Four Players Unavailable Against Venezuela

The USMNT's January camp roster has been significantly reduced, with four players departing ahead of Saturday's friendly against Venezuela. The departures represent a mix of fitness concerns, transfers, and minor injuries.

Jesús Ferreira, recently traded to Seattle Sounders from FC Dallas, was released to focus on regaining full fitness. The 24-year-old striker, who has 15 goals in 23 international appearances, was limited to just 22 MLS matches last season due partly to an abdominal injury. He'll join Seattle's preseason camp before their departure to Marbella, Spain.

Defender Jalen Neal, who just completed a significant transfer from LA Galaxy to CF Montréal, is experiencing a minor undisclosed issue. The 21-year-old Lakewood native represents a success story of the Galaxy's development system, having progressed from their U-13 academy to becoming an MLS Cup champion. The $650,000 transfer to Montréal includes a new three-year contract with an option for 2028.

John Tolkin's departure was attributed to him finalizing a transfer from New York Red Bulls to Holstein Kiel in Germany.

The fourth departure came when goalkeeper Drake Callender returned to Inter Miami due to a minor muscle issue requiring evaluation and treatment.

These departures leave the USMNT with 20 players for the Venezuela match. Given that these friendlies fall outside FIFA's international windows, limiting the availability of European-based players, these losses further reduce Pochettino's options. U.S. Soccer has not yet decided whether to bring in replacements for any of the departed players.

US Plays First Match of 2025

The USMNT enters 2025 ranked 16th in FIFA's rankings and carries momentum from successful qualification to both the 2025 Concacaf Nations League finals and Gold Cup. Under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, they've posted a solid 3-0-1 (WDL) record, including perfect results on home soil.

This January camp roster, traditionally focused on MLS-based players, represents a chance to expand the player pool ahead of a critical year. The 21-man squad features considerable youth and inexperience – ten players are uncapped, and the attacking corps has a mere four combined international appearances. Only veteran defenders provide significant international experience, led by Tim Ream (66 caps), Walker Zimmerman (42) and Miles Robinson (30).

The team has shown potency in recent matches, demonstrated by their 5-2 aggregate victory over Jamaica in November's Nations League quarterfinals. Ream has worn the captain's armband in all of Pochettino's matches, with the team going 10-3-1 under his leadership.

Several players arrive with interesting storylines. Patrick Agyemang's rise from Division III college soccer to MLS success with Charlotte FC (10 goals in 2024) exemplifies the developmental pathways being discovered. Five squad members competed in the 2024 Olympics in France, while goalkeeper Zack Steffen returns to the national team, seeking his first cap since World Cup qualifying in March 2022.

The January camp has historically proven vital for USMNT player development – since the 2002 World Cup cycle, 30 players who earned their first or second caps in January camps have gone on to make World Cup rosters. Nine members of the 2022 World Cup squad in Qatar, including key players like Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson, got their start in these winter gatherings.

'Scouting' Report: Venezuela

Venezuela is unique among South American nations, as baseball rather than soccer historically dominated the sporting culture. They were late to join FIFA (1952) and remain the only CONMEBOL nation never to qualify for a World Cup. However, La Vinotinto (nicknamed for their burgundy jerseys) has made significant strides since 2000, reaching as high as 25th in FIFA rankings and consistently advancing in recent Copa América tournaments.

Currently ranked 47th, Venezuela started their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign promisingly but has since struggled, sitting 8th in CONMEBOL with a 2-6-4 (WDL) record. Under Argentine manager Fernando Batista, they typically deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation that emphasizes technical ability and quick transitions, with fullbacks pushing forward into wide spaces.

Historically, Venezuela has struggled against the US with a 1-2-3 (WDL) record against the Americans. Most recently, they earned their only win over the US in 2019. For the US, it was an embarrassing 3-0 defeat before the Gold Cup. Their current Venezuela squad features several MLS-based players, including Atlanta United's Ronald Hernández and Austin FC's Daniel Pereira.

Juventus Duo with Different Weeks

 One Recorded an Assist While the Other had a Loan Bid Rejected

In the midst of transfer speculation, Juventus has firmly rejected RB Leipzig's approach for Timothy Weah, underlining the American's importance to manager Thiago Motta's plans. Having missed out on Noah Okafor, the German club made an inquiry about a potential loan with an option to buy for the versatile 24-year-old winger. However, Juventus made it clear they have no intention of parting ways with Weah, who has contributed four goals and two assists in Serie A this season.

Meanwhile, Weston McKennie continues to prove his worth to the Bianconeri, delivering another impressive performance in Tuesday's 1-1 draw against Atalanta. After a stint filling in at left back for four consecutive matches, McKennie returned to his preferred box-to-box midfield role and made an immediate impact. The 26-year-old American showcased his technical ability by controlling a long pass and setting up Pierre Kalulu for the opening goal in the 54th minute. The assist was McKennie's third of the season, complementing his four goals in what has been a strong campaign for the midfielder.

"We always play to win, every game, it's a moment when it's important to stay united, all together," McKennie said. "I'm fine, now we have to focus on the next game and move forward playing as always to win. We have to do more to win because Juventus must always be at the top and to get to that position we have to win these games."

This weekend's clash between Juventus and AC Milan carries extra significance following their recent meeting in the Super Cup semi-final, where Milan emerged victorious under new manager Sergio Conceicao. Juventus will be eager for revenge, but they'll need to overcome their tendency to draw matches – they've shared the points in 13 of their 20 Serie A games this season. Despite being the only unbeaten team in the league, these draws have left them sitting in fifth place.

The match represents a crucial opportunity for both teams to climb the Serie A standings. For Juventus, breaking their pattern of draws could prove vital in their quest to return to the Champions League places. The game will be particularly important for Juventus as they look to prove that Milan's Super Cup victory was an anomaly.

Tolkin to the Bundesliga, Departs Camp

 Full Back Signed with Holstein Kiel for 2.5 Million Euros

Former New York Red Bulls defender John Tolkin completed his transfer to Holstein Kiel of the German Bundesliga on Thursday. The deal, reportedly worth €2.5 million ($2.58 million), marks the largest transfer in Holstein Kiel's history and represents an important step forward for the 22-year-old left back.

Tolkin leaves the Red Bulls after an impressive tenure that saw him make 114 MLS appearances, contributing seven goals and 12 assists since his debut in 2021. His consistent performances caught the attention of both the U.S. Olympic team, where he started all four matches in Paris, and the senior national team, where he has earned four caps.

The move comes at a crucial time for both the player and the club. Holstein Kiel, newly promoted to the Bundesliga, currently sits in 17th place and desperately needs reinforcements to avoid relegation. For Tolkin, the opportunity to test himself in one of Europe's top leagues could boost his chances of becoming a regular for the U.S. national team, where left-back depth behind starter Antonee Robinson remains a question mark.

Shortly after the announcement, Tolkin addressed the controversy surrounding his past social media activity, issuing an apology through the club for likes related to various controversial topics. He emphasized his respect for all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, with Holstein Kiel expressing confidence in both his sporting and personal character.

To facilitate the transfer, Tolkin departed the U.S. national team's training camp in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where the team was preparing for upcoming friendlies against Venezuela and Costa Rica. This move represents a significant opportunity for his development as he becomes the latest American to test himself in German football.

Reyna Scores Midweek as Rumors Swirl

Midfielder Netted a Goal in Dortmund's Defeat, May Be on the Move in January

Gio Reyna provided a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing night for Borussia Dortmund, scoring a stunning goal in their 4-2 defeat to Holstein Kiel on Tuesday. With his team trailing 3-0, Reyna received the ball in midfield and drove forward before unleashing a precise strike from 20 yards out in the 71st minute. It marked his second goal of the season, following his December strike against Hoffenheim.

The 22-year-old's impressive finish sparked hopes of a comeback, especially after Jamie Gittens scored minutes later to make it 3-2. However, Holstein Kiel would eventually seal the win with a stoppage-time goal, condemning Dortmund to their sixth Bundesliga defeat of the season. The loss leaves the struggling giants in ninth place, with pressure mounting on coach Nuri Sahin.

Amid Dortmund's difficulties, transfer rumors have begun swirling around Reyna. Italian giant AC Milan is reportedly interested in bringing the American playmaker to Serie A during the January window, with a potential fee of around €15 million being discussed. The move could see Reyna unite with US teammates Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah at the San Siro. His Portuguese passport would also make him an attractive signing as he wouldn't occupy a non-EU roster slot.

Reyna and Dortmund face a crucial test on Friday when they travel to third-placed Eintracht Frankfurt. Die Adler enter the match in strong form, having won their first two matches of 2025, including an impressive 4-0 victory over Freiburg. However, Frankfurt hasn't beaten Dortmund at home since November 2016. With Dortmund winning just one of their eight away league games this season, Reyna will need to build on his midweek goal to help his team reverse their concerning form.

Robinson With Two More Assists

Fullback Rolls On with Two Assists in West Ham Defeat

Antonee Robinson continued his remarkable season with two more assists in Fulham's 3-2 defeat to West Ham United on Tuesday, though his contributions weren't enough to prevent his side from falling to their London rivals. The American left-back delivered two simple passes to Alex Iwobi, who played crosses that found the back of the net, with Raul Jimenez and Harry Wilson barely missing the ball.

The performance highlighted why Robinson leads all defenders across Europe's top five leagues with nine assists this season, surpassing the likes of PSG's Achraf Hakimi and Lazio's Nuno Tavares. Only Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka have recorded more assists in the Premier League.

Robinson's stellar form has attracted interest from several top clubs, with Liverpool and Manchester United reportedly monitoring his situation. Both clubs are looking to strengthen their left-back positions, viewing the U.S. international as an ideal candidate given his proven Premier League experience and attacking prowess.

However, Fulham have no intention of letting their star defender leave during the January transfer window. The club considers Robinson "integral" to their European qualification ambitions and will reject any approaches. With a contract running through 2028, Fulham is under no pressure to sell its prized asset, who has transformed into one of the most complete full-backs in English football since arriving from Wigan in 2020.

Pulisic Avoids Injury Scare

Winger Subbed Out in Midweek Win Over Como

AC Milan fans can breathe a sigh of relief after tests revealed Christian Pulisic only suffered muscle fatigue following his injury scare in Tuesday's 2-1 victory over Como. The winger was forced off at halftime after colliding with Como defender Marc-Oliver Kempf, raising concerns given his recent return from a month-long calf injury layoff.

Medical examinations confirmed there was no muscle tear in Pulisic's left calf, welcome news for both the player and the club given his exceptional form this season. The 26-year-old has been a standout performer for the Rossoneri, contributing 10 goals and seven assists across all competitions, ties for the team lead in both categories in Serie A despite missing time through injury.

The timing of Pulisic's quick recovery could prove crucial as Milan prepare for a pivotal clash against Juventus on Saturday. The American recently played a key role in Milan's Italian Super Cup triumph, sparking a comeback victory over the same opponent in the semifinals. However, new manager Sérgio Conceição may exercise caution with his star winger's fitness.

It was confirmed Friday that Pulisic would miss the match against Juventus over the weekend, so the club may opt to use him for their upcoming Champions League fixture against Girona on January 22. Currently sitting seventh in Serie A but just one point behind leaders Napoli, Milan will hope their American talisman can return to full fitness quickly as they chase domestic and European success.

Pepi Saves the Day in the Cup Tie

American Duo on the Scoresheet as PSV Need 120 Minutes to Beat Excelsior

Ricardo Pepi and Malik Tillman played pivotal roles in PSV's dramatic 5-4 extra-time victory over Excelsior in the KNVB Cup Round of 16. With the Eredivisie leaders trailing by two goals and at risk of a stunning cup exit, Tillman came off the bench to spark the comeback, scoring in the 73rd minute to make it 2-1. Though Excelsior would extend their lead to 3-1, Pepi then took center stage in an extraordinary finish.

The 22-year-old striker netted twice, first pulling one back in the 86th minute to give PSV hope before completing his brace with a delicate chip in the first period of extra time to give his side their first lead at 4-3. The goals brought Pepi's remarkable season total to 15 across all competitions, maintaining his impressive scoring rate of a goal every 62 minutes played.

"To be honest, I think you have to expect everything in football, but we didn't expect the game to be like this," Pepi said. "We knew it was going to be complicated and it is what is it. At the end of the day, we won the game and that is the most important thing."

Amid his stellar form, which includes nine goals in just five Eredivisie starts, PSV's director of football Earnie Stewart has ruled out any January transfer for Pepi despite reported interest from Premier League clubs. The Dutch leaders view the American forward as part of their long-term plans, with reports suggesting they will offer him a new contract to ward off potential suitors.

The dramatic cup victory, sealed by Ivan Perisic's fifth goal for PSV, keeps the club's domestic double hopes alive as they continue their impressive 2024-25 campaign under manager Peter Bosz.