By RYAN TOLMICH
With just 39 days remaining before the start of the World Cup, the U.S. Men’s National Team roster is anything but set. With that being said, Juan Agudelo made his case to be on the plane to Brazil with his performance in FC Utrecht’s 2-1 win over Vitesse Arnhem on Saturday.
The 21-year-old picked up an assist on the game’s opening goal before securing all three points for his team by scoring the game-winner in the 78th minute.
Agudelo’s assist came in the 40th minute to give Utrecht a 1-0 lead late in the opening half. The American received the ball deep in the box before taking a touch right into the path of an incoming Steven de Ridder, who found the back of the net to give the hosts the lead.
Agudelo’s big moment came late in the second half. Utrecht’s Jacob Mulenga brought the ball into traffic from the right side and toe poked it across the box to a streaking Agudelo. The former New York Red Bull pounced on the ball just outside the six yard box to lead his team to victory.
With the win, Utrecht move up to 10th in the Eredivisie table, while Agudelo picked up his third goal since joining Utrecht in January and his second in as many games.
Agudelo’s push comes just days after U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann announced that he would bring a full 30-man squad to a preliminary camp later this month. With performances like these, Agudelo, whose last international appearance was in March’s 2-0 loss to Ukraine, will certainly earn some consideration before the team is selected for Brazil.
What do you think of Agudelo’s big game? Think he earns an invitation to the pre-World Cup training camp? Would you bring him to Brazil?
Share your thoughts below.