Marko Mitrović Announces USMNT Players Called Up for the Olympics in Paris
After a long 16-year hiatus, the United States men's soccer team returns to the Olympic Games, ready to face the challenges of Paris 2024. The recent call-up of 25 players for the final training camp in Kansas City marks a crucial step in this journey, with a combination of young talents and experienced veterans, including the strategic inclusion of Walker Zimmerman as an overage player.
The roster announced by coach Marko Mitrović highlights the diversity and promise of American soccer. With players from 21 different clubs, including 10 from Major League Soccer (MLS) and another 13 playing internationally, the team reflects a mix of styles and experiences that could be key to Olympic success. The youth of the team, with most players born after 2001, offers a fresh and dynamic perspective. Players like Benjamin Cremaschi and Esmir Bajraktarevic, who are still eligible for the 2028 Games, represent the bright future that American soccer can expect.
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The inclusion of Walker Zimmerman, an experienced defender with 42 appearances for the senior team, as one of the overage players is a strategic decision that could bring stability and leadership to the group. Zimmerman's experience, having participated in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, will be invaluable in guiding the young players in such a competitive tournament as the Olympics. Leadership on the field is a crucial component for any team, especially in a tournament where the pressure is immense. Zimmerman's presence could be the defensive anchor the team needs, providing security and confidence to the less experienced teammates.
Several players called up are on the rise, playing vital roles in their respective club teams. Aidan Morris and Patrick Schulte, from Columbus Crew, have been fundamental in the team's campaign in the Concacaf Champions League, while Gianluca Busio and Tanner Tessmann have been key players in Venezia's fight for promotion to Italy's Serie A. These performances highlight not only the quality of the players but also their ability to perform under pressure. The experience gained in high-level competitions can be transferred to the international stage, where the competition will be fierce.
The call-up also celebrates resilience, with the return of players who have overcome significant injuries. Jalen Neal, Benjamin Cremaschi, and Taylor Booth have all faced physical challenges but have come back strong, ready to contribute to the Olympic campaign.
The call-up for the final training camp before the 2024 Olympic Games is a sign of hope and renewal for U.S. men's soccer. The combination of youth, experience, and resilience creates a solid foundation for the team to face future challenges. With talented and motivated players, led by experienced veterans like Walker Zimmerman, the USA is ready to rewrite its history on the Olympic stage.
U.S. MEN’S OLYMPIC SOCCER TEAM – JUNE TRAINING CAMP – KANSAS CITY
GOALKEEPERS (2):
Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew; St. Charles, Mo.),
Gaga Slonina (Chelsea/ENG; Addison, Ill.)
DEFENDERS (7):
Nathan Harriel (Philadelphia Union; Oldsmar, Fla.),
Jalen Neal (LA Galaxy; Lakewood, Calif.),
Bryan Reynolds (KVC Westerlo/BEL; Fort Worth, Texas),
John Tolkin (New York Red Bulls; Chatham, N.J.),
Jonathan Tomkinson (Norwich City/ENG; Plano, Texas),
Caleb Wiley (Atlanta United FC; Atlanta, Ga.),
Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC; Lawrenceville, Ga.)
MIDFIELDERS (7):
Cole Bassett (Colorado Rapids; Littleton, Colo.),
Gianluca Busio (Venezia/ITA; Greensboro, N.C.),
Benjamin Cremaschi (Inter Miami CF; Key Biscayne, Fla.),
Jack McGlynn (Philadelphia Union; Queens, N.Y.),
Aidan Morris (Columbus Crew; Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.),
Rokas Pukstas (Hajduk Split/CRO; Stillwater, Okla.),
Tanner Tessmann (Venezia/ITA; Birmingham, Ala.)
FORWARDS (9):
Paxten Aaronson (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER; Medford, N.J.),
Esmir Bajraktarevic (New England Revolution; Appleton, Wisc.),
Taylor Booth (Utrecht/NED; Eden, Utah),
Cade Cowell (Guadalajara/MEX; Ceres, Calif.),
Damion Downs (Köln/GER; Schwebenried, Germany),
Johan Gomez (Eintracht Braunschweig/GER; Keller, Texas),
Duncan McGuire (Orlando City SC; Omaha, Neb.),
Kevin Paredes (Wolfsburg/GER; South Riding, Va.),
Griffin Yow (KVC Westerlo/BEL; Clifton, Va.)