Potential candidates for the U23 MNT
After the U.S. Men’s National Team failed to qualify for the World Cup last October, ESPN commentator Taylor Twellman lashed out about the team’s lack of preparation and overall culture of arrogance in the United States.
Another topic that he touched on was lack of accountability from the players form ages 24-28. Those players failed to qualify for the past two Olympic Games. Much of it was due to the fact that they weren’t playing meaningful minutes consistently at a high level. As a result, when it was time to qualify, they weren’t experienced enough to handle the pressure of high-stake games.
However, this new generation of players have experience at a young age and can change the narrative at the Olympics for the United States. Nine players on the U.S. roster for Monday’s friendly against Bolivia are eligible to compete at the 2020 Olympics, and while availability is always difficult, there is talent that should be able to help change that narrative.
Below is an early look at some of the players that could have an impact in qualifying (tentatively scheduled for October 2019). With the tournament in 2020, players have to be born Jan. 1, 1997 or later in order to compete in the qualifying tournament.
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