USMNT: 3 takeaways from now defunct Olympic Qualifying roster

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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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) /

1. A missed opportunity for Sebastian Saucedo

Arguably one of the most impressive players abroad in the U.S. player pool is Pumas’, Sebastian Saucedo. He has seen regular appearances for the Liga MX club, playing nine games this season with one goal and two assists.

Saucedo has not been involved with the USMNT senior team to date. And at 23, already older than the likes of Christian Pulisic, Jesus Ferreira, Ulysses Llanez and Giovanni Reyna, this would have been the ideal opportunity to showcase what he is capable on a big stage as he looks to prove to Gregg Berhalter that he is capable of more.

A strong showing for the USMNT under-23s during the Olympics qualifiers and the Olympics themselves would have been just the ticket for a senior call-up. And given his experience of first-team football in a strong league, he surely would have flourished.

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As is the case around the world, then, it is back to the drawing board for Saucedo and the USMNT. The Olympics will have to wait, but the talent that the USMNT youth ranks pose is still present, and it is improving with every passing year.

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