Pulisic and McKennie era for the USMNT is upon us

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The United States Men's National team is once again in the finals of the Gold Cup, in large part due to the play of Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie.

The 2019 Gold Cup has seen the USMNT alternately playing to their full potential while at times looking completely lost. Sometimes, this has happened multiple times in the same game.

In any case, one thing is certain: The Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie era has been ushered in.

Their efforts and talents were on full display on July 3 in a 3-1 victory over Jamaica in the semifinals of the Gold Cup. McKennie opened the scoring for the Americans and had some well-played passes that set up other scoring changes throughout the game.

Pulisic continued to live up to his reputation as one of the best young players in the game as he scored two second-half goals to secure USA's spot in the final. Continuing to be a master dazzler, emptying the tank on every play, refueling, and dazzling all over gain, Pulisic has been the star of the Gold Cup:
Pulisic played his first international match back in 2016, at the age of 17, and has seen his star rise ever since. He scored in a World Cup qualifier before he even turned 18, played professionally for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga League, and back in January signed with Chelsea of the Premier League.

The midfielder has made 30 appearances for the national team, scoring 13 goals and accumulating 9 assists. Pulisic has three goals in the Gold Cup.

McKennie's play as of late has been a little less consistent, but encouraging and on the rise nonetheless. McKennie has been slotted in a new position, the 10 spot, and has struggled at times. But there is a lot of faith put into his promise and, even with up-and-down play in the Gold Cup, the positives are outweighing the negatives at this point.

His goal against Jamaica was his third for the national team in just 13 appearances. McKennie also has one assist.

Like Pulisic, McKennie is not yet 21, meaning the midfield of the USMNT should be in good hands for the next 10-12 years.

A program in transition

The USMNT will be taking on Mexico on Sunday in the Gold Cup final. While it is expected the United States should be there every time the event is held, it took a little bit to get them back there.

It was only three years ago that hopes were high for the USMNT, coming off a World Cup exit in the knockout stage in which the Americans took Belgium to extra time before losing.

Coaching changes and retirements have highlighted recent years as the team has attempted to right its course. Lackluster play in World Cup qualifying led to one change, followed by another change after the team failed to make the 2018 World Cup.

Even then, we saw a team in transition. And while the Americans continue to pull themselves out of the dredges, there are many questions as we head down the path to 2022. 

Gone are familiar faces like Clint Dempsey, Jermaine Jones, Tim Howard, Fabian Johnson, and DaMarcus Beasley. Possibly joining them within the next few years -- whether by choice or manager's decision -- could be Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore. Both Bradley and Altidore have seen plenty of action in the Gold Cup but by time qualifying rolls around it will be interesting to see what their roles are.

The Gold Cup has given a chance for coach Gregg Berhalter to see a lot of players in action. Defense is still somewhat of concern, despite the team allowing only one goal in the tournament. Centerback John Brooks is probably the best defender, but he has battled injuries and because so was left off the Gold Cup roster. The same can be said for DeAndre Yedlin.

Players like Tyler Boyd and Tyler Adams have made the most of their opportunities up front and in the midfield. And if you're a casual fan and wondering where the once rising star Bobby Wood is, he struggled this past season in league play and didn't even make the provisional 40-man roster.

Zack Steffen has been solid in goal and has now totaled 14 appearances for the national team, with eight wins, six of which have been clean sheets.

Some of the faces will no doubt change between now and World Cup qualifying. Barring a substantial injury or life event, both Pulisic and McKennie will be there, hopefully carrying the USMNT back to where we'd thought they'd always be: making noise in the World Cup.

photo credit: pixnio.com

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