HANOVER, N.J. — To get what he really wanted — a return to the US national team — Kellyn Acosta had to leave his comfort zone.
As it turns out, the 23-year-old’s midseason move to the Colorado Rapids was just the shock to the system Acosta said he needed.
“It’s like a fresh start for me,” Acosta said before the US trained Wednesday morning. “I have another opportunity to prove myself. Just being uncomfortable has brought out positive things in me. I’m excited for the opportunity and it’s been great so far.”
The most experienced of a young midfield for friendlies against Brazil Friday (7:30 pm ET | FS1, UniMás, Univision Deportes) at MetLife Stadium and Sept. 11 against Mexico in Nashville, Acosta’s spot with the USMNT was once considered a no-brainer.
He was an integral part of FC Dallas, partnering well with Carlos Gruezo, and played on the US side that won the 2017 Concacaf Gold Cup.
But preseason hernia surgery, a rotation in the midfield and a dip in form limited Acosta’s minutes for the first time in his professional career, just when other young midfielders like Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie were starting to establish themselves on the international stage.
Acosta said he wasn’t worried that perhaps he was getting passed by on the USMNT depth chart.
“At the moment, when I wasn’t playing well, I was really just focusing on getting healthy and getting back to playing and the rest would fall into place,” Acosta said. “I know when I’m in form and playing at my best I think I deserve to have the opportunity to be here.”
It's easy to see where Acosta’s season changed for the better. It was July 23 when he was dealt to the Rapids, forcing the Plano, Texas native to a new team for the first time in his professional career.
“I’m glad with my new opportunity with Colorado put me in the position to be in the fold again,” Acosta said. “I’m happy with the change, although it was a little bit difficult leaving my hometown, my teammates, family and friends. But sometimes you have to be uncomfortable to get where you need to be.”
After starting just twice in his final month with FC Dallas — including a 32-minute performance against the New York Red Bulls before being pulled off in a tactical substitution — Acosta is a regular in Anthony Hudson’s starting XI in Colorado.
He's started six times since his arrival, posting two goals and two assists, after scoring only once and contributing two assists in 13 appearances for Dallas.
“His fitness and form obviously is much better now that he’s getting consistent minutes,” USMNT coach Dave Sarachan said. “He’s obviously thrilled to be back in the mix. I’ve seen a guy that has a smile on his face and playing with a lot more confidence.”
