The U.S. Men’s National Team continues to balance the immediate task of winning matches with opportunities for players to establish themselves within Mauricio Pochettino’s squad, and Sebastian Berhalter and Damion Downs offered two different perspectives on that process during Monday’s media availability.
Coming off a convincing 4-1 victory over Peru, the USMNT now turns its attention toward Chile, with Berhalter continuing to emerge as a more established member of the group while Downs looks to capitalize on another opportunity with the senior national team.
For Berhalter, the past year has brought significant changes at both the club and international levels. After establishing himself in Major League Soccer, the midfielder made the move overseas to Middlesbrough, adding another challenge to a career that has increasingly included a role with the national team.
During Monday’s press conference, Berhalter discussed the adjustments that come with playing in a different environment and the importance of continuing to develop his game. His growing experience also puts him in a different position within a USMNT camp featuring a number of younger players.
While hardly an elder statesman himself, Berhalter now has enough international experience to understand the expectations surrounding the national team and what Pochettino wants from his players.
Downs, meanwhile, enters the picture from a considerably different direction.
The 22-year-old striker was added to the roster following Ricardo Pepi’s injury, creating another opportunity for Downs to make his case in a competitive USMNT forward pool.
At 6-foot-3, Downs possesses the size associated with a traditional center forward, but his game isn’t limited to simply serving as a target in the penalty area. During the availability, he discussed aspects of his approach as a striker and the importance of using his physical tools while also contributing in other areas of the attack.
His club career has already taken him through several different soccer environments. After developing in Germany and spending time in England, Downs recently joined St. Louis CITY SC, bringing him to MLS at an important stage of his development.
That move also gives this international window an unusual wrinkle. With the United States preparing to face Chile in St. Louis, Downs has the possibility of representing his country in the same city he now calls home at the club level.
For both players, the current camp represents another chance to demonstrate where they fit as Pochettino continues evaluating his options.
Berhalter is attempting to build upon an increasingly established national-team role and his move to England. Downs is trying to turn an unexpected call-up into another meaningful step forward.
Different paths, but the objective remains the same: make the most of every opportunity when the USMNT calls.
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