CHESTER, Pa. — With just seven months remaining until the World Cup, the U.S. men’s national soccer team is set to convene at their welcoming stadium along the Delaware River this Saturday. However, the squad will be missing many key players who have long been the backbone of the team. This scenario presents two perspectives.
On one hand, the absence of core players is a valid concern. On the other, it opens up opportunities for others to demonstrate their potential, which can be seen as a positive development.
Mauricio Pochettino, who has led the team for over a year, faces the challenge of building team cohesion and making progress in the upcoming days, regardless of who is present at the camp. He emphasized the complexity of this goal, likening it to crafting a grand strategy rather than performing magic.
If he had his way, Pochettino would have gathered all his top choices for training ahead of a friendly with Paraguay at Subaru Park and an important match against Uruguay in Tampa, Florida, on Tuesday. With this camp being one of the last chances to prep before the FIFA international window in March, when the final squad will be determined in May, time is of the essence.
Striker Folarin Balogun noted, “We are missing some essential players. In critical games, having everyone fit is ideal.” His focus, like that of Pochettino, lies in maximizing the potential of those who are present.
The situation allows Pochettino to closely evaluate his second-string players against strong competition. Though Christian Pulisic is absent, Gio Reyna is getting another shot after a lengthy absence from the team. Chris Richards is out, but Auston Trusty has returned, and although Weston McKennie won’t be in camp, Sebastian Berhalter has an opportunity to shine.
The list of players missing due to injuries, lack of fitness, or changes in club management is extensive, featuring notable absentees like Tyler Adams, Tim Weah, and Malik Tillman, among others.
Despite this personnel challenge, Pochettino is keen to convey that no spot on the World Cup roster is secure; performances during camps like this one will influence those selections. “No one should feel comfortable,” he stated. “The federation is greater than any individual player, and we want those who seize the opportunity to impress.”
With the World Cup on the horizon, the competition for spots is increasing. Veteran defender Tim Ream remarked, “The atmosphere in training has intensified. As the World Cup nears, players are pushing hard to secure their places.”
All eyes are on Reyna, the talented 23-year-old forward making his return to the national side for the first time since March, despite challenges in his club career. Ream observed that Reyna seems more driven and focused than ever before, addressing past issues that affected him during the last World Cup.
Reyna’s participation aligns with that of midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, who is also returning after missing the previous camp. Despite their shared past with former coach Gregg Berhalter, Pochettino believes their maturity will help them navigate any lingering tensions.
Balogun commented positively on Reyna’s growth, noting, “He seems focused and eager to put the past behind him.”
Another player vying to make a case for more involvement is striker Ricardo Pepi, who has been out due to injury and lack of playing time. Competing for time alongside Balogun and Haji Wright, Pepi is striving to regain his form.
The opportunity is also present for Joe Scally, who seeks to challenge right wing-backs Sergiño Dest and Alex Freeman. Dest has returned to form after a serious injury, and Trusty reenters the squad to fill the gap left by Richard’s absence.
Upcoming friendlies against World Cup contenders provide Pochettino with a crucial chance to assess his roster. The team will face South Korea and Japan in September, along with Ecuador and Australia recently, and Paraguay and Uruguay in the coming days.
In March, the U.S. will play against strong teams like Portugal and Belgium and will host two more friendlies from May 30 to June 6. The World Cup kicks off in Inglewood, California, on June 12, with matchups to be decided in a lottery on December 5.
With several players in and out of the camp, Pochettino is focused on ensuring every athlete is fit come summer. “It’s vital that all players are healthy leading up to the World Cup, as preparing the roster is critical,” he quipped.
Fan Take: This news is crucial for soccer fans as it highlights the fierce competition for spots on the World Cup roster, indicating that fresh talent may emerge to strengthen the team. As the tournament approaches, maintaining a dynamic and capable squad could significantly impact the U.S. national team’s success on the global stage.
