Four uncapped players were named to the U.S. men’s national team roster to face Mexico in the first-ever Continental Clásico.
The April 19 friendly will be played in Glendale, Arizona at State Farm Stadium (10:00pm Eastern on TBS, Telemundo, and HBO Max). As the match falls outside the FIFA international calendar, interim manager Anthony Hudson has leaned on an MLS-heavy squad. Sergiño Dest, who hasn’t appeared for AC Milan since January 24, is the only Europe-based player in the squad.
Hudson’s potential USMNT debutants for the match include two goalkeepers (Drake Callender and Roman Celentano) and young defenders Caleb Wiley and Josh Wynder. Pro Soccer Wire reported last month that Wynder had completed a transfer to Benfica for a USL-record $1.5 million.
“We are delighted with the group we have put together. Anytime you get to play against your closest rivals it’s a special opportunity, and we have players who understand what this rivalry is all about and are ready to compete in the Allstate Continental Clásico,” said Hudson in a team press release. “It’s another chance to build on the progress we have made in the last four years and prepare for the defense of our two CONCACAF titles this summer.”
Hudson’s squad is a mix of less familiar faces with the USMNT — the uncapped players are joined by six more with fewer than 10 caps — and veterans like Kellyn Acosta, Jordan Morris, and Walker Zimmerman. The squad includes recalls for James Sands and Jackson Yueill, while FC Juarez midfielder Alan Soñora was also called in.
USMNT roster for Continental Clásico
Goalkeepers (3): Drake Callender (Inter Miami), Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati), Sean Johnson (Toronto FC)
Defenders (9): Sergiño Dest (AC Milan), Julian Gressel (Vancouver Whitecaps), Aaron Long (LAFC), Matt Miazga (FC Cincinnati), Shaq Moore (Nashville SC), Caleb Wiley (Atlanta United), Joshua Wynder (Louisville City), DeAndre Yedlin (Inter Miami), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC)
Midfielders (6): Kellyn Acosta (LAFC), Aidan Morris (Columbus Crew), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), James Sands (NYCFC), Alan Soñora (FC Juárez), Jackson Yueill (San Jose Earthquakes)
Forwards (5): Paul Arriola (FC Dallas), Cade Cowell (San Jose Earthquakes), Jesús Ferreira (FC Dallas), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders), Brandon Vazquez (FC Cincinnati)
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