Brendan Joseph

The Real Salt Lake goalkeeper is picking up minutes.

The USMNT faces off against a CONCACAF rival.

The rivalry is renewed.

While the United States Men’s National Team currently enjoys the luxury of a few strikers producing for their clubs, there is always the potential for a new name to emerge and enter the ring. Goal-scorers can run hot and cold, necessitating that programs have a host of options who can push the current leaders and step in when needed. In his second professional season, Patrick Agyemang has been making a name for himself as a reliable option at the top of the formation. The 23-year-old Charlotte FC forward has taken big leaps during his career after starting at the non-scholarship collegiate level.

Sometimes a young player will receive his or her first opportunity on a big stage, a massive tournament that serves as both a chance for glory and a scouting platform for a future move. However, there can be stumbles or setbacks with a failure to perform to the highest of levels or stand out from the crowd despite initial promise and talent. Darren Yapi was considered a potential breakout star at the 2023 U-20 World Cup but failed to distinguish himself or take advantage of the opportunities during the run to the quarterfinal round. However, the 19-year-old Colorado Rapids forward has rebounded and put together several strong performances over the past few months.

The train keeps rolling with another friendly.

She hit the ground running.

There is a distinct excitement whenever a player makes his first-team debut in a top-four league, doubly so when the club has a history of on-field success. Supporters and media begin penciling his or her name into future senior international rosters, with the hopeful belief that early potential will lead to future success. Cole Campbell is the newest American player to enjoy a breakthrough in Europe, making his first four appearances for Borussia Dortmund. The 18-year-old dual-national attacker has already changed his affiliation from Iceland to the United States and could be primed for a meteoric rise.

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The United States Women’s National Team entered into the post-Olympics era with a strong showing in three friendlies, defeating Iceland (3-1, 3-1) and Argentina (3-0). In addition to providing a chance for the squad to grow together as a group, there was also the opportunity for new players to enter into the fold, with several who impressed Emma Hayes enough to earn another