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The Pitch: USMNT Youth Movement Powered by MLS Academies

November 9, 2021 - Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release


The U.S. Men's National Team's roster for FIFA World Cup qualifying matches features a wealth of young talent, as MLS academies have proven vital to producing the next generation of international stars. Among the USMNT newcomers are seven players with eight or fewer caps, all of whom were developed by MLS academies, and who have combined for six U.S. goals in international competition.

A few of these young players will be looking to reprise their roles in the USA-Mexico rivalry this Friday, including Philadelphia Union Academy product Mark McKenzie (KRC Genk), who contributed to the USMNT's Concacaf Nations League victory over Mexico in June, and Colorado Rapids Academy product Sam Vines (Royal Antwerp) alongside Sporting Kansas City Academy product Gianluca Busio (Venezia FC's), who led the USMNT to Gold Cup victory over Mexico in August.

As the U.S. Men's National team approaches this Friday's match against Mexico at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati (9:10 p.m. ET, ESPN2 / Univision / TUDN), these budding young stars could keep shining.

MLS Academy Products with 8 or Fewer Caps

8 caps: Mark McKenzie (Philadelphia Union Academy/ KRC Genk)

8 caps: Sam Vines (Colorado Rapids Academy / Royal Antwerp)

7 caps: Gianluca Busio (Sporting Kansas City Academy / Venezia)

4 caps: Ricardo Pepi (FC Dallas Academy / FC Dallas)

4 caps: Chris Richards (FC Dallas Academy / Hoffenheim)

2 caps: Jesús Ferreira (FC Dallas Academy / FC Dallas)

0 caps: Joe Scally (NYCFC Academy / Borussia Mönchengladbach)

Miles Robinson's Breakout Year Could Break USMNT into World Cup

Atlanta United defender Miles Robinson is having a campaign for both club and country that just keeps getting better. Thriving in high-pressure moments on huge stages, he scored the U.S. Men's National Team's game-winning goal against Mexico in the Gold Cup final, and last weekend, scored his first MLS career goal to help Atlanta United secure a spot in the Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs.

As the hero of the last meeting between the USMNT and Mexico, the first-time All-Star's production under pressure will be key when the rivals face off this Friday at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati (9:10 p.m. ET, ESPN2 / Univision / TUDN). After all, his pivotal first MLS goal last weekend came on the same field, where he will be suited up in the red, white, and blue. Will he get an encore?

Cristian Roldan Is Rising Over Mexican Opposition

Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Cristian Roldan has a goal and three assists in 10 matchups against Mexican opponents since Aug. 2. He has taken down the Mexican National Team in the Gold Cup Final, the LIGA MX All-Stars in the MLS All-Star Game presented by Target, and both Tigres and Santos Laguna in Leagues Cup action this year.

As Roldan is rolling into another match against a Mexican opponent, he will look to earn his 30th cap for the USMNT, as they face off against El Tri at FC Cincinnati's TQL Stadium on Friday, Nov. 12 (9 p.m. ET / ESPN 2, Univision, TUDN).

Nashville SC Teammates Go Toe-to-Toe in Canada vs. Costa Rica

The unbeaten Canadian National Team called up 10 MLS players during this FIFA World Cup Qualifying window, and among them will be Nashville SC defender Alistair Johnson going up against teammate Randall Leal of Costa Rica on Nov.12 (9:05 p.m. ET, Paramount+/ Telemundo).

The two have played key roles in leading Nashville to a record-tying unbeaten home record (8-0-9) and a No. 3 finish in the Eastern Conference. Johnston, holding down the right-sided wingback role for Nashville SC, has started 24 of his 26 appearances, while Leal has been a key contributor to the attack, notching eight goals and seven assists in MLS action this season, including a pair of goals and assists in two of the last three regular season games.

With Canada riding a streak of success and ranked third among the eight Concacaf nations, which teammate will prevail with friends become foes this Friday?

CONMEBOL Call on MLS Stars to Bolster National Teams

Major League Soccer's presence in CONMEBOL continues to grow as a number of the league's stars will look to guide their respective nations to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Ten MLS talents will be on display when Venezuela host Peru on Tuesday, Nov. 16 (4 p.m. ET / Fubo Sports Network). Additionally, the stellar play of two Western Conference rivals has earned the Los Angeles Football Club's newfound gem Cristian Arango and Seattle Sounders FC's defensive talisman Yeimar their first call-ups for Colombia.

Colombia will look to maintain their spot in fourth place, as they prepare to face first place Brazil on Nov. 11 along with Paraguay on Nov. 16.

MLS Stars Ready to Shine Against Top UEFA Nations

Some of MLS' best will face off against the world's best in the upcoming European Qualifiers, with 10 MLS players set to represent nations across UEFA.

The 2020 MLS Newcomer of the Year Lucas Zelarayán (Columbus Crew / Armenia) will aim to channel his MLS Cup-winning success in a match against top-ranked Germany on Nov. 14 (12 p.m. ET / TUDN, ESPN+).

Meanwhile the Hungarian trio of Szabolcs Schön (FC Dallas), Daniel Gazdag (Philadelphia Union) and Daniel Sallói (Sporting Kansas City) will face Poland, with breakout sensation Adam Buksa (New England Revolution) unavailable due to injury, on Nov. 15 (2:45 p.m. ET / ESPN+). Finland's Niko Hämäläinen (LA Galaxy), Robin Lod and Jukka Raitala (both Minnesota United FC) will have a tall task as they take on defending champion France on Nov. 16 (2:45 p.m. ET / UniMas, TUDN).

Register Now for Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs Bracket Challenge

The Audi MLS Cup Playoffs Bracket Challenge is back, and registration is now open. With the Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs picture set, fans can start making their picks for which teams will advance through each round of the postseason, as thousands of dollars are up for grabs and even an MLSstore.com gift card is among the prizes. All bracket selections will lock on Sunday, prior to the start of the opening Round One match on Saturday, Nov. 20. More information about the Audi MLS Cup Playoff Bracket Challenge is available.

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