Gregg Berhalter’s USMNT squad for winter camp is bursting with newcomers

The roster includes one player from the 2022 World Cup team (right back Shaq Moore) and two national team regulars (center back Miles Robinson and defender James Sands).

Only five call-ups have appeared in more than four U.S. matches. Thirteen are age-eligible for this summer’s Olympics, which is an under-23 tournament, with three overage exceptions.

“This is an opportunity to identify and work with the next generation of players who have the potential to make an impact on our program,” Berhalter said in a statement. “We appreciate the support from MLS and all their clubs so that we can utilize this platform. Our priority is on getting as many players as possible experience in important competitions, and this camp will be extremely valuable in the evaluation process.”

Because this camp does not take place during an official international window, clubs are under no obligation to release players, MLS included. But the MLS season does not start until late February, so its teams typically allow players to attend.

The primary U.S. roster, led by Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tim Weah, will regroup March 21-24 for the Concacaf Nations League finals in Arlington, Tex.

The most prominent event on the 2024 calendar is Copa América, the historic South American championship, which will take place at U.S. venues this summer. It’s the U.S. team’s most formidable test before the 2026 World Cup is held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

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The winter camp has historically provided a breakthrough platform: Nine players from the 2022 World Cup squad made their first or second match appearances at a winter event, including Tyler Adams, Brenden Aaronson and Matt Turner.

Among the notable call-ups for this gathering are four from the 2023 Under-20 World Cup squad: forwards Cade Cowell and Diego Luna, midfielder Jack McGlynn and defender Caleb Wiley.

Three helped the Columbus Crew win the MLS Cup last month: goalkeeper Patrick Schulte and midfielders Aidan Morris and Sean Zawadzki (Georgetown).

Los Angeles FC midfielder Timmy Tillman, older brother of European-based U.S. midfielder Malik Tillman, was invited for the first time. A dual national, he played for German youth national teams for many years before committing to the U.S. program last year.

Another first-timer, Orlando City striker Duncan McGuire, had not played for a U.S. squad at any age until last October for the under-23 team. The sixth overall pick in the MLS draft last winter, the former Creighton star scored 13 goals for Orlando.

Goalkeepers: Drake Callender (Miami), Roman Celentano (Cincinnati), Patrick Schulte (Columbus).

Defenders: Nathan Harriel (Philadelphia), DeJuan Jones (New England), Shaq Moore (Nashville), Ian Murphy (Cincinnati), Jackson Ragen (Seattle), Miles Robinson (Cincinnati), James Sands (New York City), Nkosi Tafari (Dallas), John Tolkin (New York Red Bulls), Caleb Wiley (Atlanta).

Midfielders: Joshua Atencio (Seattle), Aziel Jackson (St. Louis), Jack McGlynn (Philadelphia), Aidan Morris (Columbus), Timmy Tillman (LAFC), Sean Zawadzki (Columbus).

Forwards: Esmir Bajraktarevic (New England), Cade Cowell (San Jose), Bernard Kamungo (Dallas), Diego Luna (Salt Lake), Duncan McGuire (Orlando), Brian White (Vancouver).