Lynden Gooch’s strong 2020 year continued on Saturday as the American midfielder propelled Sunderland to a shutout win at home.
Gooch’s 11th league goal of the EFL League One season proved to be the winner as the Black Cats downed Bristol Rovers 3-0 at the Stadium of Light. It was Sunderland’s fourth league win in a row which has them up to fourth in the league table.
Phil Parkinson’s side had to wait but Gooch provided the breakthrough goal in the 71st minute. Chris Maguire’s cross allowed Gooch to stretch and score his third goal in his last three appearances.
Goooooooch! 1-0 #SAFC pic.twitter.com/HaqpROqigK
— Mark Evans (@Evs_Dubai) February 22, 2020
Gooch now has five goals and one assist since the start of 2020, helping the club remain in the promotion playoff race. Charlie Wyke and Luke O’Nien capped the home win with goals nine minutes apart late in the second-half.
The 24-year-old also won three duels, completed one dribble, and made three recoveries.
Gooch’s strong play this season could see him earn his first U.S. Men’s National Team call up since May 2018. He currently has the most goals of any American in England.
Sunderland’s quest for promotion back to the EFL Championship continues on Feb. 25th at home against Fleetwood Town. The club are three points out of the top-two spots in League One, the only two automatic promotion spots in the division.
While I like Gooch and think he is a decent player I’m not sure if playing in the 3rd tier of English football is sufficient for receiving a USMNT call-up at this point. When looking at the current USMNT player pool it’s hard to make the case that he should be in consideration….
Tier 1 Players:
Pulisic (EPL), Adams (B1), McKennie (B1), Reyna (B1), Morales (B1), Weah (League 1),
Tier 2 Players:
Holmes (Champ), Saucedo (Liga MX), Morris (MLS), Pomykal (MLS), Aaronson (MLS), Parks (MLS), Yueill (MLS), Servania (MLS), Arriola (MLS)
Tier 3 Players:
Sabbi (Danish), Cappis (Danish), Gooch (Eng 3rd), Ladezma (Dutch Reserves), Mendez (Dutch Reserves), Llanez (B reserves), De La Fuente (Spanish Reserves).
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When evaluating the pool most of them are younger than Gooch and are in club situations that they have a greater opportunity to advance themselves…especially those still with their clubs reserves.
Gooch had an opportunity to leave Sunderland but remained loyal to his club. That decision may come back to hurt his chances to represent the USMNT.
Lost in Space, how can you rate Weah at tier 1, what has he ever done aside from get injured. Yes he plays for a big club, yes he has a lot of potential, but he has done nothing to prove he is a tier 1 player already.
I hope Sunderland makes it to the Championship so Gooch can get some nats team looks and play in a tougher league.
Sunderland v Fleetwood will be a fun one to watch. Both in the promotion zone and the later led by bruiser/better Joey Barton. Go McGooch go.