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USMNT: 3 takeaways from now defunct Olympic Qualifying roster

By Daniel Garza

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - JANUARY 12: Sebastian Saucedo of Pumas celebrates after scoring the first goal of his team during the 1st round match between Pumas UNAM and Pachuca as part of the Torneo Clausura 2020 Liga MX at Olimpico Universitario Stadium on January 12, 2020 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Pedro Mera/Getty Images)
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - JANUARY 12: Sebastian Saucedo of Pumas celebrates after scoring the first goal of his team during the 1st round match between Pumas UNAM and Pachuca as part of the Torneo Clausura 2020 Liga MX at Olimpico Universitario Stadium on January 12, 2020 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Pedro Mera/Getty Images) /
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USMMT, Brenden Aaronson
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 8: Brenden Aaronson #22 of Philadelphia Union celebrates after scoring a goal against Los Angeles FC during the MLS match at the Banc of California Stadium on March 8, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. The match ended in a 3-3 draw. (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images) /

The CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying tournament was on the horizon. Here are three takeaways from the under-23 USMNT roster that would have been.

After a hiatus of 12 years in the Olympic Games, the under-23 United States Men’s National Team were set to attempt to qualify for the 2020 Olympics at the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament later this year. However, due to the coronavirus outbreak, the competition has been postponed.

A group of 20-players was named by head coach Jason Kreis last weekend. It had a heavy representation from Major League Soccer clubs with many of the European-based players not released from their domestic teams. Nevertheless, while the tournament is now in major doubt, Kreis’ roster was still extremely interesting.

Related Story. USMNT: Most talented player pool in history?. light

So, here are three takeaways from the now potentially wasted USMNT under-23 Olympics qualification roster.

CARSON, CA – FEBRUARY 1: Jackson Yueill #6 of the United States during the international friendly match between the United States and Costa Rica at the Dignity Health Sports Park on February 1, 2020 in Carson, California. The United States won the match 1-0. (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – FEBRUARY 1: Jackson Yueill #6 of the United States during the international friendly match between the United States and Costa Rica at the Dignity Health Sports Park on February 1, 2020 in Carson, California. The United States won the match 1-0. (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images) /

3. Jackson Yueill was the key

One of the most experienced players on the U.S. roster was San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Jackson Yueill. The 22-year-old has spent three seasons in MLS already and is one of the key players on the San Jose Earthquakes roster. He rose up the ranks in the USMNT player pool last year, which led to three appearances in the CONCACAF Nations League.

Of all the players in the under-23 squad, he is the leading central midfielder. Paxton Pomykal has yet to play a full 90 minutes for FC Dallas this season as he returns to form from an offseason surgery, while Djordje Mihailovic does have the most senior team experience with five appearances but was not included in recent matches.

Yueill, on the other hand, is a critical piece of the Earthquakes and is seen as a long-term senior player by Gregg Berhalter. He was arguably the best player on the under-23 roster and certainly the cornerstone piece. His future is still bright and he is on the rise. Now, it is back to San Jose and time to knuckle down.

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