The United States men’s national team announced the 23-man roster for the inaugural Continental Clásico on Wednesday, April 19. The friendly doesn’t take place during an international window meaning the latest USMNT roster is comprised almost entirely of Major League Soccer players.
The 23-man roster only includes one player from a European club, Sergiño Dest. The American right back has essentially been banished from AC Milan’s starting lineup and the club OK’d the decision for him to leave the club to partake in the friendly.
Let’s take a look at the rest of the roster.
Latest USMNT roster for Continental Clásico
The @Allstate Continental Clásico roster is here!
Full Roster Notes » https://t.co/J8yi0hbcXS pic.twitter.com/6Cid5LfixJ— U.S. Men's National Soccer Team (@USMNT) April 12, 2023
Ten of the 23 players on the roster have ten or less appearances for the national team. The new boys are joined with plenty of familiar names like Jordan Morris, Walker Zimmerman, Paul Arriola, Kellyn Acosta, Cristian Roldan and Aaron Long.
March’s USMNT roster for the Concacaf Nations League only feature one MLS player, Miles Robinson, who wasn’t included in the latest list.
One player who was vocal about their return to the USMNT was center back Matt Miazga. The FC Cincinnati defender, who has 22 appearances for the USA, could get his first start for the national team in over two years. Miazga said that he’s been "screwed over" by the national team in the past.
Matt Miazga on returning to the USMNT:
"I told you guys last time, I was screwed over multiple times in the past. Yeah, I think it is what it is. I always felt like I should be a part of that group throughout my career, especially the last few years."(h/t @PBrennanENQ) pic.twitter.com/W1jSN55dbU
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) April 12, 2023
Four players (Drake Callender, Roman Celentano, Caleb Wiley and Joshua Wynder) will have the opportunity to make their first appearance for the national team.
Callender being surprised with the news was a very wholesome moment.
Our keeper is @USMNT bound and found out from our @InterMiamiAcad goalkeepers
Drake Callender has been named to the senior @USMNT roster for the first time ahead of their friendly against Mexico!Congrats Drake, keep inspiring the next generation pic.twitter.com/eDAA5L41B7
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) April 12, 2023