US men’s national team roster announced for Concacaf Nations League

The US Soccer Federation has announced the 24-player US men’s national team roster that will prepare for the final four of the Concacaf Nations League. The roster is the first under interim manager B.J. Callaghan, who was appointed earlier this week after predecessor Anthony Hudson departed to take up a managerial post with an unidentified club in the Middle East.

Notable Players in the Squad

The roster includes some notable players such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Folarin Balogun. Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams is injured and did not make the squad. Adams was listed on the preliminary roster last month despite undergoing hamstring surgery in March, ruling him out for the rest of the Premier League season.

Balogun, who filed a one-time change of association with FIFA to represent the country, will be taking part in his first U.S. camp. He is coming off a stellar season while on loan with Stade de Reims, scoring 21 goals in all competitions. He is expected to make his debut against El Tri. The goalkeeping duo of Inter Miami’s Drake Callender and Maccabi Haifa’s Josh Cohen are also uncapped players.

Thirteen players took part in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, including eight who started all four matches in Qatar. Pulisic is the most-capped player with 58. The training camp roster’s average age will be 24 years, 216 days as of the first day of training. The squad averages 17 caps overall and 11 in official competition.

Coach’s Comments on the Squad

“In addition to having big-game experience and top-level talent, what’s great about this group overall is the familiarity and understanding that’s been built together these last four years about our style and our culture,” Callaghan said in a statement. “We’re excited to integrate some of the newer faces as we set out to achieve our first goal of the summer in defending the Concacaf Nations League title.”

Callaghan also spoke about Balogun, “I can tell you that his commitment to the U.S. is unwavering. He’s excited to come in with the group. He’s someone that I spoke to about embracing the brotherhood that we have. It’s a welcoming environment. The guys are going to welcome him in. They’re all excited and he’s excited.”

Injuries and Absences

Among those sidelined because of injuries are Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, West Bromwich forward Daryl Dike, Luton Town goalkeeper Ethan Horvath, Fulham defender Tim Ream, Norwich City forward Josh Sargent, Manchester City goalkeeper Zack Steffen, and Rangers attacker Malik Tillman.

The absence of both Horvath and Steffen practically ensures that, barring injury, Arsenal’s Matt Turner will be starting in goal. Steffen had arthroscopic knee surgery to repair meniscus damage he suffered early last season and had to manage all year. A source told ESPN that he will be out three to four months, which will likely postpone a decision on a loan destination. Steffen is under contract with Man City for two more years and will rehab with that team in the meantime.

Callaghan also confirmed that LAFC midfielder Kellyn Acosta was left out as a precaution after he sat out the first leg of the Concacaf Champions League final against Leon on Wednesday but suggested he could be included in the Gold Cup roster later this summer.

Detailed Roster by Position

The detailed roster by position is as follows:

GOALKEEPERS (4): Drake Callender (Inter Miami; 0/0), Josh Cohen (Maccabi Haifa/ISR; 0/0), Sean Johnson (Toronto FC/CAN; 12/0), Matt Turner (Arsenal/ENG; 26/0)

DEFENDERS (7): Sergiño Dest (AC Milan/ITA; 24/2), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG; 8/0), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG; 34/2), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United; 21/3), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 4/0), Auston Trusty (Birmingham City/ENG; 1/0), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC; 39/3)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Johnny Cardoso (Internacional/BRA; 6/0), Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo/ESP; 14/0), Weston McKennie (Leeds United/ENG; 43/11), Yunus Musah (Valencia/ESP; 25/0), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund/GER; 18/4), Alan Soñora (FC Juárez/MEX; 2/0)

The US men’s national team roster for the Concacaf Nations League is a mix of experienced and uncapped players. The absence of some key players due to injuries and precautionary measures will be a challenge for the team, but the coach is optimistic about integrating the newer faces and defending their title. The team is set to face off against rival Mexico on June 15.

Soccer

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