When Josh Sargent was omitted from the United States U-20 World Cup roster, while fellow U-20 eligible but first-team ready Tim Weah was selected, conventional wisdom suggested that bit of information ensconced Sargent's place on the USMNT's Gold Cup squad.
It turned out that conclusion was a bit too far to jump to, as on Thursday morning many were left surprised that Sargent's name wasn't to be found on the USMNT's final 23-man roster for the Gold Cup.
Head coach Gregg Berhalter opted for two center forwards, Jozy Altidore and Gyasi Zardes, leaving Sargent behind for greater squad flexibility. It was Sebastian Lletget's injury that may have cost Sargent a place in the team.
“This was the most difficult decision we had to make," Berhalter said on a media conference call. "We saw Sebastian Lletget as depth in central midfield, attacking midfield and winger. When he got injured, it put a wrench in the plans and we didn’t feel we could carry three strikers on the roster anymore.”
Altidore and Zardes stayed ahead of the youngster in Berhalter's depth chart.
“It’s a simple reason: We think they’re ahead of him right now," Berhalter said. "We have to do what’s best for the team right now, and that’s the decision we made.”
This is the first squad Berhalter was able to name Altidore to the squad, as the USMNT's third all-time leading scorer has missed the first two camps with injury. Berhalter has been steadfast in assertions that Altidore still had a significant role to play.
“Jozy is a top striker," Berhalter said. "When I watch him move in training, his ability to move into space, his finishing, the way he hits the ball — the power he hits with — his hold up play and ability to combine with players. He’s been a guy we had on our radar since we took over, trying to get him involved."
Altidore's return from injury combined with the rest of the context meant Sargent had to fight to earn his place on the squad. They were aware he may not make the team and believed this experience would be important for the 19-year-old nonetheless, who featured at the 2017 U-20 World Cup already.
“At this point, we thought he would benefit from the challenge with the full national team, benefit from fighting to make the squad," Berhalter said. "He’s a guy we have a ton of confidence in, we think he’s going to be an outstanding player.”
Still, Berhalter and the federation stand firmly behind Sargent's ability and potential. They have no worries that he was unable to merit a place in this year's team as he will have a significant role in years to come.
“We have to remember that he’s 19 years old," Berhalter said. "He has a bright future ahead of him. When I talked to him and gave him the news, one thing I mentioned was that he’s going to be the striker of the national team in the future. We’re sure of that. Unfortunately, he didn’t carry momentum for Werder Bremen in the second half of the season, didn’t play as much as he could have, and he lacked a little sharpness. Josh is a top striker, he’s going to have a lot of opportunities in the future to show that.”
