Americans will face CONCACAF rival Costa Rica in Carson, Calif. on Feb. 1.
The United States men’s national team hopes to play in the next World Cup. The program will spend the majority of its January training camp in Qatar with the hope the early acclimatization with the country, culture and logistics may pay dividends once then 2022 World Cup kicks off in the Middle Eastern nation.
Monday, U.S. Soccer announced a 25-man roster that will train with manager Gregg Berhalter in January. As is typically the case, an overwhelming majority of those called up play for Major League Soccer clubs.
“At the start of an exciting year, this is a great opportunity to continue our process and build on the foundation established in the last 12 months. At the same, there are a number of players getting their first exposure to the senior national team who will be provided the platform to make a positive impression. We appreciate all the support and cooperation from MLS and the clubs that released their players and gave us a chance to get a head start on the challenges ahead.”
USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter in a statement to ussoccer.com
None of the players called in are members of Florida’s two MLS clubs, Orlando City and Inter Miami. Colorado Rapids winger and Plantation resident Jonathan Lewis was the only Floridian invited to the USMNT’s January camp.
Along with the announcement of its January roster, U.S. Soccer announced the USMNT’s first fixture of 2020. The Americans will host Costa Rica in Carson, Calif. on Feb. 1.
The United States has won three of its last five meetings against Costa Rica. However, the two Los Ticos wins came at a most opportune time — during World Cup Qualifying.
USMNT January roster
(Club; Caps/Goals)
GOALKEEPERS (4): Bill Hamid (D.C. United; 6/0), Sean Johnson (New York City FC; 8/0), JT Marcinkowski (San Jose Earthquakes; 0/0), Matt Turner (New England Revolution; 0/0)
DEFENDERS (8): Julian Araujo (LA Galaxy; 0/0), Reggie Cannon (FC Dallas; 10/0), Chase Gasper (Minnesota United FC; 0/0), Justen Glad (Real Salt Lake; 0/0), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls; 16/3), Mark McKenzie (Philadelphia Union; 0/0), Sam Vines (Colorado Rapids; 0/0), Walker Zimmerman (LAFC; 11/2)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Brenden Aaronson (Philadelphia Union; 0/0), Christian Cappis (Hobro/DEN; 0/0), Bryang Kayo (Unattached; 0/0), Sebastian Lletget (LA Galaxy; 13/2), Paxton Pomykal (FC Dallas; 1/0), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC; 19/0), Jackson Yueill (San Jose Earthquakes; 6/0)
FORWARDS (6): Paul Arriola (D.C. United; 32/5), Jesus Ferreira (FC Dallas; 0/0), Jonathan Lewis (Colorado Rapids; 5/0), Ulysses Llanez (Wolfsburg/GER; 0/0), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders FC; 39/10), Gyasi Zardes (Columbus Crew SC; 55/12)
