The United States men’s national team defeated Venezuela 3-1 in a friendly at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Flordia, on Saturday with several players impressing for the Stars and Stripes.
Saturday’s friendly was outside of the traditional FIFA international windows meaning big name players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and others weren’t available. Many USMNT fans dislike the annual January friendly the team does and refers to it as “Camp Cupcake.”
All players on the roster are domestic-based and play in Major League Soccer.
While none of these players are close to breaking into the USMNT’s “A-Team”, the camp does provide a glimpse at some players who could potentially have an impact in the future.
Three players stuck out above the rest who we think could make more USMNT camps in the future.
Three USMNT players who impressed vs. Venezuela
3. Maximilian Arfsten
The 23-year-old Columbus Crew wing back started for the Stars and Stripes at left back and put in a solid 65-minute shift. Saturday’s game was his debut for the United States and he didn’t shy away from the opportunity.
Going forward Arfsten was comfortable on the ball and provided several dangerous balls into the penalty area. In defense he was solid with good challenges and blocked crosses. In the first half he denied a Venezuela attack after intercepting a cross, controlling the ball and then clearing the ball perfectly to the striker.
The USMNT is in desperate need of depth at left back behind Antonee Robinson. Perhaps Arfsten could get into the mix.
2. Patrick Agyemang
Strikers will always be judged on whether or not they scored. Agyemang was successful in that endeavor as he doubled the USMNT’s lead in the 39th minute with a composed finish between the keeper’s legs.
PATRICK AGYEMANG ON HIS USMNT DEBUT
Two goals in two minutes for USA—watch the match live on TNT and Max pic.twitter.com/kvS2Se0hME— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 18, 2025
The 24-year-old Charlotte FC striker also earned the USMNT a penalty just minutes into the game with some great control in a tight space to draw the foul.
Agyemang was a reliable player to hold up play like a traditional No. 9 and should be proud of his performance against Venezuela.
He’ll have work to do in order to catch up with the Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun’s of the world. Last season Agyemang finished the MLS season with 10 goals in 31 appearances.
1. Jack McGlynn
Scoring a screamer into the top corner is an easy way to impress the fans at home. The 21-year-old did just that with a sensational strike in the 37th minute to open the scoring.
Jack McGlynn gets his first international goal and it was a beauty
Watch USA vs. Venezuela on TNT and Max pic.twitter.com/OfnWehujYf— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 18, 2025
It wasn't just his goal that caught our eyes. The USMNT midfielder had a litany of precise line-breaking passes that opened opportunities for his side. McGlynn also bagged an assist for the USMNT's third goal.
Matko Miljevic gets his goal to make it 3-0 vs. Venezuela
Another debut goal for USA—watch the match live on TNT and Max pic.twitter.com/Wv1vxjNyjN— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 18, 2025
His distribution and vision in the midfield were also superb. One switch of field caught our eye as McGlynn put a 40-yard pass on a dime to Arfsten on the near side of the field.
McGlynn was on corner kick duty too and had a number of great balls into the box that the U.S. nearly scored off of.
McGlynn was certainly a fan-favorite online as the 21-year-old won himself plenty of new supporters.
JACK MCGLYNN BANGER pic.twitter.com/7oPPdffyrJ
— USMNT NATION (@USMNTvsHaters) January 18, 2025
JACK MCGLYNN OMG
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) January 18, 2025
Jack McGlynn's left foot is special!
— Jimmy Conrad (@JimmyConrad) January 18, 2025
McGlynn has really taken this opportunity
— USMNT Thoughts (@USMNT_Thoughts) January 18, 2025
This USMNT squad will be back in action again on Wednesday for another friendly vs. Costa Rica in Orlando, Florida.
