A closer look at the USMNT's current right back situation

23/04/2024 00:58

It’s looking ever more likely that the U.S. men’s national team won’t have the services of Sergino Dest for this summer’s Copa America competition, opening the door for several other players to make the most of their opportunities.

Dest, who recently suffered a serious knee injury in PSV training on Sunday, could reportedly miss up to nine months. The American right back was enjoying a stellar loan spell with the Eredivisie leaders, but now could very well miss this summer’s international schedule, as well as the first half of next season.

Dest’s injury will force USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter to seriously consider his options in the coming weeks, knowing that the Copa America schedule kicks off in two months time.

With Dest expected to be out for the competition, here is a closer look at the potential right back replacements in the USMNT squad:

Joe Scally

Joe Scally will be the likely replacement for Dest, especially given the fact that has seen time on both sides of the backline.

The 21-year-old has continued to play a consistent role for Bundesliga side Borussia Moenchengladbach this season, logging 2,275 minutes, one goal, and three assists in 32 combined appearances. Scally is closing in on 100 career appearances for Gladbach, which has seen him used as a left and right back at times.

He’s earned nine caps to date with the USMNT and did start for Dest in last March’s CONCACAF Nations League semifinal win over Jamaica.

Bryan Reynolds

Another European right back that we could see this summer is Bryan Reynolds.

Reynolds, 22, has made 31 combined appearances for Belgian Pro League side Westerlo, registering four assists in 2,718 minutes of action. The former FC Dallas academy product has continued to develop in Belgium, teaming up with fellow American Griffin Yow over the past two seasons.

Reynolds debuted for the USMNT in 2021 but hasn’t earned a cap since the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

A strong end to the club season could be what propels Reynolds into the plans.

Tyler Adams

It’s been several years since Tyler Adams featured frequently at right back, but Dest’s injury might lead to his potential return.

During the 2020-21 Bundesliga campaign, Adams was used in multiple positions at RB Leipzig, including his natural midfield position and as a right back. Although it seems unlikely Adams would be shifted to right back over an option like Scally or Reynolds, Berhalter could consider the idea in other to have his best players on the field.

First though, Adams will need to remain healthy over the final few weeks of Bournemouth’s season.

DeAndre Yedlin

Berhalter might lean towards veteran experience at right back and DeAndre Yedlin certainly brings that to the table.

Yedlin, 30, has made 81 international appearances to date, but has mainly served as a backup option in recent years. The now-FC Cincinnati defender has continued to earn a starting role in MLS, making the move from Inter Miami to the reigning Supporters’ Shield winners last March.

Yedlin might not be first-choice in the current USMNT pool, but he does bring valuable experience to the mix.

Reggie Cannon

Dest’s injury could also lead to Reggie Cannon’s return to the USMNT plans.

The 25-year-old Cannon made the move to England last fall, joining QPR in the EFL Championship. Cannon has made 20 appearances for the English second-tier side this season, but has struggled for consistent playing time since mid-February.

Cannon has earned 28 USMNT caps to date, with his last coming in 2022 in the pre- FIFA World Cup friendlies.

Shaq Moore

Another right back option during Gregg Berhalter’s time as head coach, Shaq Moore will also be fighting to get into the mix.

Moore, 27, has made eight combined appearances for Nashville SC this season, adding three assists. After making the move to MLS, Moore has accumulated over 60 appearances in Gary Smith’s squad, featuring regularly as a right back and right wing back.

Moore’s last USMNT appearance came during a 1-0 friendly loss to Slovenia earlier this year, his first in 14 months. A strong defender, Moore did feature under Berhalter at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as well as other competitions.