USMNT, still waiting for coach, names roster for upcoming friendlies

The United States men’s national soccer team still doesn’t have a full-time head coach, but it does have its first roster since Gregg Berhalter’s departure.

With Mauricio Pochettino’s hiring seemingly imminent, the U.S. Soccer Federation announced a 24-man roster Sunday for friendlies against Canada on Saturday in Kansas City, Kansas, and New Zealand on Sept. 10 in Cincinnati.

Mikey Varas, who coaches the U-20 national team, selected the roster and planned the camp — the Americans’ first since their disappointing performance at the Copa América that led to Berhalter’s ouster on July 10.

“As the search for a new head coach continues, Mikey Varas will serve as interim head coach,” the USSF said. The governing body has not commented on Pochettino’s status or the search.

However, the 52-year-old Argentine, who has coached five European clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, has reportedly agreed a contract until the 2026 World Cup and plans to observe the team during that international window.

The announcement of the deal has been delayed, however, by Pochettino’s negotiations with his last employer, Chelsea, over a financial settlement and the approval of the pact by the USSF board, which is considered a formality. Barring any last-minute problems, Pochettino will make his debut on the bench on October 12 against Panama in Austin.

For now, Varas will lead a squad that includes 18 Copa America players, led by striker Christian Pulisic (AC Milan) and midfielders Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund) and Yunus Musah (AC Milan).

“What we want to do is set these players up for success to make sure they have an easy transition with a new coach,” Varas said in a statement.

Several regulars are missing: left-back Antonee Robinson (Fulham) needed a rest after playing almost a year straight and undergoing two minor operations; midfielder Weston McKennie (Juventus) is working on his fitness after a late start to pre-season; and centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic) is nursing a toe injury.

All are expected to report to next month’s camp, which will also include an October 15 friendly against rivals Mexico in Guadalajara.

Midfielder Tyler Adams, wingers Tim Weah and Kevin Paredes, midfielder Gianluca Busio and right-back Sergiño Dest were not considered due to injuries.

Midfielder Tanner Tessmann, captain of the Olympic team and signed last week by Olympique Lyonnais, should have been called up but he needed time to work on his fitness after a brief offseason. Two Olympians were retained: goalkeeper Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew) and defender Caleb Wiley (Strasbourg).

Other new faces include midfielder Aidan Morris, who joined Middlesbrough in England this summer from Columbus, and defender Auston Trusty, who joined Scottish champions Celtic last week from Sheffield United in England.

Thirteen players are 23 or younger, with the average age of the players being 24 and a half. The youngest is goalkeeper Diego Kochen, 18, who plays for FC Barcelona’s reserve team. He and defender Marlon Fossey (Standard Liège) are hoping to make their debuts in the United States.

Schulte and veteran defender Tim Ream, who joined Charlotte FC last month from Premier League side Fulham, were the only MLS selections.

“September is always a tricky time,” Varas said in a statement. “You have players coming off international tournaments and going straight into pre-season, players trying to establish themselves and establish themselves at clubs, and there’s a lot of movement in the transfer window. So you have to look at the bigger picture and see what’s best in the long term.”

Varas’ team will include Nico Estevez, an American assistant from 2019 to 2021, and Jack Robinson, named USSF’s head of goalkeeping after six years under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. Robinson previously worked for the English Football Association, Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Leeds United.

List of American players

Goalkeepers: Ethan Horvath (Cardiff City), Diego Kochen (FC Barcelona II), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace).

Defenders: Auston Trusty (Celtic), Marlon Fossey (Standard de Liège), Kristoffer Lund (Palermo), Mark McKenzie (Tolouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Caleb Wiley (Strasbourg).

Midfield: Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis), Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo), Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough), Yunus Musah (AC Milan), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund), Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven).

Forwards: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Josh Sargent (Norwich City), Haji Wright (Coventry City).