USMNT: Analyzing the roster for Colombia and Peru friendlies

Another set of international friendlies await the United States Men’s National Team. Here’s what to watch for from this USMNT roster.

After going with a primarily young roster since the World Cup qualifying exit of the United States Men’s National Team, this next set of friendlies will see some of the veterans in the player pool return to the pitch.

Michael Bradley and Brad Guzan are two of the veteran players who will make their return. Both players have not made an appearance for the USMNT since November of 2017.

From the old guard to the new guys, Ben Sweat, Aaron Long, Reggie Cannon, and Jonathan Amon will all be seeking their first appearance.

Here’s the complete roster.

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Goalkeepers 

Brad Guzan, Ethan Horvath, Zack Steffen

Defenders

John Brooks, Reggie Cannon. Cameron Carter-Vickers, Aaron Long, Matt Miazga, Antonee Robinson, Ben Sweat, DeAndre Yedlin

Midfielders 

Kellyn Acosta, Tyler Adams, Jonathan Amon, Michael Bradley, Julian Green, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, Kenny Saief, Wil Trapp, Tim Weah

Forwards 

Andrija Novakovich, Josh Sargent, Bobby Wood

Pulisic and Sargent return

Christian Pulisic missed the last two friendlies and will make his return to the USMNT. It has been a good start to the season for the Borussia Dortmund midfielder. The USMNT will benefit from having the playmaker back after scoring just one goal during the September schedule.

Josh Sargent stayed back with Werder Bremen during the last international break and makes his return. Scoring six goals for the U-23 side, the 18-year-old striker will be looking to translate his club form to the international stage.

Will the striker questions start to be answered?

One of the areas the USMNT is currently struggling in is up-front. There isn’t a clear-cut starter and options range from the young and inexperienced to veterans who are perhaps being eased out of the squad. These two matches could reveal a glimpse of who can help the U.S. in goalscoring. Sargent is showing he can be the leader but his lack of first-team experience for Bremen has left questions about if he is ready to perform for a top-flight club.

Andrija Novakovich has scored four goals in seven matches for Fortuna Sittard and continues to impress in the Dutch Eredivisie. If he can make the most of his playing time, perhaps Novakovich can make his case as the top striker in the U.S. player pool.

Backline continues to take shape

Six of the eight defenders named to the roster have fewer than 10 appearances for the USMNT. Surprisingly, Matt Miazga only has nine appearances but seems to be one of the top defenders as he has been a regular in the line-up for Ligue 1 side Nantes. DeAndre Yedlin continues to be the leader on the backline and will be the player with the most appearances out of the eight.

For the others, these friendlies will continue to be an audition for competitions to come and will give them an opportunity to showcase their development.