A New Hope
The US Men’s Soccer team showed promise in a group where a proper striker is lacking, questions on the ability to defend, and the apparent inexperience at the World Cup-style tournament. After the performance in the group stage and an all-out brawl with Soccer Royalty, Netherlands, in the round of 16, the biggest takeaway is the consistency of the US Men’s Soccer midfield. Yunus Musah, Tyler Adams, and Weston McKennie, also known as the ‘MMA Trio, left their mark in the world cup. Most importantly, they gave US soccer fans new nope.
The trio have already become contributors at the club soccer level. Weston McKennie, 24, is a strong midfielder in the Italian powerhouse Juventus. Yunus Musah, 20, is a starter for Valencia in Spain’s La Liga. Before moving to the premier league to Leeds, Tyler Adams helped Germany’s RB Leipzig advance to the UEFA Champions League semifinal in 2020. Each trio member has a unique set of skills that compliments each other. Tyler Adams is the Anchor of the midfield and was often positioned throughout the world cup as the lone defensive midfielder. Weston McKennie being the midfield engine, often set the tone for the rest of the team. McKennie's ability to push the ball forward and create space enabled the US to create strong attacking opportunities. Yunus Musah, in reality, was a wild card for the US. According to Berhalter, “Musah drives at defenses. He’s fast, agile, mobile, and keeps the ball close to his feet.” The high praise for the soccer manager was shown on the pitch. Musah demonstrated the ability to press opponents defensively, push the ball forward and dibble in and out of tight spaces.
US Manager Gregg Berhalter started Adams, McKennie, and Musah in all three matches in the world cup group stage. The trio demonstrated versatility by playing in 3 different formations during the group stage. During the US match against Wales, Berhalter settled for a 4-3-3 formation, placing Adams as a defensive midfielder for clean-up, while Musah lined up to the left and McKennie on the right of Adams. During the game against England, the team lined up in a 4-4-2 formation. The 4-4-2 formation enabled Adams and Musah to be more in a defensive position, placing McKennie as a right winger. In the last game against Iran, Berhalter reverted back to a 4-3-3 formation, but McKennie and Musah switched sides enabling the US to be more defensive.
The US Men Soccer midfield is something to be excited about. Having a young and talented core that can continue to develop chemistry and grow together is a rare gem in soccer. With already established pieces such as Christian Pulisic, Sergio Dest, and Giovanni Reyna, the US Soccer team has set a new standard for soccer fans. The chants ‘I believe that we will win’ are a thing of the past - The US can win, this team can compete. Come 2026, there should be confidence the US will set the stepping stones to be considered a soccer powerhouse.
