As international windows go, the just-concluded fall slate could not have gone much better for the U.S. men's national team. Manager Mauricio Pochettino accomplished nearly all of his goals. Over the window, all 28 players saw the field, and 13 earned their first cap. Seven players scored, and the team's teenagers accounted for seven of the 12 goals. After a 1-0 win over Canada on Tuesday, Pochettino was effusive in his praise. "They deserve the credit," he said. "It's not talking only about the result; it's about the way that we compete, and the way that we made that journey together."
The roster's inexperience stood out when Pochettino announced it on Sept. 17, and the question was how the young players would hold up. The answer was well. Julian Hall scored three goals to lead the U.S. during the window, showing an uncanny sense of how to exploit time and space. Justin Ellis added finishing ability to his impressive link play. Then there was Cavan Sullivan, the Philadelphia Union attacker who arrived amid enormous hype. He showed quality over three appearances and scored a memorable goal against Mexico, picking off a wayward pass from goalkeeper Raúl Rangel and lobbing him from 35 yards.
What stood out most was that each young player looked like they belonged. Inexperience showed at times, with loose marking, overambitious passes and untidy touches under pressure. But the physical traits and adaptability are there, which is an exciting prospect as the games get harder.
The two biggest question marks, in goal and at center back alongside starter Chris Richards, remain unresolved. Four different center backs and the same number of goalkeepers saw time, so Pochettino has more information but no definitive answers. George Campbell played well enough, especially in combining with Richards to grind out the Canada win, to earn another look.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing