USMNT Faces Colombia and Brazil in Preparation for Copa America

The United States is set to take on two South American soccer giants in a series of high-level friendly matches next month. The US Men's National Soccer Team (USMNT) is preparing for clashes against Colombia and Brazil, both presenting a crucial challenge for Gregg Berhalter's squad as they seek to build a solid team for the Copa America.

The first battle is scheduled for June 8th when the US hosts Colombia in Washington, D.C. The matchup promises to be a rigorous test, with the Colombians arriving in great form, boasting an impressive 21-game unbeaten streak, including a win over Spain. For the Americans, it's a chance to reverse an unfavorable history, where they've struggled against the South American side over the years.

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Next up, on June 12th, all eyes will be on Orlando, Florida, where the United States will face Brazil. Taking on the Brazilian National Team, one of the powerhouses of world soccer, is always an intimidating challenge. With an unfavorable record of just one win in nineteen encounters, the Americans will be determined to prove their worth against the five-time world champions.

These friendlies are not just preparatory matches; they are crucial opportunities for the USMNT to test their ability and elevate their game to a higher level. With the 2024 Copa America on the horizon, each game is a chance to solidify a cohesive and confident team ready to compete in a prestigious international tournament.

Looking at the roster, we see a mix of talented youngsters and experienced veterans, representing clubs from around the world. Names like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tyler Adams bring with them a wealth of experience at both club and international levels. Meanwhile, promising players like Gio Reyna and Ricardo Pepi are ready to make their mark and showcase their potential on a broader stage.

In addition to individual talent, team cohesion will be key. The chemistry among players, especially those who share the same club or league, can play a crucial role in the team's success. With five sets of club teammates from European clubs on the roster, including pairs from AC Milan and Juventus, there's a solid foundation to build that camaraderie and confidence within the team.

Here are the called-up players:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Ethan Horvath (Cardiff City/WAL; 9/0), Sean Johnson (Toronto FC/CAN; 13/0), Matt Turner (Nottingham Forest/ENG; 39/0)

DEFENDERS (9): Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic/SCO; 16/0), Kristoffer Lund (Palermo/ITA; 3/0), Mark McKenzie (Genk/BEL; 13/0), Shaq Moore (Nashville SC; 18/1), Tim Ream (Fulham/ENG; 56/1), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG; 16/1), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG; 41/4), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati; 29/3), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 9/0)

MIDFIELDERS (8): Tyler Adams (Bournemouth/ENG; 38/2), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis/ESP; 11/0), Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo/ESP; 20/0), Weston McKennie (Juventus/ITA; 51/11), Yunus Musah (AC Milan; ITA; 35/0), Gio Reyna (Nottingham Forest/ENG; 26/8), Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 10/0), Timmy Tillman (LAFC; 1/0)

FORWARDS (7): Brenden Aaronson (Union Berlin/GER; 40/8), Folarin Balogun (Monaco/FRA; 10/3), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 23/10), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan/ITA; 66/28), Josh Sargent (Norwich City/ENG; 23/5), Tim Weah (Juventus/ITA; 37/5), Haji Wright (Coventry City/ENG; 9/4)