In the latest edition of The U.S. Soccer Podcast, Jordan and Charlie welcome current U.S. Men’s National Team defender Mark McKenzie.
One of the latest young USMNT players to make the move to Europe, the center back discussed how his adjustment to life in Belgium, how his time coming up with the Philadelphia Union prepared him for the move and gave background on his decision to move to Jupiler League side Genk.
While he’s still one of the club’s new faces, the 22-year-old made clear what his future aspirations in Europe are.
McKenzie shifted to talk about what he’s done internationally, including what he learned as captain of the U-20 USMNT at the 2019 World Cup, a tough conversation he had with USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter which served as a wakeup call during his first senior team camp and the fond memories he has of his first team debut on Feb. 1, 2020 vs. Costa Rica.
And while disappointed that he won’t be able to take part in the upcoming Concacaf Olympic Qualifying Championship, he explains how he plans to stay plugged in with his U-23 USMNT teammates during their time in Guadalajara
Finally, McKenzie discussed what Black History Month means to him after the last year and the role he played in the USMNT’s “Be The Change” initiative.
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