Injury Issues

Injury Woes Continue for USMNT as Johnny Cardoso Joins Growing Casualty List

The United States' victory over Jamaica in the first leg of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals came at a cost, as the team's depth has been further tested by injuries. Among the casualties is Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso, who was forced to exit the match against Jamaica with a hamstring problem.

Cardoso's absence is the latest blow for the USMNT, who are already missing the likes of Folarin Balogun, Gio Reyna, Tyler Adams and Josh Sargent. With the team's schedule limited to fewer competitive matches in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup, opportunities for young players like Cardoso to prove their readiness are crucial.

The 20-year-old Cardoso had earned his place in the starting lineup, only to have his performance cut short. As the USMNT prepares for the second leg against Jamaica, Mauricio Pochettino must quickly find a solution to fill the void left by Cardoso's absence.

Pochettino’s Roster Release

 New manager’s first competitive roster made public Sunday

New USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino has called up 25 players for November's Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinals, with most of the squad based in Europe. The roster features players enjoying solid seasons at some of Europe's top clubs, particularly in the Champions League.

Christian Pulisic headlines the attacking options, arriving in exceptional form with seven goals and four assists in 15 matches for AC Milan. He's joined by PSV Eindhoven's Malik Tillman, who earned Champions League Team of the Week honors after a spectacular performance against Girona, contributing to his season tally of six goals and four assists. Fellow PSV striker Ricardo Pepi also joins the camp in strong form, having netted seven goals across all competitions.

The midfield maintains its core strength with Juventus' Weston McKennie, AC Milan's Yunus Musah, and a resurging Brenden Aaronson from Leeds United. The defensive unit features Premier League experience with Crystal Palace duo Matt Turner and Chris Richards, alongside veteran Tim Ream and Fulham's dynamic left-back Antonee Robinson.

The squad strikes a balance between experience and youth, with eleven players aged 23 or younger, including 18-year-old FC Barcelona goalkeeper Diego Kochen, who earned his second call-up. The roster's development pathway is evident, with seventeen players having come through the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, thirteen of whom were produced by MLS academies.

Players represent clubs across nine countries, with England and Italy leading the way with five players each. The squad's average age of 25 years and average of 26 caps per player reflects Pochettino's blend of established internationals and emerging talent as he builds toward the 2026 World Cup on home soil.

U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM – NOVEMBER TRAINING CAMP ROSTER (US Soccer) GOALKEEPERS (4): Diego Kochen (FC Barcelona Atletic/ESP; 0/0), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew; 2/0), Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids; 29/0), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace/ENG; 47/0) DEFENDERS (7): Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/FRA; 15/0), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; 64/1), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG; 23/1), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG; 48/4), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati; 30/3), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 17/0), Auston Trusty (Celtic/SCO; 3/0) MIDFIELDERS (8): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/ENG; 46/8), Gianluca Busio (Venezia/ITA; 15/1), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis/ESP; 17/0), Weston McKennie (Juventus/ITA; 56/11), Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough/ENG; 9/0), Yunus Musah (AC Milan; ITA; 43/1), Tanner Tessmann (Olympique Lyon/FRA; 4/0), Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 16/0) FORWARDS (6): Cade Cowell (Guadalajara/MEX; 10/1),Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 31/11), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan/ITA; 74/31), Brandon Vazquez (Monterrey/MEX; 9/4), Tim Weah (Juventus/ITA; 41/6), Alex Zendejas (Club América/MEX; 9/1)

Pepi Shines for PSV

 Eyes Starting Roles Against Jamaica

Ricardo Pepi continued his impressive form for PSV Eindhoven, scoring and assisting in a commanding 3-0 victory over NAC Breda in the Eredivisie. The 21-year-old striker opened the scoring in the 21st minute, finishing off a brilliant setup from Ismael Saibari, before turning provider himself to set up Saibari's goal just twelve minutes later.

Despite limited starting opportunities this season – just three starts in 10 matches – Pepi has been remarkably efficient, notching six goals for the Dutch league leaders. His latest performance couldn't have come at a better time, as the USMNT prepares for crucial Nations League quarterfinal matches against Jamaica.

With regular strikers Folarin Balogun and Josh Sargent sidelined by injuries, Pepi appears poised to claim the starting role for the upcoming fixtures. His clinical finishing and growing chemistry with his PSV teammates make a strong case for selection by manager Mauricio Pochettino. Pepi is very familiar with Jamaica, scoring twice in a 2-0 victory over the Reggae Boyz on October 7, 2021.

PSV's victory extended their lead atop the Eredivisie to five points, though challengers FC Utrecht and Ajax have games in hand.

Weah Scores vs Torino

Tim Weah heads into the upcoming USMNT Nations League quarterfinals against Jamaica in scintillating form, having netted his third goal in four Serie A matches during Juventus' 2-0 derby victory over Torino. The 24-year-old forward, who has been named to Mauricio Pochettino's 25-man squad, is enjoying his most prolific season in Italy, scoring four goals in eight league appearances.

Weah's transformation under new Juventus manager Thiago Motta has been remarkable. After going scoreless in 30 Serie A appearances last season, he's flourishing in a more attacking role within Motta's 4-2-3-1 formation. His recent goal against Torino over the weekend scored with his father and former Ballon d'Or winner George Weah watching from the stands, showcased his intelligent positioning.

The American's versatility has made him an irreplaceable figure for Juventus, where he boasts the team's best goal-scoring rate at one goal every 112 minutes. His ability to play multiple positions and provide both defensive coverage and attacking threat aligns perfectly with what both club and country need.

However, Weah will miss the first leg in Kingston while serving the second game of a two-match suspension carried over from the Copa America. He'll be available for selection in the crucial return leg in St. Louis on November 18.

Haji injured; misses call-up

 Wright suffered an ankle injury against Sunderland

Coventry City striker Haji Wright was forced to leave Saturday's match against Sunderland after suffering what appears to be a significant ankle injury in the 87th minute. The American forward, who scored his seventh league goal of the season in the 62nd minute, required a stretcher to transport him around the pitch and down the tunnel, later appearing in the dressing room on crutches with his ankle wrapped in ice.

Interim Coventry City coach Rhys Carr provided an initial update following the team's 2-2 draw, stating: "I have seen him briefly. He came into the dressing room on crutches and with bags of ice on his ankle. That will take a little bit of time to get assessed properly to see where he is." Coventry Telegraph Carr suggested that Wright may have twisted his ankle, though the full extent of the injury remains unknown and is pending further assessment.

The timing of the injury could impact Wright's availability for the upcoming USMNT matches, as the national team prepares for their Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinal fixtures against Jamaica. Wright had previously played a heroic role in the Nations League semifinals last year, scoring a crucial brace to help the U.S. advance to the finals.

Adams Starts vs Brentford

Tyler Adams made his first start this season for AFC Bournemouth as the Cherries fell 3-2 to Brentford. The midfielder played 67 minutes in his first Premier League start since March 30.

Adams will miss the upcoming USMNT Nations League matches against Jamaica as he continues his careful return to full fitness with Bournemouth. He has made two additional appearances off the bench this season following his summer surgery, reflecting a pattern of limited availability that has defined his time with the club.

Since joining Bournemouth in August 2023, Adams has managed only seven appearances, though manager Andoni Iraola remains confident in the American's abilities when available. "Whenever we needed him last season, this season, he has been good, he has played well," Iraola explained, while acknowledging that availability, not ability, has been the primary challenge. Bournemouth Echo

The Bournemouth manager believes Adams suits the team's style perfectly and can become a "super important player" once fully fit, though for now, that means prioritizing his gradual return to club football over international duty.

MATCHDAY VLOG #32

Here is the USMNT's Copa America defeat to Uruguay in Kansas City. Relive the nightmare. Better times are ahead.

July 1, 2024: USA 0-1 Uruguay [HT 0-0]

Kansas City, MO, GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (55,460)

2024 Copa América, Group C

Scorer: Mathías Olivera 66′

USA: 1-Matt Turner; 22-Joe Scally (19-Haji Wright, 79′), 3-Chris Richards, 13-Tim Ream (17-Malik Tillman, 89′), 5-Antonee Robinson; 8-Weston McKennie, 4-Tyler Adams, 6-Yunus Musah (26-Josh Sargent, 72′); 10-Christian Pulisic (c), 20-Folarin Balogun (9-Ricardo Pepi, 41′), 7-Gio Reyna

Subs not used: 18-Ethan Horvath, 25-Sean Johnson, 2-Cameron Carter-Vickers, 11-Brenden Aaronson, 12-Miles Robinson, 14-Luca de la Torre, 15-Johnny Cardoso, 16-Shaq Moore, 23-Kristoffer Lund, 24-Mark McKenzie

Suspended: 21-Tim Weah

Head coach: Gregg Berhalter

URU: 1- Sergio Rochet; 8-Nahitan Nández, 4-Ronald Araújo, 16-Mathías Olivera, 17-Matías Viña (2-José María Giménez, 72′); 5-Manuel Ugarte (3-Sebastián Cáceres, 89′), 15-Federico Valverde; 11-Facundo Pellistri,7-Nicolás de la Cruz (6-Rodrigo Bentancur, 79′), 20-Maximiliano Araújo; 19-Darwin Núñez (9-Luis Suárez, 89′)

Subs not used: 14-Agustín Canobbio, 21-Emiliano Martínez, 24-Lucas Olaza, 18-Brian Rodríguez, 10-Giorgian de Arrascaeta, 12-Franco Israel, 23-Santiago Mele, 22-Nicolás Marichal, 26-Brian Ocampo, 13-Gullermo Varela

Head coach: Marcelo Bielsa

Referee: Kevin Ortega (PER)

Cards: Tyler Adams [Y 17′], Chris Richards [Y 33′] — Darwin Núñez [Y 45′]

Lineup from the Society for American Soccer History

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MATCHDAY VLOG #31

This match was on its head. A disallowed goal. Red cards. A goalkeeper sub. An overturned penalty. A few missed opportunities. Another defeat. The USMNT fell to Panama in Copa America and are now in a must-win situation come Monday. I was there.

June 27, 2024: USA 1-2 Panama [HT 1-1]

Atlanta, GA, Mercedes-Benz Stadium (59,145)

2024 Copa América, Group C

Scorers: Folarin Balogun (Antonee Robinson) 22′ — César Blackman 26′, José Fajardo (Abdiel Ayarza) 83′

USA: 1-Matt Turner (18-Ethan Horvath, 46′); 22-Joe Scally, 3-Chris Richards, 13-Tim Ream (26-Josh Sargent, 84′), 5-Antonee Robinson; 7-Gio Reyna (2-Cameron Carter-Vickers, 46′), 4-Tyler Adams (15-Johnny Cardoso, 46′), 8-Weston McKennie; 21-Tim Weah (18′, ejection), 10-Christian Pulisic (c), 20-Folarin Balogun (9-Ricardo Pepi, 72′)

Subs not used: 25-Sean Johnson, 6-Yunus Musah, 11-Brenden Aaronson, 12-Miles Robinson, 14-Luca de la Torre, 16-Shaq Moore, 17-Malik Tillman, 19-Haji Wright, 23-Kristoffer Lund, 24-Mark McKenzie

Head coach: Gregg Berhalter

PAN: 22-Orlando Mosquera; 2-César Blackman (13-Freddy Góndola, 60′), 25-Roderick Miller, 3-José Córdoba, 24-Edgardo Fariña, 15-Éric Davis; 23-Michael Murillo, 6-Christian Martínez (5-Abdiel Ayarza, 76′), 8-Adalberto Carrasquilla (88′, ejection), 10-Édgar Bárcenas; 9-Eduardo Guerrero (17-José Fajardo, 46′)

Subs not used: 21-César Yanis, 16-Carlos Harvey, 1-Luis Mejía, 18-Omar Valencia, 19-Iván Anderson, 14-Jovani Welch, 4-Eduardo Anderson, 26-Kahiser Lenis, 12-César Samudio, 11-Ismael Díaz

Head coach: Thomas Christiansen

Referee: Ivan Barton (SLV)

Cards: Tim Weah [R 18′], Antonee Robinson [Y 33′], Chris Richards [Y 89′] — Eduardo Guerrero [Y 45′], Adalberto Carrasquilla [R 88′], Edgardo Fariña [Y 92′], Freddy Góndola [Y 93′]

Lineup from the Society for American Soccer History

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MATCHDAY VLOG #30

The #USMNT conceded early and suffered its worst defeat in nearly a decade. Despite Tim Weah cutting the deficit in half, it ended up being embarrassing. I was there.

June 8, 2024: USA 1-5 Colombia [HT 0-2]

Landover, MD, Commanders Field (55,494)

International Friendly

Scorers: Timothy Weah (Folarin Balogun) 58′ — Jhon Arias 6′, Rafael Borré 19′, Richard Rios (Luis Sinisterra) 77′, Jorge Carrascal (Juan Quintero) 85′, Luis Sinisterra (Juan Quintero) 88′

USA: 1-Matt Turner; 3-Chris Richards, 5-Antonee Robinson, 7-Gio Reyna (17-Malik Tillman, 63’), 8-Weston McKennie (6-Yunus Musah, 71’), 10-Christian Pulisic (c) (19-Haji Wright, 45’), 13-Tim Ream (2-Cameron Carter-Vickers, 62’), 15-Johnny Cardoso (14-Luca de la Torre, 83’), 20-Folarin Balogun (9-Ricardo Pepi, 72’), 21-Tim Weah, 22-Joe Scally

Subs not used: 18-Ethan Horvath, 25-Sean Johnson, 4-Tyler Adams, 11-Brenden Aaronson, 12-Miles Robinson, 16-Shaq Moore, 23-Kristoffer Lund, 24-Mark McKenzie, 26-Timmy Tillman

Head coach: Gregg Berhalter

COL: 12-Camilo Vargas; 23-Davinson Sánchez, 3-Jhon Lucumi, 17-Johan Mojica, 21-Daniel Muñoz; 16-Jefferson Lerma (5-Kevin Castaño, 83’), 15-Mateus Uribe (6-Richard Rios, 45’); 10- James Rodríguez (20-Juan Quintero, 71’), 7-Luis Díaz (18-Luis Sinisterra, 71’), 11-Jhon Arias (8-Jorge Carrascal, 62’); 19-Rafael Borré (14-Jhon Durán, 62’)

Subs not used: 22-Yaser Asprilla, 25-Álvaro Montero, 13-Yerry Mina, 1-David Ospina, 27-Deiver Machado, 4-Santiago Arias, 9-Miguel Borja, 2-Carlos Cuesta, 24-Jhon Córdoba

Head coach: Néstor Gabriel Lorenzo

Referee: Fernando Hernández Gómez (MEX)

Cards: Matt Turner [Y 69′]

Lineup from the Society for American Soccer History

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MATCHDAY VLOG #29

From Arlington, it was the third Nations League Final in four years and the third vs Mexico. Tyler Adams and Gio Reyna each scored to produce that favorite USMNT scoreline: Dos a Cero! I was there.

March 24, 2024: Mexico 0-2 USA [HT 0-1]

Arlington, TX, AT&T Stadium (59,471)

2024 Concacaf Nations League Final

Scorers: Tyler Adams, 45′, Gio Reyna 63′

Mexico: 13-Guillermo Ochoa (c); 19-Jorge Sánchez, 3-César Montes, 5-Johan Vásquez, 23-Jesús Gallardo (6-Gerardo Arteaga, 90’+2); 4-Edson Álvarez, 14-Érick Sánchez (17-Orbelín Pineda, 65′), 18-Luis Chávez (7-Luis Romo, 80′); 15-Uriel Antuna (11-Santiago Giménez, 65′), 20-Henry Martín, 22-Hirving Lozano

Subs not used:

Head coach: Jaime Lozano

USA: 1-Matt Turner; 2-Sergiño Dest, 3-Chris Richards, 13-Tim Ream, 5-Antonee Robinson; 4-Tyler Adams (Johnny Cardoso, 46′), 8-Weston McKennie, 7-Gio Reyna (Yunus Musah, 79′); 21-Tim Weah (Malik Tillman, 90’+2), 14-Haji Wright (Folarin Balogun, 66′), 10-Christian Pulisic (c) (Brenden Aaronson, 90’+2)

Subs not used: 18-Ethan Horvath, 22-Drake Callender, 9-Ricardo Pepi, 12-Miles Robinson, 16-Mark McKenzie, 19-Joe Scally, 23-Kristoffer Lund

Head coach: Gregg Berhalter

Referee: Drew Fischer (CAN)

Cards: Johan Vásquez [Y 55′], Edson Álvarez [Y 58′], Uriel Antuna [Y 63′], Santiago Giménez [Y 74′] — Weston McKennie [Y 27′]

Lineup from the Society for American Soccer History

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