[DC 86]

For these Olympic qualifying games, it was up to the teams, where the players play, to grant permission for the players to join the national team. When they are "FIFA dates", the teams have to let the players join their national teams if called. 

My understanding is that no team granted the US players in Europe permission to participate in the Olympic qualifiers. Pulisic and others joined the senior team for the friendlies because they are FIFA dates.

Correct. In fact, several MLS teams also refused to release players for these Olympic qualifiers, so even some of the best US-based U-23s didn't play. But even if the European-based stars had been available they wouldn't have taken part in qualifying since the USSF wants those players to focus on the senior team.

It's still embarrassing that the US failed to qualify, but it's not a reflection of the talent level of the emerging American generation of young players who are making their mark in Europe.

[DC 86]

For these Olympic qualifying games, it was up to the teams, where the players play, to grant permission for the players to join the national team. When they are "FIFA dates", the teams have to let the players join their national teams if called. 

My understanding is that no team granted the US players in Europe permission to participate in the Olympic qualifiers. Pulisic and others joined the senior team for the friendlies because they are FIFA dates.

Correct. In fact, several MLS teams also refused to release players for these Olympic qualifiers, so even some of the best US-based U-23s didn't play. But even if the European-based stars had been available they wouldn't have taken part in qualifying since the USSF wants those players to focus on the senior team.

It's still embarrassing that the US failed to qualify, but it's not a reflection of the talent level of the emerging American generation of young players who are making their mark in Europe.