Anthony Hudson was full of praise for Aidan Morris, who impressed in just his second U.S. national team cap during Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Mexico.
Hudson brought Morris off the bench in the 64th minute of the Continental Clásico, with El Tri holding a 1-0 advantage after Uriel Antuna’s second-half opener.
As Hudson shifted to a three-man back line in search of an equalizer, Morris helped steady the midfield with an accomplished performance that also displayed the physicality he brings to the center of the park.
The USMNT would eventually grab a late equalizer through Jesús Ferreira, securing a 1-1 draw that made it five games unbeaten against El Tri.
Morris, 21, has already had a breakout 2023, earning his first two USMNT caps and scoring three goals for the Columbus Crew while starting all eight of the club’s MLS matches so far.
Last week, the Crew signed their academy product to a new contract through 2026.
In his post-game press conference on Wednesday, interim USMNT coach Hudson said he was happy with what he saw from Morris — a player he knows well from their time together with the U.S. U-20 side.
“I was so pleased for Aidan Morris, I thought Aidan was fantastic,” Hudson said. “I’ve known Aidan since he was with the [under] 20s and followed him ever since. And he’s a young man that just keep stepping up. Whatever challenge is put in front of him, he’s always going to step up to it. He’s a tough, tough, tough character. So I was pleased with Aidan.”
With the USMNT lacking a robust supply of defensive-minded central midfielders, Morris could be ready to step into a bigger role as the team prepares for a summer with the CONCACAF Nations League finals and the
Gold Cup.
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