Benjamin Cremaschi: 2023 US Soccer Young Player Finalist

 Benjamin Cremaschi: 2023 US Soccer Young Player Finalist

Benjamin Cremaschi #30 of Inter Miami CF kicks the game winning goal during penalty kicks to defeat FC Dallas during the Leagues Cup 2023 Round of 16 match between Inter Miami CF and FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium on August 06, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.(Image-Getty)

After a breakout year for both club and country, 18-year-old midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi stands as a finalist for the 2023 Chipotle U.S. Soccer Young Male Player of the Year.

Fans have the chance to influence the U.S. Soccer End of Year Awards, with their votes contributing 15% to the overall decision. Nominees, selected by U.S. Soccer’s technical staff, await the verdict, as voting opens on Dec. 11 and concludes on Dec. 18, with winners disclosed in the subsequent weeks.

Highlights of Cremaschi's 2023:

1. Key Role with Inter Miami CF:

   - Emerged as a crucial player for Inter Miami CF, sharing the pitch with soccer legend Lionel Messi.

   - Debuted in Major League Soccer in February, making 28 appearances for the Herons, contributing two goals and four assists.

2. Leagues Cup Triumph:

   - Played a pivotal role in Miami's victory at the 2023 Leagues Cup, featuring in all seven matches and starting six.

   - Notable contributions include a go-ahead goal against FC Dallas in the Round of 16 and an assist in the group stage against Atlanta United FC.

   - Secured the game-winning penalty kick in the shootout versus FC Dallas.

3. Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Journey:

   - Instrumental in guiding Miami to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final, participating in all six matches.

   - Provided an assist for a go-ahead goal in a thrilling semifinal against FC Cincinnati.

   - Scored the decisive penalty in the shootout against FC Cincinnati, propelling Inter to its second final in two months.

4. USMNT Call-Up:

   - Translated his success with Miami into his first senior USMNT call-up during the September international window.

   - Earned his first cap against Oman in St. Paul, Minn. on Sept. 12.

5. U.S. Men’s Olympic Team Impact:

   - Featured in all four matches for the U.S. Men’s Olympic Team this fall, marking the beginning of preparations for Paris 2024.

   - Despite being born in 2005, Cremaschi, one of the youngest on the Olympic squad, is eligible for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

   - Scored the lone goal for the U.S. Men's Olympic Team in a 1-1 draw with Iraq on Nov. 18.