ASN: With qualifiers 5 months out, what may the U.S U-20 group appear to be?

Whereas it looks as if the 2019 U-20 World Cup was simply over, we’re already at one other necessary interval for the 2021 U-20 cycle as there’s actually only one extra camp forward of this summer time’s World Cup qualifying. ASN’s Brian Sciaretta wrote about the place that group stands. 

BY

Brian Sciaretta

Posted
February 13, 2020
6:55 PM

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FOR GOOD REASON, there’s loads of speak about america nationwide group and the U.S. U-23 group. The total nationwide group has excessive profile friendlies, the Nations League remaining rounds, and the beginning of World Cup qualifying all taking place within the subsequent seven months. In the meantime the U.S. U-23 group will begin its Olympic qualifying event in just a bit greater than a month.

This yr’s U-20 cycle is vastly completely different. In years previous, the group would begin a cycle with quite a few camps earlier than a core emerged forward of World Cup qualifying – sometimes only some months earlier than the World Cup. This yr, new supervisor Anthony Hudson has to know his core simply months into his cycle as a result of qualifying is so early. Then if the group qualifies for the World Cup in Indonesia, there will probably be a year-long hole between qualifying and the World Cup.

So it isn’t too early to speak about what the group appears like now. Up to now U-20 World Cup qualifying in CONCACAF has a 20-player roster (18 gamers plus two goalkeepers). 

The March window seemingly reveal much more, however Hudson in all probability is aware of a great chunk of his group. And as he advised ASN earlier this month, he’s making ready as if Gio Reyna and Ulysses Llanez gained’t be there. However on the constructive facet, with qualifying going down this summer time, membership releases ought to be simpler to acquire. 

So with that in thoughts, here’s a potential roster

Goalkeepers

1)      David Ochoa2)      Damian Las

The thin: David Ochoa is the seemingly starter. The back-up will in all probability go to both Damian Las or Chituru Odunze.

Defenders

3)      Ian Hoffemann4)      Julian Araujo5)      Owen Otasowie6)      Leonardo Sepulveda7)      Jacob Akanyirige8)      Travian Sousa9)      Leon Flach

The thin: Proper again appears fairly good proper now. Ian Hoffmann has been very dependable at this age group for a number of years now and Julian Araujo had an excellent yr in 2019 with the Galaxy’s and the final U-20 group. At left again, Leon Flach was a giant winner on the January camp and Travian Sousa has been steadily enhancing in Germany.

Central protection is a bit up within the air. High prospect Owen Otasowie can play each defensive midfield and central protection however might be extra wanted within the again for the U-20 group. In the meantime Leonardo Sepulveda and Jacob Akanyirige each had been sharp in January camp. Central protection isn’t the group’s greatest place however these three might be the early leaders with Julian Araujo additionally in a position to cowl within the center.

Midfielders

10)   Johnny Cardoso11)   Aiden Morris12)   Taylor Booth13)   Cole Bassett14)   Thomas Roberts15)   Indiana Vassilev16)   Matko Miljevic

The thin: The extra defensive and with drawn midfield roles are led by Johnny Cardoso and Taylor Sales space. Sales space has been a frontrunner of the 2001-born class for fairly a while and Cardoso has been approaching late the place he’s taking part in for the primary group at Internacional. In the meantime, new Columbus homegrown Aiden Morris is boosted after a strong January camp.

The No. 8/10 positions are all in fairly fine condition. Thomas Roberts has seemed robust for FC Dallas in preseason and has additionally been a great participant at this age group. Cole Bassett is acquainted working with Hudson in Colorado and scored each targets in a 2-0 win over Mexico final month. Indiana Vassilev at Aston Villa and Matko Miljevic at Argentinos Juniors are additionally incomes spectacular first group minutes.

Wingers/Forwards

17)   Konrad de la Fuente18)   Cam Harper19)   Charlie Kelman20)   Ricardo Pepi

The thin: Even with out Uly Llanez, the wing positions are robust at this age group. Cam Harper is quietly rising as one of many extra intriguing prospects of this age group and Konrad de la Fuente ought to construct off of taking part in on the 2019 U-20 World Cup the place he was a starter. Charlie Kelman is a robust heart ahead and will earn a switch away from Southend United this summer time. Ricardo Pepi would really be taking part in up a U-20 cycle if he makes this group, however he’s nonetheless a strong prospect at this stage.

In fact, there are different forwards knocking on the door. Matthew Hoppe and Quincy Butler are simply two identified examples. Gianluca Busio is younger however also needs to be within the combine for a roster spot.