Philadelphia Union’s Jack McInerney has been called up to represent the United States in the upcoming Gold Cup. McInerney is the Union’s first player to represent the senior national squad, and thus is a landmark moment in the Union’s history. McInerney is having a breakout season and has caught Jurgen Klinsmann’s attention. When Jack puts on the stars and stripes for the national team it will be a special moment for him, the fans, and organization. Jack McInerney has scored 10 goals for the Union and has been a constant threat for MLS keepers. He is tied for first in goal scoring in the MLS with Marco DiVaio and Mike Magee.
McInerney is one of the team’s least experienced forwards as he has never suited up for the senior squad. The 20 year goal scorer has plenty of competition and will be fighting for his playing time. He will be going up against Herculez Gomez, Chris Wondolowski, and Will Bruin. Herculez Gomez is already a lock to be on the world Cup squad but due to injuries he has to re-prove himself. Chris Wondolowski and Will Bruin both had spectacular seasons last year and have fallen in the good graces with Jurgen Klinsmann. McInerney will have to show Jurgen that he can bring something that the others can’t.
McInerney’s competition for playing time may benefit him the most. He will be pushed physically and mentally by people older, stronger, and faster. If he does not convert on his opportunities he will be riding the bench and on the outside looking in. Playing against some of the nation’s top players will be a great test to McInerney to see where he stands. His best chance to prove himself will be in the friendly July 5th. The USMNT are taking a tune up game against Guatemala in San Diego. Since it is a friendly, almost all the players will be on display. McInerney will play, and he has to make those minutes count if he wants to be used in competition.
For those of you who do not know, the Gold Cup is a FIFA sanctioned international tournament that pits CONCACAF teams against each other. This is a great opportunity for Jurgen Klinsmann to add players to the US player pool. It gives players a chance to prove themselves worthy for a look at world cup qualifiers and the world cup. The national team needs depth and experience, the Gold Cup is the perfect chance to build depth.
Here is the schedule if you want to see McInerney on the national team.
July 5th, v Guatemala, Friendly on NBC Sports
July 9th, v Belize, Gold Cup Group stage
July 13th, v Cuba, Gold Cup Group Stage
July 16th, v Costa Rica, Gold Cup Group Stage
[Photo: ISIPhotos.com]Follow along on Twitter @TotalSportsLive
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
