OneKeg said:
sluggo said:
OneKeg said:
Not sure when the USMNT plays next (CONCACAF Nations' League in September?).
But I was curious on how the roster and starting lineup is likely to evolve in the short term, understanding that there are longer-term prospects like Gozo on the horizon for 2030 and that some of the top-line players may not play when it's not a big tournament or if they are injured.
But let's pretend the US had to play in a critical match later in 2026 and everyone is healthy and available. For example, does Trusty replace Ream alongside Richards at center back? (Or perhaps move Freeman inside?)
I think it is hard to say. September is early in the European season and even if it is during an international break (meaning the players don't miss a league game), our top players need to fight for their spots.
I think Trusty for Ream is going to be an immediate change as Ream (hopefully) retires from international play. I think Gozo is the next player to get integrated, he should have been there for the Cup. Adri Mehmeti (17, ball distributing center mid) and Julian Hall (18, striker) both from Red Bull NYC are two other players who might join soon. I am curious what will happen with the goalkeeping situation, no predictions there.
Thanks Sluggo! Good stuff.
Yes, hopefully Ream exits stage left. This is not to hate on him, though he unfortunately had an exceedingly poor game against Belgium, but I think the US needs to find out what it has in Trusty alongside Richards at center back. Again, unless they move Freeman inside with Richards at center back and play Trusty on the outside of the back line?
I checked up a bit on Julian Hall (also listed as Julian Zakrzewski depending on where you look on the Red Bulls' roster) and Adri Mehmeti. Looks like both have been coming on lately. 2 assists for Hall, one for a Mehmeti goal to tie it up for the final score of 2-2, in a match against Inter Miami in April (Messi started that game for Miami!).
Hall has 9 goals in 15 matches to lead the team along with 4 assists, and Mehmeti also has 4 assists, both one off the team lead in assists. Gozo has 6 goals and 5 assists in 14 matches for Real Salt Lake. Hopefully all three keep progressing. Maybe play in Europe at some point like the other kid you linked (Mathis).
The last two coaches have wanted left-footed left center backs and right-footed right center backs. So Trusty is really the only candidate if the new coach (who may be the old coach) wants a left-footed player to replace Ream. I also think he is the best center bank not named Richards, but that is more open to debate. My idea to move Freeman inside is not something I have seen reported. He is also right footed and his obvious replacement, Joe Scally, is far from great.
Hall has been scoring like a maniac. But he is not that big or fast or really anything. He just scores. Which means his skills may or may not translate to a high level. He reminds me of Chicharito who played for Mexico and just scored but not much else. Mehmeti is a skilled midfielder who is more than his stats. He is like Rodri or Pedri who you run a game through, which will be more important when Ream leaves. Also, I think the US struggled to play through the midfield in the WC. I prefer him to Tyler Adams who is more of a defensive bulldog. Hall and Mehmeti both grew up in NYC, which is funny to me because a tiny reason I moved from there back to the Bay Area is I that I wanted my kids to have a better soccer environment. (Not that I thought they would be pros, not with my genes, just that I wanted them outside.)
Gozo has to go(zo) to Europe. He is too good for MLS. Unfortunately MLS owns him practically forever, so we will see.
Mathis Albert has a French (maybe) father so he could go to Europe at 16 instead of waiting for 18. He is an American kid and friends with the others. He played for the LA Galaxy before he smartly went to Germany when he could.
