As the United States men’s national team gears up for their annual January camp, manager Gregg Berhalter has announced a 25-player roster comprised entirely of Major League Soccer (MLS) players. This selection includes 17 uncapped players and aims to provide an opportunity for the integration of Olympic age-eligible athletes. With the camp taking place outside of a FIFA international window, only players currently not in season were accessible for selection. This article delves into the intricacies of the USMNT’s upcoming January camp and examines the potential impact of including a roster filled with MLS talent.
Berhalter emphasizes the unique composition of this January camp roster, attributing it to the forthcoming Olympics and the opportunity to incorporate players eligible for the tournament. Thirteen out of the 25 players selected are eligible for the Olympics, where the age restriction limits participation to those under 23 years old with three wildcard spots available per nation. By deliberately including younger players, the USMNT aims to nurture talent for the future while also building a strong Olympic team. This dual objective adds an extra layer of importance to the January camp, setting the stage for an intense and purposeful training period.
Due to the timing of the training camp and friendly match falling outside of the regular season schedule, only players not currently in action were eligible for selection. Berhalter utilized this window to tap into the pool of MLS talent, providing opportunities for young players to showcase their abilities on the national stage. Notably, right-back Shaq Moore is the sole player in the roster with previous World Cup experience, having made substitute appearances in the 2022 tournament against England and Iran.
However, several notable absences stand out in the roster. Defender Walker Zimmerman, still recovering from an Achilles injury, remains unavailable for selection. Likewise, goalkeeper Zack Steffen was omitted from the squad following his recent transfer from Manchester City to the Colorado Rapids. Despite his exclusion, Berhalter highlights Steffen’s significance and expects him to challenge for a position in the future. Additionally, forward Brandon Vázquez misses out due to a potential move from FC Cincinnati to Monterrey.
The decision-making process behind the roster selection was complex, taking into account a combination of factors. Berhalter juxtaposed Vázquez’s situation against other players’ career trajectories while also evaluating alternative options. The manager emphasizes the importance of understanding each player’s potential and the possibility for growth. In this context, Myles Robinson, who recently transferred from Atlanta United to Cincinnati, boasts the highest number of international caps among the selected players. Berhalter acknowledges Robinson’s personal choice to remain in MLS instead of pursuing European options.
The roster consists of three goalkeepers, ten defenders, six midfielders, and six forwards. Notable selections within each position group include:
– Goalkeepers: Drake Callender (Inter Miami CF), Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati), and Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew).
– Defenders: Nathan Harriel (Philadelphia Union), DeJuan Jones (New England Revolution), Shaq Moore (Nashville SC), Ian Murphy (FC Cincinnati), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), James Sands (New York City FC), Nkosi Tafari (FC Dallas), John Tolkin (New York Red Bulls), and Caleb Wiley (Atlanta United).
– Midfielders: Joshua Atencio (Seattle Sounders) and Aziel Jackson (St. Louis City SC).
As the January camp approaches, the United States men’s national team is eager to make the most of this opportunity to develop talent and assess potential prospects. With a roster composed entirely of MLS players, the expectations are high, and the pressure is on for these up-and-coming athletes to impress. While the absence of certain key players could be seen as a setback, it provides an ideal environment for younger talents to showcase their skills and make a strong case for inclusion in future tournaments. As the USMNT embarks on this crucial training camp and prepares to face Slovenia in a friendly match, fans and pundits eagerly await the emergence of new stars and the continuation of the nation’s soccer journey.