This U-20 workforce regarded very promising en path to its second straight CONCACAF title. The competitors will now be robust to make the World Cup workforce subsequent yr. ASN’s Brian Sciaretta seems to be at how the workforce would possibly come collectively.
BY
Brian Sciaretta
Posted
November 28, 2018
10:00 AM
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LAST WEEK, the USA U-20 workforce certified for the World Cup subsequent Might in Poland. For the second straight cycle the workforce gained CONCACAF and that can give the workforce momentum heading into its World Cup preparations in 2019.
However the workforce’s success this previous month will arrange intense competitors to make the roster that Ramos will take to Poland. It’s not going to be a straightforward workforce to make. Whereas the competitors was not nice at CONCACAF this yr, the U.S. workforce nonetheless dominated the video games they needed to. One of the best measuring stick was in opposition to Mexico within the remaining and that recreation was by no means doubtful.
So much was manufactured from the gamers who weren’t with the U.S. U-20 workforce in Florida. After all the three greatest gamers of this age group in Tyler Adams, Josh Sargent, and Tim Weah had been with the senior nationwide workforce. Then there have been others who had been injured or tied up with golf equipment each home and overseas in Richard Ledezma, Jonathan Amon, Chris Durkin, or Andrew Carleton.
However Ramos is in an fascinating spot as a result of the truth that he solely used three of his six roster modifications after the primary stage suggests he likes the chemistry of this workforce. It’ll take lots for gamers who weren’t on this workforce in Florida to pressure their means onto the workforce in Poland. Some will definitely achieve this, however it’s a excessive bar to succeed in.
With that stated, right here is how the roster might look subsequent yr in Poland (with the idea that Tyler Adams, Josh Sargent, and Tim Weah will stay with the senior U.S. workforce).
Goalkeepers
1) Brady Scott2) David Ochoa3) CJ Dos Santos
Within the combine: Trey Muse
The thin: There most likely gained’t be a lot by means of modifications within the high three goalkeepers for this workforce between now and Might. That is probably the most settled space of the workforce.
Defenders
4) Sergino Dest5) Jaylin Lindsey6) Mark McKenzie7) Chris Richards8) Sam Rogers9) Matthew Real10) Chris Gloster
Within the combine: Julian Araujo, Manny Perez, Edwin Lara, James Sands
The thin: Central protection depth is likely one of the actual weaknesses of this workforce. Richards and McKenzie have plenty of potential collectively however after them, it is rather unsettled. Julian Araujo is gifted however very younger, so Ramos would possibly go for Sam Rogers with Matt Actual and Lindsey additionally able to filling within the center. Dest, Lindsey, Actual, and Gloster appear protected bets at fullbacks.
Midfielders
11) Chris Durkin12) Brandon Servania13) Alex Mendez14) Richard Ledezma15) Ulysses Llanez16) Paxton Pomykal17) Jonathan Amon18) Andrew Carleton
Within the combine: Nick Taitague, Frankie Amaya, Thomas Roberts, Anthony Fontana, Juan Pablo Torres, Isaac Angking, George Acosta.
The Skinny: If Chris Durkin can play video games for DC United to begin the 2019 season, he has an important probability to make the workforce. Mendez, Servania, Llanez, and Pomykal all performed nicely within the run to the CONCACAF title and ought to be favorites to make the workforce.
Amon and Carleton had been two of the massive names not in Florida this previous month however each are gifted sufficient to have a robust probability at making it.
There are another names to control. Juan Pablo Torres and Frankie Amaya performed lots for the workforce within the CONCACAF title run. Will probably be exhausting to switch them. Thomas Roberts is younger however remains to be probably the greatest 2001-born gamers. Nick Taitague is extremely regarded however can not appear to remain wholesome for any significant stretch.
Forwards
19) Ayo Akinola20) Sebastian Soto21) Justin Rennicks
Within the combine: Konrad de la Fuente, Jesus Ferreira
The thin: Akinola, Rennicks, and Soto had been a part of the workforce in Florida and can probably proceed to be excessive within the pecking order heading to Russia. Soto didn’t have nice video games in opposition to Costa Rica or Honduras however it is just a matter of time earlier than he figures it out. Akinola has weaknesses in his recreation however can produce at this degree. Justin Rennicks might be going to show skilled subsequent yr and he regarded very fascinating at occasions the previous month.
Konrad de la Fuente is definitely one to control. He’s enjoying within the youth system of Barcelona and it’s definitely straightforward to see him making the workforce, regardless of additionally being eligible for the 2021 U-20 workforce as nicely.
Jesus Ferreira is a thriller concerning his American citizenship. If it occurs within the subsequent few months, a call-up from Ramos is feasible and he has the expertise make a push for the ultimate roster as nicely.
Workforce’s potential
Even with out Adams, Sargent, and Weah, this workforce has the potential to make a run subsequent yr in Poland. With a good draw and a few breaks alongside the best way, it could equal the final two groups that completed on the quarterfinals. At that time, something can occur and a run to the semifinals will not be out of the query.
However as with each U.S. U-20 workforce up to now, there are all the time gamers who emerge late within the ultimate months to make a World Cup roster. This workforce shall be robust to make however it will likely be fascinating to see how gamers carry out within the months forward to make a case for his or her ticket to Poland.
