In a time of turmoil and change for USMNT, the stars of tomorrow made history for themselves in the present with a 2-0 win over Canada in the CONCACAF Nations League. It is now twice in a row that USA have lifted the trophy and it starts a journey of three years towards the much-anticipated 2026 World Cup.
With Gregg Berhalter set to retake the reigns after helping his nation to the 2022 tournament he has been given a foundation of new winners to work with. BJ Callaghan's interim role has been completed in stellar style and a group of young, promising players are approaching a new dawn.
It was a testament to the inclusive nature and progressive spirit of the group that Folarin Balogun was able to open his account just two matches into his senior international career. After being a hot shot for England at youth level as well as trying out for USA at junior level too, his choice to side with America is already paying off.
The 21-year-old has continued to show his newfound confidence that was born partially from a loan spell away in Ligue 1. He now looks a long way from the player that struggled to demonstrate his skills on the Championship stage at Middlesborough. In fact, no Arsenal player scored as many goals as he did this season.
To celebrate his first goal for USMNT, a strike that sealed the game as he made it 2-0 after just over half an hour, he has now taken to social media to show his appreciation to the adoring fans. "US soccer fans, I promise this is just the beginning! [USA flag emoji, trophy emoji]," he wrote.
Balogun also took the chance to address his future. Having shown his ability in Europe and on the world stage. "What I can say is that I definitely won't go on loan again," he said. "I'm not sure on the discussions that are going to take place, I'm not sure what's going to happen.
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"But I'm just committed to now, I try to stay present. I obviously want to enjoy the moment with my team and my family."
Elsewhere, his new teammate Christian Pulisic was named player of the tournament and posed with both the Nations League trophy and individual award after his successful campaign. While the 24-year-old has struggled to find form for Chelsea he has continued to maintain high standards for his country.
The winger, who captained the side in the absence of Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams, scored three times and assisted twice in the six games he played, leading Callaghan's temporary men to the trophy. He has now captined all of the past five Nations League games he played in.
It was, as well, his teamtalk which has made its way onto social media, that helped keep the side grounded as they headed for the final. "Be humble with it guys. Enjoy tonight, enjoy tonight but we want to go and win the final," he told his teammates after the fiery clash with Mexico last week.
"We're here to beat Canada," he said after Callaghan had told his players to enjoy the win. His impact as an emergent leader in this team of young players cannot be overstated after once more setting the example and pressing forward with it. Such is his standing in the side, teammate Yunus Musah responded: "My captain [two heart emojis]."
Musah has been linked with not only a move to his former club Arsenal this summer but also with a potential reunion with Pulisic at Chelsea. The young midfielder has had a poor year with Valencia but at 20 is still in the infancy of his career. Although an £86m ($108.2m) release clause is off-putting, Musah's impressive performances for his country prove his worth in a vibrant system.
Should Musah make a move back to the Emirates Stadium he could playing alongside another of his international teammates. Matt Turner was the goalkeeper that provided the foundation for the successful tournament. He conceded just one goal in five Nations League matches, keeping clean sheets in both the semi-final and final itself.
He took to Instagram to voice his happiness, putting up an image alongside Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie. "I love this guy, man," he said. After winning the golden glove he also posted: "I think these smiles say it all," alonside pictures of him lifting the trophy, celebrating with his teammates and commanding the box.
With the growing influence and influx of American stars across the world game, seeing more and more in the Premier League is a big boost for the sport and the country as it looks to set sights on making a real statement at the next World Cup.
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