20230614 American States United

“It's a wonderful feeling. A feeling that kind of humbles you and it's a reflection of the team, I would say. I've only been here a short period of time, but I can clearly see the togetherness and already I feel a part of something bigger, I feel a part of a family. So now that I know the boys, I can see that. This is something that I should have been a part of sooner. I think that's my only regret, not being a part of this sooner.”

—Folarin Balogun, from a special podcast with Rog, discussing the love he felt from fellow players and fans on social media while deciding whether to join the USMNT. Download and listen to the full episode here! 🎙🎧

Balo Good to Go as USA Faces Mexico:

The soccer don’t stop. Just as the Champions League Final puts a bow on the European club season, so begins the summer international calendar. And said window opens with a scintillating matchup for the U.S., as the Americans face Mexico in the semifinals of the CONCACAF Nations League on Thursday (10 P.M. EST, Paramount+). The winner faces either Panama or Canada, who meet in the other semifinal earlier that evening (7 P.M. EST, Paramount+).

While playing El Tri is always a big one for the USMNT, this match is true must-watch fare for American soccer fans, as it also marks the debut of top U.S. recruit Folarin Balogun 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (21; London, ENG). Fresh off his decision to rep America over England and Nigeria, the Arsenal forward comes into the match on the heels of a 21-goal season in Ligue 1 for Reims, where he was on loan from the Gunners. And while facing Mexico straightaway might represent pressure to most, Balo looked loose all week in U.S. camp, as he played keepie-uppie with his teammates, took part in a closed-door scrimmage, and even got in a little golf with his new mates (Note: You will not want to miss what Balo had to say about his golfing experience in his interview with Rog.).

The time with his new teammates wasn’t just a bonding experience for Balogun, however. The Brooklyn-born striker’s footballing takeaway is that there’s no ceiling for this team. They are ready to win now. As he told Rog:

“A lot of people when they speak about this US team, they speak about what they could be in the future,” said Balogun. “But honestly, from me being here within, I truthfully believe the time is actually now. It's not something that we have to wait two or three years to unlock the full potential. I feel like it's actually happening now in front of us.” 🇺🇸🦅🙌

Positivity seems to be rife throughout the USMNT, including with Gio Reyna 🇩🇪 (20; Bedford, NY), who got in a little long-range keepie-uppy with Brenden Aaronson 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (22; Medford, NJ), before giving a hot take for the ages, saying Neymar is more of a Brazilian legend than Ronaldinho.

After the Nations League wraps up, the USMNT rolls straight into the Gold Cup on June 24. B.J. Callaghan has already released his roster for the competition, and as was the case with the 2021 Gold Cup squad, B.J.’s team is heavy on MLS players, with 16 of the 23 playing domestically. Yet Callaghan was interestingly asked why John Brooks 🇩🇪 (30; Berlin, GER) wasn’t included. His answer: We wanted to give him a full preseason with his club. 🤔

Eagles in Europe Transfer Talk:

Like so many hostel-hopping, Eurail Pass-brandishing American college kids, a number of young U.S. players are expected to be on the move in Europe this summer. From Arsenal forwards to Valencia midfielders, let’s dive in on the latest transfer updates.

Starting up top, Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun has been drawing a good bit of interest from Italy, as Serie A giants Juventus and Inter are both rumored to be after Balo. A move ultimately seems likely, as the Gunners are reportedly prepared to let him go on a permanent transfer, despite him being an elite U21 attacker.

Tyler Adams 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (24; Wappingers Falls, NY) is another key name who’s reportedly going to be on the move this summer. The Independent is reporting that he’s unlikely to go down to the Championship with Leeds, meaning a number of Premier League clubs could come calling. And those PL sides could include a number of Big Six suitors, according to Graeme Bailey, who sees Liverpool as a possibility.

Another USMNT midfielder could be joining Adams in England, as West Ham are considering a bid for Valencia’s Yunus Musah 🇪🇸 (20; New York, NY) as a replacement for the outgoing Declan Rice.

Augsburg striker Ricardo Pepi 🇩🇪 is closing in on a move to Champions League club PSV, according to Fabrizio Romano. Pepi was a guest on our VAMOS With Herc Gomez podcast, on which he talked about his playing influences growing up. “My motivation was always like watching Real Madrid or watching even the U.S. national team or the Mexican national team,” said the 20-year-old from El Paso, Texas. Download and listen to the full episode here! 🎙🎧

Another USMNT striker may be on the move, as Rangers are reportedly willing to spend $9 million to bring Haji Wright 🇹🇷 (25; Los Angeles, CA) to Scotland from Turkey. Which might mean he just misses U.S. teammate Malik Tillman 🇩🇪 (21; Nürnberg, GER), who’s reportedly drawn interest from Brentford and Brighton, despite Rangers being interested in making last season’s loan spell from Bayern permanent.

The latest Fab Update on Christian Pulisic 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (24; Hershey, PA) is that Chelsea have given him the green light to pursue a permanent transfer out of the club. Sergino Dest 🇪🇸 (22; Almere, NED) — another Eagle coming off a tough club season — might wind up staying with Barcelona after all.

And while it’s been reported that Brenden Aaronson will trigger his relegation release clause now that Leeds are going down to the Championship, Heat Map Jesus has no interest in discussing club status while repping his country. 🗣 “I’m sorry, but I’m with the national team, so I just want to focus on that and that’s where all my thoughts are right now. I’m just focused on the next game in Mexico and trying to win this one so we can go into the next one.” 🇺🇸💪

Gregg In Demand:

This one’s admittedly a bit of a surprise. According to TUDN, former USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter is Club America’s top choice to become their next manager after Fernando Ortiz resigned back in May. The Liga MX Apertura — the first of two championships played each season in Meixco, with the winners of the Apertura and Clausura squaring off to decide the overall champion at the end of the season — begins on June 30, so both sides will need to make a decision soon.

But Club America isn’t the only side interested in Berhalter. ESPN Netherlands has it that Sparta Rotterdam are interested in GGG after Maurice Steijn left to take over at Ajax. Berhalter has a history with the club, as he played for Sparta from 1996-98.

Beyond club interest, Berhalter remains a candidate to be brought back on as USMNT boss. Something that sits well with Tim Weah 🇫🇷 (23; Rosedale, NY), who is a fan of the atmosphere GGG created while with the USMNT. Weah’s show of support for Berhalter comes on the heels of Pulisic also having Gregg’s back.

News and Notes:

• Josh Wynder 🇵🇹 (18; Louisville, KY) sat down for an interview with CBS Golazo after signing with Benfica. 🗣 “The goal was to go to Europe. I didn't see the pathway until Jonathan Gómez did it before me, coming from Louisville and going to Spain.”

• Turns out that Mark McKenzie 🇧🇪 (24; Bear, DE) suffered a dislocated shoulder in Genk’s intense final match of season, which saw them earn a Champions League spot for next season. Surgery is apparently not required, however. Best in recovery, MM.

• Latest from the U.K. is that Jesse Marsch is still in mix for the Celtic coaching job, although Brodge is the front-runner at present.

• Great Tim Ream 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (35; St. Louis, MO) article in The Athletic, where Mound City Maldini talks about Fulham’s surprisingly successful season, and the vital role Marco Silva played in it. Ream also talks about the importance that mental health plays in the lives of everyone from children to adults. He says that open dialogues around the topic are becoming far more common among professional footballers. 🗣“Checking in on each other, checking in on your friends, speaking about what’s bothering you is a release in and of itself. Just a little bit of a conversation can go a long way. I think guys recognise that now: that their mental health and mental state is just as important as being able to do your bleep test over the course of your career.” 🙌

Parting Shots:

Aron Johannsson 🇮🇸 (32; Mobile, AL) scored his seventh goal in 19 appearances this season for Valur in their 5-0 win over HK Kopavogur on Sunday (WATCH). Lovely way to spend your 30s, getting paid to knock about a football in Iceland. From GOATs landing in South Beach, to stand-up journeyman U.S. strikers balling it up during Nordic Summer, football truly is the great dream provider.

Men in Blazers Summer Sale ☀️

Summer is here and so is the Men in Blazers Summer Sale. Up to 75% off select items, including our American States United T-Shirt and our Most Important Least Important Tee. Our way of saying thank you for making football memories with us over this last season and getting prepped for a busy summer of football. Discount will show in your cart prior to checkout.