The initial reaction to BJ Callaghan’s first official squad selection for the Gold Cup has certainly not been the smashing success they would have wanted. In the past the US has treated the Gold Cup as a way to rotate appearances, and to get game time, but even then the squad selection is largely disappointing considering we see the same stale names over and over again.
Defenders
Names: (Club)
DeJuan Jones (New England Revolution) / Aaron Long (Los Angeles FC) Matt Miazga (FC Cincinnati) / Jalen Neal (LA Galaxy) / Bryan Reynolds (Westerlo) Miles Robinson (Atlanta United) / John Tolkin (New York Red Bulls) / DeAndre Yedlin (Inter Miami)
The defensive side of this roster consists of 7 MLS players and 1 player from the Belgian Pro League, but for this tournament a largely MLS squad is expected. DeJuan Jones, John Tolkin, Jalen Neal, and Bryan Reynolds all have made up a total of 8 appearances for the national team combined. There is definitely a good opportunity for several of them to make a good impression, and make the next squad. Overall a weak selection, but it’ll do. Disappointing to see Aaron Long continue to make the squad, and John Brooks doesn’t.
Midfielders
Name (Club)
Gianluca Busio (Venezia) / Djordje Mihailovic (AZ Alkmaar) / Aidan Morris (Columbus Crew) / Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC) / James Sands (New York City FC) / Alan Sonora (FC Juarez)
The midfield is made up of 3 players from MLS, 1 from Serie B, 1 from the Eredevise, and 1 from Liga MX. This lineup of midfield callups has some interesting picks for sure. Gianluca Busio has had a chance with the national team before but the season he just had certainly wasn’t convincing of much. Especially, considering his Venezia teammate Tanner Tessman had a productive season in Serie B. Aidan Morris, the brother of Jordan is one to lookout for especially because he’s had a good start to the MLS season. It seems players like Roldan keep coming back, but a good senior midfielder is needed for this squad selection.
Attackers
Name (Club)
Cade Cowell (San Jose Earthquakes) / Jesus Ferreira (FC Dallas) / Julian Gressel (Vancouver Whitecaps) / Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders FC) / Brandon Vazquez (Fc Cinncinati) / Alex Zendejas (CF America)
The attackers in this squad leave much to be desired, but again the time period meant there wasn’t much of a player pool to pick from. There are 5 MLS players, and 1 Liga MX player, which makes it MLS dominated. Cade Cowell is just coming off a U20 World cup stint which ended abruptly against Uruguay. It’s nice to see Zendejas back after spending so much time making sure he committed to the States. I think all American fans are just counting the days until Balogun gets to put on the jersey.
Goalkeepers
Name(Club)
Sean Johnson (Toronto FC) / Gaga Slonina (Chelsea) / Matt Turner (Arsenal)
The goalkeeper selection is actually extremely strong. They managed to get Matt Turner coming off of his strong Premier League season. Gaga Slonina is the most promising goalkeeper in the US ranks, so it wouldn’t be bad to see him get some more game time.
Overall Thoughts
It should be an exciting next couple of years in American soccer with Lionel Messi joining Inter Miami, and hosting the next World Cup AND the next Copa America. It isn’t the best roster, but weak opposition, and players with a lot to prove will make for a good watch. Catch the first game Thursday the 15th of June, at 10:00 PM EST.
Update: There is a review of the tournament here.
