The preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are in motion, as coach Steve Cherundolo has announced his roster for upcoming matches against Scotland and Ukraine. This squad is filled with seasoned players; six have previously been selected for the U.S. men’s national team, with four participating in the recent September/October international break. Additionally, Benjamin Cremaschi from Parma was on the Olympic team in 2024 and remains eligible for 2028.
Cherundolo’s selection reflects a wealth of international experience, featuring eight players currently playing overseas, demonstrating the depth of talent available for the Olympics at a pivotal moment for U.S. Soccer. Cherundolo expressed enthusiasm about uniting this skilled group as they embark on their Olympic journey, emphasizing the importance of shaping their identity and building a strong foundation. Their training will take place at the Arthur M. Blank National Training Center, alongside the senior team, mirroring the collaborative environment previously utilized by the U.S. women’s national team. This setup offers both Cherundolo and senior team coach Mauricio Pochettino a chance to assess player performances, especially since there could be future squad overlaps given the youth of the senior team.
This camp marks Cherundolo’s first with the U-23s since he assumed the role, providing an early glimpse into how the U.S. youth team stacks up against formidable international competitors. With strict competition for the Olympic spots, where three overage players are allowed in the final roster of 23, every player will need to bring their best immediately.
Roster Breakdown:
- Goalkeepers (3): Julian Eyestone (Rotherham United/ENG; Dallas, Texas), Duran Ferree (San Diego FC; San Diego, Calif.), Andrew Rick (Philadelphia Union; Berwyn, Pa.)
- Defenders (8): Luca Bombino (Stoke City/ENG; Saugus, Calif.), Robert Deziel Jr. (Legia Warszawa/POL; West Palm Beach, Fla.), Tate Johnson (Vancouver Whitecaps FC; Tampa, Fla.), Ethan Kohler (New England Revolution; Campbell, Calif.), Drew Murray (WSG Tirol/AUT; San Jose, Calif.), Nolan Norris (FC Dallas; Fort Worth, Texas), Frankie Westfield (Philadelphia Union; Philadelphia, Pa.), Joshua Wynder (New England Revolution; Louisville, Ky.)
- Midfielders (6): Snyder Brunell (Seattle Sounders FC; Kirkland, Wash.), Matthew Corcoran (Nashville SC; Dallas, Texas), Benjamin Cremaschi (Parma Calcio 1913/ITA; Key Biscayne, Fla.), Taha Habroune (Columbus Crew; Columbus, Ohio), Brooklyn Raines (New England Revolution; Chicago, Ill.), Niko Tsakiris (San Jose Earthquakes; Saratoga, Calif.)
- Forwards (6): Cole Campbell (SV 07 Elversberg/GER; Peachtree City, Ga.), Damion Downs (St. Louis City SC; Schwebenried, Germany), Sebastian Gomez (Seattle Sounders FC; Seattle, Wash.), Andre Gitau (1FSV Mainz 05/GER; Richmond, Texas), Marvin Dills (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER; Frankfurt, Germany), David Vazquez (San Diego FC; Los Angeles, Calif.)
Fan Take: This announcement is significant for soccer enthusiasts, as it highlights the growing depth of talent in U.S. Soccer, indicating a promising future for American soccer on the global stage. The strong roster could lead to meaningful progress for the national team, building towards Olympic success and increasing the U.S.’s competitiveness in international tournaments.
Source: www.cbssports.com
