Hello! The United States men`s national soccer team is entering its final phase of preparation for the upcoming Gold Cup tournament. This weekend also features returning NWSL league play, potentially seeing a major star back on the field. Here`s a look at what`s happening in U.S. soccer this weekend.
The Forward Line
Young USMNT Squad Selected for Gold Cup
The official roster for the U.S. Men`s National Team ahead of the Gold Cup has been announced, blending a few seasoned veterans with a predominantly young and less experienced group. Only six players have more than 30 international appearances, and seven players are uncapped. Coach Mauricio Pochettino`s selections are influenced by the unavailability of key players like Antonee Robinson (injury), Christian Pulisic (rest after club season), and those participating in the Club World Cup (Weston McKennie, Timothy Weah, Gio Reyna). This makes the Gold Cup and preceding friendlies against Turkey on Saturday and Switzerland on Tuesday a crucial chance for Pochettino to assess a broader range of talent from the player pool, especially as the team approaches the final year before the 2026 World Cup.
The full roster includes:
- Goalkeepers (3): Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace/ENG)
- Defenders (9): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Alex Freeman (Orlando City), Nathan Harriel (Philadelphia Union), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/FRA), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), John Tolkin (Holstein Kiel/GER), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC)
- Midfielders (9): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/ENG), Tyler Adams (Bournemouth/ENG), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps/CAN), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis/ESP), Luca de la Torre (San Diego FC), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Jack McGlynn (Houston Dynamo), Quinn Sullivan (Philadelphia Union), Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven/NED)
- Forwards (5): Paxten Aaronson (FC Utrecht/NED), Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC), Damion Downs (FC Koln/GER), Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps/CAN), Haji Wright (Coventry City/ENG)
Opportunities are abundant across various positions, but none more so than among the forwards. The USMNT has frequently rotated options at the striker position over recent years. Folarin Balogun had begun to establish himself, supported by Ricardo Pepi. However, both Balogun and Pepi are sidelined with injuries for the Gold Cup. Josh Sargent was also not selected, a decision Pochettino called a `football decision`. This situation creates significant uncertainty at the striker spot, presenting a strong chance for one of the players in the Gold Cup squad to step up. Patrick Agyemang is under particular scrutiny, having scored the only goal in the USMNT`s disappointing Concacaf Nations League finals appearance in March. Brian White, currently one of the most prolific American forwards in MLS, will aim to carry his club form onto the international stage.
Matches This Weekend
Midfield Link Play
Gotham FC Aims for Improvement Against League-Leading Kansas City Current
Following the international break, the NWSL season resumes this weekend with several compelling fixtures, including a notable match between NJ/NY Gotham FC and the visiting Kansas City Current. These two teams were among the top four squads last season, both reaching the playoff semifinals. However, their performance this season has differed significantly. The Current currently lead the league after 10 matches, demonstrating excellent form with eight wins. Coach Vlatko Andonovski`s side maintains an attacking philosophy, leading the league with 22 goals spread across multiple players, including top scorer Temwa Chawinga (six goals), Debinha (five), and Bia Zaneratto (three). They have also dramatically improved defensively, conceding only seven goals in 10 games this season compared to 15 at the same point last year, making them the league`s best defense and effectively neutralizing opposing attackers.
Saturday`s match could potentially be a turning point for Gotham, especially with the possibility of Rose Lavelle making her season debut. The Women`s World Cup champion has been recovering from ankle surgery since December. Her anticipated return is expected to significantly boost the offensive capabilities of the 2023 NWSL champions. Last season, despite missing the initial weeks due to a lower leg injury, she contributed eight goals and one assist, playing a key role in transforming Gotham into a top attacking side.
Other Football News
Carlo Ancelotti`s first match coaching Brazil resulted in a goalless 0-0 draw away to Ecuador, with the Selecao registering only three shots.
The UEFA Nations League final is set. Portugal advanced with a strong performance from Cristiano Ronaldo, while Spain won a dramatic 5-4 match against France to secure their spot.
In managerial news, Simone Inzaghi has officially moved from Inter Milan to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal. Meanwhile, Inter, recent UEFA Champions League finalists, are reportedly planning to appoint Cristian Chivu as his replacement.
Regarding the Trump administration`s new travel restrictions, the White House has confirmed that players and staff participating in the upcoming Club World Cup and Gold Cup in the U.S. will be exempt and not affected.
Former USMNT star Landon Donovan commented on the team, stating that coach Mauricio Pochettino `shouldn`t have to coach effort` as the squad prepares to move past a difficult year with one year remaining until the World Cup.
Read about the remarkable journey of Auckland City, the amateur team set to compete in the Club World Cup.
In Premier League news, explore potential transfer targets for English clubs, an analysis of why Florian Wirtz could suit Liverpool, and expectations for Liverpool manager Arne Slot in his upcoming second season.
The Back Line
Betting Tip
Betting Pick: Norway vs. Italy – While it`s early in World Cup qualifiers, the match between Norway and Italy carries significant weight as World Cup qualification is not assured for either side. Italy hasn`t qualified since 2014, and Norway last appeared in 1998. The match outcome is uncertain, with both teams having similar odds, but Norway benefits greatly from Erling Haaland`s return. Expect Haaland to score as he looks to guide his team towards their first World Cup appearance in almost 30 years, regardless of the final score.
Featured Match Images
