Mauricio Pochettino called in 27 players to camp ahead of two pre-tournament friendlies and 2025 Gold Cup
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Pochettino calls up 27 playersBalogun and Dest returnPulisic, Robinson among those missing outFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱(C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Mauricio Pochettino named his squad ahead of the upcoming pre-Gold Cup friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland, calling in veterans such as Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Malik Tillman and Sergino Dest as well as newcomers Damion Downs, Alex Freeman, Sebastian Berhalter and Quinn Sullivan.
The squad features a total of 27 players for the two friendlies, but will be trimmed down to 26 prior to the Gold Cup. The federation is required to submit a 26-player Gold Cup squad no later than June 4.
While several familiar faces are back in the team, there are several notable absences in the squad. Christian Pulisic is out, while his club teammate Yunus Musah is also not on the roster.
Antonee Robinson, too, misses the squad after injury issues forced him out of the CONCACAF Nations League team in March. Weston McKennie, Tim Weah and Gio Reyna were totally left out of the preliminary roster due to their Club World Cup commitments.
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GOALKEEPERS: Matt Freese (New York City FC), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew), Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace)
DEFENDERS: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Sergino Dest (PSV Eindhoven), Alex Freeman (Orlando City), DeJuan Jones (San Jose Earthquakes), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati),
MIDFIELDERS: 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), Sean Zawadzki (Columbus Crew)
FORWARDS: Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC), Folarin Balogun (Monaco); Damion Downs (FC Koln), Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps), Haji Wright (Coventry City)
Getty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
According to Matt Crocker, U.S. Soccer sporting director, Pulisic and his team made the request to sit out the Gold Cup.
“Christian and his team approached the Federation and the coaching staff about the possibility of stepping back this summer, given the amount of matches he has played in the past two years at both the club and international level with very little break,” Crocker said. “After thoughtful discussions and careful consideration, we made the collective decision that this is the right moment for him to get the rest he needs. The objective is to ensure he’s fully prepared to perform at the highest level next season.”
With a number of key names out, Balogun and Dest return to the fold after long-term injuries, meaning they will feature under Pochettino for the first time this summer. Tillman and Aaronson, too, are back in the team after being left off the Nations League roster.
GettyWHAT POCHETTINO SAID
“As we continue preparations for the World Cup, this is a fantastic opportunity to work with this group of players for an extended period and it’s important we take advantage of every moment we have together,” Pochettino said. "Of course, we want to win and to perform in a very good way. These players have earned the chance to compete for our fans and to show their quality and mentality.”