Patrick Agyemang was once playing Division III soccer at Eastern Connecticut State University, having ambitions of becoming a professional soccer player. Back in 2019, his aspirations to represent the U.S. men’s national team at the 2026 World Cup seemed far-fetched.
“Obviously, I had doubts,” Agyemang stated during a phone conversation. “I’ve always had the utmost confidence in myself. But I wasn’t sure. I’m playing D-III, and all I really knew was that players usually get drafted from Division I.”
Fast forward five years, Agyemang is set to take the field as the starting striker for the U.S. national team in an upcoming friendly against Türkiye. With key forwards Balogun and Pepi injured, he is anticipated to play a significant role in the team during the Gold Cup.
Standing at 6-foot-4, Agyemang has dominated in lower leagues leading to his selection by Charlotte FC in the MLS SuperDraft. His impressive performance in the 2024 MLS season, including 10 goals, earned him a call-up to the USMNT.
Agyemang not only became part of the first team but also scored in March’s Nations League finals. U.S. defender Walker Zimmerman praised Agyemang’s confidence and energy in practice, while his mentor, Tim Ream, highlights his commitment to learning and improving further ahead of the World Cup.
With Agyemang’s family coming to watch him play for the national team for the first time, he expressed profound excitement about performing at the stadium near his hometown. “I just want to keep going,” Agyemang reflected enthusiastically.
