The USMNT’s future shines brightly, despite past team struggles, thanks to undeniable individual talent. This golden generation, featuring stars like Christian Pulisic, Florian Balogun, and Tim Weah, promises a secure tomorrow. Amidst these celebrated names, a rising stalwart emerges: Taylor Booth.

From the academies of Real Salt Lake City and FC Bayern Munich to representing the USMNT in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Booth’s journey is remarkable. But did you know his extraordinary skills stem from a soccer-loving family?

Introducing the soccer family that raised USMNT sensation Taylor Booth

Born to Chad and Kelli Booth on May 31, 2001, in Eden, Utah, Taylor’s journey began in a soccer-centric household. While details about his parents’ backgrounds are sparse, it’s evident that Taylor was nurtured by soccer enthusiasts. Chad, a former college soccer player at Weber State, passed on his knowledge to young Taylor, coaching him for several years. Kelli, an accomplished player herself, earned All-Region, All-State, and All-American honors, and received a scholarship to Utah State. Unfortunately, ACL injuries cut her promising career short.

The family’s passion for soccer extends beyond Taylor. His older brother, Carver, played for Weber High, while his younger brother, Zach, began at the RSL academy, advanced through Leicester City U18, and currently represents the U21 side. He even enjoyed a year-long stint at Dutch side FC Volendam. Chad and Kelli’s decision to transform their home’s lower level into an indoor soccer pitch with artificial turf certainly paid off, though it came with some challenges.

“He plays down there every day, kicking the ball against the wall and practising,” recalled Kelli about the 13-year-old Taylor, in an interview with Deseret News. “I’ve replaced the same window twice. Now we need to figure out how to protect it!” Despite the challenges, Taylor’s parents never hindered his pursuit of his dreams, which mirrored their own, especially as he overcame significant adversity.

The dark chapter in Taylor Booth’s life that could have greatly affected his career!

Taylor Booth was born with Torticollis, a condition causing neck twisting, head tilting, and reduced blood flow to the neck muscles. As parents, nothing would hurt more than to see their infant suffer. “It was really bad,” remembered Kelli. “He went to physical therapy as an infant and he screamed constantly.”

Although Torticollis often resolves itself, Taylor required therapy until he was five months old. “Now he’s gone from needing physical therapy as a baby to being on the US National Team – and he thinks it’s normal. What he doesn’t realise is that there was a time when we just thought, ‘I hope his lungs work and his brain works,'” she added.

Nevertheless, it’s a relief that things turned out just fine for Taylor as he grew up. Now, he gears up to become a sensation for his nation and make his name in the soccer world.