The U.S. men’s national team failed to capture the CONCACAF Gold Cup title this summer, but saw several young players take steps forward on the international level.
Mauricio Pochettino’s squad suffered their first competitive loss of the summer, falling to rivals Mexico 2-1 in the Gold Cup Final on Sunday. Out of eight total matches during the June-July window, the USMNT claimed victories in five of them, but ultimately lost to three of their tougher opponents (Turkey, Switzerland, and Mexico).
With several of the first-choice options not available this summer, the Gold Cup served as a good opportunity for players to boost their stocks under Pochettino heading into the final five international window before the World Cup.
Here is a look at the USMNT players who boosted or lowered their stock the most during the CONCACAF Gold Cup:
Winners
Malik Tilman
Arguably one of the best performers in the tournament, Malik Tillman excelled this summer.
Tillman registered three goals and two assists during the Gold Cup schedule, rebounding what had been a tough start with the USMNT since debuting in 2023. The 23-year-old midfielder did well to create opportunities in several matches this summer, showing Pochettino and his staff what he could potentially bring long-term.
Although he was held in check against Mexico, Tillman is one to keep an eye on heading into the new European season.
Diego Luna
Another player with multiple goal contributions during the Gold Cup was Real Salt Lake midfielder Diego Luna.
Luna also scored three goals and added two assists, earning Man of the Match honors against Guatemala in the semifinal round. The 21-year-old was fearless during his performances, creating goalscoring opportunities, and also working tirelessly for the squad.
Now he heads back to MLS with a huge boost of confidence.
Sebastian Berhalter
Sebastian Berhalter took the reins of the set-pieces for the USMNT and did well with his opportunities.
Berhalter registered two assists in Gold Cup play, teeing up Chris Richards on both occasions. The Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder went the distance in all five of his appearances, bringing a strong work rate to both sides of the field.
At 24-years-old, Berhalter still has a bright future ahead of him, whether it is in MLS or Europe.
Losers
Patrick Agyemang
Patrick Agyemang left the Gold Cup with two goals, but easily could’ve walked away with a lot more.
Agyemang scored in matches against Trinidad & Tobago and Haiti, starting in all six of his appearances. However, the Charlotte FC forward struggled at times in the final third, especially in the dying moments against Mexico.
With several of the leading No. 9 candidates out this summer, Agyemang didn’t boost his stock as much as he could’ve.
Luca De La Torre
Luca De La Torre featured in all six Gold Cup matches for the USMNT, however failed to record a single goal contribution.
The San Diego FC loanee partnered Tyler Adams in the heart of the USMNT midfield, playing over 80 minutes just once. De La Torre has done well to be amongst the goals during the MLS campaign, but struggled to bring that over to the international stage.
De La Torre remains a long-term option for the squad though and does have more MLS minutes coming over the next few months.
Max Arfsten
There were two sides to Max Arfsten’s Gold Cup involvement. Offensively he did well to create opportunities and link with his teammates, but defensively he struggled.
The Columbus Crew left back’s quietest performance came against Mexico, where he failed to create a single offensive chance. Arfsten, 24, will certainly be fighting to be Antonee Robinson’s back up later this year and well into 2026, but that might be his ceiling at the current moment.
Which players impressed you the most during the Gold Cup window? Who disappointed? Are there other players you wish received more playing time this summer?
Share your thoughts below.
