U.S. men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has called up 25 players for his first competitive games in charge, a set of Nations League quarterfinals against Jamaica, including his first look at two regulars with the team, Tim Weah and Chris Richards.
Weah and Richards join Johnny Cardoso, Diego Kochen and Cade Cowell as five players who will get their first look under Pochettino this month.
The U.S. will face Jamaica in Kingston on Thursday, November 14, and then in the return leg in St. Louis on November 18.
Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson and Weston McKennie are in the squad, though the team will be without a few injured players including Gio Reyna, Josh Sargent and Sergiño Dest.
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Another notable absence is Tyler Adams, who made his first start for Bournemouth on Saturday since returning from injury. Adams has played just 100 minutes since July 1, however, and with a short window, it allows him to stay at the club and continue building his fitness.
“He is an important player for USA, for us, and I consider him, personally, a very important player for the future of this team,” Pochettino said explaining Adams’ omission. “But the most important thing now is to see the progression.
“He came from a difficult moment yesterday, played 60-65 minutes, I think it was important for him to see, and for us (we were) so happy to see (his) evolution.
“But in the same time, we know very well that we need to look after him if we want to have him in the best condition for 2026. I think it is important to build that relationship.”
Adams is still working his way back to full fitness (Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Elsewhere injuries to Haji Wright, Folarin Balogun and Sargent have opened the door for other forwards to stake their claims for a regular roster spot.
“It’s true these types of injuries have opened opportunities for other players to get more minutes,” Pochettino added. “It’s a great opportunity for (Ricardo Pepi) to get the opportunity to play and show his talent.
“Of course (we’re) disappointed with Haji, Sargent and Balogun injured and can’t be in the squad, but it’s a chance for (Pepi) and Brandon Vazquez to fight for their spot on their team.”
Following his red card against Panama on June 27 during the Copa America, Weah will serve the second game of his two-match suspension during the first leg in Jamaica.
The U.S. beat Panama and lost to Mexico in their first two games, both friendlies, under Pochettino last month. These Nations League games present the first test in official competition. The U.S. won the first three CONCACAF Nations League titles.
Jamaica nearly eliminated the U.S. from the 2023-24 Nations League in the semifinals before a late brace from Haji Wright lifted the U.S. to the win.
The group includes eleven players aged 23 and younger: Cardoso, Patrick Schulte and Tanner Tessmann (23); Gianluca Busio, Aidan Morris and Malik Tillman (22); Cowell, Yunus Musah, Ricardo Pepi, and Joe Scally (21); and Kochen (18).
Full roster
Goalkeepers: Diego Kochen (FC Barcelona Atletic), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew), Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace)
Defenders: Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Auston Trusty (Celtic)
Midfielders: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Gianluca Busio (Venezia), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough), Yunus Musah (AC Milan), Tanner Tessmann (Olympique Lyon), Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven)
Forwards: Cade Cowell (Guadalajara), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Brandon Vazquez (Monterrey), Tim Weah (Juventus), Alex Zendejas (Club América)
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(John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
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Publish date : 2024-11-10 02:37:00
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