Tuesday’s U.S. men’s national team debut was a long time coming for Marlon Fossey, but he finally got to savor the experience.
Fossey started and played 90 minutes in the USMNT’s 1-1 draw with New Zealand at TQL Stadium. The Standard Liege full back earned his first USMNT call up since 2019, last being included in Gregg Berhalter’s pre-CONCACAF Gold Cup roster.
“I think he’s a testament to the fact that you got to keep going always,” USMNT interim head coach Mikey Varas said about Fossey. “The last time he was in with the group was a pre-Gold Cup camp in 2019. He’s just put his head down and worked really hard at his club. We’re watching all the players all the time, And frankly, he came in with a lot of confidence and it’s not fake confidence. He’s a really good guy. You can see he’s sure of himself.”
After five years of finetuning his craft at club level in England and Belgium, Fossey was rewarded with his senior debut at 26-years-old. While some players might be nervous on their international debut, Fossey was anything but, delivering a strong two-way performance in Cincinnati.
Fossey won six duels, made five interceptions, and drew one foul, making his presence known on both ends of the field. If not for an offsides call on Ricardo Pepi, Fossey would’ve had his first USMNT assist, while his late shooting effort missed just wide of the top-left corner.
With the USMNT’s No.1 right back, Sergino Dest, remaining sidelined through injury, Fossey has a strong opportunity to force his way into Mauricio Pochettino’s long-term plans. A consistent role at Standard Liege will only help the versatile right back, who takes a confidence boost back to Belgium with him.
“To make it back here, to see some familiar faces, to see some new faces, I’ve just been soaking it all in all week,” Fossey said. “To step out there today, it was a little bit emotional. When the national anthem was playing, I was just taking everything in. I just tried to be energetic, tried to make the most of the opportunity, and I had fun.
“There were definitely years where I had itchy feet and I wanted to be here, but to be honest, there were a lot of times where I just had to get my body back fit,” he added. “Even thinking about the US was too far ahead of me…When I heard they were looking around, it came as a surprise. I’m just grateful to be here. I soaked it up all week and I’m so proud.”
