USMNT Watch: Young Names to Watch Make Waves in Europe
A week after Jordan Morris made news at home by signing with the Seattle Sounders, two exciting United States men's national team prospects made noise in Europe on and off the pitch.
Christian Pulisic and Matt Miazga, who could end up being vital pieces to the USMNT squad next to Morris in the future, were the starlets who found themselves in the headlines.
The 17-year-old Pulisic made his debut for Borussia Dortmund, while the 20-year-old Miazga signed with Chelsea from the New York Red Bulls.
TOP NEWS
Madrid Fines Players $590K 😲
'Mbappé Out' Petition Gaining Steam 😳
Star-Studded World Cup Ad 🤩
Below is a recap of all the news surrounding the players eligible for USMNT selection in our latest USMNT Watch.
Pulisic Makes Dortmund Debut
Seven days after finding himself on the bench for Borussia Dortmund's match against Borussia Monchengladbach, Pulisic appeared as a substitute for 22 minutes in the 2-0 win over Ingolstadt.
Although the 17-year-old is still raw in some aspects of the game, he displayed plenty of skill during his time on the pitch.
If he continues to receive playing time from manager Thomas Tuchel, Pulisic should make the squad for the USMNT's Olympic qualifying playoff against Colombia in March.
Elsewhere in Germany, John Brooks started and played 90 minutes at center-back for Hertha Berlin in their 3-3 draw with Werder Bremen. Brooks, who was the topic of some transfer speculation, will remain with the club after signing a new contract that lasts until 2019, per ESPN FC.
Bobby Wood scored twice in a friendly match for Union Berlin on Saturday. Wood and the 13th-place side in the 2.Bundesliga resume league play next weekend.
Miazga Inks Deal with Chelsea
Miazga turned his dream season at the back for the New York Red Bulls into a transfer to one of the top clubs in the world.
The 20-year-old center-back left the USMNT January camp to sign with Chelsea on Friday. Whether he remains at the club or goes out on loan to start next season remains to be seen.
In FA Cup action across England on Saturday, a few Americans found their way into the starting lineup.
Brad Guzan returned to the Aston Villa net for the clash against Manchester City, but he conceded four goals as the Villains dropped out of the competition.
Danny Williams netted a goal for Reading in their 4-0 trouncing of Walsall at the Madejski Stadium. Zak Whitbread played 90 minutes in Shrewsbury Town's exciting 3-2 win over Sheffield Wednesday.
Eric Lichaj was on the wrong end of a close affair on Saturday as Nottingham Forest fell 1-0 at home to Watford.
Yarbrough Turns in Another Strong Showing in Net
Down in Mexico, William Yarbrough produced another strong night in between the pipes for Club Leon despite a 3-1 defeat to Tigres. In the defeat, Yarbrough turned away six of the nine shots sent on goal by Tigres.
Omar Gonzalez started and played all 90 minutes in Club Pachuca's 3-1 victory over Monterrey on Saturday.
Jorge Villafana also continued to earn consistent playing time after his move south of the border. The full-back went the full 90 in Santos Laguna's 2-0 win over Queretaro on Friday. Jonathan Bornstein started for the losing side and featured for 90 minutes.
Paul Arriola and Edgar Castillo made substitute appearances for their respective sides this weekend, while Joe Corona and Ventura Alvarado did not play.
Orozco Called into January Camp
With Miazga off to England to join Chelsea, the USMNT needed to bring in another center-back for the friendlies against Iceland and Canada.
USMNT boss Jurgen Klinsmann selected Michael Orozco to join the group that already includes Matt Besler, Tim Parker and Steve Birnbaum in the middle of the defense.
Sunday's friendly against Iceland at the StubHub Center should give Klinsmann a good look at what the young players in the squad have in terms of first-team quality.
News and Notes
Alejandro Bedoya started and played the full 90 for Nantes in their 1-0 win over Troyes in Ligue 1 on Saturday.
Bob Bradley's Le Havre moved into fourth in Ligue 2 with a 2-0 win over Lens on Saturday. Le Havre are one point behind third-place Metz and eight off leaders Nancy.
Desevio Payne earned another start for Groningen on Saturday in the Eredivisie against Zwolle. After 21 matches, Groningen sit in ninth place with 31 points.
Gedion Zelalem made a brief appearance off the bench for Rangers in their 1-0 victory over Falkirk on Saturday.
Joe Tansey covers U.S. Soccer for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter, @JTansey90.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
