DUBLIN – If there was one USMNT player who could find something to smile about following Tuesday's friendly loss to the Republic of Ireland, it was debutant Jordan Morris, a college player with Stanford University and a product of the Seattle Sounders Academy system.
Introduced as a 77th-minute replacement for goalscorer Mix Diskerud in the USA's 4-1 defeat at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, the 20-year-old was almost floating on air after making his first his senior international appearance. In the process, he became the first active collegian to receive a US cap since Ante Razov in 1995.
The Mercer Island, Wash., native didn’t look out of place either as he connected with a couple of sharp passes, but he admitted after the game that it was a “surprise” to get the nod from head coach Jurgen Klinsmann to enter the match.
“Right before I went on, I looked around the whole stadium … it was pretty surreal,” said Morris, who filled in on the left side of midfield in front of 33,332 spectators.
It has been a whirlwind year for Morris, following his surprise call-up to Klinsmann’s squad for the Czech Republic friendly in September. But sacrificing some time away from his college team – Stanford captured their first Pac-12 title in 13 years without Morris this weekend – has been worth it.
“Sometimes it’s hard to leave college just because the season is so short. It’s a little tough sometimes, but you can’t pass up an opportunity like this; this is unbelievable, and I’m really lucky to be where I am,” Morris said. “Coming into these camps is something that can help you to develop so much as a player, just because you are constantly playing with such good players. It’s tough, but it’s definitely been worth it.
“I think just the speed of play aspect – you come into this, and it’s just so much higher," Morris continued. "As you keep moving up levels, it’s going to continue to get higher and higher, so that is something that I need to continue to work on."
In the leadup to the Ireland match, Klinsmann spoke about the impending career decision facing Morris. Does he continue on in college? Does he join the Sounders full-time? Does he take up a European option?
While there should be no shortage of offers for him to consider following his first senior appearance, Morris remains undecided about his future.
“I’m just trying to focus on the college season, just because I have a commitment there with my team, and I just want to have complete focus on that. Then after the season, I’ll make a decision,” Morris said.
The Stanford Cardinal kick off their bid for an NCAA tournament title Sunday when they play host in a second-round match against the winner of UC Irvine or UNLV.
