More MLS players are taking their talents to the international stage as part of the U.S. Men’s National Team, as friendly play begins ahead of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. Some of those clubs are making more of an impact than others, despite a rough loss Saturday. While 12 teams had a player called up to the USMNT this past weekend, only three had more than one player on the roster. One of those teams isn’t seeing much success in the league, but a change of play could help bring success in MLS and internationally.
Before examining the MLS teams making a difference, it’s essential to consider the challenges the national team is currently facing. The team started strong against Türkiye, scoring within the first minute thanks to Houston Dynamo’s Jack McGlynn. Türkiye answered that goal with their own in the 24th minute, and got their second in the 27th. The U.S. ended the half down by one and weren’t able to answer with another goal for the rest of the match despite taking 13 shots at goal. Their stats were mostly positive, with 88 percent passing accuracy and over 600 completed passes. That dominance didn’t translate to solid play, with the team losing several chances on the pitch.
The three teams that saw the most representation include Charlotte FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and Philadelphia Union. Two teams are in the Eastern Conference, and one is in the Western Conference. Right now, Philadelphia in the east and Vancouver FC in the west are both at the top of their conferences. Vancouver has the most points currently, at 35. Philadelphia is sitting with 34 points. Of the three, Charlotte has recorded the lowest amount of points, sitting in eighth in the Eastern Conference with 25 points.
Defender Nathan Harriel and Midfielder Quinn Sullivan were both called up to the national team. Harriel has started most of the regular season games with Philadelphia and is credited with scoring two goals while playing on the back line. Sullivan has similar stats, playing even more games and tallying up two goals and seven assists as an attacking midfielder. They’re both also senior members of Philadelphia, having both been with the club since 2021. Despite, or maybe because of, those successes, both players only came in during the 65th minute.
The two players from Vancouver who made their way on the U.S. roster also have very successful pasts within the MLS. Senior forward Brian White is one of the most notable names on the roster. In the 12 games he’s played with the Whitecaps this year, he’s scored 10 goals. White was subbed in during the 74th minute, likely to give him some time on the pitch with the team. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter is also on the team. He’s scored one goal and given four assists with Vancouver this season. Surprisingly, he didn’t play against Türkiye, though that might be because this is his first time being called up to the national team.
Charlotte is bringing two players on opposite ends of their careers and formations. Tim Ream is a senior defender in his first full year with the club. Patrick Agyemang started his career and time with the team in 2023 and has since cemented himself as a top forward. This year, he’s scored six goals and recorded one assist for Charlotte. This weekend, he played for a full 74 minutes before being subbed out for White. That’s likely to allow him to get more international experience. He’s made five appearances with the USMNT and has already scored two goals. Ream stayed on the bench during the friendly, likely because of his years on the pitch since starting internationally in 2010.
It’s easy to point to Ream as a top player with the national team. He’s not only played in a World Cup, but he’s also taken part in several Gold Cup wins. Agyemang is following in Reams’ footsteps, starting his international career just a year after his breakout season with Charlotte. That success isn’t fully translating to their club. Charlotte is currently sitting in eighth after a string of losses. With MLS and internationally, Agymang seems to have difficulty following through when he has a ball in the box. Ream has been credited with clean sheets in Charlotte, however, it seems his pace might be slowing, leaving the net open.
No one can argue that there is major talent within the national team. The MLS teams with the most representation on the Men’s National Team should likely be considered some of the best in the league. That fact is mostly true, but it seems that Charlotte is making itself the exception. While Aygemang is a great forward, his lack of consistency with scoring could be blamed for missed shots with both his club and his national team. He can help bring the national team to their first Gold Cup win since 2021.
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