Philadelphia Union

Youthful USA take on Paraguay in international friendly

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The US Men’s National team play their second game of 2018 tonight against Paraguay. Since there is no World Cup to prepare for for the Yanks, they have decided to let this international friendly be an opportunity for fringe players, and stars of the future. This Youthful USA squad will look to give the stars and stripes their first win of 2018.

Here’s a look at the US’s roster.

Roster:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Alex Bono (Toronto FC), Bill Hamid (Midtjylland), Zack Steffen (Columbus Crew SC)

DEFENDERS (8): Cameron Carter-Vickers (Ipswich Town), Eric Lichaj (Nottingham Forest), Matt Miazga (Vitesse), Shaq Moore (Levante), Erik Palmer-Brown (Kortrijk), Antonee Robinson (Bolton Wanderers), Jorge Villafaña (Santos Laguna), DeAndre Yedlin (Newcastle United)

MIDFIELDERS (8): Tyler Adams (New York Red Bulls), Marky Delgado (Toronto FC), Kekuta Manneh (Pachuca), Weston McKennie (Schalke), Darlington Nagbe (Atlanta United FC), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC), Kenny Saief (Anderlecht), Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew SC), Tim Weah (Paris Saint-Germain)

FORWARDS (3): Andrija Novakovich (Telstar/NED), Rubio Rubin (Club Tijuana/MEX), Bobby Wood (Hamburg/GER)

This squad is riddled with newbies who will be looking to shoot their shot. It also has a few veterans sprinkled in. They will be eager to take up a leadership role, and show that they belong on this squad in the future.

Players with something to prove:

For the few veterans on this squad, this opportunity cannot be overstated. The chance to show your worth on the international stage is priceless, especially now that there is a huge rebuild process. Who are the players who need to step up to show that they are worth being a part of this squad moving forward?

Darlington Nagbe has shown bits of brilliance over his MLS career. However he has not done this as often with the US National Team. Now that he is a veteran on this current squad he has a chance to help lead the youngsters, and show that he is a vital piece of this team. His pace and attacking capabilities make him valuable. A good showing in this match, and helping the younger players on the pitch could help him prove he should be with the national team.

Defender DeAndre Yedlin, and striker Bobby Wood are in the same boat as Nagbe. They have shown quality, now they have to show it while also being the leaders of this team. Yedlin is the most capped player on this US squad, and Wood has the most goals. These two will have to show their quality with the young guns.

Apart from those key veterans the rest are just happy to get the call to represent their country.

Fresh Kits, Fresh faces:

The US Soccer federation released the 2018 USA Jerseys. As you can see above. They will make their debut appearance in tonight’s friendly.

For many of these young US players. This is the first time they have been called up to the Men’s senior team. The passion, and ability to serve their country will help shape how the USMNT rebuild in the years to come.

The youth influx is a breath of fresh air for this team. Whether or not the US win this friendly, fans should be excited to see the future of the national team get a chance to play on the international stage. That being said, there is one youngster who could outshine the rest.

Player to watch, Tim Weah:

Tim Weah is an 18-year-old attacker who every US Fan should get used to seeing in the red, white and blue. He is the son of 1995 Ballon d’Or winner and FIFA World Player of the Year George Weah. Tim takes after his father, as he showed at the U-17 World Cup. He netted a hat trick against, funny enough, Paraguay. He plays professionally for Paris Saint Germain in France’s League 1, making his debut with the first team earlier this month. He can make an impact on the field, and looks to be one of the stars of the future.

https://twitter.com/TimWeah/status/977296552711647232

Not only is he a future star, but he also cares for his country. He posted the above tweet, and looks to be apart of the USMNT’s process (Now that the Sixers process is paying off, I guess Weah and the USMNT can take it on). With a future midfield with Weah, Pulisic, Mckennie and Adams, The US look to have a pretty formidable bunch of young superstars! Watch for what he can do tonight against Paraguay in his debut!

USA vs Paraguay:

This young side is hungry for a W tonight. Going up against another side that is not in the World Cup could help them regain some confidence. Look for the Youthful US starting 11 to look like this:

USA starting 11

I’d expect other youngsters to also get in the game. However if the US want to put their best foot forward they’ll lineup like this and find a way to beat down Paraguay.

The youth is on display tonight. If they don’t get you US soccer fans excited than  you may need to check your pulse. The future is tonight, get ready to witness the start of what’s to come from the US Men’s National Team!

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Tim Lovenguth

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Peace out Union fans!

Mandatory credit:  Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

About the Author

Tim Lovenguth

Philly Sports Network Editor of Soccer Content A passion for the beautiful game drives me. Twitter: @Tim_Lovenguth

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