Construction for Zack Steffen’s path back to the U.S. Men’s National Team is complete.
Almost seven years ago, the Colorado Rapids goalkeeper was called up and took over a perennial starting role, destined to become the replacement for USMNT and Rapids legend Tim Howard. A couple of loans from English giants Manchester City and a knee injury later, Steffen became an afterthought and has not put on the U.S. kit since featuring in a World Cup Qualifier loss against Costa Rica in 2022.
After drastic improvement in 2024 and a well-deserved Leagues Cup Best Goalkeeper award, USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino selected Steffen as one of the four goalkeepers for his first camp as head coach, joining Columbus Crew’s Patrick Schulte, Crystal Palace’s Matt Turner and Cardiff City’s Ethan Horvath, a Colorado native.
Turner, who has been the undisputed No. 1 at goalkeeper since 2021, has had a rough road in the past year for club and country and is currently the backup for Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Which has left the position wide open for the new coach.
During Pochettino’s news conference just 30 minutes following the release of the roster on Wednesday, the very first question was about the goalkeeper situation and the decision to select Steffen as one of the four keepers.
“I think all the players we’re bringing on the roster (are here) because in the last months, we have an excellent (staff) analyzing the players,” Pochettino said. “We know (Steffen) and we think he deserves the opportunity to be with us.”
Back in July, Steffen voiced disappointment in not making the U.S. roster for Copa América and said that it ultimately inspired him to strive for more. During the Rapids’ incredible Leagues Cup run, Steffen played hero in three penalty shootouts while admitting he’d learned to play more freely and without overthinking — something that had hampered the beginning of his Rapids tenure.
In MLS play this season, Steffen is averaging 3.4 saves per game and has earned six clean sheets while being one of the league’s best sweeper keepers and a vocal leader of the Rapids.
Steffen will travel to join the team in time for Oct. 7, when training begins. On Oct. 12, the team will face Panama in Texas before heading south to take on Mexico in Guadalajara on Oct. 15.
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