The former USMNT legend will lead this group during a training camp set for November 9 through November 17 in Spain. The former USMNT legend’s move signals a clear shift toward developing young talent for the home games that will take place in two years.
The camp will feature two matches against Scotland on November 15 and Ukraine two days later. Pinatar Arena in San Pedro del Pinatar will host both games. This mix of experience gives the coach a broad pool of options to test before the big event.
Building the Squad for Home Soil
The decision to hold camp in Spain allows the team to face high-level competition before the Olympics. Since a number of Olympic-eligible players are currently with the senior national team, performance at this camp will matter a great deal, according to Yahoo Sports. This situation opens up touches for the U23 group that they might not get otherwise. Eight of the players ply their trade in Europe while the other 15 are based in MLS, which creates a unique blend of styles.
Last month, Brooklyn Raines, Cole Campbell, Damion Downs, and Frankie Westfield suited up for the USMNT, showing they can handle the pressure of the senior team. Meanwhile, the senior team called up a number of U23-eligible players including Diego Kochen, Alex Freeman, Neil Pierre, Reed Baker-Whiting, Mathis Albert, Adri Mehmeti, Santiago Castaneda, Cavan Sullivan, Julian Hall, and Justin Ellis. The overlap is significant, but the U23 roster gives specific players a chance to lead their own group.
Club Roots and International Experience
The roster features goalkeepers Julian Eyestone from Rotherham United, Duran Ferree from San Diego FC, and Andrew Rick from the Philadelphia Union. Defenders include Luca Bombino from Stoke City, Robert Deziel Jr. from Legia Warszaw, and Tate Johnson from the Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The list continues with Ethan Kohler from the New England Revolution, Drew Murray from WSG Tirol, Nolan Norris from FC Dallas, Frankie Westfield from the Philadelphia Union, and Joshua Wynder from the New England Revolution.
Midfielders Snyder Brunell from the Seattle Sounders, Matthew Corcoran from Nashville SC, Benjamin Cremaschi from Parma, Taha Habroune from the Columbus Crew, Brooklyn Raines from the New England Revolution, and Niko Tsakiris from the San Jose Earthquakes make up the engine room. Forwards include Cole Campbell from Elversberg, Damion Downs from St. Louis City, Sebastian Gomez from the Seattle Sounders, Andre Gitau from Mainz, Marvin Dills from Eintracht Frankfurt, and David Vazquez from San Diego FC. This depth shows the system works across different leagues.
Why This Roster Matters Now
Some U23-eligible players were not called up to either roster, including Chris Brady, Peyton Miller, and Zavier Gozo. This exclusion highlights the fierce competition for limited spots on the Olympic team. The coach must decide who fits the system best when the games actually start in 2028. The path to the Olympics is not just about talent; it is about fit and readiness for the specific demands of the tournament.
The presence of players like Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti, who were noted in recent reports for their homegrown talent, shows the pipeline is active. The Red Bulls failed to support this crop of talent in the MLS playoffs, but these players still have a shot at the national team. The focus now shifts to how Cherundolo manages these young men as they prepare for the biggest stage of their lives.
In Spain, the training camp runs from November 9 to November 17, where the U-23s will face Scotland on November 15 and Ukraine two days later.
