Mauricio Pochettino could not have his No. 1 putting choice for October’s pair of U.S. males’s nationwide crew friendlies, however he nonetheless has 4 different choices hungry for the chance to shine.

Folarin Balogun’s dislocated shoulder has pressured him out of USMNT responsibility this month, opening the door for others to fill the void. Josh Sargent, Haji Wright, Ricardo Pepi, and Brandon Vazquez might all characteristic on the No. 9 place in upcoming matches towards Panama and Mexico, with all 4 aiming to spice up their shares.

Sargent and Wright have been busy within the English Soccer League Championship whereas Pepi has fought for possibilities within the Dutch Eredivisie and UEFA Champions League. Vazquez has remained a daily for Liga MX membership Monterrey once more this season, leaping out and in of the beginning lineup.

Here’s a nearer take a look at all 4 USMNT putting choices and the place they stand following Balogun’s harm:

Josh Sargent – Norwich Metropolis

Josh Sargent is again within the USMNT image and seeking to keep wholesome and profit from his alternative.

Sargent has been lowered to solely half-hour for the reason that 2022 FIFA World Cup, regardless of scoring regularly at membership degree for Norwich Metropolis (24 targets since World Cup concluded). The Missouri native has additionally missed worldwide alternatives by accidents, however heads into camp in good condition following a robust begin to the EFL Championship season (4 targets, three assists).

Sargent can do all of it on the offensive finish of the sphere; linking up along with his teammates, creating house for capturing possibilities, and getting on the top of nook kicks and set items. He will definitely get his alternative this window, particularly with Pochettino aiming to take a look at each participant over the following two matches.

Ricardo Pepi – PSV

Ricardo Pepi has been out and in of Peter Bosz’s lineup in the course of the early levels of the Dutch Eredivisie season, however stays a key attacking menace for the USMNT.

The 21-year-old has scored three targets in 238 minutes this season for PSV, with two of these coming in a 2-0 league begin towards Willem II. Luuk De Jong’s presence has as soon as once more made it powerful for Pepi to repeatedly crack Bosz’s beginning lineup, however the former FC Dallas homegrown is preventing for alternatives.

Out of the 4 strikers within the October squad, Pepi has probably the most caps to his title regardless of not being a part of the 2022 World Cup roster.

He will definitely get his possibilities towards Panama and Mexico, with the latter being an emotional match for him.

Haji Wright – Coventry Metropolis

Haji Wright started his profession as a striker and regardless of that includes extra as a winger within the final two years, the 26-year-old might return to his previous position below Pochettino.

Wright has remained a daily for Coventry Metropolis in England, scoring three targets this season so far. He delivered a sensational first season within the Championship final 12 months, serving to the Sky Blues end within the high half of the league desk and likewise attain the FA Cup Semifinals.

Whether or not Wright options this month on the No. 9 position or out huge stays to be seen, however his versatility ought to garner alternatives regardless.

Brandon Vazquez – Monterrey

Out of all 4 strikers within the October squad, Brandon Vazquez is actually probably the most bodily.

The 25-year-old has proven that physicality in the course of the Liga MX season with Monterrey, scoring three targets so far this fall. A former FC Cincinnati standout, Vazquez hasn’t featured for the USMNT since 2023, incomes his spot this month on account of Balogun’s harm.

It appears unlikely that Vazquez begins towards Panama or Mexico, however he does carry a menace off the bench, which might increase his possibilities for November involvement within the CONCACAF Nations League.

Who do you hope will get probably the most minutes out of those 4 strikers in October? Do you see anybody else forcing their means into the combo for November’s window? If Balogun is unable to get well quickly, who’s your No. 1 decide to begin within the Nations League?

Share your ideas under.