If ever there was a time for a new crop of U.S. Men’s National Team players to state its case, this winter camp might just be it.
U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann unveiled a 23-man roster for his first camp of 2016 on Wednesday, and, as expected, it includes several young or fresh faces that are on the fringes of the team. Some of the more notable players summoned by Klinsmann include NCAA champion Jordan Morris, MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Luis Robles, Columbus Crew duo Ethan Finlay and Tony Tchani, and promising youngster Kellyn Acosta of FC Dallas.
Klinsmann had previously promised to bring in several U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team players, and he made good on that by calling in the likes of Morris, Matt Miazga, Wil Trapp, and Jerome Kiesewetter as they gear up for their Olympic qualifying playoff vs. Colombia in March.
The roster, which could grow in the coming days, is not filled with just newcomers and promising prospects. Captain Michael Bradley, Jermaine Jones, Jozy Altidore, and Matt Besler are among the regulars brought in by Klinsmann, and other familiar faces called up are Gyasi Zardes, Mix Diskerud, and Lee Nguyen.
The Americans will convene for camp next Monday in Carson, California, before playing two home friendlies at the StubHub Center. The U.S. will first take on Iceland on Jan. 31 before welcoming northern rival Canada on Feb. 6.
Here is the full U.S. roster:
Goalkeepers: Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Luis Robles (New York Red Bulls)
Defenders: Kellyn Acosta (FC Dallas), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Matt Miazga (New York Red Bulls), Eric Miller (Montreal Impact), Tim Parker (Vancouver Whitecaps), Marc Pelosi (San Jose Earthquakes), Matt Polster (Chicago Fire)
Midfielders: Fatai Alashe (San Jose Earthquakes), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Mix Diskerud (New York City FC), Jermaine Jones (Unattached), Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers), Lee Nguyen (New England Revolution), Tony Tchani (Columbus Crew), Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew)
Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC), Ethan Finlay (Columbus Crew), Jerome Kiesewetter (VfB Stuttgart), Jordan Morris (Unattached), Khiry Shelton (New York City FC), Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy)
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What do you think about this USMNT roster? Any inclusions/omissions that really stick out at you? How do you see this group doing in the upcoming friendlies?
Share your thoughts below.