Tyler Adams knows what it’s like to be in their situation.
He’s experienced the same pressure that the nine young players on the U.S. men’s national team are feeling right now, possibly even more. For instance, Cavan Sullivan likely feels the weight of expectations ahead of his possible first match with the national team against Peru on Saturday. Adams, however, had his own battles to face, like grappling with the harsh tags thrown his way after the national team’s stunning failure to qualify for the World Cup.
Eight years ago, Adams, Weston McKennie, and Christian Pulisic weren’t just seen as the upcoming stars; they were thrust into a position where they seemingly needed to rescue the national team from disaster.
“We’re thankful for every chance we get, but these young players right now, they’re not under the same pressure of needing to step in immediately or risk the team falling apart,” Adams shared with The Post during an interview this week at the national team’s training facility outside Atlanta.
“We have a solid core for this national team, even considering players who aren’t currently here, and there’s groundwork already laid for future success.”
Beyond their own skills, that sentiment is a strong reason to trust in the program’s capacity to bring newcomers like Sullivan, Adri Mehmeti, Neil Pierre, Mathis Albert, and Julian Hall into the fold. The USMNT is no longer stuck trying to build a ship while also steering it.
Despite the youthful lineup heading to Orlando for Saturday’s match, there are still many players with World Cup experiences. The team recently reached the Round of 16 and is aiming to build from that, even if some might consider it less than satisfactory. They are also under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino, a second-cycle coach with considerable experience, who was recently asked to reflect on Lionel Messi’s retirement from international play.
When Adams and McKennie earned their first caps back in late 2017, none of these positives were in sight. At that time, only John Brooks, Alejandro Bedoya, and DeAndre Yedlin had World Cup experience. Dave Sarachan was still figuring things out as an interim coach after Bruce Arena’s dismissal, who had taken over from Jurgen Klinsmann mid-cycle. There were a few bright spots in emerging talent, but overall, the situation was somewhat bleak.
Now, though, the younger players can focus on just playing.
“I’ve told Adri this myself: There’s no pressure,” Adams affirmed. “You’re consistently playing in MLS, and now you have the chance to be called up. Just be yourself, continue developing, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. We’re here to back you up during challenging times. If you get a chance, treat it like just another game. That’s what it boils down to. These guys need space to grow, to make errors, and to stay humble.”
“It’s a new environment. Sometimes it takes a bit to find your rhythm. By the time the camp wraps up, you’ll likely feel quite different than on the first day.”
Sure, it’s a stretch to claim there’s absolutely no pressure on the young players. Take Sullivan, for example; he’s been compared to legends like Freddy Adu and Pulisic, and now he’s stepping into the national spotlight—whether it’s against Peru or in the upcoming matches.
However, they’re entering a situation that’s already thriving. The more seasoned players, like Adams, are in the prime of their careers and are expected to be part of the national team’s plans for 2030. By that time, many players who are making their debuts now will likely still be in the mix.
“I’m only 27,” Adams joked. “Everyone seems to think I’m as old as Tim Ream. I’m in the middle of my career, you know? … I’ve been playing at the top level for the last five years, which is incredible. Since that 2022 World Cup, it really hit me that I’m competing at the highest level.”
In the midst of all the excitement, it’s important to remember the significance of having a solid foundation already established.
