USMNT Gold Cup: Where MLS Standouts Rank Now

USMNT Gold Cup success in 2023 left more questions than answers about how Major League Soccer talent fits into Gregg Berhalter’s long-term plans, but the tournament did provide a clear snapshot of who is rising, who is holding steady and who has work to do before the 2026 World Cup cycle reaches its crunch point.

USMNT Gold Cup Takeaways for MLS Players

The USMNT Gold Cup campaign ended at the semi-final stage, yet the experience was priceless for the 15 MLS players in the 26-man squad. With Europe-based regulars already on vacation, domestic names seized extended minutes and invaluable pressure moments. Below, we sort those performers into three distinct tiers based on current national-team stock.

TIER 1 – Stock Soaring

Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC) – The rookie striker announced himself with relentless running and two smart finishes. His hold-up play against Mexico showcased a power forward the U.S. pool sorely lacks. Charlotte benefit first, but Berhalter suddenly has a Plan B target man option.

Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake) – Already a cult hero in Utah, Luna’s fearless dribbling translated smoothly to international level. He led the squad in progressive carries and chances created. If he sharpens defensive discipline, a Qatar-style breakout could await in 2026.

Matt Freese (NYCFC) – With Turner resting, Freese delivered 18 saves across four starts. Command of his box and slick distribution turned heads. A winter move abroad would only accelerate his ascent.

TIER 2 – Holding Serve

Jack McGlynn (Philadelphia Union) – The left-footed metronome completed 91 percent of his passes and looked comfortable switching play, yet he still shies from risk in the final third. A dominant MLS playoff run could bump him into the first tier.

DeJuan Jones (New England Revolution) – Jones’ recovery speed remains elite, but suspect delivery in the attacking third keeps him behind Jedi Robinson. He is firmly on the roster bubble.

James Sands (NYCFC) – Deployed as both No. 6 and center-back, Sands was steady if unspectacular. Versatility keeps him in the mix, although competition from Europe-based Tyler Adams and Johnny Cardoso is fierce.

TIER 3 – Work to Do

Cade Cowell (San Jose Earthquakes) – One viral dribble aside, Cowell’s end product faltered. With San Jose leaning on him, consistent MLS numbers are mandatory to regain momentum.

Jalen Neal (LA Galaxy) – The teenager’s passing range impressed, but aerial duels are an issue. More minutes in Carson will toughen him up.

Alan Soñora (Juárez) – A surprise call-up from Liga MX, Soñora struggled with pace. He needs a dominant club season to re-enter midfield discussions.

Primary Focus: USMNT Gold Cup & World Cup 2026

The USMNT Gold Cup performance mattered because it served as a dress rehearsal for Copa América 2024, a competition the U.S. will host and one that could cement roster hierarchies before 2026. Berhalter prizes form and chemistry; MLS players have the advantage of playing on American soil weekly, but they must maintain peak output from March through November.

What Comes Next for Agyemang and Luna?

European scouts have taken notice. Charlotte expect winter bids for Agyemang, while Real Salt Lake already turned down a summer approach from LaLiga. Should either youngster depart, higher training intensity abroad could fast-track their international readiness the way it did for Brenden Aaronson and Ricardo Pepi.

Domestic Form Still King

For those staying in MLS, August and September double as auditions. The Union’s McGlynn can showcase set-piece mastery; Cowell must translate athleticism into goal returns; and Freese must chase the Goalkeeper of the Year award. Berhalter’s staff attend matches weekly, analyzing attitudes as much as analytics.

Can MLS Depth Win Over Critics?

Detractors argue that only Europe forges world-class stars. Yet eight members of the 2002 U.S. World Cup quarter-final squad played domestically at the time. The modern MLS environment is superior in sports science, travel recovery and tactical literacy. If anything, the Gold Cup proved the league’s best can match CONCACAF’s strongest.

Strategic Fit Matters More Than Hype

Luna’s creativity fills a gap behind the striker, while Agyemang’s physicality offers a late-game battering ram. Sands provides emergency depth across two lines. These specific tools, not highlight-reel clips, will earn plane tickets.

Key Metrics to Watch

• xG per 90 – Forwards need consistent production.
• Pressures won – Midfielders must disrupt play.
• Progressive passes – Full-backs and deep-lying playmakers are judged on tempo setting.
• Save percentage – Goalkeepers must mirror Turner’s reliability.

By November’s international window, the depth chart will shift again. Injury, club transfers and form slumps are inevitable. What remains constant is Berhalter’s message: control what you can at club level, and the national-team minutes will follow.

Final Opinion

The Gold Cup did not revolutionize the U.S. squad, but it crystallized which MLS prospects are truly ready for the next leap. Agyemang and Luna lit the fuse; now they must keep the fire burning through fall. If they do, the pathway from MLS stadiums to World Cup nights will look clearer than ever.