Who Should Start for the USMNT vs. Canada?

The U.S. men’s national team will meet a familiar CONCACAF foe in its first post-Copa America match.

Interim head coach Mikey Varas leads the Americans into Saturday’s showdown with Canada at Children’s Mercy Park. The USMNT endured a rough summer at the Copa America, but now has a quick start to get back on track in their first of several preparatory matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and Tim Ream headline Varas’ 24-player roster for the upcoming pair of matches. Matt Turner and Gio Reyna were also among the roster selections, despite their reduced roles at club level.

Antonee Robinson, Weston McKennie, and Cameron Carter-Vickers are among the players not in the current squad for respective reasons. Their absences will provide a positive opportunity for others to step up such as Caleb Wiley, Johnny Cardoso, and Auston Trusty.

Here is the starting lineup we could see the USMNT deploy against Canada on Saturday, as well as the lineup we would deploy if we were making the final lineup decisions:

GOALKEEPER

Who should start: Matt Turner

Matt Turner’s lack of playing time continues to be an issue, but I’d expect to see Varas provide him with an opportunity on Saturday.

Turner could very well be out of the No. 1 job by the time the World Cup comes around. Ethan Horvath has continued to play regularly for Cardiff City while Patrick Schulte is a rising prospect with the Columbus Crew.

Dual-national Diego Kochen is also included in this month’s camp for the first time in his international career.

However, Turner is the most experienced goalkeeper among the current four and should earn a chance to prove himself again.

DEFENDERS

Who should start: Joe Scally, Chris Richards, Auston Trusty, Caleb Wiley

There are plenty of defensive options for Varas to choose from at each position.

Sergino Dest’s continued absence means Joe Scally heads into…

Source link : https://sbisoccer.com/2024/09/who-should-start-for-the-usmnt-vs-canada

Author : Larry Henry Jr

Publish date : 2024-09-03 21:37:18

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