We continue to think Mihailovic will need to become much more consistent if he wants to earn a permanent spot with the USMNT, but the young midfielder shows all of the technical skills needed to succeed at a higher level including a strong shot from distance, dead ball skills, and superior one-touch passing abilities.

Matt Miazga (24, Clifton, NJ) - Reading FC, Championship

Back on loan with Championship-side Reading FC (the same club Miazga was on loan with last year), Matt Miazga has immediately assumed the role as the leader of the back line, having played the full 90 minutes in both Championship games this year. In this week’s 1-2 loss to Hull, Miazga once again led the entire team in clearances (5) and marked one critical blocked shot. More than that, it was clear to see that Reading values Miazga’s ability to start the play out of the back, underpinned by 79 pass attempts throughout the game (~84% pass completion). Interestingly enough, unlike Berhalter’s possession-oriented style of play where the center backs often open up play with short passes into the defensive mids or full backs, Miazga looked more than capable of hitting long-balls across the pitch against Hull - something that could prove valuable to the USMNT against tougher opponents. Having recently turned 24, this season will likely prove a critical one for Miazga if he wants to make the transition to become a permanent fixture in one of Europe’s top leagues.

MLS Spotlight

Corey Baird (23, Escondido, CA) - Real Salt Lake, MLS

Corey Baird scored a clutch brace this weekend to help a mid-table Real Salt Lake secure a key away victory against Sporting Kansas City. Baird, who was the 2018 MLS Rookie of the Year, found the net twice while playing in his familiar left wing position. For his first, he bundled in a rebound after a sweetly struck free kick hit the post. Baird was the quickest to react, tapping in a poacher’s goal from point blank range. His second of the night was more impressive.

Finding himself in acres of space on the left, a lofted switch from Savarino found Baird who chested the ball nicely to control. Letting the ball bounce twice, Baird struck across on the half-volley to smash a shot into the side netting. The keeper had no chance. Real Salt Lake’s successful counter attack secured their victory, though SKC’s defense was suspect on the play. Though Baird only has only three goals and two assists this season, this confidence boost might be coming at the perfect timing for his team. RSL announced the termination of Head Coach Mike Petke (formerly Red Bulls coach and MLS player) after a seething tirade that saw him serve a multi-match suspension and hefty fines.

To keep the focus on Baird, as a player who forced his way into the starting lineup last season, he must find consistency and continue to drive RSL in a time of uncertainty. We know Berhalter has a liking for MLS players, so Baird has competition with a few similarly positioned players such as Jeremy Ebobisse and Jordan Morris. Baird is probably second in the pecking order behind Morris from Berhalter’s perspective, though Ebobisse has had more of an impact for the Timbers this season than Baird overall. Call ups for Nations League will certainly be directly tied to end of MLS regular season performances.

Highlights from RSL vs SKC: