FRISCO - The US Men’s National Team took their first step forward after last month’s World Cup Qualifying defeat with a 1-1 draw against Portugal on Tuesday afternoon.
The focus wasn’t so much on the score, but on the bright crop of youngsters who will lead the team into the coming years and the 2022 World Cup.
Front and center on that list is FC Dallas Homegrown Kellyn Acosta.
The Plano-native played the full 90 minutes in the draw, making his 13th and final USMNT appearance of 2017 - the most of any name in Dave Sarachan’s Starting XI. It was Acosta’s 17th cap overall. He led tied for the team lead in shots (2) and was the go-to set piece man for the U.S. with four corners taken.
Homegrown goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez was available off the bench, but did not see time in the friendly.
FC Dallas Academy-product Weston McKennie made is Senior Team debut and scored the lone American goal in the 21st minute, bringing a ball into the top of the box and sliding a shot Portugese goalkeeper Beto. Acosta was the first one to celebrate with the midfielder.
The U.S. will next gather for camp in January 2018 with a friendly scheduled against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Jan. 28 in Carson, Calif.
