USMNT’s next generation arrives: How Cavan Sullivan, Julian Hall and more delivered for Mauricio Pochettino

It is difficult to fight the post-World Cup lull; the quick transition out of sports' most anticipated event is hard to avoid. The U.S. men's national team have managed to buck the trend at the start of a new four-year cycle, though, thanks to the introduction of a baker's dozen of fresh faces eager to make their opportunities count with the 2030 World Cup in mind.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino embarked on his most future-focused player pool expansion project yet, mixing a group of newcomers with an average age of 19 years old with several World Cup participants as he oversees a generational shift. The results have spoken for themselves so far – the USMNT went four for four in their fall friendlies, a selection of young players impressing nearly every step of the way as the likes of Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada threw different challenges at them. The head coach has been effusive with his praise of the newcomers for being eager to learn and showcase their talents, while also showering his veterans with compliments for their welcoming nature.

He has refused to single players out, especially the first-timers, championing the collective at this early juncture of the…

Original source: https://www.cbssports.com/