The U.S. men’s national soccer team is set to showcase a number of new talents during their fall friendlies, as head coach Mauricio Pochettino has called up 13 players who have yet to earn caps. This four-game series is seen as a “fresh start” for the team. The squad consists of 28 players, featuring 13 newcomers, among them is 16-year-old forward Cavan Sullivan—who is having an impressive season in MLS and has plans to join Manchester City upon turning 18. Other notable MLS players include Neil Pierre and Frankie Westfield from the Philadelphia Union, as well as Red Bull New York’s Adri Mehmeti and Julian Hall. Most of the uncapped players are 21 or younger, with an average age of just 19 years and six months.
To balance the new influx, Pochettino has also included 13 individuals from the World Cup team, such as midfielder Tyler Adams and forward Ricardo Pepi. However, familiar faces like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie will not be participating, as the coaching staff shifts focus to developing young talent. The roster also marks the return of midfielder Yunus Musah and defender George Campbell, both returning after long spells away from the national squad.
USMNT Fall Friendlies Roster Overview:
- Goalkeepers (4): Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Diego Kochen (Lyngby Boldklub), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC)
- Defenders (10): George Campbell (West Bromwich Albion), Sergino Dest (PSV Eindhoven), Alex Freeman (Villarreal), Peyton Miller (New England Revolution), Neil Pierre (Philadelphia Union), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Auston Trusty (Celtic), Frankie Westfield (Philadelphia Union)
- Midfielders (9): Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth), Mathis Albert (Borussia Dortmund), Sebastian Berhalter (Middlesbrough), Zavier Gozo (Crystal Palace), Adri Mehmeti (Red Bull New York), Yunus Musah (AC Milan), Brooklyn Raines (New England Revolution), Gio Reyna (RC Strasbourg Alsace), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen)
- Forwards (5): Cole Campbell (SV Elversberg), Justin Ellis (Orlando City SC), Julian Hall (Red Bull New York), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia Union)
Upcoming Matches:
- Sept. 26: USMNT vs. Peru (4:30 p.m. on TNT)
- Sept. 29: USMNT vs. Chile (8 p.m. on TNT)
- Oct. 3: USMNT vs. Mexico (10 p.m. on TNT)
- Oct. 6: USMNT vs. Canada (8 p.m. on TNT)
Fan Take: This roster refresh signals a pivotal moment for the USMNT, as it aims to build a new generation of players ready to compete on the world stage. For fans, watching these emerging talents could reignite hope for a strong future and elevate the level of American soccer globally.
Source: www.cbssports.com
