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"I think it's a wonderful problem to have," U.S. men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino said about the abundance of new talent that impressed during the September-October international window.
Eight teenagers and 13 first-time call-ups had the opportunity to make their mark for the USMNT across four friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada. The Stars and Stripes swept all four matches, launching the 2030 World Cup cycle with standout contributions from the likes of Julian Hall and Cavan Sullivan.
One player notably absent from the picture was Bryan Reynolds. The 25-year-old fullback hasn't received a USMNT call-up in three years, fading into obscurity during his stint with Westerlo in Belgium.
However, Reynolds secured a transfer to Ligue 1 club Rennes this summer and is suddenly giving Pochettino a fresh name to weigh ahead of the November international window.
Reynolds Turns Heads in Ligue 1
Une histoire de connexions 👂
Buteur contre Marseille, Adrien Thomasson enchaîne, parfaitement servi par Bryan Reynolds 🪖#SRFCAJA 4-1 pic.twitter.com/6S6xpHTUEp
It came as little surprise when Reynolds was left off Pochettino's first squad announcement following the 2026 World Cup. The right back had a sluggish start to life in France, managing just two minutes across Rennes' opening three fixtures.
As the early portion of the season progressed, Reynolds gradually earned more playing time. He came off the bench twice in Ligue 1 and also earned his first start in the club's goalless Europa League draw with Sturm Graz.
When domestic action resumed at the weekend, Reynolds earned his first Ligue 1 start, patrolling the right flank in a commanding 4–1 victory over Auxerre. The American seized the moment and rewarded his manager's faith with a Man of the Match display.
Reynolds registered two assists on a night where he showcased his passing range and creative instincts. He was equally impressive defensively, getting the better of Fredrik Oppegård and Danny Namaso with authority.
It was perhaps the strongest statement Reynolds could have made after once again being passed over by Pochettino.
Reynolds's Short-Lived Time With the USMNT
Reynolds made his senior USMNT debut back in March 2021, but never truly established himself in the starting lineup. He found himself competing for minutes behind undisputed first choice Sergiño Dest and the emerging Joe Scally.
By 2023, he had accumulated just three caps. He was passed over for the 2022 World Cup and barely featured in the Concacaf Nations League. Around that same period, Reynolds had moved from Roma to Westerlo, toiling in relative anonymity outside Europe's top five leagues in Belgium.
Reynolds enjoyed a brief revival with the national team at the 2023 Gold Cup, making four appearances and even getting on the scoresheet before the USMNT bowed out on penalties in the semifinals.
Yet it wasn't enough to secure a permanent place in former manager Gregg Berhalter's plans. By the time Pochettino assumed charge in September 2024, Reynolds had become an afterthought—and his international exile deepened further with the rise of Alex Freeman.
A Tough Challenge Lies Ahead for Reynolds
As if breaking back into the squad wasn't difficult enough, Reynolds had to watch from afar as Freeman enjoyed a breakout tournament at the 2026 World Cup. The Villarreal man locked down the starting berth on the right flank and hasn't looked back, dazzling on home soil with his creativity, pace and defensive contributions.
Scally also made two appearances at this summer's tournament, earning the nod in the team's group stage finale against Türkiye. Dest spent much of the competition deployed on the right wing, though he remains a viable option at right back should Pochettino ever need the 25-year-old to revert to his natural position.
That pattern continued during the September-October international break. While Reynolds watched from home, Freeman started three of the team's four victories and even set up the decisive goal against Canada. Scally may have missed out this time around, but Francis Westfield earned his senior debut.
That leaves four players ahead of Reynolds in Pochettino's depth chart. Yet with Scally on the fringes and Westfield still raw, Reynolds could work his way back into the USMNT picture with more eye-catching displays for Rennes.
Pochettino has shown he's willing to recall previously discarded players—Gio Reyna's return to prominence in red, white and blue being a prime example. While Reynolds has little realistic hope of unseating Freeman, he can certainly push for the backup spot if he continues to make an impression in Ligue 1.