USMNT Watch: How are American soccer notables performing around the world?

Richards' Palace went on to a 0-0 draw against Bournemouth on Saturday without him, but McKenzie's Toulouse wound up falling 1-0 to Reims on Sunday. Reims' lone goal came from unheralded American striker Jordan Pefok, 28, who made eight appearances for the USMNT under then-coach Gregg Berhalter but hasn't earned a call-up since. He may warrant another look. 

Alex Zendejas racked up assists

When considering USMNT stars who excel at creating goals, Christian Pulisic comes to mind instantly. Perhaps Zendejas, should too. 

The attacking midfielder set up two goals for Club America on Saturday in a 5-0 win over Mazatlan in Liga MX. USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino hasn't shown Zendejas much love since taking the reins last fall, but Zendejas is proving himself to be a perfect candidate for the team's Gold Cup fixtures if America fails to qualify for the concurrent Club World Cup. It will face off against LAFC in the coming weeks to settle the tournament's final spot.

Gio Reyna sparked new transfer rumors

Reyna, one of the USMNT's more talented (and frustrating) stars, is leaving Germany's Borussia Dortmund this summer, but for where? 

Reyna's camp seems to be seriously considering offers from Scotland's Rangers and MLS's LAFC. Rangers, one of Scotland's more storied clubs, could be an interesting destination; it has played second fiddle to its rival Celtic for years and could gamble on a high-risk, high-reward player such as Reyna.

Could LAFC of Major League Soccer be in the mix, too? That's a tougher move to justify. Coach Steve Cherundolo announced he'll leave the club at the end of the 2025 season; it seems foolish to bring in a big-money signing such as Reyna while the head-coaching position remains in flux.

Benja Cremaschi, Quinn Sullivan made their USMNT cases

In MLS play, two young Americans on the USMNT fringe — Inter Miami's Cremaschi and the Philadelphia Union's Sullivan — stood out. Both scored game-changing golazos that lifted their teams over tough Eastern Conference competition. In Saturday matches, unbeaten Inter Miami beat previously unbeaten Columbus while Sullivan had a goal and an assist in a 3-0 win over Atlanta.

Cremaschi has made a few substitute appearances under USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino and took part in his MLS-heavy January camp; Sullivan, meanwhile, has largely gone unrecognized. That should change. He'd be an excellent depth piece for the USMNT's midfield.

Folarin Balogun eased back into fitness

The USMNT has struggled with its striker position for nearly a decade; dozens of players have cycled in and out without really staking their claim. When English-Nigerian-American triple-international Balogun pledged his future to the USMNT, many thought he'd be the one to step up, but injuries have largely kept Balogun sidelined since his charmed debut in 2023.

That appears to be changing. After suffering a dislocated shoulder in October, Balogun appears to be approaching full fitness. He has made four straight substitute appearances for his club team, AS Monaco, looking dangerous in all of them. If his recovery trajectory holds, he'll be ready to join the USMNT for its Gold Cup run this summer.