Patrick Mullins: The Future Of USMNT Forwards
Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
As many U.S. Soccer fans are aware, talks about Landon Donovan retiring from International play after this World Cup are very possible. The LA Galaxy star has been playing at the International level for ever 10 years and certainly has established himself as one of the greatest to ever wear a U.S. jersey. With fans wondering who will replace Donovan, and some of the other old players on the roster, one player certainly comes to mind, Patrick Mullins.
Mullins may only have just started his professional playing career, but he certainly has proved that he is capable of scoring goals. While attending the University of Maryland, Mullins is a two-time Hermann Trophy winner, aka, the best player in college soccer. With the massive pool of players in Division One soccer, achieving this feat is certainly something to take note of. He joins a very elite group of players that have ever won to trophy two times. To go along with his two trophies, Mullins also registered 47 goals and 35 assists during his 92 career matches at Maryland.
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
At the International level, Mullins has seen some time for the USMNT at the Under-17 and 18 camps, back in 2010. Since that point, he has not received a call-up, which can be seen as a strike against him. Thankfully, Mullins college stats proved that he was not exactly sitting around doing nothing for four years.
Since being drafted by the New England Revolution in this year’s MLS Super Draft, Mullins has seen his playing-time jump from sub to starter in just a few short weeks. The massive turnaround occurred when he made an unexpected start three weeks ago against Toronto FC. Mullins wasted no time making his presence felt, as he blasted his first MLS goal from outside the 18-yard box, between two TFC defenders. Since that time, he has started and scored in each of the past two games for the Revolution.
His career may still be in the younger stages, but Patrick Mullins has proven that he can be a dominate goal-scorer. The USMNT is searching for their next great forward and Mullins certainly is a perfect fit for the soon to be vacant position. With his hot run of form, Mullins may be receiving a nice phone call from Jurgen Klinsmann after the World Cup is over. Honestly, why not give the young forward a chance?
Jozy Altidore and Aron Johannsson have certainly proven to not be the answer for the future, so why not bring in a fresh face and see what happens? Other forwards like Chris Wondolowski are getting up-there in age and will not be valuable components come the 2018 World Cup. Terrance Boyd and Juan Agudelo are young and dangerous, but have yet to truly prove themselves at the International level. Besides that, Clint Dempsey and Donovan are on their way out and will be far to old when the next World Cup cycle comes around.
Mullins is a dynamic and dangerous forward, there is no doubt about that. His career has the potential to be long and prosperous, especially at the Club level. With this fast start to his career, Mullins certainly deserves a USMNT call-up and a chance to be the future of U.S. forwards.