USA U20: Stock up, stock down for USYNT after U20 World Cup

The USA U20s are out of the U20 World Cup after a loss to Ecuador in the quarter-finals. Whose stock has risen or fallen as a result?

The United States U20s lost to Ecuador on Saturday afternoon 2-1 in the quarter-finals of the U20 World Cup. It was the third-straight quarter-final appearance for the USA U20 in this tournament, but they have yet to advance to the semi-finals since doing so in 1989.

Many of the United States’ best young talents were on display during this tournament. After five matches, including a huge upset of tournament favorites France in the Round of 16, we can better judge how well those talents fared. Some surpassed expectations (looking at you Paxton) while others hardly made an impact.

The Stars and Stripes managed three wins out of five matches while scoring nine goals and allowing five. In making the quarter-finals for a third straight tournament, they are the only country to do so in the last three tries.

With all that said, here are some players who saw their stock rise in Poland and those that saw their stock fall.

Stock up

Paxton Pomykal

FC Dallas midfielder Paxton Pomykal won a starting job with his club in 2019 and hasn’t looked back. He is not only an important player for Dallas, who have won just one match in six in his absence, but he is an integral part of this USA U20 squad. Pomykal was instrumental in the U.S. midfield, proving to be the key focal point in transitions between attack and defense.

Against France, with the U.S. up 1-0, Pomykal picked up a knock after a collision with a French player. As a result, he was slower in his movements around the field and the U.S., having lost a step, conceded two goals. Once Pomykal grew back into the game, the U.S. did as well, winning 3-2 and advancing to the quarter-finals.

It was evident the team heavily relied on Pomykal’s abilities. With his performance in Poland and his stellar showings with FC Dallas in MLS, it wouldn’t surprise many if Pomykal is transferred in the winter. Dallas already have a partnership with Bayern Munich so Pomykal to the Bavarian giants is a possibility.

Sebastian Soto

Amidst rumors of Sebastian Soto leaving his current club, Hannover 96 in Germany, the young striker dazzled during the tournament. He led the team in scoring with four goals total from a brace against Nigeria (a 2-0 win) and a brace against France. Just as Pomykal was instrumental in the U.S.’s run to the quarterfinals, so was Soto.

Soto was superb in his finishing, particularly against France. He was given two solid scoring opportunities in that Round of 16 match and did not disappoint. He coolly slotted home both chances to help boost the US into the next round.

The 18-year-old, while currently with Hannover, is not likely to stay with his club. Talks for an extension have reportedly broken down. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund, with whom Christian Pulisic starred for and developed with for five years, are interested in signing Soto. With such a strong showing in Poland, he should have no problem landing with a club this summer.

Tim Weah

Despite the possibility of joining the senior team for this summer’s Gold Cup, Tim Weah elected to play in Poland with the U20s. His decision was likely fueled by his current club situation. Although Weah is with Paris Saint-Germain, he was loaned out this past season to Scottish giants Celtic and is rumored to be leaving PSG this summer.

Thanks to his performance in Poland, Weah shouldn’t have a problem finding a new club should he end up leaving PSG. He scored the only goal in the U.S.’s 1-0 win over Qatar, the only goal in the U.S.’s 2-1 loss to Ecuador, and played an impressive and important assist on one of Soto’s two goals against France.

Weah has a huge summer ahead of him as he looks for a more permanent home moving forward. Thanks to his decision to play in Poland and his strong showing, he should have an easier time finding a solution.

Stock down

Alex Mendez

To many, coach Tab Ramos’ decision to bring Alex Mendez to Poland was a head scratcher. The 18-year-old midfielder, currently with Freiburg of the Bundesliga, played exceptionally well at the U20 CONCACAF Championship, winning the Golden Ball for his play back in November. Since joining Freiburg, though, he only began to break through into their U19 team in early April and his development has stented.

His lack of substantial playing time likely contributed to some of his poorer play. Mendez’s performance during the tournament was okay as he often forced opposing keepers into brilliant saves. However, his giveaways in possession in the midfield and lack of defensive effort were ultimately a detriment to the team, leaving a sour taste in some fans’ mouths.

Although Mendez was ultimately ‘okay’ during the U.S.’ run, because of such high expectations for the 2018 US Soccer Young Male Player of the Year, the overall perception of his play is slighted a little. As a result, his stock is down for the time being.

Konrad de la Fuente

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Largely unknown to most U.S. soccer fans, Konrad de la Fuente didn’t make his debut with the USA U20s until this past March. He is currently with FC Barcelona’s youth program, making appearances this past season with their top youth team, Juvenil A, while also appearing with Barcelona B.

The winger failed to make much of an impact during the U.S.’ run in Poland, unfortunately. For de la Fuente, there was a noticeable lack of burst and speed. This was especially evident when Uly Llanez subbed on for de la Fuente in both the matches against France and Ecuador and provided an immediate boost in energy on the pitch.

Fortunately, he is also eligible for the U20 World Cup in 2021. If he is still in the U20 plans over the next few years, he may provide invaluable leadership for the team in 2021. He must continue to improve in his time with Barcelona in order for that to happen, however, as his performance in Poland left a lot to be desired.

Mark McKenzie

Of all the players who had disappointing performances or even largely unknown performances, Mark McKenzie may have been the worst. The Philadelphia Union center-back has hardly featured with Philadelphia this MLS season because of injury and lack of fitness. Surprisingly, Ramos named McKenzie the captain for this tournament.

McKenzie hardly saw any valuable minutes and hardly wore the captain’s armband, a duty largely filled by Pomykal. After seeing just 30 minutes of playing time in a substitute role against Nigeria, McKenzie did start against Qatar but played out of position at right-back for the entirety of the match. It was the only time he wore the captain’s armband. He also made a brief cameo appearance against France.

Without much playing time in Philadelphia and almost no playing time of substance in Poland, McKenzie’s stock has taken a huge hit. He will need a serious rebound in form when he returns to Philadelphia. If he can’t find the necessary minutes, McKenzie may fall out of the national team picture altogether.