Mauricio Pochettino will lead his first training camp in the U.S. since the World Cup, featuring 13 players who are yet to compete in senior national matches. The squad includes eight teenagers, such as 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan, and 13 members from the previous summer’s campaign that captivated American fans, despite a disappointing exit.
He embarks on this new phase—lasting 16 days—without Christian Pulisic, his star player, who has seen limited action for AC Milan as he recovers from World Cup-related injuries.
On Thursday, Pochettino announced a 28-player roster set to compete in friendlies against Peru on September 26 in Orlando, Chile on September 29 in St. Louis, Mexico on October 3 in Greater Phoenix, and Canada on October 6 in St. Paul. The camp will commence on Monday at the national training center located near Atlanta.
Pulisic, who was expected to be a key player heading into the World Cup, struggled to meet expectations due to injuries and didn’t score in four matches. He exited the Round of 16 match against Belgium early in the second half after sustaining a bone bruise and a micro-fracture in his lower right leg.
Since rejoining Milan’s training sessions last month, Pulisic has made two substitute appearances as he tries to earn his new coach, Ruben Amorim’s, trust.
In addition to Pulisic, World Cup starters Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun are sidelined with injuries, while veterans Tim Weah and Brenden Aaronson were not included in the squad.
“This marks the beginning of a new chapter for all of us, and we’re looking forward to these initial matches where we’ll combine experienced players with promising young talent,” Pochettino shared. “It’s crucial for them to grasp our culture, working methods, and the principles of our play. Above all, they must show the commitment needed to represent the nation in a way that our supporters expect.”
Pochettino will discuss Pulisic’s absence during a media call later today. The next chance for Pulisic to participate could be the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals from November 14-17.
Last week, Pochettino indicated that he would blend regulars with newcomers as the journey toward the 2030 World Cup begins. He stayed true to his word, including familiar faces like Tyler Adams, Matt Freese, Antonee Robinson, Chris Richards, Sergiño Dest, Alex Freeman, Sebastian Berhalter, Malik Tillman, and Gio Reyna.
Midfielder Yunus Musah, who started in the 2022 World Cup, is making a return to the lineup after being left off the previous list.
Pochettino also welcomed a host of young talent from youth national teams, including Sullivan, who has recorded six goals and 11 assists in 23 matches for the Philadelphia Union—making him the league’s top-performing American, trailing only behind Lionel Messi in assists.
On Sunday, he scored twice and assisted another goal during a 5-0 victory in San Diego, contributing to Philadelphia’s 10-match unbeaten run since the World Cup break. Sullivan, whose 17th birthday falls on September 28, is set to join Premier League giant Manchester City upon turning 18.
Pochettino rounded out the roster with two of Sullivan’s teammates from the Union: 18-year-old Neil Pierre, a towering center back, and 20-year-old right back Frankie Westfield. He also included the exciting teenage duo from Red Bull New York, midfielder Adri Mehmeti and forward Julian Hall, along with 19-year-old forward Justin Ellis from Orlando City.
From abroad, European-based wingers Mathis Albert, 17, Zavier Gozo, 19, and Cole Campbell, 20, will be attempting to make their senior debuts.
The average age of this squad stands at 22 years and nine months, significantly younger than the World Cup team.
This youthful inexperience is reflected even in the goalkeepers; aside from Freese, Pochettino has called up Chris Brady—who was the third-string goalkeeper during the World Cup and has made one senior appearance—alongside Diego Kochen and Brian Schwake, neither of whom have played for the U.S.
Goalkeepers: Chris Brady (Chicago Fire, 1 cap), Matt Freese (New York City, 19 caps), Diego Kochen (Lyngby, 0), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC, 0).
Defenders: George Campbell (West Bromwich Albion, 1), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven, 44), Alex Freeman (Villarreal, 22), Peyton Miller (New England Revolution, 0), Neil Pierre (Philadelphia Union, 0), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace, 40), Antonee Robinson (Fulham, 58), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati, 41), Auston Trusty (Celtic, 10), Frankie Westfield (Philadelphia, 0).
Midfielders: Tyler Adams (Bournemouth, 58), Mathis Albert (Borussia Dortmund, 0), Sebastian Berhalter (Middlesbrough, 18), Zavier Gozo (Crystal Palace, 0), Adri Mehmeti (Red Bull New York, 0), Yunus Musah (AC Milan, 47), Brooklyn Raines (New England, 0), Gio Reyna (Strasbourg, 43), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen, 35).
Forwards: Cole Campbell (Elversberg, 0); Justin Ellis (Orlando City, 0), Julian Hall (Red Bull New York, 0), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven, 42), Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia, 0).
Fan Take: This news is crucial for soccer fans as it represents a shift toward investing in young talent, which could revitalize the U.S. national team. By blending experience with fresh prospects, Pochettino is setting the stage for a promising future and possibly a more competitive team leading into the next World Cup cycle.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
