ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 15: Columbus Crew players huddle during the soccer match between Orlando City SC and The Columbus Crew on October 15, 2017 at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando FL. (Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Could the Crew Keeper be the Next Man Up for the USMNT?

For the next couple of years, youth is going to be the name of the game for the USMNT. Especially for goalkeeper, a position that has had veterans entrenched there for the better part of a decade. Against Trinidad and Tobago, Tim Howard looked very old and very close to retirement. Brad Guzan hasn’t done a whole lot to inspire confidence in the future of the position. Perhaps the man to look at was the one between the pipes who out-dueled Guzan in their playoff match.

Coming Out Party?

Steffen had a reasonably good season with the Crew. Against Atlanta’s deadly attack, he kept the Crew in the game. I mean just look at these saves.

Steffen didn’t just make some crazy saves during the match either. His now famous penalty saves put Columbus through to the conference semifinals where they are taking on NYCFC.

USMNT Prospects

At only 22 years old, Steffen’s professional career is just getting started. He already has some experience in Germany and quickly became one of the youngest consistent starters in MLS. His international experience also includes a U-20 World Cup appearance, where he saved a penalty en route to an upset win over Colombia.

After Howard and Guzan, there are a lot of question marks of who will follow. Ethan Horvath, William Yarborough, and Jesse Gonzalez have all been brought into camps. While all have exciting futures. Steffen showed his ability and potential against Atlanta. He also the week before in a pressure situation stopped a David Villa penalty kick.

At 6-foot-3 he has the physical tools. Horvath might arguably have more experience with his time at Molde, but none of the younger prospects at the keeper position have accomplished what Steffen has done. If he continues his run of from, he could be making a successful run deep in the MLS playoffs. By the way, at 22, Steffen is the youngest starting keeper remaining in the MLS Playoffs.