Who’s Hot

Will Bruin: The second-year forward has definitely found his stride in the playoffs, scoring four goals in as many matches including a brace in Houston’s knockout match win against Chicago.

He’s been the MVP for the Dynamo as they march toward another MLS Cup appearance. More important than his goal total, however, is his outstanding and improving off-the-ball play. Bruin’s holding and grit have helped teammates tally goals as well.

Edgar Castillo: While fellow Americans Joe Corona and Greg Garza have made contributions largely as substitutes, Castillo has been the regular starter at left back for Tijuana. The club already clinched a spot in the Copa Libertadores and head into the postseason with a decent chance to lift the trophy. For Castillo’s part, he’s a key member of a defense coming off consecutive clean sheets. An injury kept him out of victories against Antigua and Barbuda and Guatemala for the U.S., but he will likely get another shot from Jurgen Klinsmann.

Josh Gatt: The 21-year-old speedster lifted the Tippeligaen trophy for the second-straight season and is finally able to get into a U.S. squad without being injured or blocked by his club. What’s next? His club manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, putting in a word to Sir Alex and Gatt moving on to Manchester United? Now that’s getting way ahead of ourselves.

Who’s Not

Tim Ream: A substitute appearance in the midfield might’ve given the Bolton man a glimmer of hope that he’d make his first U.S. roster since his move overseas. That was quickly dashed when he didn’t see any time in the subsequent two matches. Playing in England might work out well for his development, but the reality is it’s going to be incredibly difficult to break into the starting XI without an injury or suspension to normal center backs Zat Knight and Matt Mills. He must be ready should the chance come, but for now it’s a tough go for Ream.

Jon Arnold (@ArnoldcommaJon) is a freelance writer based in Phoenix and the co-host of MLS in 30 on NASN.TV.