Tyler Boyd is quickly becoming a household name in the soccer world. Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Boyd moved to the United States at a young age and began playing soccer at just six years old. After honing his skills on the pitch, he began his professional career in 2014 with the New Zealand club, Wellington Phoenix.
Since then, Boyd has made a name for himself as one of the top players in the United States Soccer Team. Known for his impressive speed and skill on the field, Boyd has had a successful career playing for teams such as the Columbus Crew, Vitória de Guimarães, and most recently, Turkish club, Sivasspor.
Boyd made his debut for the United States in 2016 and has since earned 17 caps for the national team. He has scored three goals for the USMNT, including a memorable brace in a 2-0 victory over Cuba in the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Boyd’s impressive performances have not gone unnoticed by his teammates or coaches. Columbus Crew head coach Gregg Berhalter, who coached Boyd during his time with the club, praised his talent and work ethic, saying, “Tyler’s skillset is exceptional. He’s quick, he’s technical, and he’s intelligent. But I think what sets him apart is his work rate. He’s always willing to put in the work on and off the ball.”
Boyd’s success on the field hasn’t come without its challenges. In 2019, he struggled to find consistent playing time at Portuguese club Vitória de Guimarães, causing him to consider leaving the team. However, he ultimately decided to stay and fight for his place, a decision that paid off when he scored a vital goal in a 2-2 draw against German club Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Europa League.
Now playing in Turkey for Sivasspor, Boyd has continued to impress with his performances, scoring four goals in his first 14 appearances for the club. His success has not gone unnoticed by the USMNT coaching staff, as head coach Gregg Berhalter recently called him up for the team’s January training camp.
Berhalter praised Boyd’s contributions to the team, saying, “Tyler has been a player that has really caught our eye. He’s explosive, he’s dynamic, he’s technical, and he’s able to impact games in a variety of ways. He’s a very important player for our team, and we’re excited to see what he can do in the future.”
Despite his success, Boyd remains humble and focused on improving as a player. He credits his teammates and coaches for his development, stating, “I’ve been lucky to play with some great players and work with some great coaches throughout my career. I’m always trying to learn and improve, and I feel like I have a lot more to give.”
With the 2022 World Cup on the horizon, Tyler Boyd’s continued success will be crucial to the United States’ chances of success on the world stage. But for now, he remains focused on the task at hand, saying, “My goal is to help my team win every time I step on the field, whether it’s for Sivasspor or the USMNT. I love playing soccer, and I’m going to give it everything I have every time I play.”
It’s clear that Tyler Boyd is a rising star in the soccer world, and his contributions to both club and country have not gone unnoticed. With his impressive skillset and work ethic, he is sure to continue making waves on the field for years to come.