Mauricio Pochettino Names 25-Player Roster for USMNT's October Friendlies Against Panama and Mexico
New US men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has unveiled his first roster, comprising 25 players, for the upcoming friendlies against Panama and Mexico in October. This marks a significant milestone as Pochettino takes the reins of the USMNT following his appointment on September 10, replacing former coach Gregg Berhalter.
Roster Breakdown
The roster includes a mix of experienced players and some familiar faces. In the goalkeeping department, Ethan Horvath (Cardiff City), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew), Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids), and Matt Turner (Crystal Palace) have been called up. Notably, Zack Steffen, who last played for the USMNT in March 2022, makes a return to the squad after his move from Manchester City to the Colorado Rapids.
The defensive lineup features Marlon Fossey (Standard Liege), Kristoffer Lund (Palermo), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Mnchengladbach), and Auston Trusty (Celtic FC). Tim Ream, with 62 caps, is one of the most experienced players in the squad, having recently joined Charlotte FC from Fulham.
In the midfield, Pochettino has selected Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Gianluca Busio (Venezia), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Aidan Morris (Middlesborough), Yunus Musah (AC Milan), and Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven). This midfield is bolstered by the return of Gianluca Busio, who last played for the USMNT at the 2023 Gold Cup.
The forward line is headlined by Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), who is the most capped player in the roster with 73 appearances. Other forwards include Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Josh Sargent (Norwich City), Timothy Weah (Juventus), and Haji Wright (Coventry City). Pulisic has been in electric form, scoring five goals and adding two assists at the start of the season.
Upcoming Matches
The USMNT will face Panama on October 12 at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, and then travel to Guadalajara to play Mexico on October 15 at Estadio Akron. This will be the first international friendly for the USMNT in Mexico since a 1-0 win in August 2012. The match against Panama is a rematch of their encounter at the 2024 Copa Amrica, where Panama won 2-1, contributing to the USMNT's group-stage exit.
The USMNT has a strong record against Panama, with 17 wins, 3 losses, and 6 draws in all competitions. Against Mexico, the USMNT is on a seven-game unbeaten streak, including a 2-0 victory in the 2024 Concacaf Nations League final.
Injuries and Omissions
Several key players were omitted from the roster due to injuries. Tyler Adams (Bournemouth) is recovering from post-Copa Amrica back surgery, Sergio Dest (PSV Eindhoven) is out with a torn ACL, Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund) has a hamstring injury, and Chris Richards (Crystal Palace) is also sidelined with a hamstring issue. Additionally, Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic FC) was not included due to a sore toe.
Pochettino's selection reflects a blend of experience and youth, aiming to revitalize the team after a disappointing performance at the 2024 Copa Amrica. The inclusion of MLS players such as Zack Steffen, Patrick Schulte, Tim Ream, and Miles Robinson highlights the importance of domestic talent in the squad.
As the USMNT prepares for these friendlies, they are also looking ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States will co-host with Canada and Mexico. These matches against Panama and Mexico will be crucial in assessing the team's readiness and strategy under Pochettino's leadership.
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