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Projecting the USMNT roster for November’s CONCACAF Nations League matches

Projecting the USMNT roster for November’s CONCACAF Nations League matches

The U.S. men’s national team’s first two competitive matches under Mauricio Pochettino are right around the corner and the Argentine manager will have plenty of tough roster decisions to make.

Jamaica opposes the Americans in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals this month, with both teams seeking advancement into next March’s Final Four. Kingston will play host to the first leg on November 14 before CITYPARK in St. Louis hosts the return leg four days later.

Pochettino’s first pair of matches in charge saw the Americans defeat Panama 2-0 before losing to rivals Mexico 2-0 in October. However, the Nations League quarterfinals will be a good test to see where the USMNT is at in the early stages under Pochettino.

Right back Sergino Dest remains out long term while forwards Folarin Balogun and Josh Sargent will also miss the November window through injury. Chris Richards has remained sidelined at Crystal Palace, opening the door to others at the centerback position.

Midfielder Tyler Adams will be fighting to be back amongst the plans after missing several months due to back surgery. Weston McKennie, Malik Tillman, and Johnny Cardoso will also be among the expected call-ins for this month’s camp.

The No. 9 race continues with Haji Wright, Ricardo Pepi, and Brandon Vazquez all among the striking options. AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic continues to play a leading role at club level, but now returns to the USMNT captaincy.

Tim Ream, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Mark McKenzie all are jostling for starting jobs at centerback while Matt Turner and Ethan Horvath continue their fight for the No. 1 goalkeeping spot.

Joe Scally will likely occupy the starting right back job in Dest’s absence while Marlon Fossey aims to earn his third-straight monthly call up.

Regardless of who gets called in, the USMNT will be favored to advance past the Reggae Boyz. If not, many questions will be asked of Pochettino and his decision-making.

What will the squad chosen for the USMNT’s November window look like?

Here is a closer look at SBI’s selections:


Goalkeepers



Matt Turner, Ethan Horvath, Patrick Schulte.

Missed the Cut: Zack Steffen, Sean Johnson, Drake Callender, Gabriel Slonina, Diego Kochen.


Defenders



Tim Ream, Auston Trusty, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Mark McKenzie, Marlon Fossey, Joe Scally, Antonee Robinson, Kristoffer Lund.

Missed the Cut: Kevin Paredes (Injury), Richie Ledezma, Bryan Reynolds, Chris Richards (Injury), Miles Robinson.


Midfielders



Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, Brenden Aaronson, Malik Tillman, Tyler Adams, Johnny Cardoso.

Missed the Cut: Tanner Tessmann, Gianluca Busio, Djordje Mihailovic, Griffin Yow, Lennard Maloney, Paxten Aaronson.


Forwards



Christian Pulisic, Haji Wright, Ricardo Pepi, Tim Weah, Brandon Vazquez, Cade Cowell.

Missed the Cut: Josh Sargent (Injured), Taylor Booth, Alex Zendejas, Jordan Pefok, Jordan Morris.


What do you think of our projected roster? Who made the cut that you are hoping is included? Who did we leave out that you think deserves to be part of the November squad?

Share your thoughts below.


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