Nov 12, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; United States midfielder Weston McKennie (8) celebrates his goal with forward Christian Pulisic (10) during a FIFA World Cup Qualifier soccer match against the Mexico at TQL Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie head the list of nominees for 2021 United States Soccer Male Player of the Year, the U.S. Soccer Federation announced.
The two European-based U.S. stars are joined on the list by New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner, Atlanta United defender Miles Robinson, Colorado Rapids midfielder Kellyn Acosta and forward/midfielder Brenden Aaronson, who is in his second season at Red Bull Salzburg in Austria.
Pulisic, who plays for Chelsea in England, and McKennie, at Juventus in Italy, have played key roles in leading the United States Men’s National Team to a 16-2-3 record in 2021 under head coach Gregg Berhalter. The 23-year-old stars helped bring home the inaugural CONCACAF Nations League trophy in June.
Pulisic and McKennie each scored goals in the USMNT’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Mexico on Nov. 12 at Cincinnati.
Turner, 27, also had a breakout year with the USMNT. He started the first five qualifying games for the U.S., was named MLS goalkeeper of the year and helped the Revolution to the Supporter’s Shield this season.
Robinson, 24, became a regular starter for the USMNT while also being named to the MLS Best XI for Atlanta United.
Acosta, 26, played in 20 games for the USMNT this year, the most since Landon Donovan in 2002.
Aaronson, 21, is a regular starter for first-place Salzburg, while also splitting time with the USMNT.
–Field Level Media