International Soccer
No Pulisic In USMNT Squad vs Brazil
USMNT Interim Coach Dave Sarachan has released his 25-man squad list ahead of the USA’s friendlies versus Brazil and Mexico. Most notably, 19-year old Christian Pulisic is not listed due to a minor muscular injury.
The Pennsylvania native is easily the most important player for Sarachan as the coach prepares a team for next year’s Gold Cup, 2020’s Summer Olympics and 2022’s FIFA World Cup.
“Injuries happen and you can never predict timing,” said the former Galaxy coach. “It’s disappointing that we won’t have Christian involved. I know that he wanted to be a part of things and we certainly wanted him here.”
Nevertheless, the team will benefit from the return of John Brooks, Kellyn Acosta and Sebastian Lletget from injury. Additionally, forward Gyasi Zardes will travel with the squad having fifteen goals in MLS so far this season.
Also, Eleven of the twenty five players called up also featured in the USA’s 1-1 friendly draw with France back in June. Continuing the transition to a new generation, the latest squad has has an average of only 11 international appearances.
“The theme remains the same in that we are using the opportunity against these high-powered opponents to continue building on the foundation that we’ve laid,” said Sarachan. “We felt it was right to continue allowing this group to get valuable experience for the big picture that includes competitive matches in the future.”
Additionally, Brazil, currently ranked 3rd in the world, will include thirteen players from its World Cup squad. Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino are expected to play. Likewise, US neighbors Mexico should include seven World Cup players in it’s squad.
Altogether, twelve of the twenty-five players for the USA represent MLS, four play in England, four in Germany and the remaining five elsewhere.
Squad List
Goalkeepers: Alex Bono (Toronto FC), Ethan Horvath (Club Brugge), Zack Steffen (Columbus Crew).
Defenders: John Brooks (Wolfsburg), Cameron Carter-Vickers (Swansea City), Eric Lichaj (Hull City), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls), Matt Miazga (Nantes), Shaq Moore (Reus Deportiu), Tim Parker (New York Red Bulls), Antonee Robinson (Wigan), DeAndre Yedlin (Newcastle United).
Midfielders: Kellyn Acosta (Colorado Rapids), Tyler Adams (New York Red Bulls), Paul Arriola (D.C. United), Marky Delgado (Toronto FC), Julian Green (Greuther Fuerth), Sebastian Lletget (L.A. Galaxy), Weston McKennie (Schalke), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew), Tim Weah (Paris Saint-Germain).
Forwards: Andrija Novakovich (Fotuna Sittard), Bobby Wood (Hannover), Gyasi Zardes (Columbus Crew).
The USA will take on Brazil at 7:30 pm Eastern Time on Friday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Photo credit to Donq question via Flickr
