USMNT places faith in young star Cade Cowell to fill Gio Reyna's spot

Midfielder Cade Cowell of Chivas replaces Gio Reyna, who won't be able to join his colleagues because of a left groin strain. Only 20-year-old Cowell showed his potential in eight appearances for the senior national team, where he scored one goal. This time, he is expected to shine on American soil during the matches with Canada and New Zealand.

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A Golden Opportunity for Cowell

 Cowell is one of those players in whom your interest is piqued. His youth added to his involvement in the 2023 Gold Cup makes him an interesting piece to the puzzle that is the September squad. Since joining Chivas from San Jose Earthquakes in early 2024, he has been the real talk of the town in Liga MX, netting three goals and providing three assists in just six games. This extraordinary start in Mexico puts him in the spotlight, and now the call-up to the national team is a great opportunity to secure a place at an international level.

At just 20, Cowell remains in the development phase of his career. In a lot of ways, however, he's more cool-headed on the pitch than most would expect from such a young player. Making the move to Chivas was a brave one and has been rewarded with his seamless adjustment into life with one of Mexico's most storied clubs. Now back in the USMNT jersey, expectations are very high.

Gio Reyna Replacement: Big Shoes to Fill

Gio Reyna, arguably one of the brightest hopes from this team, was due to play these friendlies before his injury took him out. To some degree, this was considered a great loss because of Reyna's impact in midfield. But Cowell's inclusion in the squad brings another angle to these games. Now he has a chance to fill in for Reyna, but in his own way.

Cowell is a versatile game in that he can play on either side of the wing. Cowell is very fast and agile, able to open the game when defenders show him gaps. He may be exactly what the U.S. needs going into these next couple of matches. It's as if Cowell is stepping into the ring, ready to prove he belongs. And with the fan appreciation match against Canada in Kansas City just around the corner, a good outing will earn him a surefire spot in the team.

The Showdown Against Canada

With 13 players aged 23 or younger, this current U.S. team is an interesting combination of youth and potential. Under interim coach Mikey Varas-who's taking over after Gregg Berhalter's departure-the team is in a transition phase.

Along with a host of other up-and-coming American stars, Cowell gets the opportunity to prove that the next generation of American center backs is prepared to raise the bar for the team. Opposite them, however, will be a far-from-easy mark in Canada. Packed with talent and filled with competitiveness, the Canadians are slowly but surely proving themselves as an emerging force in CONCACAF.