Gio Reyna was one of the 23 names on Gregg Berhalter’s latest United States men’s national team roster which was announced on Wednesday.
The U.S. is set to play two friendly games stateside with the first being against Germany and the other vs. Ghana.
Here are the 23 players that will represent the USMNT.
October USMNT roster
The full squad https://t.co/wGS3xdTDAF pic.twitter.com/6PDh95swX9
— U.S. Men's National Soccer Team (@USMNT) October 5, 2023
USMNT fans will be incredibly curious to see the interactions between Reyna and Berhalter as this will be their first time in a national team camp together since the World Cup drama.
If you’re unfamiliar with the drama the short summary is that Reyna was upset about not starting at the World Cup, Reyna’s parents (who were family friends of Berhalter) threatened to blackmail the coach over an incident where he kicked his now wife back in college, Berhalter then singled Reyna out as problematic during a speaking event, the news of him kicking his wife was revealed, an investigation happened and cleared him and now Berhalter is back as head coach.
That’s a very brief recap of the Berhalter-Reyna saga that has played out over the last 10 months.
Reyna and Berhalter have spoken in private since the incident as a first step toward fixing their relationship. This call up will be another important moment.
Berhalter calling up Reyna does come as a slight surprise given that the 20-year-old forward has yet to make an appearance for Borussia Dortmund this season. If Reyna plays it will be his first game since suffering a leg injury vs. Canada in the Concacaf Nations League final on June 18.
3 other takeaways from October USMNT roster
1. Still no John Brooks
John Brooks is experiencing a Renaissance of his career as he’s become one of the best center backs in the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim this season. It’s been two years since he made an appearance for the national team. Berhalter has selected Miles Robinson, Tim Ream, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Chris Richards instead.
Berhalter did name drop Brooks as someone in the conversation to receive a call up.
Berhalter on #USMNT CB depth: "You've got a significant amount of guys who could make the case to be on the roster. It's a good problem to have."
Mentions that Auston Trusty is there, McKenzie & Zimmerman injured. Oh and a mention of John Brooks too— Kyle Bonn (@the_bonnfire) October 5, 2023
2. Antonee Robinson out injured
The left back position for the USMNT has been run by Robinson for several years. He’s far and away the No. 1 choice, however he’s dealing with a sports hernia and won’t be available.
These two friendlies will be the opportunity to see who is next in line. Sergiño Dest has shifted to that side before while the other choices are Joe Scally (who usually plays right back), newcomer Kristoffer Lund and DeJuan Jones.
There’s also a chance that youngster Kevin Paredes could fill the role.
3. Another dual national newcomer
There’s one new name to the roster and that is 23-year-old German dual national Lennard Maloney. The defensive midfielder helped Heidenheim earn promotion to the Bundesliga last season.
He’s played the full 90 minutes in every Bundesliga game this season and could now have the chance to make his international debut. Back in 2017 he made appearances for Germany’s U18 and U19 teams, but has stated he wants to play for the U.S.
He’ll have stiff competition for the defensive midfielder role.
