The official USMNT roster for the scrimmage against Slovenia in San Antonio has been announced. This presents an opportunity for Gregg Berhalter to bring together several players currently competing in the States, as opposed to the usual starters, since January is an unofficial international window due to scheduling. The training camp is scheduled from January 8-16 in Orlando. Subsequently, the team will move to San Antonio to kick off its 2024 schedule with a friendly against Slovenia at Toyota Field on January 20. Coverage of the USA’s first match of the year starts at 3 p.m. ET.
The January training camp roster for the USMNT typically features emerging talents receiving their first opportunities with the senior team, and this year is no exception. Fifteen players have earned their first call-ups to a USMNT camp: Josh Atencio, Esmir Bajraktarevic, Nathan Harriel, Aziel Jackson, Bernard Kamungo, Diego Luna, Jack McGlynn, Duncan McGuire, Ian Murphy, Jackson Ragen, Patrick Schulte, Nkosi Tafari, Timmy Tillman, Brian White, and Sean Zawadzki.
The upcoming window could hold significance for players like Miles Robinson who is a regular in the main team given another chance as his performance may influence their chances of making the cut for the Copa America in just over six months on home soil. The center-back has faced scrutiny for not challenging himself beyond the federation at the club level, with Robinson opting to stay in the MLS and becoming a Cincinnati player after his contract was up at Atlanta United.
Another familiar face is Nashville right-back Shaq Moore, who is the sole player on the roster who participated in the 2022 World Cup, making two substitute appearances against England and Iran.
Many players will be seeking their first game for Team USA, including the three goalkeepers: Drake Callender, Roman Celetano, and Patrick Schulte. Schulte, who won the MLS Cup with the Columbus Crew last month, is accompanied by two other club teammates, Aidan Morris and Sean Zawadzki, both eager to make their debut for the red, white, and blue.
Diego Luna has been called up despite interest from Mexico, for whom the 20-year-old is also eligible. He is also joined by his U-20 USYNT World Cup teammates Cade Cowell, Jack McGlynn, and Caleb Wiley.
Should LAFC midfielder Timothy Tillman take the field against Slovenia, he and his brother Malik Tillman will join the ranks as the 10th set of brothers to play for the USMNT. Brenden and Paxten Aaronson were the latest siblings to join this club last year.
“This is an opportunity to identify and work with the next generation of players who have the potential to make an impact on our program,” Berhalter said. “We appreciate the support from MLS and all their clubs so that we can utilize this platform. Our priority is on getting as many players as possible experience in important competitions, and this camp and the match against Slovenia will be extremely valuable in the evaluation process.”
USMNT January Camp Roster List: (CLUB/COUNTRY; CAPS/GOALS)
GOALKEEPERS (3): Drake Callender (Inter Miami; 0/0), Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati; 0/0), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew; 0/0)
DEFENDERS (10): Nathan Harriel (Philadelphia Union; 0/0), DeJuan Jones (New England Revolution; 7/0), Shaq Moore (Nashville SC; 17/1), Ian Murphy (FC Cincinnati; 0/0), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders; 0/0), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati; 27/3), James Sands (New York City FC; 13/0), Nkosi Tafari (FC Dallas; 0/0), John Tolkin (New York Red Bulls; 3/0), Caleb Wiley (Atlanta United; 1/0)
MIDFIELDERS (6): Joshua Atencio (Seattle Sounders; 0/0), Aziel Jackson (St. Louis City; 0/0), Jack McGlynn (Philadelphia Union; 0/0), Aidan Morris (Columbus Crew; 4/0), Timmy Tillman (LAFC; 0/0), Sean Zawadzki (Columbus Crew; 0/0)
FORWARDS (6): Esmir Bajraktarevic (New England Revolution; 0/0), Cade Cowell (San Jose Earthquakes; 8/1), Bernard Kamungo (FC Dallas; 0/0), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake; 0/0), Duncan McGuire (Orlando City; 0/0), Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps/CAN; 0/0)
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