Reigning champions, the U.S. are one of the favourites for the title. But who is on their Gold Cup roster?
This summer, the U.S. men's national team will hope to win their second consecutive CONCACAF Gold Cup title, while also joining Mexico as the team with the most success in the competition (8).
However, the squad chosen for this year's Gold Cup is relatively young and inexperience, with many notable names such as Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, Gio Reyna, Sergino Dest and Weston McKennie set to miss out on the action.
Despite only five members making it from the side which won the CONCACAF Nations League recently, this team is still packed with talent, and there will be high expectations on head coach B.J. Callaghan to get the U.S. another Gold Cup success.
So, who has Callahan trusted to deliver on the big stage and handle the pressure that comes with playing for the USMNT?
GOAL breaks down Callahan's 23-player Gold Cup squad…
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GOALKEEPERS
Apart from perhaps promising talent Gabriel Slonina's inclusion, the goalkeeper selection for this year's Gold Cup is more or less what was expected.
Matt Turner is expected to continue between the sticks ever since establishing his position as the U.S' no.1 with an impressive display and contribution to the nation's success at the last Gold Cup, where he kept five clean sheets in six games.
Veteran Sean Johnson and Slonina will likely compete to be Turner's deputy and replacement in case he is not able to play sometime during the tournament. While Johnson has much more experience, the Chelsea goalkeeper has shown a lot of potential to grow, and Callahan could use the tournament as an opportunity to eventually make him the country's next main goalkeeper.
| Name |
Club |
| Matt Turner |
Arsenal |
| Sean Johnson |
Toronto FC |
| Gabriel Slonina |
Chelsea |
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DEFENDERS
Like most of the team, the U.S. defence sees a big reshuffle as they head into this year's Gold Cup, with several new inclusions.
Matt Miazga, DeAndre Yedlin, and Aaron Long will look to provide experience at the back. Miles Robinson is also included after featuring in the Nations League success.
Jalen Neal and John Tolkin are the new kids on the block, with both U21 players set to play their first major tournament for the U.S.
| Name |
Club |
| DeAndre Yedlin |
Inter Miami |
| Matt Miazga |
FC Cincinnati |
| Aaron Long |
Los Angeles FC |
| Bryan Reynolds |
Westerlo |
| Miles Robison |
Atlanta United |
| DeJuan Jones |
New England Revolution |
| Jalen Neal |
LA Galaxy |
| John Tolkin |
NY Red Bulls |
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MIDFIELDERS
Compared to the midfield which was seen at the Nations League recently, the squad for the Gold Cup will see a revamped U.S. midfield due to injuries and notable omissions.
The likes of James Sands and Aidan Morris would be options for the solitary holding midfielder on the side. Djordje Mihailovic and Cristian Roldan would most likely be the midfield partnership in front of either Sands or Morris.
Alan Sonora makes his return to the squad after featuring in the Nations League, while youngster Gianluca Busio is also available and could make a mark for himself in this tournament.
| Name |
Club |
| Gianluca Busio |
Venezia |
| Alan Sonora |
Juarez |
| James Sands |
NY City FC |
| Djordje Mihailovic |
AZ Alkmaar |
| Cristian Roldan |
Seattle Sounders |
| Aidan Morris |
Columbus Crew |
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Forwards
Similar to the midfield, there are many absentees in the attacking department for the U.S. heading into the Gold Cup. However, many on the squad will take this as an opportunity to show they deserve a place along with the usual inclusions.
All eyes will be on winger Cade Cowell who is coming off an exceptional performance at the U20 World Cup, where he was USA's top-scorer with three goals.
On the other hand, Jesus Ferreira and Brandon Vasquez will be pining to show that they've still got it, and can challenge recent addition Balogun as the team's lead marksman.
| Name |
Club |
| Jesus Ferreira |
FC Dallas |
| Cade Cowell |
San Jose Earthquakes |
| Alejandro Zendejas |
America |
| Brandon Vasquez |
FC Cincinnati |
| Julian Gressel |
Vancouver Whitecaps |
| Jordan Morris |
Seattle Sounders |