USA's Next Generation Lived Up To The Hype; Now The Real Work Begins

Mauricio Pochettino used the Sept./Oct. friendlies to blood a wave of youngsters, playing many debuts and winning all four matches.
Teenagers stole the show — Mathis Albert briefly became the youngest US scorer before 17‑year‑old Cavan Sullivan broke the mark; Justin Ellis and Julian Hall also scored, highlighting fresh talent.
Stakes ramp up in November with a Nations League quarterfinal vs. Haiti and tough roster battles ahead as veterans (Pepi, Balogun, McKennie, Pulisic) return.