The Colorado Rapids have taken to social media and expressed their outrage over goalkeeper Zack Steffen not being called up for the September U.S. men’s roster.
Steffen hasn’t featured for the USMNT since March 2022 and was last called up for the Concacaf Nations League in March 2023 but sat the bench for two games.
The 29-year-old has been having a renaissance with the Rapids this season and played a major role in the team’s run to finishing third in this summer’s Leagues Cup. The Rapids defeated FOUR Liga MX teams in the process and won three penalty shootouts.
Steffen was monstrous for the Rapids in the four-game span vs. Liga MX sides with four-straight man of the match performances.
Steffen came up big in each of the three shootouts to qualify the Rapids for the next Concacaf Champions Cup.
Four goalkeepers were called up for the USMNT latest squad, and Steffen wasn’t one of them. The Rapids were pissed.
ICYMI…because @USMNT definitely missed it#Rapids96 pic.twitter.com/Xb8OuPsEeR
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) September 1, 2024
The club even commented on the USMNT’s official post on Instagram saying, “you misspelled ‘Zack Steffen’ four times” in reference to the four goalkeepers called up over Steffen.
It’s not often you see an MLS team taking direct shots at the national team like this. Do the Rapids have a case?
We think they might.
The goalkeeping position is one of the most concerning areas on the pitch for the United States right now. Matt Turner is the usual starter but hardly gets any action overseas. Last season he lost the starting job at Nottingham Forest and will now play second fiddle at Crystal Palace on loan.
Ethan Horvath is next on the goalkeeping pecking order and has had a tough start to the new EFL Championship season with Cardiff City. The 29-year-old conceded 10 goals in his first four games including a howler for the ages.
That's not one that American goal keeper Ethan Horvath is going to want to watch back pic.twitter.com/3VieWf1WfT
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) August 17, 2024
Columbus Crew keeper Patrick Schulte also received a call up for the upcoming USMNT camp. Schulte featured for the USA at the Olympics and had a so-so tournament conceding eight goals in four games including the four vs. Morocco in the quarterfinal.
Schulte has performed well with the Crew this season, conceding just 29 goals in 30 appearances across all competitions.
Should Steffen be considered for future rosters?