U.S. Soccer fans, get ready! Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has announced a 24-player roster featuring some of MLS’s brightest talents for the U.S. men’s national team’s upcoming friendlies against Venezuela and Costa Rica. With Europe-based stars unavailable due to club commitments, this squad is a testament to the depth of talent in Major League Soccer.
Veterans Lead the Way
Seasoned pros like captain Tim Ream, Walker Zimmerman, Shaq Moore, and Jesús Ferreira bring experience and leadership to the roster. Ream, who has been a steady presence for the U.S., headlines the squad after an impressive run in both World Cup and club competitions. Zimmerman, a defensive stalwart, will also look to anchor the backline in these crucial warm-up matches.
Pochettino expressed his excitement about working with this MLS-heavy squad:
“MLS is very important to the national team project, and these players have earned this opportunity,” he said in a statement.
The Roster: A Blend of Youth and Experience
This camp is as much about established stars as it is about giving new talent a shot. Ten players, including unattached winger Matko Miljevic, are vying to make their senior international debuts.
Miljevic, an intriguing addition, recently impressed Pochettino while playing for Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina. Despite his recent stint as a free agent following a controversy in a local amateur league, the Miami-born winger is eager to prove his worth on the international stage.
Full Roster:
- Goalkeepers: Drake Callender (Inter Miami), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew), Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids)
- Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), George Campbell (CF Montreal), DeJuan Jones (Columbus Crew), Shaq Moore (FC Dallas), Jalen Neal (CF Montreal), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), John Tolkin (New York Red Bulls), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC)
- Midfielders: Benjamin Cremaschi (Inter Miami), Emeka Eneli (Real Salt Lake), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Jack McGlynn (Philadelphia Union)
- Forwards: Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC), Caden Clark (CF Montreal), Jesús Ferreira (FC Dallas), Brian Gutiérrez (Chicago Fire), Matko Miljevic (Unattached), Indiana Vassilev (St. Louis City), Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps)
A Proven Launchpad for Talent
Often cheekily dubbed “Camp Cupcake,” the annual January camp has historically been a springboard for future U.S. stars. Legendary names like Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan earned early opportunities here, and this year’s camp looks to continue that legacy.
Young players such as John Tolkin, Benjamin Cremaschi, and Diego Luna will be eager to make their mark and stake a claim for inclusion in future competitive fixtures.
What’s at Stake
The U.S. kicks off against Venezuela on January 18 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, before taking on Concacaf rivals Costa Rica in Orlando on January 22. These games are more than just friendlies—they’re a chance for players to impress Pochettino ahead of the high-stakes competitions to come.
The USMNT holds an all-time record of 3-1-2 against Venezuela, though the last meeting in 2019 ended in a 3-0 loss. Meanwhile, Costa Rica has long been a regional rival, and the U.S. leads their overall series with 19 wins to Costa Rica’s 17 (and six draws).
A Fresh Start Under Pochettino
These games mark another step in Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure as USMNT head coach. With a blend of veterans, up-and-comers, and players hungry to make their international debuts, fans can expect a spirited display of American soccer talent.
Atlanta fans, keep an eye on goalkeeper Brad Guzan’s potential involvement as he remains a standout from the region! Will he earn a recall in future camps?
Stay tuned, support your stars, and let’s rally behind the red, white, and blue! 🌟⚽
