Columbus Crew’s Ethan Finlay has always been on the outside looking in when it comes to making the United States Men’s National Team. Until recently he had no caps to his name but that should have not be the case and Finlay needs to consistently put on the stars and stripes shirt.
Finaly a big part of the Crew
After playing for four seasons at Creighton, the attacking midfielder was taken number 10 overall by the Columbus Crew in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft and has been a part of the squad ever since, playing an integral part in their rebuild and eventually return to the MLS Cup Finals.
Finlay’s professional debut came early on in the season when he came on in as a first half injury substitute. He did not find the back of the net, however, until the 2014 season in a match against the Portland Timbers that ended in a 3-3 draw. The 2015 campaign was his best yet: scoring ten times and providing 15 assists.
His two best traits are his speed and his ability to cross the ball into the box. Alongside the excellent vision that Finlay possesses, he can beat defenders in the league one on one down the right side of the pitch to put pressure on the opposition’s defense time and time again.
The Minnesota native can create space in behind the defense to unleash a cross into his teammates that will be met by a good run in the area to create great opportunities. Finlay can bring his speed and great crossing ability to the USMNT and give Jozy Altidore even more chances inside the eighteen yard box to feed the big striker up front.
Time to impress
Hopefully, the Crew winger can impress in the upcoming friendly with Canada and throughout the rest of the Major League Season, Jurgen Klinsmann will continue to call him up to the national team for years to come.