FRISCO - It was a night Reggie Cannon will never forget.
As the U.S. Men's National Team played their final friendly of the October international window, the FC Dallas Homegrown made his Senior Team debut, starting and playing 83 minutes in an eventual 1-1 draw vs. Peru.
“That first 45 minutes, my head was kind of spinning,” Cannon told MLSSoccer.com. “You have butterflies, nerves, all of it. The second half I took a deep breath and realized why I’m here. I got a great feel for the team, great feel for the players and that second half came out flying. I’m very happy to make my debut."
Cannon was subbed out of the match in the 83rd minute for veteran DeAndre Yedlin, who was promptly beat to the back post for Peru's equalizer just three minutes later.
OUR DUUUUUDE @ReggieCannon15 IS GETTING HIS FIRST #USMNT START!!!! 🇺🇸 https://t.co/ZSDdpGq87a
— x- FC Dallas (@FCDallas) October 16, 2018
The Homegrown is just getting started, though. He'll be the leading candidate to be the starting right back for the U.S. U-23s next year as they look to qualify for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Between now and then, he plans to soak in as much experience on the national level as possible.
“Playing with these guys, Michael Bradley, Brad Guzan, guys who have 100-plus caps, you take it back with you and learn to excel your game more,” Cannon said. “I can’t wait to go back to Dallas and get better.”
Qualification for the CONCACAF region is scheduled to take place in October 2019. The U.S. has missed qualification for the last two Olympic games.
Reggie Cannon successful passes
Reggie Cannon defensive actions
