USL Feature
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
The U.S. Men’s National Team’s run at the 2014 FIFA World Cup came to an end a week ago in the Round of 16 as the side fell 2-1 after extra time to Belgium, but the team returned home with its head held high after a number of standout performances across all four games.
Howard, who in the build-up to the tournament earned his 100th cap for his country, was outstanding throughout the tournament, but never moreso than in the team’s final game against Belgium. Howard – who began his professional career with the North Jersey Imperials before his ascent to MLS and then the English Premier League – made a World Cup-record 15 saves to keep the U.S. in with a chance of advancing to the quarterfinals, and earned Man of the Match honors despite Belgium’s victory.
While Howard was the oldest member of the 23-man squad, it was one of the youngest that arguably saw his star rise the highest over the tournament. Yedlin, a 2012 PDL All-League selection for the Sounders FC U23, shone in both of his appearances as he helped the U.S. claim a crucial 2-2 draw with Portugal in the team’s second group game, and then provided dynamism down the right side against Belgium.
The 20-year-old Seattle Sounders FC standout made history as the first MLS Homegrown Player to appear for the United States in the World Cup, and his potential has already attracted scouts from outside the U.S. with a potential move to Italy’s AS Roma being rumored.
Zusi, who starred for the Central Florida Kraze in the PDL before being drafted by Sporting Kansas City, also had a solid tournament. The Longwood, Fla. native recorded a pair of assists, with none more important than that on John Anthony Brooks’ game-winning goal against Ghana in the team’s opening game of the tournament.
Cameron, meanwhile, showed his versatility over the four games. After starting the tournament at center back, the former PDL All-Conference selection for the Rhode Island Stingrays earned high marks as a holding midfielder against Belgium, with his 8.6 rating earning a place alongside Howard on the WhoScored.com Team of the Round.
While an early injury to Jozy Altidore brought the former Super Y League standout’s tournament to a premature end, and 2004 PDL Goalkeeper of the Year Brad Guzan remained inactive due to Howard’s heroics, the contributions made by the USL alumni that were named to Jurgen Klinsmann’s squad illustrated the important role USL plays in the development of professional and national team players.