Mauricio Pochettino could not have his No. 1 hanging possibility for October’s pair of U.S. males’s nationwide group friendlies, however he nonetheless has 4 different choices hungry for the chance to shine.
Folarin Balogun’s dislocated shoulder has pressured him out of USMNT obligation this month, opening the door for others to fill the void. Josh Sargent, Haji Wright, Ricardo Pepi, and Brandon Vazquez may all function on the No. 9 place in upcoming matches in opposition to Panama and Mexico, with all 4 aiming to spice up their shares.
Sargent and Wright have been busy within the English Soccer League Championship whereas Pepi has fought for possibilities within the Dutch Eredivisie and UEFA Champions League. Vazquez has remained an everyday for Liga MX membership Monterrey once more this season, leaping out and in of the beginning lineup.
Here’s a nearer have a look at all 4 USMNT hanging choices and the place they stand following Balogun’s harm:
Josh Sargent – Norwich Metropolis
Josh Sargent is again within the USMNT image and trying to keep wholesome and profit from his alternative.
Sargent has been diminished to solely half-hour for the reason that 2022 FIFA World Cup, regardless of scoring continuously at membership stage for Norwich Metropolis (24 objectives since World Cup concluded). The Missouri native has additionally missed worldwide alternatives by means of accidents, however heads into camp in good condition following a robust begin to the EFL Championship season (4 objectives, three assists).
Sargent can do all of it on the offensive finish of the sphere; linking up along with his teammates, creating house for capturing possibilities, and getting on the tip of nook kicks and set items. He will definitely get his alternative this window, particularly with Pochettino aiming to have a look at each participant over the subsequent two matches.
Ricardo Pepi – PSV
Ricardo Pepi has been out and in of Peter Bosz’s lineup throughout the early levels of the Dutch Eredivisie season, however stays a key attacking menace for the USMNT.
The 21-year-old has scored three objectives in 238 minutes this season for PSV, with two of these coming in a 2-0 league begin in opposition to Willem II. Luuk De Jong’s presence has as soon as once more made it robust for Pepi to constantly crack Bosz’s beginning lineup, however the former FC Dallas homegrown is combating for alternatives.
Out of the 4 strikers within the October squad, Pepi has essentially the most caps to his title regardless of not being a part of the 2022 World Cup roster.
He will definitely get his possibilities in opposition to Panama and Mexico, with the latter being an emotional match for him.
Haji Wright – Coventry Metropolis
Haji Wright started his profession as a striker and regardless of that includes extra as a winger within the final two years, the 26-year-old may return to his previous function below Pochettino.
Wright has remained an everyday for Coventry Metropolis in England, scoring three objectives this season up to now. He delivered a sensational first season within the Championship final 12 months, serving to the Sky Blues end within the high half of the league desk and in addition attain the FA Cup Semifinals.
Whether or not Wright options this month on the No. 9 function or out huge stays to be seen, however his versatility ought to garner alternatives regardless.
Brandon Vazquez – Monterrey
Out of all 4 strikers within the October squad, Brandon Vazquez is definitely essentially the most bodily.
The 25-year-old has proven that physicality throughout the Liga MX season with Monterrey, scoring three objectives up to now this fall. A former FC Cincinnati standout, Vazquez hasn’t featured for the USMNT since 2023, incomes his spot this month as a result of Balogun’s harm.
It appears unlikely that Vazquez begins in opposition to Panama or Mexico, however he does convey a menace off the bench, which may increase his possibilities for November involvement within the CONCACAF Nations League.
Who do you hope will get essentially the most minutes out of those 4 strikers in October? Do you see anybody else forcing their manner into the combo for November’s window? If Balogun is unable to recuperate quickly, who’s your No. 1 decide to begin within the Nations League?
Share your ideas under.