Overlooked U.S. men’s national team defender Joe Scally continues his career season in Germany, showcasing his talent on the Bundesliga stage. While Christian Pulisic recently celebrated an Italian Super Cup title with AC Milan and Antonee “Jedi” Robinson has become a standout for Fulham, Scally’s impressive journey is quietly making waves among soccer enthusiasts.
Although Pulisic and Robinson have rightfully received accolades, Scally’s achievements deserve recognition as well. The 22-year-old right back, currently with Borussia Mönchengladbach, recently became the fourth-youngest player to reach 100 Bundesliga appearances, joining the ranks of legends like Lothar Matthäus, Berti Vogts, and Marc-André ter Stegen.
Reflecting on this milestone during a recent Zoom call, Scally expressed, “Honestly, I think it’s overlooked most times by fans. But to me, it’s something that I take a lot of pride in and am happy about.” His humility highlights a player who is not only focused on personal achievements but also on contributing to his team’s success.
Since making his Bundesliga debut in 2021 against Bayern Munich, Scally has solidified his position as a starter for Mönchengladbach, despite navigating through three different coaching styles. “To have the trust of many different coaches,” he noted, “and to keep being in that starting spot and play 100 games before turning 22, it gives me a lot of confidence.”
His confidence has translated into solid performances for both club and country. Stepping in for the injured Sergiño Dest during the 2024 season, Scally emerged as a bright spot for the U.S. during a challenging Copa América campaign.
This season, Scally has been a consistent presence on the field, starting all 15 Bundesliga matches and logging significant playing time. Mönchengladbach has rebounded from a shaky start, currently sitting just three points shy of a Champions League spot as they prepare to face Bayern Munich.
Scally attributes part of his success to manager Gerardo Seoane, who has provided him with opportunities to play in various defensive roles. “He’s taught me to play in different positions, given me trust to play full games for two seasons in a row now,” Scally explained, demonstrating his adaptability and willingness to learn.
This versatility has caught the attention of U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino, who has relied on Scally in multiple matches. Robinson praised Scally’s ability to adjust, noting, “He’s shown that he can shut wings down, he can be strong and powerful.” Such adaptability not only enhances Scally’s value to the team but also positions him favorably as the team gears up for the 2026 World Cup.
With the World Cup just 17 months away, Scally’s prospects look bright. As the youngest member of the U.S. squad in 2022, he is eager to make a more significant impact this time around. “We’ve only had two camps with Pochettino, so it’s still everyone getting used to it,” he remarked, acknowledging the adjustments being made under the new coach.
Having recently celebrated his birthday in Long Island during the Bundesliga’s winter break, Scally is recharged and ready for the challenges ahead. “Playing Bayern is always special,” he stated, looking forward to the upcoming match.
An upset against Bayern could significantly elevate Scally’s profile among U.S. supporters, but he remains focused on the bigger picture. “Every game,” Scally noted, “You know someone from the national team is watching.” His commitment to continuous improvement and team success reflects the determination of a player on the rise.
