# USMNT’s forgotten trio: 1991 high schoolers who broke records

> Three high schoolers made USMNT history in 1991, now forgotten by most fans.
- Title: USMNT’s forgotten trio: 1991 high schoolers who broke records
- Summary: Three high schoolers made USMNT history in 1991, now forgotten by most fans. Mike Slivinski, Mark Jonas, and Nelson Vargas were the youngest USMNT players in…
- Keywords: usmnt, mike slivinski, mark jonas, nelson vargas, 1991, us soccer, high school, jamaica friendly, bora milutinovic, usmnty, youth development, nfl
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/26/usmnt-teenagers-history-mike-slivinski-mark-jonas-nelson-vargas
- Published: 2026-09-26T11:00:36+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: usmnt, mike slivinski, mark jonas, nelson vargas, 1991, us soccer, high school, jamaica friendly, bora milutinovic, usmnty, youth development, nfl
## The forgotten trio
Mike Slivinski, Mark Jonas, and Nelson Vargas debuted for the USMNT in a 1991 friendly against Jamaica.

> I’m pretty sure I didn’t imagine it
## 1991: A pivotal moment
Bora Milutinovic, the USMNT coach, called up young players during a critical period for US soccer.
## The youngest record
Slivinski and Jonas were younger than Cavan Sullivan, who may soon become the youngest USMNT player.
## 1991 U-17 World Cup
Slivinski, Jonas, and Vargas played in Italy during the 1991 U-17 World Cup.
## Slivinski’s story
Slivinski grew up in a trailer park in Missouri and earned a USMNT debut in 1991.
## Vargas’s journey
Vargas played in Miami’s Sunday leagues at age 13 and debuted for the USMNT in 1991.
## Jonas’s path
Jonas was a participant in the US Olympic Developmental Program and debuted for the USMNT in 1991.
## The 1991 friendly
The trio played in a 1991 friendly against Jamaica, with Slivinski scoring a goal and drawing a foul.
## No media coverage
The match was not widely broadcast, and none of the players had photos from their USMNT debut.
## Post-debut struggles
Slivinski and Jonas faced injuries and limited opportunities after their USMNT debuts.
## Vargas’s later career
Vargas played for the USMNT again in 1994 and later featured in MLS and the 1996 Olympics.
## Modern comparison
Today’s youth programs offer structured support, unlike the 1990s when players had to find opportunities on their own.
## Legacy
The trio’s story highlights the gap between past and present US youth soccer development.
## Why forgotten?
Limited media coverage and lack of follow-up opportunities led to the trio being forgotten by most fans.
## Key takeaway

Mike Slivinski, Mark Jonas, and Nelson Vargas were the youngest USMNT players in 1991, but their legacy was lost to time due to limited media coverage and lack of follow-up opportunities.