USMNT 28-man roster announced for November friendlies

Today, American interim manager Dave Sarachan announced the 28 players that will represent the United States in friendly matches this month against England and Italy. Despite the MLS Cup Playoffs, Sarachan brough in several players that are on clubs still competing for a title.

The 28-man roster:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (Atlanta United), Ethan Horvath (Club Brugge), Zack Steffen (Columbus Crew SC)

DEFENDERS (10): John Brooks (Wolfsburg), Reggie Cannon (FC Dallas), Cameron Carter-Vickers (Swansea City), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls), Matt Miazga (Nantes), Shaq Moore (Reus Deportiu), Antonee Robinson (Wigan Athletic), Jorge Villafaña (Portland Timbers), DeAndre Yedlin (Newcastle), Walker Zimmerman (Los Angeles Football Club)

MIDFIELDERS (13): Kellyn Acosta (Colorado Rapids), Tyler Adams (New York Red Bulls), Luca de la Torre (Fulham), Marky Delgado (Toronto FC), Romain Gall (Malmö FF), Julian Green (Greuther Fürth), Sebastian Lletget (LA Galaxy), Weston McKennie (Schalke 04), Darlington Nagbe (Atlanta United), Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund), Kenny Saief (Anderlecht), Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew SC), Tim Weah (Paris Saint-Germain)

FORWARDS (2): Josh Sargent (Werder Bremen), Bobby Wood (Hannover)

Christian Pulisic makes his return to the national team, where he hasn’t appeared since May due to various injuries and rest. With the two matches occurring in Europe, it makes sense for him and the other Euro-based players to make up the majority of the roster. Zack Steffen is back after missing the Peru match with a knock, and is the front-runner to start at goal for the United States on November 15th at Wembley. Darlington Nagbe and Sebastian Lletget are two players who also make a return to the roster. Romain Gall is the lone player who makes his debut in the national team camp.

Jozy Altidore is still recovering from surgery, so only 2 forwards were called in: Josh Sargent and Bobby Wood. With Sarachan typically employing a 4-1-4-1 formation, calling in 2 forwards isn’t unexpected. A plethora of midfielders will allow for some versatility in the formation.

What are your thoughts on the 28-man roster?