And? He has never played consistent first team minutes and his professionalism is a huge question mark. If he’s in the conversation we’re screwed.
I would like to see no "over-agers" on the 18 squad. Ideal list: GK: Slonina, Borto, Brady or Pulskamp CB: Neal, Wynder, Henry, Che RB/LB: Scally, Reynolds, Gomez, Paredes Midfield: O. Wolff, Flach, McGlynn Forwards: Pax, Cowell, Pepi, Tillman I am not placing any guys on the squad that would be playing in the WC with the senior squad... so if Pepi goes then I would try and get a guy like Balogun to commit. My roster is full of players that can play multiple positions. E.g. Che wants to be a CB but currently plays RB for Hoff. Scally can play both back slots and can play wingback. Paredes' ideal position would be LWB but he can play winger and I would love to see him play ACM or even a traditional 8. Wolff is starting for Austin at RW but he is a CM at heart. Flach plays the 8 in a diamond but is built to be a destroyer 6. Pax can play in the midfield... on the wing or as a False 9. Etc.
The last Olympics they bumped up the roster to 22 so assuming that holds you at least four more spots. What I'd do with the overage spots depends on whether or not we get into the 2024 Copa America or not. If we don't I'm bringing Adams, Pulisic, and Richards If we do Zimmerman is probably at the top of my list (or John Brooks) and I'm filling in the other two spots based on whose left off the 2024 Copa America roster. The priorities are center back and at the 6 though. I'm definitely bringing overage players though as I want this team to medal and in general the Olympics is a good growing the game opportunity given the interest we typically have in this country.
If we go to Copa America in 2024, and don't use the same players in both tournaments, that would make selecting the Olympics roster much easier. Copa will take place from June 10-July 12, 2024; Olympics will take place from July 26 to Aug 11. Would be pretty challenging for a player to participate in both, leaving them no summer rest or club preseason in Europe. Also don't think an MLS club would release a player for both tournaments, which would have them miss more than two months of the season, not to mention the injury risk. Here's two projected rosters, using completely different players, with most of the A-squad going to Copa America. In the below scenario, Reyna, Musah, and Pepi would all miss out on the Olympics, and would play in Copa America instead - which I believe would be a tougher challenge and better preparation for 2026 World Cup. Scally, Tillman, and Hoppe are three others that we could bring to Copa instead of the Olympics. Copa (23 player roster): GK: Turner, Steffen, Horvath CB: Richards, EPB, CCV, McKenzie [Miazga, Sands] RB: Dest, Cannon [Moore] LB: Robinson, Vines CM: McKennie, Musah, Adams, LDLT, (#6 backup?), [Mihailovic] W: Pulisic, Reyna, Weah, Aaronsen, F: Pepi, Sargent, Dike [Pefok, Wright] Olympics (22 player roster): GK: Slonina, ________? CB: Che, __________, _________, RB: Scally, Reynolds LB: Paredes, Gomez, [Bello, Cuevas?] CM: Busio, Cardoso, Tessman, Otasowie, Flach W: TIllman, De La Fuente, Bassett, Llanez F: Hoppe, Booth, Clark, Cowell, Paxten The above Copa roster frees up three of Zimmerman, Long, Miles Robinson, Acosta, Sands, Pefok, and J. Ferreira to participate as over-age players at the Olympics.
I think if the Copa happens I’m taking Robinson and Richards as my center backs there as they are likely pairing for 2026 assuming Robinson recovers and I want to get them more reps together. For overage players for the Olympics I’m probably taking Zimmerman, Sands or Acosta, and whoever the best 9 is that we don’t take to the Copa. To me the biggest weakness with this team will be CB, the 6 position, and the 9 and that’s where I’d supplement (and I’m assuming Pepi would be with the full team if Copa America happens). I also don’t think Tillman will be eligible for the Olympics since he played in the UEFA U21 qualifiers.
Interesting wrinkle if Tillman isn't eligible for Olympics. If that's the case, he might end up going to Copa (if he's good enough), and someone else will get his spot.
Please use this thread to discuss the U.S.'s U-23 player pool for the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games football tournament. Also, discuss the coaching/roster selection, team news, etc. Players born on or after January 1, 2001, are eligible for this team.
@bshredder with an early preview of the U-23 team: http://americansoccernow.com/articl...ally-booked-a-look-ahead-to-the-u-s-u-23-team
I'm going to guess, and this is just a guess, that the powers that be wouldn't "double-cap-tie" players at two levels who participated in tournaments like CONCACAFs -- just seems a bit draconian. I could see, say, Tillman not being U.S. U23 eligible given his participation in the UEFA U21s, but also a guy like Leone being U.S. U23 eligible despite playing in the CONCACAF U20s. Of course, common sense doesn't always prevail, and my senses are not always common.
I know this stuff is and fun and all, but for me the fun are the players who we think little to nothing about now, who will be there then.
I also made a list of 01s and 02s that is almost exactly the same, except with a few dual nats (Balogun, Richardson, Ruvacalba), Vassilev, and Gallegos. Of these guys, I don't see too many being released for the PanAm games, Tessman, Tomkinson, Otasowie, Mighten, Johnny, Atencio, Llanez, Miljevic, and any MLS players on playoff-eliminated teams are the ones on this list I guess would be not critical enough to their clubs.
What is a Ruvacalba? Did a search here and got nothing. Is that the dualUS/Canadian kid in Spain/Portugal? Or am I way off.
Mexican-American. Plays for Pumas. https://www.bigsoccer.com/threads/jorge-ruvalcaba-at-pumas-unam.2118654/#post-40124694
US u23 - Player Pool - July, 2022 GOALKEEPERSContenders: Gabriel Slonina, 2004*(20) Chicago Fire Rocco Rios Novos, 2002*(21) Atlanta United [Argentina, needs to file switch] John Pulskamp, 2001*(23) Sporting Kansas City Chris Brady, 2004*(20) Chicago Fire Antonio Carrera, 2004*(20) North Texas SC Alex Borto, 2003*(22) Fulham Alex Rando, 2001*(23) New York City FC Jeff Dewsnup, 2004*(20) Real Monarchs Patrick Schulte, 2001*(23) Columbus Crew Pretenders: Gavin Beavers, 2005*(19) Real Monarchs Hunter Sulte, 2002*(21) Portland Timbers Damian Las, 2002*(22) Austin FC Chituru Odunze, 2002*(21) Leicester City Jonathan Mennell, 2003*(20) DC United KyMani Dade, 2004*(20) LA Galaxy Carver Miller, 2004*(20) Arminia Bielefeld Beckham Sunderland, 2003*(20) FC Cincinnati Vicente Reyes, 2003*(20) Atlanta United Gavin Krenecki, 2003*(21) Sporting Kansas City Anthony Ramos, 2003*(21) LA Galaxy Aaron Cervantes, 2002*(22) Rangers FC Abraham Rodriguez, 2002*(21) Colorado Rapids Brooks Thompson, 2002*(22) Sporting Kansas City Luca Lewis, 2001*(23) New York Red Bulls My Selections: -Gabriel Slonina is a lock. I’m uncertain about everyone else. Right now, I’d say Rocco Rios Novos, John Pulskamp, Antonio Carrera, and Chris Brady stand a good chance, but they need to improve to inspire confidence. -I would probably select an over-age player. My Overage Player Candidates: -Whoever is our USMNT # 2 goalkeeper between: Matt Turner, Zack Steffen, or Ethan Horvath is who I would select. Pick your poison. RIGHT BACKSContenders: Joseph Scally, 2002*(21) Borussia Moenchengladbach [LWB] Bryan Reynolds, 2001*(22) AS Roma > KVC Westerlo Nathan Harriel, 2001*(23) Philadelphia Union Michael Halliday, 2003*(21) Orlando City SC Mauricio Cuevas, 2003*(21) Club Brugge Cameron Duke, 2001*(23) Sporting Kansas City Kayden Pierre, 2003*(21) Sporting Kansas City Collin Smith, 2003*(20) FC Dallas Julian Gaines, 2002*(21) Los Angeles FC Alex Freeman, 2004*(19) Orlando City SC Pretenders: Cody Baker, 2004*(20) Tacoma Defiance Ethan Dobbelaere, 2002*(21) Seattle Sounders Jace Clark, 2005*(18) DC United Justin Reynolds, 2004*(19) Chicago Fire Ian Mai, 2004*(19) San Diego Loyal Noah Hall, 2003*(21) Columbus Crew Sebastian Anderson, 2002*(21) Colorado Rapids Quincy Butler, 2001*(22) Hoffenheim Jacob Akanyirige, 2001*(22) Rochester NY ~Erik Duenas, 2004*(19) Los Angeles FC {Prefers Mexico} My selections: -Joseph Scally & Bryan Reynolds are my top picks. -Nathan Harriel is my alternate. -I’ll closely monitor Michael Halliday and Mauricio Cuevas development. -Center back needs moves Che and Gray from Right Back consideration. My Overage Player candidates: Other positions need to be filled instead. CENTER BACKSContenders: Justin Che, 2003*(20) FC Dallas > TSG Hoffenheim [RWB] Kobi Henry, 2004*(20) Reims SC George Campbell, 2001*(22) Atlanta United Tayvon Gray, 2002*(21) New York City FC [RWB] Brandan Craig, 2004*(20) Philadelphia Union [CDM] Jalen Neal, 2003*(20) LA Galaxy Joshua Wynder, 2005*(19) Louisville City Marcus Ferkranus, 2003*(21) LA Galaxy Jonathan Tomkinson, 2002*(22) Norwich City Nico Carrera, 2002*(22) Holstein Kiel Noah Cobb, 2005*(18) Atlanta United [CDM] Casey Walls, 2003*(20) San Jose Earthquakes ~Bryan Okoh, 2003*(21) Red Bull Salzburg {Prefers Switzerland} ~Antonio Leone, 2004*(20) Los Angeles FC {Mexico dual} Pretenders: Thomas Williams, 2004*(19) Orlando City SC Kaveh Rad, 2001*(22) Sporting Kansas City Diego Rosales, 2005*(18) Las Vegas Lights Efrain Morales, 2004*(20) Atlanta United Samuel Jones, 2004*(20) Philadelphia Union Dante Huckaby, 2003*(21) Philadelphia Union Eric Kinzner, 2003*(21) Tacoma Defiance Ethan Hardin, 2003*(21) Fort Lauderdale CF Bobby Pierre, 2002*(21) Racing Strasbourg Ian Fray, 2002*(21) Inter Miami Nathan Sepulveda, 2002*(21) Las Vegas Lights Mason Judge, 2002*(22) 1860 Munich Hayden Sargis, 2002*(22) DC United ~Jaziel Orozco, 2004*(19) Real Monarchs {Prefers Mexico} My Selections: -Save room for 2 overage players (note, I’m guessing that roster will expand to 23 and it’s easier to calculate for that until I know otherwise) -Justin Che and Kobi Henry are who I am thinking now, but neither inspire confidence. -I’m watching George Campbell’s development. -Because there is NO ONE on this depth chart who inspires confidence, anyone who develops into a legit player can move up quickly. My Overage Player Selections: -Center back is such a weak spot that I would select TWO players. That’s how weak we are in this position. There is no one who inspires confidence. -Right now, I’m leaning towards selecting Miles Robinson (since he missed the World Cup) and the best choice, at the time, between Cameron Carter-Vickers, Mark McKenzie, Erik Palmer-Brown, Matt Miazga, and anyone else who might step up between now and then (Glad, Kessler, Trusty, etc.) -I would NOT select anyone over 30: Brooks, Zimmerman, Long, etc. -I would NOT select Richards, at this time, because I figure he’s going to get a lot of reps between now and then. But I’ll still consider it. LEFT BACKSContenders: Kevin Paredes, 2003*(21) VfL Wolfsburg [LWF] John Tolkin, 2002*(21) New York Red Bulls [CDM] George Bello, 2002*(22), Arminia Bielefeld Jonathan Gomez, 2003*(20) Real Sociedad [Mexico-dual, undecided] Caleb Wiley, 2004*(19) Atlanta United Noah Allen, 2004*(20) Inter Miami Adam Armour, 2002*(21) Charlotte FC Jacob Greene, 2003*(21) DC United [RWB] Pretenders: Curtis Ofori, 2005*(18) New York Red Bulls Anthony Sorenson, 2003*(21) Philadelphia Union Isaiah LeFlore, 2002*(21) SC Braga Armando Avila, 2004*(20) Las Vegas Lights Coby Jones, 2003*(20) Sporting Kansas City Zack Farnsworth, 2002*(21) Real Salt Lake Kobe Hernandez-Foster, 2002*(21) HamKam Alex Villanueva, 2002*(21) Seattle Sounders Travian Sousa, 2001*(22) Sporting Kansas City Andre Reynolds, 2001*(23) Chicago Fire Leonardo Sepulveda, 2001*(22) Recreativo Granada Christian McFarlane, 2005*(17) New York City FC Devin Padelford, 2003*(21) Minnesota United Jackson Travis, 2004*(20) Colorado Rapids My Selections: -John Tolkin is on my list because he can also cover for CDM. -George Bello, at the moment, is ahead of Kevin Paredes and Jonathan Gomez (would need to commit). But that can change very, very quickly. -I still like Caleb Wiley. I’m not so high on Noah Allen yet. My Overage Player selections: -Believe it or not, but at this moment, left back might be our deepest position. We’ll likely be fine with either of Bello, Tolkin, Gomez, or Paredes. And I might still consider taking Wiley before I felt compelled to consider an overage player. DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDERSContenders: Gianluca Busio, 2002*(22), Venezia FC Johnny Cardoso, 2001*(22) Internacional Tanner Tessman, 2001*(22) Venezia FC Jack McGlynn, 2003*(20) Philadelphia Union Leon Flach, 2001*(22) Philadelphia Union Obed Vargas, 2005*(18) Seattle Sounders [Mexico dual-national] Josh Atencio, 2002*(22) Seattle Sounders [CB] Moses Nyeman, 2003*(20) DC United Daniel Edelman, 2003*(21) New York Red Bulls Danny Leyva, 2003*(21) Seattle Sounders Rokas Puktsas, 2004*(19) Hajduk Split Owen Otasowie, 2001*(23) Club Brugge Pretenders: Justin Haak, 2001*(22) New York City FC Jayvin Van Deventer, 2004*(20) Sporting Kansas City Bryang Kayo, 2002*(21) FC Nurnburg Sebastian Berhalter, 2001*(23) Vancouver Whitecaps Francis Jacobs, 2005*(19) Orange County SC Zach Booth, 2004*(20) Leicester City Ian Hoffman, 2001*(22) Houston Dynamo Brooklyn Raines, 2005*(19) Houston Dynamo Julio Benitez, 2005*(18) Real Salt Lake Harrison Robledo, 2002*(22) FC Cincinnati My Selections: -Gianluca Busio needs to improve his defensive chops but he’s locked in for a spot, at the moment. -Johnny Cardoso v Tanner Tessman will be an interesting development. -Leon Flach shouldn’t be forgotten. -We could select John Tolkin as an extra CDM and left back. -I believe in Obed Vargas and Jack McGlynn’s potential. Danny Leyva and Josh Atencio also are possible good options. And then, there’s still Daniel Edelman, Rokas Puktsas, and Moses Nyeman (what’s up with him this season?) who could develop in two years. But all these guys need to improve. -Owen Otasowie is the most “I’m up, he sees me, I’m down” player I have ever known. Who knows with him!? If he locks down a spot at Club Brugge, he could skyrocket up the depth chart. But I’m always cautious with players who aren’t mentally in the game (ie Andrew Carleton, etc.) My Overage Player Selection: -We should be okay and not need an overage player. Besides, I want to see what someone besides Adams and Acosta can do. CENTER MIDFIELDERSContenders: Yunus Musah, 2002*(21) Valencia Malik Tillman, 2002*(22) Bayern Munich > Rangers FC [Question about his eligibility] Cole Bassett, 2001*(22) Colorado Rapids > Feyenoord Paxten Aaronson, 2003*(20) Philadelphia Union Taylor Booth, 2001*(23) FC Utrecht Diego Luna, 2003*(20) Real Salt Lake Alejandro Alvarado, 2003*(20) FC Vizela Niko Tsakiris, 2005*(18) San Jose Earthquakes Reed Baker-Whiting, 2005*(19) Seattle Sounders Tyler Wolff, 2003*(21) Atlanta United > SK Beveren Aiden Morris, 2001*(22) Columbus Crew Jose Gallegos, 2001*(22) Sonderjyske Matko Miljevic, 2001*(23) CF Montreal Owen Wolff, 2004*(19) Austin FC ~ Amir Richardson, 2002*(22) Le Havre {Prefers Morocco} Pretenders: Matthew Corcoran, 2006*(18) FC Dallas Noel Buck, 2005*(19) New England Revolution Kristian Fletcher, 2005*(19) Loudon United Esmir Bajraktarevic, 2005*(19) New England Revolution Juan Castilla, 2004*(19) Houston Dynamo Ozzie Cisneros, 2004*(20) Sporting Kansas City Evan Rotundo, 2004*(19) Schalke Leandro Soria, 2004*(19) Godoy Cruz Jacob Davis, 2002*(22) Sporting Kansas City Theodore Ku-DiPietro, 2002*(22) DC United Sam Williams, 2005*(19) New York Red Bulls Julio Benitez, 2005*(18) Real Monarchs Drew Hardin, 2004*(19) Inter Miami Christopher Jaime, 2004*(20) Las Vegas Lights Allan Rodriguez, 2004*(20) Chicago Fire Kenan Hot, 2004*(20) Hartford Athletic Brenden Lambe, 2004*(20) Atlanta United Javier Casas, 2003*(21) Chicago Fire Adam Saldana, 2002*(22) LA Galaxy Cameron Dunbar, 2002*(21) LA Galaxy Damien Rivera, 2002*(21) New England Revolution Cole Turner, 2001*(22) Philadelphia Union Oliver Larraz, 2001*(22) Colorado Rapids Maximo Carrizo, 2008*(16) New York City FC Sergio Oregel, 2005*(19) Chicago Fire Aziel Jackson, 2001*(22) Minnesota United Cruz Medina, 2006*(17) San Jose Earthquakes Jude Wellings, 2006*(18) Real Salt Lake ~Benito Estrella, 2006*(18) New York Red Bulls {Portugal, dual} My Selections: -First off, is Malik Tillman eligible or not? I’ve heard yes and no. If yes, at the moment, he’s looking pretty. But he still has work to do. -If Yunus Musah wants to go, and he doesn’t want a break, then he’s going to be the main man. Maybe even wear the armband? He seems like a quiet guy but it’s something to consider. -After them, there’s a lot of promising picks, but all of them need to improve. Those top picks include: Paxten Aaronson, Diego Luna, Cole Bassett, Taylor Booth, Alejandro Alvarado, and Niko Tsakiris. -And we could bring in another guy from the CDM or WF pipeline if something weird or catastrophic happens. -That said, if I picked my top 4 today, it would be Musah, Tillman, Aaronson, and Bassett. But I expect that to change in 2 years. My Overage Player selections: -Eh, we should have more pressing needs elsewhere on the field. WINGERSContenders: Giovanni Reyna, 2002*(21) Borussia Dortmund [INJURED] Konrad De La Fuente, 2001*(22), Olympique Marseilles Cade Cowell, 2003*(20) San Jose Earthquakes Ben Bender, 2001*(23) Charlotte FC Caden Clark, 2003*(21) RB Leipzig > New York Red Bulls Quinn Sullivan, 2004*(20) Philadelphia Union Brian Gutierrez, 2003*(20) Chicago Fire Alex Mighten, 2002*(22) Nottingham Forest [England dual] Dante Sealy, 2003*(21) FC Dallas > PSV Eindhoven Griffin Yow, 2002*(21) Westerlo Andres Jasson, 2002*(22) New York City FC ~Edison Azcona, 2003*(20) Inter Miami [Dominican Republic] Pretenders: Leo Torres, 2004*(20) Real Monarchs Mario Penagos, 2002*(22) Sacramento Republic Indiana Vassilev, 2001*(23) Inter Miami Ulysses Llanez, 2001*(23) St. Polten Felipe Valencia, 2005*(19) Fort Lauderdale CF Gage Akalu, 2005*(19) Sporting Kansas City Dantouma Toure, 2004*(19) Colorado Rapids Juan Alvarez, 2004*(19) Tacoma Defiance Xavier O’Neil, 2004*(19) DC United Chris Garcia, 2003*(21) Real Salt Lake Raymond Drai, 2003*(20) Orange County SC Bode Davis, 2002*(22) Real Salt Lake Isaiah Parker, 2002*(21) FC Dallas My Selections: -Will Gio Reyna want to go? Like Musah, that’ll need to be determined. If so, he’s probably the captain of the ship. -After him, Konrad should be a lock, but he still needs to keep improving. He had an up/down season last year. But he still should be considered in the drivers seat. -Then, it gets tricky. Cade Cowell looks close. Personally, I like Ben Bender a lot. If he keeps improving, he’s going to bulldoze his way in. He’s my nobody is talking about pick. -Caden Clark needs to get his act back together. Thus, he’s on the outs for now. -Then, there’s still Quinn Sullivan, maybe a couple others, and we could convert some midfielders if we needed to do so (ie Aaronson, Luna, etc.) My Overage Player Selections: -As said before, we should have more pressing needs elsewhere. FORWARDSContenders: Ricardo Pepi, 2003*(21) FC Augsburg Matthew Hoppe, 2001*(23) RCD Mallorca Jackson Hopkins, 2004*(20) DC United Malick Sanogo, 2004*(20) Union Berlin Serge Ngoma, 2005*,(18) New York Red Bulls Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez, 2002*(22) Seattle Sounders ~Folarin Balogun, 2001*(22) Arsenal > Middlesborough FC {England dual} ~Santiago Munoz, 2002*(21) Santos Laguna {Prefers Mexico} ~ Arquimedes Ordonez, 2003*(20) FC Cincinnati {Prefers Guatemala} Pretenders: Federico Oliva, 2004*(19) Atletico Madrid Missael Rodriguez, 2003*(21) Chicago Fire Darren Yapi, 2004*(19) Colorado Rapids Jackson Conway, 2001*(22) Atlanta United Charlie Kelman, 2001*(22) Queens Park Rangers > Gillingham FC Cameron Harper, 2001*(22) New York Red Bulls Jordan Adebayo-Smith, 2001*(23) Tampa Bay Rowdies Jake LaCava, 2001*(23) New York Red Bulls Axel Kei, 2007*(15) Real Monarchs Luke Brennan, 2005*(19) Atlanta United Daniel Sebathu, 2005*(19) Atlanta United Mataeo Bunbury, 2005*(19) Sporting Kansas City CJ Fodrey, 2004*(20) San Diego Loyal Yekeson Subah, 2004*(20) Real Monarchs Abraham Lincon, 2004*(20) San Antonio FC Austin Brummett, 2004*(20) New York Red Bulls Patrick Weah, 2003*, (20) Sacramento Republic [INJURED] Patrick Bohui, 2003*(20) Vejle BK Tyler Freeman, 2003*(21) Sporting Kansas City Alex Monis, 2003*(21) Chicago Fire Selmir Miscic, 2003*(21) North Carolina FC Zion Long, 2003*(20) Sporting Kansas City Ray Serrano, 2002*(22) Seattle Sounders Jack de Vries, 2002*(22), Venezia FC Alfonso Vasquez, 2002*(21) Hartford Athletic Johan Gomez, 2001*(22) FSV Zwickau Justin Butler, 2001*(23) FC Ingolstadt Jalen Hawkins, 2001*(23) FC Ingolstadt Patrick Koffi, 2001*(22) Paris FC > Creteil Tega Ikoba, 2003*(20) Portland Timbers ~Christian Torres, 2004*(20) Los Angeles FC {Prefers Mexico} My Selections: -Ricardo Pepi and Matthew Hoppe should have this on lockdown. But there’s a lot of funny business with striker. -I barely had enough confidence to even include anyone else u23 on my contender list. But who knows? Maybe one of them or some unknown pops out of nowhere and stakes a claim. -Either way, I’m really hoping and praying that Pepi and Hoppe make this decision very easy. And we don’t have to select an overage center forward. My Overage Player Selection: -Right now, I’m taking two center backs without hesitation. That the black hole on our team right now. And we do not really have anyone of quality in those positions. -So that leaves one left. And for me, it’s between Goalkeeper and Forward. Which is the most pressing need? Maybe we don’t know that yet. But that’s going to be the question to monitor for the next 2 years. -IF we go with forward over goalkeeper, then, I’m looking at whoever is our best forward in our player pool (under age 30). Is that Jesus Ferreira, Daryl Dike, Haji Wright, Jordan Pefok, Brandon Vazquez, or Jeremy Ebobisse? Who is that going to be? None of us know that answer yet. But if Pepi, Hoppe, or no one u23 steps up, then, we’ll need to select an overage player to be our 9. ——————————————————— MY WAY TOO EARLY PREDICTION - 23 players? GK Turner*, Slonina, Rios Novos RB Scally, Reynolds CB M. Robinson*, Che CB Carter-Vickers*, Henry LB Paredes, Tolkin DM Busio, Johnny MF Musah, Tillman, Booth, Aaronson RW Reyna, Cowell LW Konrad, Bender FW Pepi, Hoppe —————-Pepi————- Konrad————(CPT)Reyna ———Musah—Tillman——- —————-Busio—————- Paredes———————Scally ————-Miles—CCV———- ——————Turner————
Two players worth adding to the pretenders section are Ethan Wady and Bryce Duke. I prefer two of the overage players to be more older/experienced who aren't regulars so would anyways miss the Copa America roster, was thinking Aaron Long, Sean Johnson, and Miles (for missing the WC like you said).
I know your list doesn't have alot of 2005's nor is exhaustive but I think we need to start adding Grayson Dettoni a 2005 CB from VA playing for Bayern Munich U19s toward the top of CB lists. I watched the following game with BM U19 vs BM World Team with Tarick Scott from FC Dallas on it. It's in German so watched it for him but they were overmatched by their regular U19 team. I noticed huge CB who could run and had soft feet so when I learned he was American so I re-watched whole game and came away super impressed. He is 6-4.5 is very mobile, and has very good ball skills. For me he is better than Craig, Neal, and Ferk who dominated for our U20s. He powered a goal header in 7th Minute. We need to call him in now! Get on board people.
Busting into a conversation about how many MNT players should be at the 2024 Olympics by nominating a CB who is eligible for the next U23 cycle is some strong counterprogramming!
I will add that Aiden Morris is about to cross 1,000 minutes this season and has finally returned to his normal self after the knee injury. The last couple games he has looked like a heat seeking missile. Not very progressive with the his passing but he is not asked to be so.