The September U.S. men’s national team roster features many of the expected faces, but there will also be two players fighting to make their senior international debuts.

Defender Marlon Fossey and goalkeeper Diego Kochen have been included in interim head coach Mikey Varas’ 24-player roster for upcoming home friendlies vs. Canada and New Zealand. Both players might have different experience levels on the club and international level, but have the overall same goal of improving their stock with the USMNT ahead of the expected arrival of Mauricio Pochettino as head coach.

Fossey, 25, is a former USMNT U-20 defender that is in the early stages of his third season with Belgian side Standard Liege. A former Fulham academy product, Fossey made the move to the Pro League in 2022 and since has become a regular contributor with Standard Liege over the last three years.

Fossey has mainly served as a right back and right wingback with Standard Liege again this season, both roles that Varas could rotate him in along with Borussia Moenchengladbach’s Joe Scally.

“Marlon we haven’t seen since 2019,” Varas said in a Q&A about Fossey. “He hasn’t been in the group for a long time, but I think it’s a great example that even if you haven’t been in for a while, what you do with your club matters. We’re always watching a really big pool of players.

“Right now, it’s a great opportunity for the entire right back pool,” he added. “Unfortunately with Sergiño Dest out, who we miss dearly, it’s opened up the opportunity for us to test other guys. He’s done a great job with Standard Liege, performing really well. We’ve been tracking him, and we want to give him an opportunity.”

Kochen is a dual-national goalkeeper that has previously featured for the USMNT U-17’s and U-19’s. Born in Miami, Florida, the Barcelona youth shot-stopper is also eligible to represent Peru and Venezuela on the international stage, should he decide to go that route.

A promising prospect at both the club and international level, the 18-year-old Kochen has received an early opportunity with the USMNT to gain valuable experiences at a young age.

“Diego will be his first time with the senior national team,” Varas said. “He’s a young player playing for Barcelona B that we see as a high potential player. This is an opportunity for him to come in and not only compete with the senior team, but also get an amazing experience so that we can keep building for our future.”

Fossey and Kochen could make their senior USMNT debuts as early as September 7 when Varas’ squad hosts Canada in Kansas City, Kansas.