Paxton Aaronson is in position to follow in the footsteps of his older brother, Brenden, with the USMNT. (USA TODAY Photo)
Twenty-four players have been called to Southern California for the annual U.S. men’s national team’s January training camp, it was announced on Wednesday.
Thirteen players are seeking their first full international cap, while five players lend veteran experience as they return from the USMNT’s run at the 2022 World Cup.
The training camp will kick off Saturday before the USMNT faces fellow 2022 World Cup participant Serbia on Wednesday, Jan. 25 at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles (10 p.m. ET; HBO Max, Universo, Peacock, Telemundo App) and South American power Colombia on Saturday, Jan. 28 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. (7:30 p.m. ET; TNT, Telemundo, Peacock, Telemundo App).
USMNT assistant coach Anthony Hudson will lead the training camp while fellow World Cup assistant B.J. Callaghan and Under-20 Men’s Youth National Team head coach Mikey Varas will serve as assistant coaches. The contract of head coach Gregg Berhalter expired on Dec. 31.
Former Philadelphia Union midfielder Paxten Aaronson, who was transferred to Eintracht Frankfurt in November, was called in. He is in position to follow in the footsteps of his older brother, Brenden Aaronson, who competed at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Red Bulls left back John Tolkin also was called in.
“We are thrilled with the group of players we’ve been able to put together for this camp,” Hudson said in statement. “The annual January Camp gives us a chance to look at some real high potential young players as well as some dual nationals we have been following. The focus has been on identifying positions within our team that need more depth. We are also leaning on some of our veteran players for their experience on the field as well as to socialize the younger players into the incredible culture we have built within the squad. We know from history that many players who get their first national team opportunity in this window go on to make a World Cup roster, so we want them to make the most of it.”
With the match dates falling outside of the designated international calendar, clubs are not required to release players for national team duty. The January Camp typically consists largely of U.S.-based players who are not in season.
The U.S. roster
GOALKEEPERS (3): Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati; 0/0), Sean Johnson (Unattached; 10/0), Gaga Slonina (Chelsea/ENG; 0/0)
DEFENDERS (8): Jonathan Gómez (Real Sociedad/ESP; 1/0), Julian Gressel (Vancouver Whitecaps/CAN; 0/0), DeJuan Jones (New England Revolution; 0/0), Aaron Long (LAFC; 29/3), Jalen Neal (LA Galaxy; 0/0), Sam Rogers (Rosenborg/NOR; 0/0), John Tolkin (New York Red Bulls; 0/0), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC; 37/3)
MIDFIELDERS (6): Paxten Aaronson (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER; 0/0), Kellyn Acosta (LAFC; 55/2), Aidan Morris (Columbus Crew; 0/0), Paxton Pomykal (FC Dallas; 1/0), Alan Soñora (Unattached; 0/0), Eryk Williamson (Portland Timbers; 4/0)
FORWARDS (7): Paul Arriola (FC Dallas; 48/10), Cade Cowell (San Jose Earthquakes; 1/0), Jesús Ferreira (FC Dallas; 16/7), Matthew Hoppe (Middlesbrough/ENG; 6/1), Emmanuel Sabbi (Odense/DEN; 0/0), Brandon Vazquez (FC Cincinnati; 0/0), Alejandro Zendejas (Club America/MEX; 0/0)
