Alexi Lalas Ranks Top 5 USA Gold Cup Players: Luna And Tillman Shine

David

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Post on Jul 08, 2025

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Alexi Lalas Crowns His Top 5 USA Gold Cup Performers: Luna and Tillman Steal the Show

The dust has settled on the 2023 Gold Cup, and the debate rages on: who were the tournament's standout players? Soccer legend and outspoken analyst, Alexi Lalas, has weighed in, releasing his top 5 performers for the United States Men's National Team. While some expected names made the cut, a few surprising selections highlight the depth and emerging talent within the USMNT. Lalas’ choices underscore the exciting future of American soccer.

Lalas' Top 5 USA Gold Cup Players:

Lalas' list, shared via his various social media platforms and subsequent interviews, sparked immediate discussion amongst fans and pundits. Here's a breakdown of his selections and the reasoning behind them:

1. Djordje Mihailovic: The midfielder's playmaking abilities and consistent contributions were undeniable throughout the tournament. Lalas praised Mihailovic's "vision and passing range," highlighting his crucial role in setting up scoring opportunities for his teammates. His performance against Canada particularly impressed Lalas.

2. Cade Cowell: The young forward impressed with his pace, directness, and ability to create chances out of seemingly nothing. Lalas noted Cowell's "fearlessness" and "potential to be a true game-changer" for years to come. His electric performances cemented his place as a rising star in American soccer.

3. Alan Sonora: The versatile midfielder showed his capabilities in both defensive and attacking roles. His consistent performances and ability to control the tempo of the game earned him a spot on Lalas’ list. Lalas specifically cited Sonora’s "unwavering work rate" and "tactical intelligence".

4. Brandon Vazquez: While some might have expected a more prolific goal scorer higher on the list, Lalas stressed Vazquez's overall contribution. His hold-up play, ability to link up with midfielders, and knack for creating opportunities for his teammates earned high praise from the analyst. Lalas highlighted his "physical presence" and "clinical finishing" when the opportunities presented themselves.

5. (Tie) Dávila & Matt Turner: A surprising but well-deserved tie caps off Lalas’ top five. Djordje Mihailovic's standout performances deserved to be recognized, but the overall contributions of these two players proved vital to the team’s success. Lalas lauded Dávila's "creative spark" and ability to unlock defenses. Meanwhile, Turner’s consistent shot-stopping and commanding presence in goal solidified his position as one of the most important players for the USMNT.

The Rising Stars: Luna and Tillman's Impact

While not specifically in his top 5, Lalas gave significant praise to both Alejandro Zendejas and Malik Tillman, acknowledging their considerable impact on the team's overall performance. Both players demonstrated their potential to become integral parts of the USMNT's future. Their performances, according to Lalas, were "a glimpse into the bright future of US Soccer". He mentioned their exciting contributions as key reasons why the team performed well at the Gold Cup, noting that they made significant contributions despite not being in the starting lineup for all matches.

Looking Ahead:

The Gold Cup served as a valuable platform for evaluating talent and assessing the USMNT's progress. Lalas’ list provides a fascinating perspective on the players who impressed him most. This tournament has highlighted the depth of talent emerging within the American soccer system. The future of USMNT looks bright with players like Cowell, Tillman, and others continuing to develop and mature.

What are your thoughts on Alexi Lalas' Top 5? Share your opinions in the comments below!