USMNT, still awaiting coach, names roster for upcoming friendlies

The U.S. men’s national soccer team still does not have a full-time head coach, but it does have its first roster since Gregg Berhalter’s departure.

With Mauricio Pochettino’s hiring seemingly imminent, the U.S. Soccer Federation on Sunday announced a 24-man squad for friendlies against Canada on Saturday in Kansas City, Kan., and New Zealand on Sept. 10 in Cincinnati.

Mikey Varas, who coaches the under-20 national team, selected the roster and planned the camp – the Americans’ first since their disappointing performance at Copa América led to Berhalter’s ouster July 10.

“With the search for a new head coach continuing, Mikey Varas will serve as interim head coach,” the USSF said. The governing body has not commented on Pochettino or the status or the search.

However, the 52-year-old Argentine who has coached five European clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, has reportedly agreed to a contract through the 2026 World Cup and is planning to observe the team during this international window.

The announcement of the deal, however, has been stalled by Pochettino’s negotiations with his most recent employer, Chelsea, over a financial settlement and the USSF’s board of directors approval of the pact, which is considered a formality. Barring 11th-hour issues, Pochettino will make his sideline debut Oct. 12 against Panama in Austin.

For the time being, Varas will guide a squad that includes 18 players from Copa América, headlined by forward Christian Pulisic (AC Milan) and midfielders Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund) and Yunus Musah (AC Milan).

“What we want to do is set up these players for success to make sure they have an easy transition with a new coach coming in,” Varas said in a statement.

Several regulars are absent: Left back Antonee Robinson (Fulham) needed time off after playing for almost a full year straight and undergoing two minor surgeries; midfielder Weston McKennie (Juventus) is working on fitness after a late start to preseason; and center back Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic) is nursing a toe injury.

All are expected to report to next month’s camp, which will also include an Oct. 15 friendly against rival Mexico in Guadalajara.

Midfielder Tyler Adams, wingers Tim Weah and Kevin Paredes, midfielder Gianluca Busio and right back Sergiño Dest were not under consideration because of injuries.

Midfielder Tanner Tessmann, who captained the Olympic squad and signed with France’s Olympique Lyonnais last week, would have been called in but needed time to work on fitness after a brief offseason. Two Olympians were selected: goalkeeper Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew) and defender Caleb Wiley (Strasbourg).

Other fresh faces include midfielder Aidan Morris, who moved this summer to Middlesbrough in England from Columbus, and defender Auston Trusty, who last week joined Scottish champion Celtic from England’s Sheffield United.

Thirteen call-ups are 23 or younger and the average roster age is 24½. The youngest is goalkeeper Diego Kochen, 18, who plays for FC Barcelona’s second team. He and defender Marlon Fossey (Standard Liege) are seeking to make their U.S. debuts.

Schulte and veteran defender Tim Ream, who last month joined Charlotte FC from Fulham in the Premier League, were the only MLS selections.

“September is always a tricky window,” Varas said in a statement. “You have players coming off international tournaments and then straight into preseasons, players who are trying to establish themselves and their places at clubs, and you have a lot of movement in the transfer window. So you have to look at the whole picture and what is going to be best long term.”

Varas’s staff will include Nico Estevez, a U.S. assistant from 2019 to 2021, and Jack Robinson, who has been named the USSF’s head of goalkeeping following six years under Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool. Previously Robinson worked for the English Football Association, Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Leeds United.

U.S. roster

Goalkeepers: Ethan Horvath (Cardiff City), Diego Kochen (FC Barcelona II), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace).

Defenders: Auston Trusty (Celtic), Marlon Fossey (Standard Liege), Kristoffer Lund (Palermo), Mark McKenzie (Tolouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Caleb Wiley (Strasbourg).

Midfielders: Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis), Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo), Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough), Yunus Musah (AC Milan), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund), Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven).

Forwards: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Josh Sargent (Norwich City), Haji Wright (Coventry City).