Grading the 18 man Olympic roster

After a 16-year absence, the U.S. Men’s Soccer Team is set to make its comeback at the Olympic Games, marking a significant milestone in of some US teams not completely sucking. Under the guidance of head coach Marko Mitrović, the squad of 18 players, along with four alternates, is getting ready to compete in Paris. The Olympic soccer tournament, primarily featuring U-23 players with three overage slots, is the last tournament of the summer before European club football starts back up.

The U.S. is placed in a challenging group alongside host nation France, New Zealand, and Guinea. With the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout rounds, the U.S. faces a difficult task. Their campaign kicks off against France on July 24, followed by matches against New Zealand on July 27 and Guinea on July 30.

Deep Dive into the Roster

Goalkeepers:

• Patrick Schulte, Columbus Crew (2002)

• Gaga Slonina, Eupen (2004)

• Alternate: John Pulskamp, Sporting KC (2001)

No surprises here, as Schulte and Slonina have both demonstrated reliability and skill. Pulskamp, a solid alternate, rounds out this crucial position.

Full-Backs:

• Nathan Harriel, Philadelphia Union (2001)

• John Tolkin, RBNY (2002)

• Caleb Wiley, Atlanta United (2004)

• Alternate: Jake Davis, Sporting KC (2002)

Bryan Reynolds’ absence, due to his club Westerlo’s decision not to release him, is significant. Consequently, Tolkin and Wiley, both left-backs, join the squad, with Harriel as the primary right-back. Harriel’s versatility allows him to slot into center-back if needed. Taylor Booth offers an attacking right-back option, drawing on his experience with Bayern. Jake Davis serves as a backup for Harriel.

Center-Backs:

• Walker Zimmerman, Nashville SC (1993)

• Miles Robinson, FC Cincinnati (1997)

• Maximilian Dietz, Greuther Fürth (2002)

Zimmerman and Robinson bring leadership and stability as the overage players in defense. While some might have preferred Mark McKenzie and Auston Trusty, Zimmerman and Robinson are expected to anchor the backline. Dietz, the sole age-eligible center-back, has proven his worth and will be crucial in this tournament.

The CB spot in this age range has been week for years. It makes sense if this team is looking to make a deep run to use two overage slots here.

Midfielders:

• Tanner Tessmann, Venezia (2001)

• Jack McGlynn, Philadelphia Union (2003)

• Gianluca Busio, Venezia (2002)

• Benja Cremaschi, Inter Miami (2005)

• Alternate: Josh Atencio, Seattle Sounders (2002)

Tessmann, the team captain, stands out as a key player. His potential move to Inter Milan adds to his profile. Busio, his club teammate, will be vital in midfield. McGlynn’s playmaking and Cremaschi’s box-to-box energy round out this group. Cremaschi’s inclusion also cap-ties him to the U.S.

Attacking Players:

• Djordje Mihailovic, Colorado Rapids (1998)

• Paxten Aaronson, Vitesse (2003)

• Taylor Booth, Utrecht (2001)

• Griffin Yow, Westerlo (2002)

• Kevin Paredes, Wolfsburg (2003)

Mihailovic’s inclusion as an overage player has sparked debate, especially with Diego Luna’s exclusion. Aaronson, Paredes, Yow, and Booth, however, are well-deserved selections. Aaronson’s versatility and Booth’s flexibility make them key assets. Yow has had a breakout season in Belgium and is expected to make significant contributions. Paredes will be a vital attacking force, capable of playing multiple roles.

Striker:

• Duncan McGuire, Orlando City (2001)

• Alternate: Johan Gomez, Eintracht Braunschweig (2001)

McGuire’s selection was anticipated, given his consistent presence. The absence of another experienced striker raises concerns, with speculation around potential overage options like Brandon Vazquez, who was not released. Gomez serves as an alternate but struggled in the lead-up matches.

Who’s Missing and Why?

Several notable players are absent due to club commitments, injuries, or selection decisions.

Not Released:

• Bryan Reynolds, Westerlo (2001): Reynolds’ club did not release him, affecting right-back depth.

• Jalen Neal, LA Galaxy (2003): Unclear if Neal was not selected or not released.

• Rokas Pukstas, Hajduk Split (2004): Split did not release Pukstas, who is poised for a club move.

• Brandon Vazquez, Monterrey (1998): Monterrey did not release Vazquez.

Injured:

• Justin Che, Brøndby (2003): Injuries kept Che from competing for a roster spot.

Not Selected:

• Diego Luna, Real Salt Lake (2003): Luna’s exclusion is surprising given his form and playmaking abilities.

• Cole Bassett, Colorado Rapids (2001): Despite a strong season, Bassett did not make the cut.

  

• Chris Brady, Chicago Fire (2004): Third on the depth chart, Brady’s exclusion is understandable.

• Jonathan Gomez, Real Sociedad (2003): Declined an alternate spot.

• Theodore Ku-DiPietro, D.C. United (2002): Consistent early in the cycle but faded later.

• Brian Gutierrez, Chicago Fire (2003): Second-best chance creator in this age group.

• Cade Cowell, Chivas (2003): Surprising exclusion, offering speed and versatility.

• Esmir Bajraktarevic, New England Revolution (2005): Tough exclusion, given his dual-national status.

• Damion Downs, Koln (2004): Didn’t impress enough in the final camp.

Roster Evaluation: C+

Overall, the roster is well-constructed, but the overage selections could have been more forward-thinking. Mihailovic over Luna remains contentious, with many preferring Luna or Gutierrez. The lack of another experienced striker is also a point of concern. Advancing from the group stage is the minimum expectation, and the knockout rounds if we make it, will test the team’s ability to lock it down in do-or-die matches.