As the U.S. men`s national team enters its final preparation phase for the Gold Cup, the NWSL weekend slate could see a prominent player make their comeback. Here`s a look at the upcoming action.
Upcoming Matches
- Friday, June 6: 🌍 WCQ: Norway vs. Italy
- Friday, June 6: 🇺🇸 NWSL: Racing Louisville vs. Utah Royals
- Saturday, June 7: 🌍 WCQ: Andorra vs. England
- Saturday, June 7: 🇺🇸 NWSL: Gotham FC vs. Kansas City Current
- Saturday, June 7: 🌎 Friendly: USMNT vs. Turkiye
- Sunday, June 8: 🇪🇺 UNL: Portugal vs. Spain
- Sunday, June 8: 🇺🇸 NWSL: Washington Spirit vs. North Carolina Courage
- Sunday, June 8: 🇺🇸🇨🇦 MLS: Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Seattle Sounders
The Forward Line
USMNT Leans Young for Gold Cup
The official roster for the U.S. men`s national team`s Gold Cup campaign has been finalized, featuring a mix of experienced players and a predominantly young, less-capped group.
The squad leans heavily on youth, with the majority of players having 30 or fewer international appearances. Seven players are uncapped. Coach Mauricio Pochettino`s selections reflect the unavailability of several key figures. Antonee Robinson is injured, Christian Pulisic is resting after a taxing season with AC Milan, and Weston McKennie, Timothy Weah, and Gio Reyna are participating in the Club World Cup.
Consequently, the Gold Cup, along with the upcoming friendlies against Turkiye and Switzerland, represents a critical chance for Pochettino to assess a broader range of talent within the player pool, particularly as the USMNT enters the final year leading up to the 2026 World Cup.
Here`s the roster in full:
- Goalkeepers (3): Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace/ENG)
- Defenders (9): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Alex Freeman (Orlando City), Nathan Harriel (Philadelphia Union), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/FRA), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), John Tolkin (Holstein Kiel/GER), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC)
- Midfielders (9): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/ENG); Tyler Adams (Bournemouth/ENG), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps/CAN), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis/ESP), Luca de la Torre (San Diego FC), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Jack McGlynn (Houston Dynamo), Quinn Sullivan (Philadelphia Union); Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven/NED)
- Forwards (5): Paxten Aaronson (FC Utrecht/NED), Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC), Damion Downs (FC Koln/GER), Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps/CAN), Haji Wright (Coventry City/ENG)
Opportunities abound across various positions, but the most significant questions lie within the forward line, specifically the number nine role. The USMNT has seen a rotation of strikers over recent years; Folarin Balogun had begun to establish himself, with Ricardo Pepi serving as an alternative. Both Balogun and Pepi are sidelined for the Gold Cup due to injury, while Josh Sargent`s absence was termed a `football decision` by Pochettino.
This creates significant uncertainty up front, offering a chance for a player from the Gold Cup squad to step up. Patrick Agyemang is one player under scrutiny, notably scoring the USMNT`s only goal during their disappointing March performance in the Concacaf Nations League finals. Brian White, recognized as the most in-form American forward in MLS recently, aims to replicate his club success on the international stage.
Midfield Link Play
NWSL Preview: Gotham Faces Kansas City Current
Following the international break, the NWSL season resumes this weekend with several compelling fixtures. A highlight is the clash between Kansas City Current and NJ/NY Gotham FC.
These two teams were among the top four last season, both reaching the playoff semifinals. However, their current seasons have taken different trajectories. The Current currently lead the league table after 10 matches, demonstrating exceptional form with eight wins.
Coach Vlatko Andonovski`s side maintains their attacking philosophy and leads the league in scoring with 22 goals, contributed by various players. Temwa Chawinga, the 2024 NWSL MVP, is their top scorer with six goals, supported by Debinha (five) and Bia Zaneratto (three). Crucially, they have significantly improved defensively, conceding only seven goals in 10 games this season (compared to 15 in the same period last year), giving them the league`s best defensive record and enabling them to neutralize opposing offenses.
On Saturday, they face a Gotham team experiencing inconsistent league form, despite recently winning the inaugural Concacaf W Champions Cup. Injuries have impacted Gotham`s domestic season. Emily Sonnett and Jess Carter, known for their versatility, have covered at center back due to Tierna Davidson`s absence, while rookie Sarah Schupansky has played an attacking midfield role in Rose Lavelle`s stead. This is reflected in their results: Gotham, typically strong defensively, has conceded 10 goals in 10 league games while only scoring 12, with Esther Gonzalez contributing seven of those.
However, the match could be a turning point for Gotham, as Rose Lavelle might make her season debut. The World Cup winner has been sidelined since December following ankle surgery. Her potential return could significantly boost the 2023 NWSL champions` attack. Last season, despite missing early games with a leg issue, she scored eight goals and provided an assist, helping transform Gotham into a top offensive unit.
Top Stories
- Brazil`s Goalless Ancelotti Debut: Carlo Ancelotti`s first match as Brazil coach resulted in a 0-0 draw against Ecuador.
- UEFA Nations League Final Set: Portugal, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, advanced to face Spain in the final after a thrilling 5-4 win for Spain against France.
- Inter Manager Updates: Simone Inzaghi has joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, while Cristian Chivu is expected to be appointed as his successor at Champions League finalists Inter.
- Travel Ban Exemption: The White House confirmed an exemption will allow players and staff access to the U.S. for the Club World Cup and Gold Cup despite the new travel ban.
- Donovan on USMNT Effort: Landon Donovan commented that USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino shouldn`t need to coach effort, as the team prepares for the World Cup less than a year away.
- Auckland City`s Journey: The story of amateur side Auckland City, set to compete in the Club World Cup.
- Premier League Watch: A look at potential transfer targets for EPL teams, why Florian Wirtz could fit Liverpool, and what to expect from Arne Slot in his second season there.
The Back Line
Betting Pick
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UEFA World Cup qualifying: Norway vs. Italy, Friday
THE PICK: Erling Haaland to score (+160) – This early World Cup qualifier holds high stakes. Italy hasn`t qualified since 2014, and Norway since 1998. With Erling Haaland back for Norway, expect him to make an impact and find the net as he aims to help his team reach the tournament.
Dominic Ashworth