USMNT: Breaking down Gregg Berhalter’s first squad

Gregg Berhalter announced his first USMNT squad this week. Here is the full squad, including a breakdown of what the new head coach may be planning.

The Gregg Berhalter era is officially underway for the U.S. Men’s National Team. 27 players were called to Chula Vista as Berhalter will begin to implement his system with some familiar and new faces.

As with most January camp rosters, Berhalter’s first squad is filled with entirely MLS players. European leagues are in full swing in January and it is an ideal time for the USMNT to get a look at their domestic-based contingent. Let’s take a look at who made the cut.

Goalkeepers (4): Alex Bono (Toronto FC), Sean Johnson (New York City FC), Tyler Miller (LAFC), Zack Steffen (Columbus Crew SC)

Defenders (10): Reggie Cannon (FC Dallas), Greg Garza (FC Cincinnati), Justen Glad (Real Salt Lake), Nick Lima (San Jose Earthquakes), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls), Daniel Lovitz (Montreal Impact), Mark McKenzie (Philadelphia Union), Keegan Rosenberry (Colorado Rapids), Auston Trusty (Philadelphia Union), Walker Zimmerman (LAFC)

Midfielders (10): Kellyn Acosta (Colorado Rapids), Paul Arriola (DC United), Corey Baird (Real Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Russell Canouse (DC United), Marky Delgado (Toronto FC), Sebastian Lletget (LA Galaxy), Djordje Mihailovic (Chicago Fire), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew SC)

Forwards (3): Jeremy Ebobisse (Portland Timbers), Christian Ramirez (LAFC), Gyasi Zardes (Columbus Crew SC)

When talking about the roster Berhalter said:

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"“We are very excited to start to implement our ideas about the style of play and the culture we want to develop into the National Team.”"

As expected, Berhalter dipped into familiar faces with three Columbus Crew players making the roster. Their experience with Berhalter’s system will be crucial in having players in all phases of the ball that are familiar with how Berhalter wants the team to play. LAFC and Toronto FC are the other two teams who had three players called up to this squad. Veteran Michael Bradley returns to the national team and will bring in the most experienced presence for this roster.

For many on this squad, the friendlies versus Panama and Costa Rica will be their first opportunities to appear for the USMNT. 13 players are uncapped, with the defensive group being the most inexperienced on the national level. 7 of the 10 defenders called up have never appeared for the USMNT and a number of them are sure to make their breakthrough in the two matches.

When selecting the team, Berhalter mentioned focusing on getting players who will build the future core, players who excelled in MLS this year and players who can fit the system. He stuck true to these principles in each position group having uncapped players coming off strong MLS campaigns, experienced players and youth in every phase of the pitch.

Berhalter’s system showed proven success in Columbus. There have been many questions regarding how he will adapt his style without a true attacking midfielder as he had with Federico Higuain in Columbus, but with the players called up to this squad, it seems that in the friendlies he will implement an adjusted version of his system.

USMNT fans are desperate to see growth and excitement around the national team again. It will be crucial for Berhalter to make a good first impression in his first two friendlies. How the team plays and adapts to the pace of play, the system and his management style will all be under a keen eye in Chula Vista and in the matches versus familiar CONCACAF opponents.

This is an exciting time for the USMNT. The Gregg Berhalter era is now underway.