USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter says it was tough to leave out Josh Sargent for this week's World Cup qualifiers.

The Norwich City striker was left out of Berhalter's squad for three crucial World Cup qualifying matches against Mexico, Panama and Costa Rica.

Asked about why he left Sargent out, Berhalter told a press conference: "Just goals.

"The type of form that Jordan's (Pefok) in, the type of game that we see happening, specifically in Orlando [vs. Panama], we think we're going to need a box presence. We think we're going to need someone that can finish off crosses.

"And he's been doing great. He's been doing a really good job, a very physical presence in Switzerland, scoring a ton of goals.

"With Josh, it's a real tricky one, man - I wish you guys could help me out on this one. He's playing right wing for his team, not getting a ton of chances, not active offensively that much. But he works his ass off and he's an ultimate team player.

"So it's a tough decision for us. For us, it's almost like trying to project his performance if he plays striker for us. Josh is a guy that I think is going to break through, and is going to be a national team number nine in the future. We just have to be patient and wait."