USMNT: Terrence Boyd Impresses in Opening Game for Rapid Vienna

Those of you who are following the USMNT know that Terrence Boyd is a great young attacking prospect at only 21 years of age.

Last season he scored 20 goals in 32 appearances in the German fourth division with Borussia Dortmund II. Unfortunately, he was unable to find time in the first team of the German double winners, and was able to gain a transfer to Rapid Vienna, a team that consistently places near the top of the table in Austria.

This was a good move for Boyd for several reasons.

He will be able to gain confidence by scoring lots of goals on a top team against competition that's not as strong as that in the top European leagues. He will also be able to play in the Europa League this season, where he can play against top-level competition, and possibly in the Champions League depending on if Rapid Vienna can capture the Austrian Bundesliga title.

In a friendly appearance versus his fellow national teamer Michael Bradley and AS Roma, he showed off his athleticism with a stunning bicycle kick to get the side from the capital of Austria on the board. 

They got off to a great start in the league yesterday in a 4-0 win over Innsbruck. Boyd had a fantastic first showing for the club, scoring twice and notching an assist. 

If he can play half this well throughout the season I don't think there is a question that he will be in high demand from clubs in the top leagues in Europe. With the way he has played in his last two appearances with the club, he could quickly become one of the top players in the team.

If Boyd can show that he can consistently score in Europe, he will be able to pass up other attacking talent in the USMNT pool.

Juan Agudelo and Teal Bunbury both struggle to score consistently in MLS and other more experienced attackers, such as Edson Buddle and Robbie Findley, continue to struggle in their leagues. Jozy Altidore is the only other forward who seems be scoring goals at the moment.

As more and more American players are getting playing time in the top leagues in Europe, Terrence Boyd seems like a young player whose talent could really allow him to be successful at one of the top clubs in the world.

In five years I predict that Terrence Boyd will be the best attacking player for the USMNT and at a top club in Europe.