The U.S. needs a boost heading into Tuesday's decisive World Cup qualifier, and Goal USA's Ives Galarcep says Darlington Nagbe could provide it.
Plenty has changed between Darlington Nagbe's return to MAPFRE Stadium and his last visit here. Less than four months ago, Nagbe was starring in the biggest game of his life, helping lead the Portland Timbers to an MLS Cup title. The celebrations were long, the champagne flowed and Nagbe's megawatt smile stayed on throughout.
This time around, Nagbe is wearing U.S. national team colors instead of Timbers green, he's now the father of two instead of one, and unlike MLS Cup, it is unclear if Nagbe will be called on to start in his teams biggest game since the 2014 World Cup.
You see, for as much as things are different for Nagbe, he still finds himself on the brink of another career-defining game, and if U.S. manager Jurgen Klinsmann is smart, he will give Nagbe the chance to shine like he did in the MLS Cup final.
Nagbe has yet to start a match for the U.S. since making his national team debut last November, but his five appearances have provided some very encouraging glimpses of what he can bring to the U.S. midfield, and more specifically the attack.
His effort in the second half of Friday's loss was particularly impressive, as he showed tremendous poise in adverse conditions, and helped create chances and test Guatemala's defense.
Nagbe's showing impressed his teammates, including Clint Dempsey, who had faced him but had never played with him before Friday.
"I've always been a big fan of him and the style that he plays," Dempsey said. "When I came to MLS and was able to see him play, I like how he can run with the ball and I like how he can dribble out of situations. I like how he can beat the first man and then find the pass. He's a player that has a bright future and when he came on, I thought he did well."
Dempsey's praise for Nagbe perfectly illustrates why Nagbe is needed in the U.S. lineup. His unique combination of technical skill, speed and passing range make him a dangerous weapon in midfield, and can help create chances for the likes of Dempsey, Bobby Wood and Jozy Altidore. Above all, his ability to keep the ball, and make good decisions under pressure, could be vital to helping unlock what could be a very defensive-minded Guatemala game plan.
Nagbe's poise and impact in Guatemala shouldn't have come as a surprise. He has looked comfortable in every one of his U.S. appearances to date. Always understated, Nagbe spoke modestly about his performance, and reveled at the atmosphere in Guatemala City.
"I thought I did okay. Created some chances, and I feel like the whole team did a lot better in the second half," Nagbe told Goal USA. "Everybody picked it up and I was happy to help.
"It was pretty cool. The fans were hostile, throwing stuff at the bus. It definitely makes you want to go out and play well and make them quiet."
Nagbe will find a much friendlier environment Tuesday when he returns to MAPFRE Stadium. It's also a return to the state he was raised in, having grown up two hours away in the Cleveland suburb of Lakeview before starring at Akron University. His close family will be in attendance on Tuesday, and Nagbe will be hoping his team can treat his relatives to a victory like the one they enjoyed in last December's MLS Cup final.
Whether as a starter or a sub, Nagbe should play a part in Tuesday's must-win qualifier, and if the MLS Cup final is any indication, the familiar stage should help bring the best out of him.
"I do have a good comfort level here," Nagbe told Goal USA about MAPFRE Stadium. "I've had some really good memories here and hopefully I can add a few more on Tuesday."
- Goal