Gio Reyna left out of the latest U.S. soccer roster: What does it mean for the young star's future?
Among the goalkeepers, Matt Turner, a standout from the Nottingham Forest, is the most experienced with 14 caps to his name, while Drake Callender from Inter Miami, and Ethan Horvath, also from Nottingham Forest, provide the additional options.
The Defense
Despite the absence of Walker Zimmerman and Cameron Carter-Vickers, the defensive selection sees the return of full-back Sergiño Dest from PSV Eindhoven and Tim Ream from Fulham. The inclusion of Kristoffer Lund, a 21-year-old Danish American who recently applied for a switch of national allegiance, adds a new face to the defense line.
Midfield and Attack
In the midfield, the presence of Weston McKennie from Juventus and Yunus Musah from AC Milan brings experience and creativity. Upfront, the team will look to the goal-scoring prowess of Christian Pulisic from AC Milan and Tim Weah from Juventus, along with the young talents of Brenden Aaronson from Union Berlin and Folarin Balogun from Arsenal.
Implications and Expectations
With the average age of players being less than 24 years, this roster clearly reflects Berhalter's focus on youth and long-term development. The incorporation of several less-capped players alongside seasoned veterans points to a strategy of balance and gradual integration.
However, the absence of Gio Reyna, one of the most talented young players in the U.S., due to injury, is a significant blow. Reyna's ongoing struggles with injury and his tense relationship with Berhalter are set to continue as a topic of discussions among fans and pundits.
The Upcoming Games
The upcoming friendlies against Uzbekistan and Oman will provide a critical test for these chosen players and the team's overall composition. The outcomes of these games will likely influence the team's makeup for future competitive fixtures, as well as the strategies adopted by Berhalter.
As the dust settles on this roster announcement, all eyes will be on the U.S. team as they gear up for their first training session in St. Louis on Monday. The return of Berhalter, the new faces in the roster, and the absence of key players, all add an intriguing subplot to the national team's journey towards the 2026 World Cup.