{"id":6999,"date":"2025-06-05T16:54:38","date_gmt":"2025-06-05T16:54:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/06\/05\/usmnt-gold-cup-roster-star-power-dwindles-as-sergino-dest-exits-the-lineup\/"},"modified":"2025-06-05T16:54:38","modified_gmt":"2025-06-05T16:54:38","slug":"usmnt-gold-cup-roster-star-power-dwindles-as-sergino-dest-exits-the-lineup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/06\/05\/usmnt-gold-cup-roster-star-power-dwindles-as-sergino-dest-exits-the-lineup\/","title":{"rendered":"USMNT Gold Cup Roster: Star Power Dwindles as Sergi\u00f1o Dest Exits the Lineup."},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/06\/05\/usmnt-gold-cup-roster-star-power-dwindles-as-sergino-dest-exits-the-lineup\/#World_Cup_Preparations_Turn_Into_USMNT_Tryouts\" >World Cup Preparations Turn Into USMNT Tryouts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/06\/05\/usmnt-gold-cup-roster-star-power-dwindles-as-sergino-dest-exits-the-lineup\/#2025_Gold_Cup_USMNT_Roster_for_June_Friendlies\" >2025 Gold Cup USMNT Roster for June Friendlies<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Christian Pulisic is currently on a break. Antonee Robinson is in recovery following his surgery. Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Gio Reyna remain at the club, while Yunus Musah has been sidelined for &#8220;personal reasons&#8221; and Josh Sargent is out due to &#8220;soccer-related reasons.&#8221; Both Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi are dealing with injuries.<\/p>\n<p>On Thursday, Sergi\u00f1o Dest joined the ranks of US men&#8217;s national team players who will not participate this summer. The talented fullback, who suffered an ACL tear last spring and returned in March, was dropped from the USMNT roster for the 2025 Gold Cup due to fitness concerns.<\/p>\n<p>Coach Mauricio Pochettino stated through a spokesperson that his staff conducted a series of evaluations on all players in camp this week, leading them to decide that Dest would follow an individual training program over the summer.<\/p>\n<p>Dest\u2019s absence means the U.S. squad is missing seven key starters for two upcoming friendlies and the Gold Cup.<\/p>\n<p>22-year-old left back John Tolkien has been called up to replace him as the team heads to training camp in Chicago.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"content-figure\">\n<div class=\"content-image\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Chicago, Illinois - June 3: Diego Luna of US during USMNT training at Endeavor Health Performance Center on June 3, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo: John Dorton\/ISI Photos\/ussf\/getty images for ussf)\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/LmtfeMMumiui.fZTi8rTMg--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/os\/creatr-uploaded-images\/2025-06\/3704e5f0-41fb-11f0-bdeb-535b2fd23100\"><br \/>\n<button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"lightbox-btn\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"lightbox-expand\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button><br \/>\n<dialog aria-label=\"Image Lightbox\" class=\"lightbox-overlay\" aria-modal=\"true\"><\/dialog>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"fig-caption\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\">\n<p>Diego Luna will have another opportunity to prove himself with the US men&#8217;s national team this summer. (Photo: John Dorton\/ISI Photos\/ussf\/getty images for ussf)<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"caption-credit\">(John Dorton\/ISI Photos\/ussf via Getty Images)<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"heading\" data-jump-link-target=\"\" id=\"a-world-cup-dress-rehearsal-becomes-a-usmnt-tryout\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"World_Cup_Preparations_Turn_Into_USMNT_Tryouts\"><\/span>World Cup Preparations Turn Into USMNT Tryouts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Gold Cup, which is held every two years, has long been viewed as a key preparation for the US men&#8217;s national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.<\/p>\n<p>However, it is now evolving into a tryout, with new players vying for spots on the national team over the next 13 months.<\/p>\n<p>Pochettino emphasized that a player\u2019s name or club size does not factor into their chances. He provided feedback to defender Walker Zimmerman, stating, \u201cI don\u2019t care where you play; I care about your performance.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The next day, goalkeeper Matt Turner echoed this sentiment, indicating that Pochettino prioritizes individuals&#8217; contributions during their time with the national team over their club performances.<\/p>\n<p>Players from various backgrounds, from Major League Soccer and European leagues, are capitalizing on this opportunity. Prominent figures such as Turner, Tyler Adams, Chris Richards, and Tim Leam are considered mainstays, while many others were once on the fringes of the squad. Newcomers include fullbacks Max Alfsten and Alex Freeman, midfielders Sebastian Berhalter and Jack McGlynn, and forwards Quinn Sullivan and Damion Downs.<\/p>\n<p>Out of the 26 picked players, seven have yet to make their national team debut. Others like Malik Tillman and Johnny Cardoso have been included under prior coach Greg Berhalter and are seeking to solidify their places in the team moving forward.<\/p>\n<p>Diego Luna stands out as an example of a player who is steadily shaping his role in Pochettino\u2019s strategy.<\/p>\n<p>Luna remarked, &#8220;That experience was life-changing for me. I am eager to showcase my dedication and earn more opportunities to represent my country.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>This summer, the US will face Turkey on Saturday (3:30 PM ET, TNT) and Switzerland on Tuesday (8 PM ET, TNT), with the Gold Cup following. These matches present a vital chance for many players on the Pochettino roster to secure their spots.<\/p>\n<p>The roster is set, and with the World Cup just around the corner, competition for places on the team is more intense than ever.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"heading\" data-jump-link-target=\"\" id=\"usmnt-roster-for-2025-gold-cup-june-friendlies\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2025_Gold_Cup_USMNT_Roster_for_June_Friendlies\"><\/span>2025 Gold Cup USMNT Roster for June Friendlies<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Goalkeepers<\/strong>: Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Matt Freeze (New York City FC), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Defenders<\/strong>: Max Alfsten (Columbus Crew), Alex Freeman (Orlando City), Nathan Harriel (Philadelphia Union), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse\/FRA), Tim Lehm (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Midfielders<\/strong>: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United); Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis), Luca de la Torre (San Diego FC), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Jack McGlynn (Houston Dynamo), Quinn Sullivan (Philadelphia Union), Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Forwards<\/strong>: Paxten Aaronson (FC Utrecht), Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC), Damion Downs (FC K\u00f6ln), Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps), Haji Wright (Coventry City)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer enthusiasts as it signals a critical transition period for the USMNT. With key players absent, emerging talents have the chance to shine, potentially reshaping the team&#8217;s future as they prepare for the crucial 2026 World Cup.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Christian Pulisic is currently on a break. Antonee Robinson is in recovery following his surgery. Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Gio Reyna remain at the club, while Yunus Musah has been sidelined for &#8220;personal reasons&#8221; and Josh Sargent is out due to &#8220;soccer-related reasons.&#8221; Both Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi are dealing with injuries. On [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7000,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[913,2069,2067,1598,40,551,938,46,1717,1229,2068,45,86,1200],"class_list":{"0":"post-6999","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-football","8":"tag-cup","9":"tag-dest","10":"tag-dwindles","11":"tag-exits","12":"tag-football","13":"tag-gold","14":"tag-lineup","15":"tag-news","16":"tag-power","17":"tag-roster","18":"tag-sergino","19":"tag-soccer","20":"tag-star","21":"tag-usmnt"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6999","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6999"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6999\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7000"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6999"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6999"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6999"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}