NASHVILLE — Before this year, Wil Trapp had made two appearances for the U.S. national soccer team, totaling 43 minutes in low-grade winter friendlies.
On Friday, the 25-year-old Ohio native not only started but captained the Americans against a star-tinged Brazilian squad in East Rutherford, N.J. The opposing captain? Global superstar Neymar.
As the U.S. program rebuilds in the aftermath of the World Cup qualifying failure, new characters are emerging and leaders are finding their voice. With a young wave of players provided opportunity, Trapp has seized a prominent role as both a starter in defensive midfield and captain in all five of the matches he has played.