In the last weekend of club matches before the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team training camp, 20 of the 25 selected players were in the starting lineups, while two came off the bench, and three were with clubs that did not play. Five players competed in the same Major League Soccer tournament, with one scoring before being issued a red card.
In short, the days leading up to the camp were quite eventful.
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Meanwhile, manager Mauricio Pochettino is starting to welcome players to Philadelphia for the last camp of the year. However, a significant number of players stayed behind for various reasons, almost enough to form a solid lineup.
As the World Cup approaches, these players will be in the limelight, making it essential to monitor their performances over the weekend. Some absences, however, showcase the challenge Pochettino faces in balancing club commitments and national team duties, particularly how injuries, even minor ones, can impact selections.
It can be concerning when a key player is actively competing for his club one day and unable to join the national team the next, especially with the World Cup just seven months away.
Three potential U.S. starters—Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Chris Richards—were in action in Europe over the weekend, hinting they would typically be available for Saturday’s friendly against Paraguay and the friendly against Uruguay on November 18 in Tampa.
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However, Pulisic’s 20-minute stint for AC Milan was his first since a hamstring injury sidelined him a month ago, so he will remain in Italy. Despite McKennie playing a full match for Juventus, he will stay to prove himself to his new manager. Richards, who also played the entire match for Crystal Palace, requires a break from international duty due to a calf issue.
Pochettino could have requested their release under FIFA rules, but he recognizes the complexities of international call-ups and believes a short absence can lead to greater long-term gains.
AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic nearly netted the winning goal against Parma on Saturday but couldn’t finish. The USMNT star will stay in Italy during the international break.
(Piero Cruciatti via Getty Images)
Midfield prospects Malik Tillman and Johnny Cardoso, as well as winger Alex Zendejas, were omitted from the roster as they were still regaining form. Tillman came on for Bayer Leverkusen at halftime, Cardoso rejoined the Atlético Madrid bench without playing, and Zendejas featured for half a match with Club América.
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Winger Tim Weah, who has been sidelined since October 25, dressed but did not play for Olympique de Marseille. (Pochettino was excused from attending camp.) Left-back Anthony Robinson remains out with a knee issue, raising concerns about his readiness for the World Cup. Midfielder Yunus Moussa’s lack of appearances at Atalanta (39 minutes over the last five weeks) diminished his chances of returning to the U.S. national team.
One healthy player who was not called up to the American camp highlighted this situation: forward Patrick Agyemang scored an impressive header for Derby County against Blackburn Rovers.
Balogun’s Mixed Performance
Pochettino’s top striker, Folarin Balogun, converted a penalty in the 37th minute, marking his third goal in four competitive matches. However, he received a red card just minutes later for stepping on an opponent’s foot, leaving Monaco to play with ten men in a 1-4 loss.
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In France, midfielder Tanner Tessman received negative feedback from L’Equipe following his performance against Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha in the 3-2 loss at home to Olympique Lyon.
Adams’ Injury
Midfielder Tyler Adams, who was expected to make his return to the U.S. after missing last month’s camp for personal reasons, was injured in a head-on collision with teammate Adam Smith during a disappointing 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa.
Medical staff quickly attended to the players. Smith, who was bleeding and concussed, could not continue, while Adams managed to play on but later left the U.S. camp due to injury and will remain in England for further evaluation and recovery.
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Off the Bench
Most U.S. call-ups started their matches over the weekend, but two players came off the bench.
Striker Ricardo Pepi was called up by Pochettino for the first time in a year and came on in the 71st minute for PSV Eindhoven in their 5-1 victory against AZ Alkmaar. His teammate Guus Till, also competing for playing time, scored a hat-trick in the match.
Gio Reyna, who received a surprise call-up after eight months, played 15 minutes in Mönchengladbach’s 3-1 victory over Cologne. He has not started since September 14 and has not contributed a goal or assist since January while at Borussia Dortmund.
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Playoff Drama
In the MLS Eastern Conference quarterfinals, FC Cincinnati came back to win 2-1 against the Columbus Crew, featuring five U.S. national team players, including both starting goalkeepers.
Cincinnati center back Myles Robinson, a potential starter for the U.S., played the full 90 minutes, while Columbus midfielder Sean Zawadzki departed from the camp with a knee injury. Crew left wing-back Max Arcsten, who exited late in the game, leads the U.S. with 12 starts this year.
Winning goalie Roman Celentano and his counterpart Patrick Schulte were among the backups for New York City FC standout Matt Freese, who played a crucial role in defeating Charlotte FC in a decisive Game 3 in North Carolina.
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“These are very smart players who understand the need to compete for their clubs,” Pochettino stated regarding the players involved in the Cincinnati-Columbus rivalry. “But when we step onto the national team, we are all Americans first and foremost.”
Fan Take: This news is crucial for soccer enthusiasts as it highlights the delicate balance between club and country commitments, which can directly impact player performance in the upcoming World Cup. As injuries and absences unfold, keeping an eye on player readiness and fitness will be key for the U.S. squad’s success in the tournament.
