It’s time to take the real test under Pochettino.
The U.S. men’s national team has released their official roster for their upcoming Nations League quarterfinals bout against Jamaica.
USMNT roster for Nations League quarterfinals vs. Jamaica
This squad will embark Mauricio Pochettino’s first official set of games at the head of the USMNT, with the national team looking to seal their ticket for the tournament’s Final Four in 2025.
Our full @CNationsLeague quarterfinals squad pic.twitter.com/908ZUt2UOQ
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) November 10, 2024
Action will begin on Tuesday, Nov. 14 in Kingston, Jamaica, with the second leg being played at Energizer Park in St. Louis, Missouri on Monday, Nov. 18.
Three key takeaways from Pochettino’s first USMNT Nations League roster
The 25-player roster for the USMNT’s pair of clashes against Jamaica had a mix of expected call-ups and surprises — both from appearing and being missing from the list.
Liga MX and MLS takeover in USMNT roster
Mauricio Pochettino has completely disregarded the growing displeasure from USMNT fans of seeing players not actively playing in Europe called up for the national team, with the Argentine manager including seven players from both Liga MX and Major League Soccer.
Former San Jose Earthquakes and USMNT U-21 player, Cade Cowell (Chivas), Alejandro Zendejas (Club América) and Brandon Vázquez (CF Monterrey) will make the trip from Mexico, whereas Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew), Tim Team (Charlotte FC) and Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati) are the players currently in MLS.
No MLS Young Player of the Year — Diego Luna
Real Salt Lake’s Diego Luna continues to be overlooked for a U.S. men’s national team call-up, with the 21-year-old’s recent 2024 MLS Young Player of the Year award still not being enough for the senior team.
21-year-old Diego Luna is the 2024 MLS Young Player of the Year
He had eight goals and eight assists in the league for Real Salt Lake pic.twitter.com/1On1TL6cQX— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 7, 2024
The attacker had a marvelous season in MLS, scoring eight goals and providing eight assists across 33 appearances.
Why are Tim Weah, Folarin Balogun and Tyler Adams missing from Nations League roster? Here's why
The roster also saw the exclusion of USMNT big fish Timothy Weah, Folarin Balogun and Tyler Adams, with their absences having clear explanations.
Weah — red carded in the USMNT’s second Copa America game last summer — will be serving the end of his suspension. His incredible form for Juventus in the Serie A makes his exclusion a real shame.
Balogun picked up an injury for Ligue 1’s AS Monaco and is expected to be out for the weeks to come.
This is similar to Adams’ case, with the midfielder’s back surgery in the summer allowing him to make his first appearance for Bournemouth in the Premier League last week. Considering his fitness level, both the USMNT and Adams probably agreed to leave the player out of the call-up.
