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United States men’s national team coach Gregg Berhalter announced his 26-man roster for the last international break before the World Cup. The national team will play friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Japan that will provide the team with appropriate tests ahead of final preparations before Qatar. While some of the USMNTs regulars might get this international break to rest, like Antonee Robinson and Tim Weah, for the vast majority, not making this squad means their shot at a World Cup spot for this cycle is hanging by a thread.
Looking at positions, all eyes will be on Berhalter’s choices at striker and goalkeeper. While Jesus Ferreira has enjoyed a stellar season in Major League Soccer scoring 18 goals and assisting five more, no one else has taken the opportunity to nail down their role on the roster behind him. But with Qatar over the horizon, forwards are rounding into form around the world giving Berhalter tough decisions to make. Ricardo Pepi comes back into the squad after being given a rest by Berhalter during the summer window. After moving on loan to FC Groningen, Pepi was able to register an assist for his first attacking return since November of 2021. He’s also joined by Josh Sargent who hasn’t been capped since September of 2021 during the first few matches of World Cup qualifying.
But Berhalter decided not to bring Jordan Pefok whose Union Berlin side are leading the Bundesliga with the help of his contributions. Haji Wright and Brandon Vazquez are the other in form forwards who have been left out of the squad as Berhalter wants to mimic a World Cup squad of 26. While there are tough decisions all around, forward is the biggest question mark on the team so leaving home the most in form options in favor of Pepi is a curious decision indeed. When asked about his forward decisions, Berhalter said, “We’ve been consistent in saying that it may not be the best forward that is…
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Source : cbssports
