Goals do not matter when USMNT keeps failing where it counts | OneFootball

United States Men's National Team players are scattered across some of the biggest stages in European soccer, seeking stardom and silencing the nagging doubts that have dogged American talent for decades. Last week, a few big names stole the show. Either through match-winning goals, assists, or impressive performances. But how much of this personal growth is really translating into growth for U.S. soccer?

The fix is simple-looking, but it isn't. American players are gaining attention in top leagues, but the gap between achievement at club level and turning the USMNT into a force to be considered is enormous. The last week was another showing of that difference, as some players like Josh Sargent, Tim Weah, and Alejandro Zendejas improved their profile, but lack of consistency follows others.

Josh Sargent's hot streak in the Championship

If there is any American player to make a splash in England, it is Josh Sargent. The Norwich City forward has been on fire, scoring goals aplenty and turning out to be a key man in his club's quest for Premier League promotion. His double against Stoke City took his overall tally to a staggering 11 goals in 18 Championship games, cementing his status as one of the go-to strikers at Norwich.

But Sargent's impact goes beyond raw numbers. His ability to occupy the target man's role, his finish, and his versatility make him the kind of striker that the USMNT can't do without. But one huge question marks him out. Is he capable of playing like this on the biggest of international stages?

Tim Weah's Champions League Brilliance Ends in Heartbreak

Scoring in the UEFA Champions League is always a huge accomplishment, and Tim Weah can be proud to say that he left his impression. Juventus' winger unleashed a superb long-range strike against PSV Eindhoven, a goal which demonstrated both his technique and confidence.

But what could have been a defining moment of his career was downgraded to disappointment. Juventus was defeated in extra time, and Weah's score was an asterisk in a night of disappointment. His status at Juventus is irregular, giving pause about his long-term development. Will he ever really become a game-changer for the USMNT, or will he be a bench player?

Alejandro Zendejas' Steady Rise at Club América

One of the players bringing consistency to the USMNT conversation is Alejandro Zendejas. Club América's midfielder has been a playmaker in Mexico, scoring and assisting with alarming regularity. In his last six games, he has directly assisted nine goals, making him more and more prominent in the attack.

Zendejas possesses the qualities the USMNT typically doesn't, speed, vision, and lethal accuracy in the final third. There are concerns, though. Can he replicate this form against stronger, more physical opponents? Is he truly prepared to take the next step as a USMNT core playmaker?

Marlon Fossey's underappreciated development in Belgium

While always the aggressors who get most of the attention, one of those lesser-known Americans has been quietly working his magic on the other side of the ocean. Marlon Fossey, a right-back for Standard Liège, has been earning a solid spot for himself in Belgium. Recently, he added an assist to Standard's 2-1 win over Club Brugge.

Right-back has also been a long-standing weakness of the USMNT. With Sergiño Dest unable to play regularly, there is no real depth at the position. Fossey's emergence could very well fix that problem. His aggressive style of play, pace, and attacking mindset make him a name to watch for future call-ups.

Is U.S. Soccer finally changing?

The numbers tell us about American players thriving abroad, but the issue is, does individual success translate to tangible progress for the USMNT?

American soccer isn't a global joke anymore, but it's not yet a superpower. Sargent, Weah, and Zendejas are all proving that American players are real, but inconsistency still inhibits the national team.

The best lesson from the past week is clear, the individual talent is there, now the task is turning it into a cohesive, competitive team capable of winning on the biggest stages. The World Cup in 2026 will be the proving ground. In the meantime, the USMNT must do a better job of closing the gap between promise and actualized success.