For the most part, 2018 was a trying year for U.S. soccer fans, but there is plenty to look forward to in 2019
Getty Images1Sargent's growth
Josh Sargent has seemingly got a headstart on life in the Bundesliga. Already with two goals to his name, it wasn't supposed to come this soon for the 18-year-old striker.
But it has, and that means expectations are high heading into 2019.
Werder Bremen clearly think very highly of Sargent, who has scored two goals in three matches for the German side. Even now at the senior level, Sargent has shown an innate ability to show up in the right place at the right time, and the instinct has translated across every level in which he's played.
Sargent is seemingly rising to the challenge and, with forward still a weaker position for the USMNT, Sargent's growth over the coming years will be vital.
AdvertisementNew York City FC2U-17s eye summer glory
The U-20s aren't the only American youth national team eyeing a shot at glory this summer.
Player like Gio Reyna, Gianluca Busio and George Bello give the U.S. plenty of starpower heading into their own qualifying tournament. Reyna, in particular, is seen as a future star for the USMNT, and his presence alone should generate excitement around what should be an exciting team.
That team recently put together a solid run through the Nike International Friendlies, although their spot at the World Cup will have to be earned at the 2019 Concacaf U-17 Championship.
If they do book that trip to Peru, the U-17s provide another glimpse into the future of American soccer.
U.S. Soccer3U-20 World Cup
The U.S. U-20s cruised their way through Concacaf, and expectations are high heading into this summer's U-20 World Cup.
Tab Ramos' side blitzed their way through World Cup qualifying, winning the Concacaf tournament for just the second time while outscoring opponents 46-2. Alex Mendez, Ulysses Llanez and Ayo Akinola all shined in a tournament where the U.S. was, for lack of a better word, dominant.
That team was also missing a number of age-eligible players, like Josh Sargent and Timothy Weah, who have been making waves with the senior team. Concacaf qualifying showed this age group is much deeper than that, with a number of players boosting their stock considerably heading towards this summer's tournament.
It remains to be seen who heads to Poland in May but, no matter which way you look at it, the U.S. will hope to make a deep run once again.
USA Today4Birth and rebirth in Ohio
2019 is a birth and rebirth for soccer in Ohio. FC Cincinnati is set to enter MLS after proving itself both on and off the field in the USL. Meanwhile, just over 100 miles south, the Columbus Crew are, in a way, reborn following a trying season that saw the club saved.
The Crew's rich history has been preserved by new ownership, and new grand plans for a downtown stadium. Following a full year of off-the-field politicking and ensuing uncertainty, the Club here to stay as the team heads into what genuinely feels like Crew 2.0.
Meanwhile, just north, FC Cincy takes the leap, joining MLS with a number of familiar faces leading the charge. They've thrived in the USL, but now they'll have to prove themselves in a world where expectations for expansion signs have risen astronomically.
Two teams, big changes and now, a Hell is Real derby. 2019 will be a special year for Ohio soccer.
