal Antwerp
2. DeJuan Jones, 1997(24) New England Revolution
3. Jonathan Gomez, 2003*(18) Real Sociedad

Pretenders:

1. Kevin Paredes, 2003*(19) VfL Wolfsburg
2. John Tolkin, 2002*(19) New York Red Bulls

Prospects:

1. Caleb Wiley, 2004*(17) Atlanta United
2. Adam Armour, 2002*(19) Charlotte FC
3. Jacob Greene, 2003*(19) DC United

Outsiders:

• Marco Farfan, 1998(23) FC Dallas
• Chase Gasper, 1996(26) Minnesota United
• Andrew Gutman, 1996(25) Atlanta United

Abyss:

• Chris Gloster, 2000(21) New York City FC
• Matthew Real, 1999(22) Philadelphia Union
• Aedan Stanley, 1999(22) unattached
• John Nelson, 1998(23) unattached
• Sam Junqua, 1996(25) Houston Dynamo
• Taylor Washington, 1993(28) Nashville SC
• Daniel Lovitz, 1991(30) Nashville SC
• Ryan Hollingshead, 1991(31) Los Angeles FC

Dreamers:

• Curtis Ofori, 2005*(16) New York Red Bulls
• Noah Allen, 2004*(18) Inter Miami
• Anthony Sorenson, 2003*(19) Philadelphia Union
• Isaiah LeFlore, 2002*(19) SC Braga

Outlook:

• Armando Avila, 2004*(18) Las Vegas Lights
• Coby Jones, 2003*(18) Sporting Kansas City
• Zack Farnsworth, 2002*(19) Real Salt Lake
• Kobe Hernandez-Foster, 2002*(19) HamKam
• Alex Villanueva, 2002*(19) Seattle Sounders
• Travian Sousa, 2001*(20) Sporting Kansas City
• Andre Reynolds, 2001*(21) Chicago Fire
• Leonardo Sepulveda, 2001*(20) Recreativo Granada

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDERS ​

Favorites:

1. Tyler Adams, 1999(23) Red Bull Leipzig
2. Kellyn Acosta, 1995(26) Los Angeles FC

Contenders:

1. James Sands, 2000(21) New York City FC > Rangers FC
2. Tanner Tessman, 2001*(20) Venezia FC
3. Johnny Cardoso, 2001*(20) Internacional

Pretenders:

1. Jackson Yuiell, 1997(25) San Jose Earthquakes

Prospects:

1. Jack McGlynn, 2003*(18) Philadelphia Union
2. Leon Flach, 2001*(20) Philadelphia Union
3. Obed Vargas, 2005*(16) Seattle Sounders [Mexico dual-national]
4. Josh Atencio, 2002*(20) Seattle Sounders
5. Moses Nyeman, 2003*(18) DC United
6. Daniel Edelman, 2003*(19) New York Red Bulls
7. Jeremy Garay, 2003*(19) DC United Loudon United

Outsiders:

• Chris Durkin, 2000(22) Sint Truiden
• Brandon Servania, 1999(23) FC Dallas [Puerto Rico dual]
• Marky Delgado, 1995(27) LA Galaxy
• Russell Canouse, 1995(26) DC United
• Matt Polster, 1993(28) New England Revolution
• Alfredo Morales, 1990(32) New York City FC

Abyss:

• Andres Perea, 2000(21) Orlando City
• Dante Polvara, 2000(21) Aberdeen FC
• Derrick Jones, 1997(25) Houston Dynamo
• Wil Trapp, 1993(29) Minnesota United

Dreamers:

• Jayvin Van Deventer, 2004*(18) Sporting Kansas City
• Bryang Kayo, 2002*(19) Wolfsburg > Viktoria Berlin
• Sebastian Berhalter, 2001*(21) Columbus Crew > Austin FC

Outlook:

• Francis Jacobs, 2005*(17) Orange County SC
• Zach Booth, 2004*(18) Leicester City
• Justin Haak, 2001*(20) Hartford Athletic
• Ian Hoffman, 2001*(20) Houston Dynamo
• Owen Otasowie, 2001*(21) Club Brugge

CENTER MIDFIELDERS​

Favorites:

1. Weston McKennie, 1998(23) Juventus [INJURED]
2. Yunus Musah, 2002*(19) Valencia
3. Luca de la Torre, 1998(24) Heracles
4. Gianluca Busio, 2002*(20), Venezia FC

Contenders:

1. Cristian Roldan, 1995(26) Seattle Sounders
2. Sebastian Lletget, 1992(29) New England Revolution

Pretenders:

1. Cole Bassett, 2001*(20) Colorado Rapids > Feyenoord
2. Djordje Mihailovic, 1998(23) CF Montreal
3. Paxton Pomykal, 1999(22), FC Dallas
4. Richard Ledezma, 2000(21) PSV Eindhoven
5. Alex Mendez, 2000(21) FC Vizela
6. Taylor Booth, 2001*(21) FC Utrecht < Bayern Munich
7. Christian Cappis, 1999(22) Brondby
8. Alan Sonora, 1998(24) Independiente
9. Timothy Tillman, 1999(23) Greuther Firth
10. Julian Green, 1995(26) Greuther Firth
11. Eryk Williamson, 1997(25) Portland Timbers [INJURED]

~ Malik Tillman, 2002*(20) Bayern Munich {Germany dual}

Prospects:

1. Paxten Aaronson, 2003*(18) Philadelphia Union
2. Reed Baker-Whiting, 2005*(17) Seattle Sounders
3. Brian Gutierrez, 2003*(18) Chicago Fire
4. Danny Leyva, 2003*(19) Seattle Sounders
5. Rokas Puktsas, 2004*(17) Hajduk Split
6. Ben Bender, 2001*(22) Charlotte FC

~ Amir Richardson, 2002*(20) Le Havre {Prefers Morocco}

Outsiders:

• Joel Sonora, 1996(25) Velez Sarsfield
• Keaton Parks, 1997(24) New York City FC
• Edwin Cerrillo, 2000(21) FC Dallas
• Frankie Amaya, 2000(21) New York Red Bulls

Abyss:

• Jorge Hernandez, 2000(21) FC Chornomerets Odessa
• Anthony Fontana, 1999(22) Ascoli Calcio
• Jacob Montes, 1998(23) Crystal Palace
• Hassani Dotson, 1997(24) Minnesota United
• Sean Davis, 1993(29) Nashville SC
• Nick Besler, 1993(29) Real Salt Lake

~ Darlington Nagbe, 1990(31) Columbus Crew [Declines call-ups]

Dreamers:

• Matthew Corcoran, 2006*(16) FC Dallas
• Noel Buck, 2005*(17) New England Revolution
• Kristian Fletcher, 2005*(17) unattached
• Esmir Bajraktarevic, 2005*(17) New England Revolution
• Niko Tsakiris, 2005*(16) San Jose Earthquakes
• Juan Castilla, 2004*(17) Houston Dynamo
• Ozzie Cisneros, 2004*(18) Sporting Kansas City
• Evan Rotundo, 2004*(17) Schalke
• Leandro Soria, 2004*(17) Godoy Cruz
• Tyler Wolff, 2003*(19) Atlanta United
• Jacob Davis, 2002*(20) Sporting Kansas City
• Alejandro Alvarado, 2003*(18) FC Vizela
• Theodore Ku-DiPietro, 2002*(20) DC United
• Aiden Morris, 2001*(20) Columbus Crew
• Jose Gallegos, 2001*(20) Sonderjyske
• Matko Miljevic, 2001*(21) CF Montreal

~Benito Estrella, 2006*(16) New York Red Bulls {Portugal, dual}

Outlook:

• Sam Williams, 2005*(17) New York Red Bulls
• Julio Benitez, 2005*(16) Real Monarchs
• Drew Hardin, 2004*(17) Inter Miami
• Christopher Jaime, 2004*(18) Las Vegas Lights
• Allan Rodriguez, 2004*(18) Chicago Fire
• Kenan Hot, 2004*(18) Hartford Athletic
• Brenden Lambe, 2004*(18) Atlanta United
• Javier Casas, 2003*(19) Chicago Fire
• Adam Saldana, 2002*(20) LA Galaxy
• Cameron Dunbar, 2002*(19) LA Galaxy
• Damien Rivera, 2002*(19) New England Revolution
• Cole Turner, 2001*(20) Philadelphia Union
• Oliver Larraz, 2001*(20) Colorado Rapids

WINGERS​

Favorites:

1. Christian Pulisic, 1998(23) Chelsea FC
2. Giovanni Reyna, 2002*(19) Borussia Dortmund
3. Timothy Weah, 2000(22), Lille OSC
4. Brenden Aaronson, 2000(21) Red Bull Salzburg

Contenders:

1. Jordan Morris, 1994(26), Seattle Sounders
2. Paul Arriola, 1995(27) FC Dallas
3. Josh Sargent, 2000(22) Norwich City

Pretenders:

1. Matthew Hoppe, 2001*(21) RCD Mallorca
2. Konrad De La Fuente, 2001*(20), Olympique Marseilles
3. Niko Gioacchini, 2000(21) SM Caen > Montpellier
4. Cade Cowell, 2003*(18) San Jose Earthquakes
5. Caden Clark, 2003*(19) RB Leipzig > New York Red Bulls
6. Samuel Shashoua, 1999(23) Tenerife
7. Alex Mighten, 2002*(20) Nottingham Forest
8. Chris Mueller, 1996(25) Hibernian FC
9. Jonathan Lewis, 1997(24) Colorado Rapids

Prospects:

1. Quinn Sullivan, 2004*(18) Philadelphia Union
2. Dante Sealy, 2003*(19) FC Dallas > PSV Eindhoven
3. Diego Luna, 2003*(18) El Paso Locomotive
4. Griffin Yow, 2002*(19) DC United
5. Andres Jasson, 2002*(20) New York City FC

Outsiders:

• Emmanuel Sabbi, 1997(24) OB Odense
• Tyler Boyd, 1994(27) Besiktas > Caykur Rizespor
• Benji Michel, 1997(24) Orlando City SC
• Duane Holmes, 1994(27) Huddersfield Town
• Fafa Picault, 1991(31) Houston Dynamo

Abyss:

• Orrin McKinzie Gaines, 1998(24), Charlotte FC
• Sebastian Saucedo, 1997(25) UNAM Pumas
• Luke Haakenson, 1997(24) Nashville SC
• Joe Efford, 1996(25) Motherwell FC
• Alex Muyl, 1995(26) Nashville SC
• Ian Harkes, 1995(27) Dundee United
• Memo Rodriguez, 1995(26) Houston Dynamo
• Lynden Gooch, 1995(26) Sunderland

~ Latif Blessing, 1996(26) Los Angeles FC {Declared for USMNT, not yet eligible}

Dreamers:

• Leo Torres, 2004*(18) Real Monarchs
• Mario Penagos, 2002*(20) Sacramento Republic
• Indiana Vassilev, 2001*(21) Inter Miami
• Ulysses Llanez, 2001*(21) St. Polten

~Edison Azcona, 2003*(18) Inter Miami [Dominican Republic]

Outlook:

• Brooklyn Raines, 2005*(17) El Paso Locomotive
• Felipe Valencia, 2005*(17) Fort Lauderdale CF
• Gage Akalu, 2005*(15) Sporting Kansas City
• Dantouma Toure, 2004*(17) Colorado Rapids
• Jackson Hopkins, 2004*(18) DC United
• Juan Alvarez, 2004*(17) Tacoma Defiance
• Xavier O’Neil, 2004*(17) DC United
• Chris Garcia, 2003*(19) Real Salt Lake
• Raymond Drai, 2003*(18) Orange County SC
• Bode Davis, 2002*(20) Real Salt Lake

FORWARDS​

Favorites:

1. Ricardo Pepi, 2003*(19) FC Augsburg
2. Jordan Pefok, 1996(26) BSC Young Boys

Contenders:

1. Jesus Ferreira, 2000(21), FC Dallas
2. Gyasi Zardes, 1991(30), Columbus Crew
3. Daryl Dike, 2000(21) West Bromwich Albion

Pretenders:

1. Haji Wright, 1998(24), Antalyaspor
2. Brian White, 1996(26) Vancouver Whitecaps
3. Christian Ramirez, 1991(31) Aberdeen FC
4. Bobby Wood, 1992(29) Real Salt Lake
5. Brandon Vazquez, 1998(23) FC Cincinnati
6. Jozy Altidore, 1989(32), New England Revolution

Prospects:

1. Malick Sanogo, 2004*(18) Union Berlin
2. Federico Oliva, 2004*(17) Atletico Madrid
3. Missael Rodriguez, 2003*(19) Chicago Fire
4. Darren Yapi, 2004*(17) Colorado Rapids

~Folarin Balogun, 2001*(20) Arsenal > Middlesborough FC {England dual}
~Santiago Munoz, 2002*(19) Santos Laguna {Prefers Mexico}

Outsiders:

• Sebastian Soto, 2000(22) Livingston FC
• Benjamin Kikanovic, 2000(22) San Jose Earthquakes
• Mason Toye, 1998(23) CF Montreal
• Jeremy Ebobisse, 1997(25) San Jose Earthquakes [Cameroon dual-national]
• Miguel Berry, 1997(24) Columbus Crew
• Andrija Novakovich, 1996(25) Frosinone
• Rubio Rubin, 1996(26) Real Salt Lake [Guatemala dual-national]
• Dom Dwyer, 1990, (31), Atlanta United

Abyss:

• Preston Judd, 1999(23) LA Galaxy
• Corey Baird, 1996(26) Houston Dynamo
• Khiry Shelton, 1993(28) Sporting Kansas City
• Aron Johannsson, 1990(31) Lech Poznań
• CJ Sapong, 1988(33) Nashville SC

~Maurice Malone, 2000(21) Augsburg [Germany dual]

Dreamers:

• Jackson Conway, 2001*(20) Atlanta United
• Charlie Kelman, 2001*(20) Queens Park Rangers > Gillingham FC
• Cameron Harper, 2001*(20) New York Red Bulls
• Jordan Adebayo-Smith, 2001*(21) Tampa Bay Rowdies
• Jake LaCava, 2001*(21) New York Red Bulls

Outlook:

• Axel Kei, 2007*(13) Real Monarchs
• Kristian Fletcher, 2005*(17) unattached
• Luke Brennan, 2005*(17) Atlanta United
• Daniel Sebathu, 2005*(17) Atlanta United
• Mataeo Bunbury, 2005*(17) Sporting Kansas City
• CJ Fodrey, 2004*(18) San Diego Loyal
• Yekeson Subah, 2004*(18) Real Monarchs
• Abraham Lincon, 2004*(18) San Antonio FC
• Austin Brummett, 2004*(18) New York Red Bulls
• Arquimedes Ordonez, 2003*(18) FC Cincinnati
• Patrick Weah, 2003*, (18) Sacramento Republic
• Patrick Bohui, 2003*(18) Vejle BK
• Tyler Freeman, 2003*(19) Sporting Kansas City
• Alex Monis, 2003*(19) Chicago Fire
• Selmir Miscic, 2003*(19) North Carolina FC
• Zion Long, 2003*(18) Sporting Kansas City
• Alfonso Ocampo-Cavez, 2002*(20) Seattle Sounders
• Ray Serrano, 2002*(20) Seattle Sounders
• Jack de Vries, 2002*(20), Venezia FC
• Alfonso Vasquez, 2002*(19) Hartford Athletic
• Johan Gomez, 2001*(20) FSV Zwickau
• Justin Butler, 2001*(21) FC Ingolstadt
• Jalen Hawkins, 2001*(21) FC Ingolstadt
• Patrick Koffi, 2001*(20) Paris FC > Creteil

~Christian Torres, 2004*(18) Los Angeles FC {Prefers Mexico}

 

Here's where I am after today's match (locks for the final 23 in bold):

Keepers (3): Steffen, Turner, Horvath, Johnson, Slomina

Center Backs (4): Zimmerman, Miles Robinson, Richards, Long, Brooks

Right/Left Backs (4): Dest, Antonee Robinson, Yedlin, Vines, Bello, Scally

Defensive Midfielders (3-4): Adams, Acosta, McKennie, Roldan

Attacking Midfielders/Wingers (6-8): Pulisic, Reyna, Weah, Aaronson, Musah, Morris, Arriola, De La Torre, Busio

Strikers (2-4): Pepi, Pefok, Ferreria, Dike, Sargent, Zardes

So 15 locks, and 20 players battling for the last 8 spots.

Biggest questions:

1) Who's the third keeper?
2) Who's the backup left back?
3) And most obviously, who wins the striker jobs.....

You've likely got 12 spots for the midfield & attack, and eight of those are already spoken for even without any strikers chosen.

And given that you're likely to take at least three strikers, that means that Roldan/Morris/Arriola/LDLT, and Busio are likely fighting for a single spot.

 

Nice list.
I would bet on only two pure strikers though, and one more versatile player who could cover it as well as something else.
To me that says advantage: Morris, or perhaps Ferreira. Sargent if he can get back in the picture.

For the pure strikers it will obviously come down to form. I think Pepi has an inside track due to club situation (though he must perform) and perhaps Dike as a darkhorse since his skillset is so unique.

 

I think RIchards is a lock for one of the CB position. If Miles falters, Richards will take his place.
Musah is an 8. He belongs with Mckennie and company

 

Servania filed a switch to Puerto Rico, correct?

He looks fantastic for Dallas.

He had a killer distance shot of a type I had never seen anyone use in a game like that. He made it appear to be hit toward his left, but in actuality it was a sliced, dipping knuckler that bent to the right. Killer shot. It beat Yarborough, who thought it was going to the other post. It wasn’t a perfect shot, but it didn’t have to be because it was so effectively deceptive. I’d have to say that’s the best shot I have seen in MLS in some time.

He also had two assists to Ferreira.

 

Steffen with another huge error in the FA Cup today that gifted Liverpool the opening goal.

Keeper job has to be Turner's to lose now....

 

I've been wanting to get this off my chest somewhere all season:

I don't think it will happen because he's so far outside of the USMNT pipeline that no one on the current staff can imagine him fitting into "the system", but Keaton Parks is playing his brains out for NYCFC right now. It's getting harder and harder for the US soccer press to ignore his performances. Paxton and Djorde get all the writer's accolades, but Keaton is up there with them statistically and (imo) is more integral to his team's performance.

I've been watching Parks a lot since his days with Benfica B, and my biggest criticism of him was his defending... all the way down in the Portuguese 2nd division, he was frequently out of position and will always lack the speed and mobility to catch up to attacker who have beaten him. His tackling was often mistimed and heavy. It was the area of his game he needed to improve the most to progress his career.

MLS is unquestionably a better league with better attackers than LigaPro, and Keaton's defense under Vieira and now Ronny Deila has improved immensely. Both this positioning and technique have improved, as has his ability to use his massive frame and long legs to his advantage. I think there's still room to improve in terms of his strength, but he's not getting pushed off the ball like he used to. He's still not a particularly agile player, but the work he's put in means it's harder and harder for teams to get things past him.

Meanwhile, his offensive play is thriving. Parks leads US midfielders in G+, and he currently leads all MLS midfielders in xPass... the kid just doesn't miss very often. But the thing that continues to convince me that he is elite is his off the ball positioning. He finds pockets of space others don't see, and then uses his ability to accurately play one-touch passes and his dribbling to exploit them with the ball at his feet. To become an undeniable USMNT-worthy player he needs to work on his finishing... he keeps getting into great spots in and around the box, but isn't getting the ball on frame as much as he should.

In terms of roster spots, I think the best comparisons are LDLT and Djorde. LDLT is a more agile player on both sides of the ball than Parks, while Djorde is a better finisher. But I think Parks' creativity and on-the-ball skills are as good if not better than both. His playstyle has made NYCFC nearly "unpressable", which is one of the reasons NYCFC are 2nd in the league in terms of possession %.

If Gregg wants a shuttler that can consistently break down defensive lines with long diagonals, or someone who can calmly break high presses, he needs to keep an eye on Keaton. If Keaton can improve his finishing, I think he's headed on to bigger and better things... I can't find contract info online, but he's in his 2nd year of a "multi-year deal" with NYCFC. If he signed a 4 year deal, I can absolutely see some European clubs keeping an eye on him next year.

Anyway, that's it for me, I'm done simping. While I don't think he'll make the roster for 2022, if he stays on his current trajectory, he'll play his way into consideration for 2026. Our midfield is absolutely stuffed to the gills with talent, but I think Parks offers skills that others in the pool don't have... namely his ability to consistently find creative outlets after shuttling the ball through the midfield. His biggest fault in terms of his USMNT outlook is that he's not a great presser... to play effective defense, he needs to be a bit closer to goal. That can change, of course, but it's one reason he might never make it onto a Berhalter or Marsch team.

 

My problem with Parks is that it takes him a few games to get up to speed, whether it's at the start of a season or coming back from injury. You just don't have time for that at NT level. But I guess we're going to see.

 

I also was keeping tabs on him when he was with Benfica.
Everything you said is correct. Besides his exceptional passing game, his faints were excellent. His nickname by the fans was the "Deceiving log".

He did play once for the USMNT early on when Sarachan was in charge and had the mandate to look at young players. Sarachan only played him once. When asked why he wasn't playing him even when he was one of the best passing mids on the field, his response was "Coach's choice".

The next time Parks met Sarachan was in a game. Parks proceed to score 2 goals to prove his point.

 

Parks is such an interesting test case.

On one hand, even though his defense has picked up, he's still a bit soft and a bit slow. To your point, it's tough to see him playing in our team, and even in a less aggressive defensive system, it's tough to see him as anything but a liability at the World Cup level.

He's a very good shuttler and every once in a while, there's some goal creation in him. But mostly that between the lines stuff -- the Pomykal, the Luca de la Torre, etc.

He's also a possession/skill guy on a team that is one of the best and most talented in his league. And it's a team that plays the game exactly how Parks best fits in. I wonder in a situation where his team is on the back foot, when he's not surrounded by a skill advantage, if he gets hurt more than other players.

I don't really have a strong point of view either way, but I have more questions about his translatability to higher levels because of his relative strengths and weaknesses than a player with more athleticism and defense. Perhaps personal bias.

 

he does some good things but the weaknesses would destroy the usmnt. the usmnt can live with a 6 who isn't great going foward but being so poor in the back defensively on a side that is going to spend a lot of time playing defense would be killer.

 

Parks isn't a 6, he's definitely an 8. The system they run at NYCFC asks him to drop back deeper to shuttle the ball out, but his primary role in their possession phase is to create chances / maintain and recycle possession, not cover the back line. Parks constantly gets discussed as a "defensive" midfielder, and I think that's due to his size and speed, but that's not really his role. If he had a better nose for goal, I think he's be used as a hold up striker, but he lacks that lethality.

That's why I used the LDLT comparison: Parks isn't a replacement for Adams, he's a replacement for McKennie (edit: worth noting they came out of the same scene in Dallas, but McKennie made the ODP team while Parks got cut).

 

This is definitely true, BUT, I would say that the team needs him more than he needs the team. They got hot in the play-offs and won MLS cup without him, but most fans and pundits noted that NYCFC had to shift their style to accommodate his absence. This year, outside of the CCL games, they've generally performed worse without him.

I think it's fair to say that he's riding a bit of a high streak that could end soon, but unlike the Euro-stans who viewed his move to NYCFC as "giving up" or being "not good enough" for Europe, he's grown and evolved immensely to the point that I think he's ready for another step up. He probably won't make it at a club like Benefica, but if he could secure a move to a mid-level club in Italy or Spain, I think he'd fit right in. Assuming there's a camp cupcake this January, I really hope we'll see him as Berhalter looks towards the next cycle...

 

You do have a small amount of time at the beginning of a cycle, but its also easy to play yourself out of contention if you can't get up to speed... see Yueill, Jackson or Trapp, Wil.

 

This is somewhat of a nuance, but I think Parks would be competing for the shuttler role, or if we used a more offensively 8/10, that role.

McKennie's role is a box to box, and when he's been out, the focus has mostly been on filling that role with someone who can handle box to box defensive duties. That's not Parks.

We've seen Acosta fill in there a lot because of this, and even Musah sliding over.

But we wouldn't see a midfield of Park and de la Torre, for example, pretty much ever. That's two shuttlers, one pretty soft, and one with good effort but lacking real bite.

Some guys can play both roles, but I don't think you see some of them out there with each other based on defensive chops.

 

It's not Parks but it could be Pomykal.

 

Also, Eryk Willaimson.

 

I don’t think that Williamson is at Pomykal’s level (or Parks for that matter). He spends a lot of time largely anonymous on the field.

That may work okay in MLS, but with these guys you have to come on and make something happen.

 

Posted this in another place:

ESPN said that Berhalter has already chosen 19 locks given they’re healthy.

Best guess:

1 Pulisic
2 McKennie
3 Dest
4 Reyna
5 Adams
6 Aaronson
7 Musah
8 Antonee Robinson
9 Luca de la Torre
10 Turner
11 Steffen
12 Zimmerman
13 Chris Richards
14 Yedlin
15 Ferreira
16 Pepi
17 Arriola
18 Roldan
19 Acosta

20-26
20 Battle for 3rd forward: 1 Pefok, 2 Wright, 3 Sargent
21 Battle for 4th outside back: 1 Cannon, 2 Bello, 3 Moore, 4 Vines, 5 Scally
22 Battle for backup center back 1: 1 Long, 2 Palmer Brown, 3 Carter Vickers
23 Battle for backup center back 2: 1 Long, 2 Palmer Brown, 3 Carter Vickers
24 Battle for midfield: 1 Mijailovic, 2 Pomykal, 3 Busio, 4 Sands, 5 Lleget
25 Wild Card: 1 Jordan Morris, 2 Alan Sonora, 3 Johnny Soccer, 4 Malik Tillman
26 Battle for 3rd keeper: 1 Horvath, 2 Johnson

 

We have a small sample size on Williamson's performance, but he did very well in the GC. He was the 2-way "8" that we need.

 

Just for clarity, Twellman said he asked Berhalter how many guys were on the roster for Qatar today, and he said he probably knew "19-20."

I don't think even Twellman used the word "locks" and I'd bet Berhalter would bristle at that -- there probably aren't many guys who would be invited if they were playing terrible.

And there wasn't like "Hey, I have 19 locks very clearly laid out." He was asked and gave a number that feels pretty approximate. Or at least that is what I took.

 

If we don't see a standout performance by a CB besides Zimm in this window Brooks may still be in with a shout.