The U.S. Men`s National Team is beginning its final preparations for the Gold Cup with a series of friendlies, while the NWSL is also back in action this weekend, potentially seeing the return of a key star.
USMNT Readies for Gold Cup with Youthful Squad
The official roster for the U.S. men`s national team heading into the Gold Cup has been announced, featuring a mix of experienced players and a significant number of less-capped individuals.
All but six players on the roster have earned 30 caps or fewer for the national team, with seven players yet to make their senior debut. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino`s selections are partly influenced by the unavailability of several key players. Antonee Robinson is sidelined with injury, Christian Pulisic is taking a break after a demanding season with AC Milan, and Weston McKennie, Timothy Weah, and Gio Reyna are participating in the Club World Cup. Consequently, the Gold Cup and the preceding friendly matches against Turkey on Saturday and Switzerland on Tuesday present crucial chances for Pochettino to assess a broader range of players as the USMNT enters the final year before the 2026 World Cup.
USMNT Gold Cup Roster
- 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 available across various positions, but the forward line is particularly open. The USMNT has seen several players rotate through the No. 9 role over the years. While Folarin Balogun had recently seemed to establish himself with Ricardo Pepi as his backup, both are absent due to injury for the Gold Cup. Josh Sargent`s omission was described by Pochettino as a “football decision” last month. This situation creates a significant opportunity for the forwards on the Gold Cup roster to make their mark. Patrick Agyemang is notable for scoring the team`s only goal in the disappointing Concacaf Nations League finals in March. Brian White will look to translate his strong MLS form into impactful performances for the national team, being one of the league`s most in-form American forwards recently.
NWSL Weekend Focus: Gotham FC vs. Kansas City Current
Following the international break, the NWSL season resumes this weekend with several compelling fixtures. A key matchup is the clash between the Kansas City Current and NJ/NY Gotham FC.
Both teams were part of the strong top four last season, reaching the semifinals of the playoffs. However, their performance trajectories have differed this year. The Current currently lead the league standings after 10 games, displaying excellent balance and winning eight matches so far. Vlatko Andonovski`s side maintains its attacking philosophy, leading the league with 22 goals from various contributors including Temwa Chawinga (six goals), Debinha (five), and Bia Zaneratto (three). Crucially, they have significantly improved their defense, conceding only seven goals this season compared to 15 at the same point last year, effectively neutralizing many of the league`s talented attackers.
Meanwhile, Gotham enters Saturday`s match in inconsistent league form, despite having recently become the first champions of the Concacaf W Champions Cup just two weeks prior. Their league campaign has been hampered by injuries. Versatile players like Emily Sonnett and Jess Carter have filled in at center back due to Tierna Davidson`s absence, and rookie Sarah Schupansky has played an attacking midfield role in place of Rose Lavelle. This has impacted their results; Gotham, typically known for defensive solidity, has conceded 10 goals in 10 league games while scoring only 12, with Esther Gonzalez accounting for seven of those goals.
Saturday`s game could be a turning point for Gotham, particularly with Rose Lavelle potentially returning to the lineup. The Women`s World Cup winner has not played since undergoing ankle surgery in December. Her return could significantly boost Gotham`s offensive output. Last season, despite missing early matches due to a lower leg issue, she scored eight goals and provided one assist, playing a key role in Gotham becoming one of the league`s strongest attacking teams.