ASN: Projecting the U.S. U-20 World Cup crew and looking out on the present participant pool

Final week, the U.S. U-20 crew wrapped up a profitable camp in Mexico on the Revelations Cup. ASN’s Brian Sciaretta gives up his newest projection of the 2023 U-20 World Cup crew whereas going over your complete participant pool and looking out on the key positional battles. 

BY

Brian Sciaretta

Posted
October 04, 2022
5:00 PM

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LAST WEEK THE UNITED States U-20 crew wrapped up a comparatively profitable Revelations Cup the place the crew convincingly defeated Peru and Paraguay whereas dropping a detailed recreation to Mexico regardless of controlling virtually your complete recreation.

Coming off profitable the 2022 CONCACAF U-20 Championship to qualify for each the 2023 U-20 World Cup and the 2024 Olympics, this crew is in nice form and head coach Mikey Varas has appropriately recognized already a lot of the crew he’ll take to Indonesia subsequent 12 months for the U-20 World Cup which can run from Could 20 – June 11, 2022.

There’s nonetheless loads of time the place issues might change, after all, as youth soccer is liable to sharp fluctuations in kind. However in contrast with U.S. U-20 groups of the previous, it’s simple to see the place this crew is heading.

There additionally isn’t an excessive amount of time for issues to vary. The U.S. U-20 crew will possible maintain a camp along with MLS-based gamers who’re within the senior nationwide crew pool. However gamers who’re within the MLS playoffs will probably be restricted (and that will probably be an essential a part of the crew lacking). Then there’ll possible be a January camp, a March camp, after which a pre-World Cup camp in Could. The early finish to the MLS season in 2022 because of the World Cup solely has one camp within the early 2023 season for gamers out of the image to construct their case.

However all issues thought-about, Varas most likely can safely slender down his participant pool to 30 gamers proper now to pick out his crew. He can, after all, develop it if there’s a late emerger however he doesn’t have to scramble.

As of October 2022, here’s what I mission the 21-player U.S. U-20 World Cup crew will probably be together with ideas of why I feel the present gamers are inside the roster, why I feel they’ll be launched, and who I feel may very well be pushing for an inclusion within the months forward.

Projected U.S. U-20 World Cup roster

Goalkeepers (3): Gaga Slonina, Chris Brady*, Antonio Carrera

Fullbacks (4): Mauricio Cuevas*, Caleb Wiley*, Jonathan Gomez, Justin Che

Central defenders (3): Brandan Craig*, Josh Wynder, Jalen Neal

Midfielders (6): Daniel Edelman*, Obed Vargas, Jack McGlynn*, Caden Clark, Paxten Aaronson*, Alejandro Alvarado

Attackers (5): Quinn Sullivan*, Diego Luna*, Cade Cowell, Kevin Paredes*, Brian Gutierrez

The * denotes gamers I consider are core members and important to the crew.

Goalkeepers

The U-20 World Cup requires three goalkeepers to be chosen. Chris Brady was the highest starter within the CONCACAF Championships and on the Revelations Cup. He’s going. The massive dialogue will focus on Gaga Slonina who was chosen for the CONCACAF Championships however was not launched by Chicago. Now that he will probably be heading to Chelsea after this season, I feel it will increase his probabilities for being launched to the U-20 World Cup. It will likely be in the course of the European low season and since he won’t be a Chelsea starter, the membership will need him to get these video games. He turns into an apparent lock.

The third goalkeeper will both be FC Dallas homegrown Antonio Carrera or Fulham’s Alex Borto. It is a coinflip however given Carrera was there in qualifying, we can provide the sting to him however it’s a whole tossup.

Fullbacks

Marucio Cuevas performs for the reserve crew of Membership Brugge (Membership Nxt in Belgium’s second tier) however is extremely regarded by Mikey Varas. He was a co-captain within the CONCACAF Championships and has been a daily member.

Caleb Wiley and Jonathan Gomez are the highest two left backs within the U.S. U-20 participant pool though neither have been there within the CONCACAF Championships as a result of launch and dedication points. As an alternative, Noah Allen was introduced in and performed comparatively effectively.

Justin Che is in a troublesome scenario together with his membership on mortgage at Hoffenheim and he possible will make a transfer in January. He’s not a lock to make the U-20 World Cup crew (Michael Halliday is his prime competitors at proper again) however he supplies cowl as each a back-up proper again and a backup heart again. This enables Varas a cushty option to carry solely three central defenders.

Central defenders

On the CONCACAF Championships, the Revelations Cup, and just about for this complete cycle, Varas has used Marcus Ferkranus, Brandan Craig, and Jalen Neal as his three central defenders. To date they’ve gotten the job completed.

Brandan Craig has been one of the best of the bunch and he was a prime performer on the Revelations Cup. Along with defending, his set piece deliveries have been an enormous supply of the crew’s offensive probabilities. Jalen Neal has additionally performed effectively with this crew. Whereas Varas would love for Neal to begin getting minutes with the Galaxy, for now he’s on the crew.

One subject that’s rising is the rise of Josh Wynder at Louisville Metropolis who’s enjoying terrific soccer and can possible make an enormous transfer to Europe subsequent 12 months. Wynder is extremely regarded and even captained the U.S. U-19 crew final month on the Slovenia Nations Cup. Wynder, a 2005-born participant, is definitely eligible for the following U-20 cycle however he’s the highest central protection prospect in U.S. Soccer on the youth nationwide crew stage. If he forces his method onto the crew, which looks as if it has a great probability of occurring, Marcus Ferkranus is probably going the one pressured out. Ferkranus hasn’t been unhealthy for the U.S. U-20 crew this cycle, however he may very well be the odd-man out.

Midfielders

Among the midfielders decide themselves at this level as apparent locks. Beginning defensive midfielder Daniel Edelman wears the crew’s captain’s armband at any time when he’s on the sphere. Jack McGlynn is among the crew’s finest gamers. Paxten Aaronson may not play within the midfield, however for now I’ve him as a No. 10 and he was the main scorer and the Participant of the Event on the CONCACAF Championships.

Obed Vargas is in neck and neck battle with Rokas Pukstas for the opposite No. 6 behind Edelman. Varas has spoken so extremely of Vargas and Varas saved a spot open for him within the group levels in the course of the CONCACAF Championships (enjoying with solely 19 gamers) that it looks as if Vargas has the spot to lose. However Vargas hasn’t performed since June as a result of a again damage and whether or not he makes the crew will come all the way down to his restoration in 2023. He’s a younger participant, born in 2005 and is eligible for subsequent cycle, but when he recovers effectively, he looks as if he’d be within the driver’s seat. In any other case, it’s Pukstas.

Caden Clark hasn’t performed loads of minutes with the Purple Bulls however has been doing higher in current months.  He’s nonetheless a flexible participant who provides Varas cowl in several roles and has been there all through the cycle.

Alejandro Alvarado was strong within the CONCACAF Championships however didn’t have a great Revelations Cup. His minutes at Vizela are irregular and he’s nonetheless trying to find a job. He’s nonetheless on the within of the bubble of the U-20 crew however his grip most likely isn’t robust if different gamers proceed to emerge (Niko Tsakiris is actually one who may very well be aiming for Alvarado’s spot).

Attackers

Like within the midfield, a number of the attacking picks are apparent. Quinn Sullivan has been the crew’s main scorer all cycle and continued to play effectively on the Revelations Cup. Diego Luna may not be a starter and his protection and urgent aren’t nice, however he creates probabilities successfully with this crew. Kevin Paredes wasn’t launched by Wolfsburg for the CONCACAF Championships, however Varas has spoken very extremely of the previous DC United homegrown winger. The U-20 World Cup is within the Bundesliga offseason and Wolfsburg would most likely be joyful to see Paredes get essential minutes throughout this timeframe.

Brian Gutierrez performed effectively on the Revelations Cup and Varas wished him for the CONCACAF Championships, however Chicago didn’t launch him. An enormous issue for Gutierrez is that he’s additionally enjoying nice soccer with Chicago to finish the season. He’s setting himself up for an enormous 2023 season. When trying on the trajectory of gamers, he’s one on the rise.

Cade Cowell is a participant that may very well be in a little bit of bother. I nonetheless have him on the crew however his season at San Jose has been respectable, however not spectacular. The problem for him is that Varas nonetheless has been opting to go with no No. 9. But when Varas needs to decide to renew his search for a No. 9 or usher in one other attacker (and even one other midfielder, which might then checklist Aaronson as an attacker), it places Cowell because the participant probably to get bumped. When taking a look at his performances on the CONCACAF Championships, he gave the impression to be behind Sullivan, Aaronson, Luna. Then when trying on the type of Paredes and Gutierrez at their golf equipment and on the Revelations Cup, he may be drifting in direction of the skin.

Nonetheless, Cowell is gifted and could be very bodily robust. That would make him very tough for defenders to comprise him on the youth stage such because the U-20 World Cup.

Wild Playing cards
 

There are two gamers who aren’t fairly but within the pool however are clearly adequate. There are simply different points surrounding them. If conditions change they develop into gamers who might play an enormous function in Indonesia.

Ricardo Pepi: The Groningen ahead is concentrated on attempting to make the complete nationwide crew’s World Cup roster and has been excellent since shifting to the Eredivisie on the finish of the summer time window. Mikey Varas was Pepi’s coach on the FC Dallas academy. If Pepi needs to play for this crew subsequent summer time and U.S. Soccer agrees, it will immediately give this crew the No. 9 it wants.

Luca Koleosho: the Espanyol winger has already made his debut in La Liga. Born and raised in Connecticut and developed in New York, Koleosho can be a possible immediate starter on the wings. However he additionally has Canadian citizenship via his mom (who was born in Canada to Italian mother and father). Canada has been in scorching pursuit of Koleosho and invited him to camps in June after which final month in September (he didn’t seem for Canada in any pleasant).

U.S. Soccer is in pursuit of Koleosho however Canada’s card is to ask him to the World Cup. In the event that they don’t it turns into broad open as a result of Canada can’t provide him a spot on the U-20 World Cup or the Olympics as a result of they didn’t qualify for both. The U.S. crew, nevertheless, certified for each. The truth that Koleosho continues to be but to play for Canada makes it look like it’s unlikely he makes their World Cup crew for Qatar. However we are going to see.

Key Bubble Battlers
 

There are nonetheless a number of gamers with an excellent probability to make the U.S. U-20 World Cup crew outdoors of those I listed above. Listed here are the principle ones I see proper now with a sensible probability of being on the U-20 World Cup crew subsequent 12 months.

Niko Tsakiris: The San Jose homegrown midfielder is younger (born in 2005 and eligible for the following U-20 cycle) however was with the crew for the CONCACAF Championships and the Quakes denied his launch for the Revelations Cup. The addition of Gutierrez and Paredes to the crew (neither have been on the CONCACAF Championships) bumped him from my crew, however he has been enjoying nice soccer just lately. He’s inside putting distance of constructing it to Indonesia.

Clearly a nasty night time in a nasty season for the San Jose Earthquakes final night time… however this can be a fantastic move from Niko Tsakiris (17).

Excited to see the impression of Luchi Gonzalez on Tsakiris, Cade Cowell, Cruz Medina & others subsequent 12 months. Numerous expertise coming via the academy pic.twitter.com/wALuTNl8hQ

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) September 25, 2022

Rodrigo Neri: The Atletico Madrid U-17 ahead can also be on the younger aspect as a 2005-born participant who’s eligible for the following U-20 cycle. However he has actually stood out for the U.S. U-19 crew this 12 months and needs to be an choice for Varas if he needs to renew taking a look at choices who can play the No. 9.

Rokas Pukstas: The Hadjuk Cut up choice is a bench choice for the primary crew in Croatia. He was good on the CONCACAF Championships earlier than his damage. His Revelations Cup performances have been uneven. As a No. 6, he’s behind the captain, Dan Edelman. It then comes all the way down to both him or Obed Vargas for the backup No. 6. Vargas is extremely regarded however has been injured since June. It is going to come all the way down to how Vargas returns from damage and the way Pukstas performs in Croatia.

Marcus Ferkranus: The LA Galaxy product (now on mortgage with the Phoenix Rising) has been a part of the U.S. U-20 crew all cycle. He’s completed comparatively effectively however he may very well be the odd man out ought to Varas flip to the extremely regarded 2005-born central defender Josh Wynder.

Jackson Hopkins: The versatile DC United attacker provides Varas another choice on the No. 9 even when he’s higher on the wings. Hopkins was an damage alternative for the CONCACAF Championships after which on the Revelations Cup. He ought to have extra alternatives with the U-20 crew in coming camps and he ought to proceed to play for DC United. However he has work to do to get to Indonesia.

Noah Allen: The Inter Miami left again acquired the job completed on the CONCACAF Championships, however he’s clearly behind Caleb Wiley and Jonathan Gomez – which is why he was with the U-19 crew final month and never on the Revelations Cup. His possibilities of heading to Indonesia take an enormous upswing if there may be an damage, or if there are launch points.

Esmir Bajraktarevic: the younger New England Revolution midfielder frolicked with the U.S. U-20 crew earlier within the 12 months. He has a clean left foot and has been excellent with the U.S. U-19 crew recently. Largely possible he’s one for the 2025 U.S. U-20 crew (he was born in 2005) however he is a expertise to look at and will make a push for this crew. 

Matthew Halliday: The Orlando Metropolis proper again was behind Mauricio Cuevas on the CONCACAF Championships however nonetheless performed essential minutes. The backup proper again spot will possible be between him and Justin Che. It’s not an unwinnable battle for him as Che’s membership scenario isn’t nice. However Che has an edge in versatility.

Alex Borto: The Fulham youth goalkeeper was the backup on the Revelations Cup and may very well be neck and neck with Antonio Carrera for the third keeper spot. If Slonina or Brady aren’t launched, he has an ideal shot to go to Indonesia.

Darren Yapi: The Colorado homegrown ahead has been enjoying in MLS Subsequent Professional this 12 months with Colorado 2. He’s but to play for the U.S. U-20 crew however looks as if an possible decide ought to Varas decide to renew taking a look at No. 9 choices in coming camps.

Tyler Wolff: The attacker was a part of the CONCACAF Championship crew however was a distant backup. He looks as if a protracted shot at this level given the constantly enhancing U-20 participant pool, and he’s now on mortgage from Atlanta United to SK Beveren in Belgium’s second tier. He’s within the combine given his familiarity with the crew however he would really want to play effectively in Belgium to get to Indonesia.

Kobi Henry: The centerback just lately made a transfer from Orange County SC to Stade de Reims in France the place he performs with their reserve crew (Reims B). He was a part of the U.S. U-20 crew early within the cycle however pale after the March camp in Argentina. He has work to do and the emergence of Josh Wynder is yet one more impediment for him to make it to Indonesia. However it’s not unattainable for him ought to he begin enjoying effectively in France.

Assist from the U-19 crew?
 

The U.S. U-19 crew just lately had an ideal match on the Slovenia Nations Cup the place they defeated Malta, Croatia, and Scotland for an ideal 9 factors from three video games. That crew consists principally of 2005-born gamers who’re eligible for the next U-20 cycle however who’re nonetheless a 12 months too outdated to play with the U.S. U-17 crew. There are a couple of 2004-born gamers in that squad however the base of the crew is a glance in direction of the 2025 U-20 World Cup.

Except for Josh Wynder and Rodrigo Neri (who’re the most certainly to get promoted from the U-19 crew to the U-20 crew this cycle), there are a couple of others to observe.

Inter Miami midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi and Orlando Metropolis attacker Favian Loyola have been each glorious on the Slovenia Nations Cup. It will take some accidents and launch points for them to sneak into the U-20 crew this cycle, however they’re very a lot gamers to look at.

— MLS NEXT Professional (@MLSNEXTPRO) June 20, 2022

Owen Wolff has performed fairly a bit beneath his father at Austin FC and a promotion to the U-20 crew this cycle is unlikely however potential.

Philadelphia Union academy ahead Marcos Zambrano-Delgado was additionally efficient with the U-19 crew in Slovenia and he advantages from the U-20 crew nonetheless presumably needing a ahead plus the general optimistic impression Mikey Varas has with gamers popping out of the Philadelphia group.

Varas appears fairly glad together with his present U-20 fullback choices, but when the conditions modifications, Reed Baker-Whiting had a great camp in Slovenia and gives cowl at both fullback place. He’ll possible be a starter to start the 2025 cycle. Alexander Freeman is among the few prime U-19 gamers who isn’t eligible for subsequent cycle as a 2004-born participant, however he has been strong for the U.S. U-19 crew and may very well be an attacking proper again choice ought to accidents and launch points drive Varas to dig deeper into the pool