The U.S. men’s national team released their official preliminary roster for the upcoming and long-awaited 2024 Copa América this summer.
Gregg Berhalter and co. selected 27 players to be a part of their June training camp in which they will face off against South American giants Colombia and Brazil in the final weeks of preparation for the hosting of the bi-continental tournament. They will debut in the Copa’s group stage against Bolivia on June 23.
However, and despite seeing the usual USMNT-established stars we see camp after camp, there were quite a few players that in our opinion, deserved to be on the list but — as you can see from the title — were not.
Here’s our breakdown of which players were snubbed and why they should’ve been considered.
USMNT players snubbed for the 2024 Copa América
Alejandro Zendejas (Club América)
The dual-national winger is having one of the best seasons of his career.
After playing a crucial role in Club América’s long-awaited 15th league title conquest last winter — scoring five and providing three assists — the right-winger has followed up with yet another impressive tournament.
The 26-year-old provided seven goal contributions in eight matches in the Concacaf Champions Cup and has had a total of seven goal contributions in the Clausura 2024 — leading the club to it’s second consecutive Liga MX final. Zendejas has played the most matches (48) out of any player at América in the 2023-24 season and played 96% of total possible minutes.
The midfielder's ability to play off his left-foot on the right wing, added with his insane defensive workrate, would give the USMNT a different look off the bench.
Lennard Maloney (Heidenheim)
An underrated midfield workhorse.
Maloney had an incredible season with Bundesliga-debutant club Heidenheim, playing 31 games across all competitions and finishing the season as the midfielder with the most minutes played.
He was an important part inside the club’s amazing 8th-placed finish in the Bundesliga, holding himself to only one booking in the season despite his role and continuity throughout the campaign.
The 24-year-old is capable of playing as a central midfielder, as well as center back — important facets in tournament's with such high stakes and the needed ability to adapt to different scenarios.
Brandon Vázquez (CF Monterrey)
Superman Vázquez flew in Monterrey.
After making the surprise move from MLS’ FC Cincinnati to Liga MX powerhouse Rayados last January — and apparently turning down transfer offers from Europe — the Mexican-American striker wasted no time in hitting the back of the net.
The San Diego native scored six league goals (only two behind the top goalscorer) and four in the Concacaf Champions League, though with a slower end to the season.
Vázquez has scored four goals in just eight games with the USMNT — hitting the back of the net every 42 minutes.
