Mitrović's Almost Perfect USA U23 Squad
Breaking down the 25 man pre-Olympics roster
Marko Mitrović has called in 25 players for his final camp before making his final decision for the 2024 Paris Olympics. This is the largest squad he has selected so far. The players have one last chance to prove they deserve to be part of the prestigious U23 tournament. Olympic rules allow only 18 players on the active roster.
The United States will face Japan on June 11th in Kansas City for their final practice match before the Olympics. The most competitive positions heading into this camp are central-midfield and the wings.
Veteran Addition: Walker Zimmerman
Marko Mitrović has added veteran center-back Walker Zimmerman as an overage player. Zimmerman, with 42 caps for the USMNT and experience from the 2022 World Cup, brings leadership and stability to the squad.
Newcomers
The camp also includes four new faces:
Gaga Slonina, Chelsea goalkeeper on loan at Eupen
Damion Downs, FC Köln forward
Rokas Pukstas, Hajduk Split midfielder
Jalen Neal, LA Galaxy center back
These newcomers join regulars like Bryan Reynolds, John Tolkin, Gianluca Busio, Jack McGlynn, and Tanner Tessmann.
Goalkeepers
Patrick Schulte, Columbus Crew (2002)
Gaga Slonina, Eupen (2004)
No surprises here. Schulte and Slonina are the favorites for the goalkeeping spots. Chris Brady is the only other notable mention, but U.S. Soccer seems to prefer Schulte and Slonina.
Full-backs
RB, Nathan Harriel, Philadelphia Union (2001)
RB, Bryan Reynolds, Westerlo (2001)
LB, John Tolkin, RBNY (2002)
LB, Caleb Wiley, Atlanta United (2004)
This position group has been consistent. Harriel, Reynolds, Tolkin, and Wiley have all been regularly selected. It's unlikely all four will make the final roster. One of the left-backs might be cut, as other players like Harriel, Reynolds, and Paredes can cover the position. An overage player like Auston Trusty might also join as he can play center-back and left-back.
Center-backs
Walker Zimmerman, Nashville SC (1995)
Jalen Neal, LA Galaxy (2003)
Jon Tomkinson, Norwich City (2002)
This group has seen the most changes. Zimmerman, the only overage player, is likely the captain. Neal, the highest-rated age-eligible center-back, is now healthy and ready to compete. Tomkinson was selected over Maximilian Dietz and George Campbell. It's possible an overage player might be added, potentially replacing Tomkinson.
If you want to find out more about Tomkinson, you can watch my interview from 2022 with him here:
Center/Defensive Midfielders
DM, Tanner Tessmann, Venezia (2001)
DM/CM, Aidan Morris, Columbus Crew (2001)
CM, Jack McGlynn, Philadelphia Union (2003)
CM, Gianluca Busio, Venezia (2002)
CM, Benja Cremaschi, Inter Miami (2005)
CM, Rokas Pukstas, Hajduk Split (2004)
CM, Cole Bassett, Colorado Rapids (2001)
Tessmann, Morris, McGlynn, and Busio seem like definite picks. Cremaschi, Pukstas, and Bassett might be competing for one final spot. Cremaschi is a valued prospect, Pukstas offers positional flexibility, and Bassett has regained his form in MLS.
Attacking Midfielders/Wingers
AM, Paxten Aaronson, Eintracht Frankfurt (2003)
W, Kevin Paredes, Wolfsburg (2003)
W, Griffin Yow, Westerlo (2002)
W, Esmir Bajraktarevic, New England (2005)
W, Taylor Booth, Utrecht (2001)
W, Cade Cowell, Chivas (2003)
This group is highly competitive. Aaronson can play both on the wing and in midfield. Paredes can cover both wing positions and left-back. Booth has played various positions, including wing and right-back. Cowell can also play as a striker. Bajraktarevic is struggling in MLS but is rated highly by U.S. Soccer. Yow impressed in the last camp and seems like a lock.
Center-forwards
Duncan McGuire, Orlando City (2001)
Johan Gomez, Eintracht Braunschweig (2001)
Damion Downs, Koln (2004)
McGuire and Gomez have been regulars, but it's unlikely both will make the final roster, with McGuire having the edge. Downs joins the team for the first time. Downs is a German-American with big goals for Koln. He will have to impress to make the final roster. An overage player or someone like Ricardo Pepi might also join this position.
Who Else Could Join?
Mitrović will likely add more overage players if clubs release them. Options include center-backs like Auston Trusty and Mark McKenzie. Another forward might be added, possibly Brandon Vazquez or Pepi. Alejandro Zendejas is another option. With a strong midfield of age-eligible players, overage additions are more likely in defense and forward positions.
Who’s Missing and Why?
There are several reasons why players might not be in camp:
With the senior team but Olympic eligible
LB, Kristoffer Lund, Palermo (2002)
RB, Joe Scally, Gladbach (2002)
DM, Johnny Cardoso, Real Betis (2001)
CM, Yunus Musah, AC Milan (2002)
AM, Gio Reyna, Nottingham Forest (2002)
AM, Malik Tillman, PSV (2002)
CF, Folarin Balogun, Monaco (2001)
CF, Ricardo Pepi, PSV (2003)
These players are likely to be part of the Copa America squad.
Injured
RB, Justin Che, Brondby (2003)
W, Luca Koleosho, Burnley (2004), also provisionally cap-tied to Italy
Not Selected or Club Did Not Release
GK, Chris Brady, Chicago Fire (2004)
LB, Jonathan Gomez, Mirandes (2003)
CB, Maximilian Dietz, Gruether Furth (2002)
CB, George Campbell, Montreal (2001)
CB, Brandan Craig, El Paso (2004)
DM, Obed Vargas, Seattle (2005)
CM, Owen Wolff, Austin FC (2004)
CM/AM, Quinn Sullivan, Philadelphia Union (2004)
AM/W, Brian Gutierrez, Chicago Fire (2003)
AM/W, Diego Luna, RSL (2003)
Roster Grade: A-
This roster is strong. While some notable players like Diego Luna and Brian Gutierrez are missing, the differences between them and those selected are minimal. The final cuts will likely come from full-backs, midfielders, wingers, and center-forwards.
Final Decisions
Mitrović stated in his press conference that they will try to use all three overage slots. Likely for center-back and center-forward positions. Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun are age-eligible and won’t take up overage spots. All these factors make the final decision-making process very interesting.