When U.S. Men's National Team coach Jurgen Klinsmann announced his 40-man roster for 2016's Centennial Copa America a month ago, Sacha Kljestan's name was nowhere to be found.

He was snubbed.

Kljestan's brilliant play failed to land him on a roster that included 19 other MLS players.

When the New York Red Bulls demolished their last two opponents, defeating New York City FC, 7-0, and Toronto FC, 3-0, Kljestan added four assists to push his league-leading total to 10. With 20 games remaining in the regular season, Kljestan needs only five more assists to break the Red Bulls' single-season assist record.

The national team snub still stings.

"It's always a bit of a bummer for me," Kljestan said. "I always hope to be on the national team."

Still, Kljestan has been crucial to the Red Bulls' recent stretch of play. Kljestan's combination of precise passing and patient ball control is well-suited to Red Bulls' high pressure and intensity style of play, and the results bear that out. Kljestan has scored a goal and has eight assists in the past seven games, propelling the Red Bulls to a 5-1-1 record.

New York Red Bulls midfielder Sacha Kljestan (right) controls the ball against Toronto FC defender Steven Beitashour during first-half action at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J., on March 6, 2016. (Noah K. Murray | USA TODAY Sports)

"I told Sacha sometime in the beginning of the season that if we're going to win this thing, he's got to be the MVP," said Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles. "That sort of statement, in my mind, wasn't a stretch. What I see now is actually what we expected to see from the very beginning of last year."

After a 1-6 start to begin the season, the Red Bulls are tied for second in the Eastern Conference. Kljestan rediscovered a connection with Red Bulls striker Bradley Wright-Phillips, as he contributed two assists to Wright-Phillips's hat trick against New York City FC.

"Brad has been on the move and he's put himself in dangerous situations," Kljestan said. "He has made me look good."

The duo's recent performances have earned each of them consideration for the MLS Player of the Month. Kljestan would vote for Wright-Phillips:

BWP in a landslide. https://t.co/pf0KqnV92s — Sacha Kljestan (@SachaKljestan) May 31, 2016

Kljestan's play, particularly his connection with Wright-Phillips, hasn't gone unnoticed Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch.

"They've been a big reason why we've turned the corner," he said. "Sacha's cleverness, his ability to cover ground and make final plays, his sharpness on the ball and his leadership -- in all ways he fits that position great. He's really done well."

Kljestan, who is originally from California, played college soccer at Seton Hall. According to an interview with MLSSoccer.com, Kljestan met then-Seton Hall head coach Manfred Schellscheidt during a friendly in California.

Schellscheidt recruited him and Kljestan eventually accepted the offer. Kljestan was named to the Division I First Team All-America during his sophomore year and set Seton Hall's single-season assist record the following year.

Kljestan has traveled to Europe and back during his professional career. Chivas USA originally drafted him in 2006 -- one spot ahead of current teammate Dax McCarty.

Kljestan went on to play for Anderlecht of the Belgian Pro League, where he helped his team win three consecutive Belgian Pro League titles. Kljestan returned to the MLS after Anderlecht agreed to transfer him to the Red Bulls in 2015.

The Red Bulls don't play again until June 19, when they host the Seattle Sounders.

Daniel Falkenheim may be reached at DFalkenheim@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Thefalkon. Find NJ.com on Facebook.