USMNT: Berhalter releases roster for match against Trinidad and Tobago
By Nathan Dunn
USMNT head coach Greg Berhalter released the 25-man roster that he has selected for his side’s first match of the year against Trinidad & Tobago on Jan. 31. The roster is made up of all MLS-based players, including 10 players who could make their USMNT debut. This match will bring an end to the January Camp, which included a mix of veteran players with some of the youth spread out across MLS working with Jason Kreis and the US U-23 National team.
https://twitter.com/USMNT/status/1353403195301756929?s=20
The squad averages 10 caps with an average age just shy of 24 years old. There are 15 MLS clubs are represented, with Orlando City leading with four players while the Colorado Rapids have two players in the squad.
Perhaps the most exciting thing to watch is that there are 16 players age-eligible for the 2021 CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Championship in March. This will be another good opportunity to put them in an organized game against other opposition to see who can find success and see how certain players react to different situations in a more competitive environment.
Of the 10 cap-less players in the roster, three of them are keepers. While the keeper who starts against Trinidad & Tobago won’t be the first choice when everyone is available, it will give some good insight on the depth chart at that position.
More from MLS Multiplex
- Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
- Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
- USA, Honduras, Panama, and Canada Close in on a Spot in the 2024 Copa America
- De Gea Turns Down Al-Nassr’s Lucrative Offer: Speculation Points to Possible Reunion with Messi at Inter Miami
- Messi’s Magnetic Impact in the United States
From the defense, Sam Vines stands out with another shot to impress. The Colorado Rapids left-back will be keen to make a name for himself and earn further looks with everyone available for selection.
It will also be interesting to see if Berhalter puts in the more surehanded Aaron Long and Walker Zimerman or if he opts to give others a shot.
The midfield has some decent experience with Kellyn Acosta, Sebastian Lletget, and Cristian Roldan. Outside of that, you have Jackson Yueill with eight appearances before Benji Michel, Amdrés Perea, and Tanner Tessmann, who could make their debut.
Finally, Jozy Altidore could make his first appearance for the USMNT since their disappointing Gold Cup Final loss against Mexico in 2019. Alongside Altidore is another veteran, Paul Arriola, who can always put in some impressive performances.
Daryl Dike will be eager to see his first minutes for the USMNT after leaving the last camp injured. Lastly, Chris Mueller will look to build on his two-goal performance in his USMNT debut against El Salvador in December.
Must Read. Moses Nyeman is easily a star in the making. light
While some familiar names will play, it will be interesting to see how many do. It would be good to see Altidore back, but this is also a great opportunity to see a player like Daryl Dike. Playing someone like Paul Arriola for 90 minutes wouldn’t really make sense, but playing giving some minutes to a player like Jonathan Lewis or Jesús Ferreira would serve the US well. In the end, it is vital that Berhalter selects who he truly sees as a good fit for the future of his team and those who he sees as benefiting from this experience.