USMNT striker race: Are Agyemang and Wright closing on Balogun?

Goals are flowing as Folarin Balogun, Haji Wright and Patrick Agyemang press their cases during the World Cup buildup, creating a welcome selection dilemma for head coach Mauricio Pochettino. Not long ago the U.S. was searching for a consistent No. 9; now several forwards are forcing the conversation.

A group of hopefuls sits just behind the front-runners. Josh Sargent remains persona non grata at Norwich after attempting to leave this winter, and his chances depend largely on a possible move to MLS and a quick burst of form. In MLS, Brandon Vazquez must prove his fitness at Austin after an ACL layoff, while Brian White will need to reproduce last season’s scoring to push into contention.

Damion Downs, on loan in the Bundesliga after lighting up Germany’s second division, still has to answer questions after spending the first half of the campaign on Southampton’s bench. Wright’s recent hat-trick against second-place Middlesbrough rescued momentum for Coventry in a 3-1 win.

United States

usmnt, folarin balogun, haji wright, patrick agyemang, mauricio pochettino, world cup, josh sargent, brandon vazquez, brian white, damion downs