Predicting the USMNT October roster

The United States Men’s National Team is ready to assemble their camp for two friendlies against Colombia (October 11th, Tampa) and Peru (October 16th, Hartford). Normally, U.S. Soccer announces their roster about 5-6 days before their first friendly. Clearly, a lot of the players know as well as the affected teams, but it’s not made public before that point. Over the weekend, news came that the roster is expected tomorrow, almost a full week ahead of schedule.

So, who do we think American interim manager Dave Sarachan will call into camp? Normally, he has been bringing in 24-25 players and making 20 available on the matchday roster. There are some players who may be returning from injury or still trying to make inroads at their club. There’s also MLS, who is entering the homestretch of the regular season. All of that may factor into the final roster. Let’s predict who Sarachan may call into camp once it opens next week.

GOALKEEPERS (3): Alex Bono (Toronto FC), Ethan Horvath (Club Brugge), Zack Steffen (Columbus Crew SC)

I think that Bill Hamid will be considered here, but will be left behind with D.C. United playing during the international break and just after the USMNT’s final match against Peru. Zack Steffen is the clear #1, and the question is whether Alex Bono or Ethan Horvath will see time during one of the matches.

DEFENDERS (8): John Brooks (Wolfsburg), Cameron Carter-Vickers (Swansea City), Eric Lichaj (Hull City), Matt Miazga (Nantes), Shaq Moore (CF Reus Deportiu), Erik Palmer-Brown (NAC Breda), Antonee Robinson (Wigan Athletic), DeAndre Yedlin (Newcastle)

Most of the same defenders that we saw against Brazil and Mexico will make their return. John Brooks has been playing well for Wolfsburg, and he and Matt Miazga should man the middle of the back line.

MIDFIELDERS (8): Kellyn Acosta (Colorado Rapids), Marky Delgado (Toronto FC), Romain Gall (Malmö FF), Weston McKennie (Schalke 04), Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew SC), Tim Weah (Paris Saint-Germain)

We finally see a new player get his shot, as Romain Gall gets the call after playing incredibly well for Malmo so far. Weston McKennie had an injury scare last week for Schalke, so it’s possible they hold him out just to make sure he’s healthy. But, the safe bet is that he will be fine. Tyler Adams will be missing from this roster with the injury he picked up last week for the Red Bulls. And, of course, Christian Pulisic is back!

FORWARDS (5): Jonathan Amon (FC Nordsjaelland), Andrija Novakovich (Fortuna Sittard), Josh Sargent (Werder Bremen), Bobby Wood (Hannover), Gyasi Zardes (Columbus Crew SC)

Another first timer gets a shot, as it really is hard to keep Jonathan Amon off the roster at this point. Josh Sargent will soon move up to the Werder Bremen first team, so look for him to feature in this camp.

It will be interesting to see who gets named to the roster tomorrow. Who do you think Dave Sarachan will call in?