The U.S. men’s national team’s 28-player group for three massive, upcoming World Cup qualifiers can be split into two camps. There’s the 13-player MLS-based contingent, the one that’s been gathered together for over two weeks looking to stay in shape while in the middle of its extended offseason. Then there’s the 15-player European-based part, which has crossed the Atlantic following another weekend of club matches to complete the puzzle.
In assessing form of individuals coming into this camp, there are more variables than usual, given the timing of the international window. The U.S. is accustomed to playing games at the end of January, but they’re usually friendlies against experimental squads to bring a lower-intensity camp to a close. They’re not World Cup qualifiers with everything on the line. So how players are entering the next two weeks, especially the nucleus whose clubs are based abroad, matters a great deal, considering their play will determine how much work is left to be done to punch that all-important ticket to Qatar.
The most notable performance by a U.S. player abroad over the last few days came from someone not included for the upcoming trio of qualifiers. Josh Sargent has had a rough go of it in his first season at Norwich City, but his timing was impeccable, as his first two Premier League goals of the season came just as U.S. Soccer was unveiling its roster for the coming week. If nothing else, it served as a reminder that U.S. squads are fluid, nothing is set in stone and the right run of form—especially for a forward—can put you right back in the mix.
