2. Zack Steffen
Zack Steffen played at an MVP level during the MLS Cup Playoffs and was largely the reason the Columbus Crew made it to the Eastern Conference Final. Steffen had a pair of penalty-kick saves in a shootout win against Atlanta United. He did it again to Toronto FC during the second leg of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Like Acosta, Steffen has represented himself at every age level for the National Team.
Andrew King of MLSSoccer.com said,
"“Perhaps his biggest moment with the young national team was his performance at the 2015 U-20 World Cup, where he helped lead the US into the quarterfinals, where they were only beaten after a 0-0 draw required nine rounds of penalty kicks to break the deadlock against Serbia.”"
After departing the University of Maryland early, Steffen headed to German side Frieburg. Steffen did make 14 appearances with the second team but didn’t manage to break in to the first team.
More from USA Soccer
- Latest El Tri-related transfer rumors include ‘Chucky’ to LAFC
- Is it time for Jesús Ferreira to test himself in Europe?
- Arsenal legend Thierry Henry hints at interest in USMNT job
- Proposed Víctor Guzmán-Jesús Angulo swap riles Chivas Nation
- World Cup Promo Code: Bet $5, Win $150 if Argentina OR France Win Semifinal Match
The goalkeeper is still only 22 years old.
Now that Tim Howard’s time is done, the USMNT need to find that next great goalkeeper. While Brad Guzan is adequate, he hasn’t reached the level of Howard, Kasey Keller or Brad Friedel. If Guzan is the starter, who is the backup? Guys like Ethan Horvath or Bill Hamid could be candidates. Hamid recently departed D.C. United for Europe. Horvath is currently playing in the Belgian league.
Though a goalkeepers prime isn’t until their 30’s, both Hamid and Horvath are young guys at 27 and 22 years of age respectively.
One more season in the MLS may be good for Steffen, but after that he should bolt to Europe to put his name in the conversation for the top goalkeeper spot. The talent is there.