Unlike Germany, the USA national team qualified for the Olympic tournament in France. US coach Marko Mitrovic nominated his provisional squad on Wednesday. A quartet from Germany is included
While numerous Bundesliga players are preparing for next month’s European Championship in Germany, others are looking towards Paris. Because just ten days after the European Championship final, the men’s Olympic tournament begins. For the first time since 2008, the USA will also be competing for a medal.
Marko Mitrovic, head coach of the US Olympic team, named his provisional squad for the major event on Wednesday. The 25-man squad includes four Germany internationals: Damion Downs (Cologne), Johan Gomez (Eintracht Braunschweig), Kevin Paredes (Wolfsburg) and Paxten Aaronson, who was loaned out from Frankfurt to Vitesse Arnhem in the second half of the season.
The squad also includes a former Bayern youngster: Although 22-year-old Taylor Booth was unable to establish himself in Munich, he still appeared in a competitive match for the record champions – in the 12-0 win over Bremer SV in the first round of the 2021/22 DFB Cup, then FCB coach Julian Nagelsmann substituted the attacking player for Leroy Sané in the 68th minute.
Seven players still have to be cut
Although three older players per squad could be called up for the U-23 tournament, Mitrovic only nominated one experienced player, Walker Zimmerman from Nashville SC. Unsurprisingly, the 31-year-old therefore has the most international appearances. Zimmerman made 42 appearances for the US team and was also part of the squad for the 2022 World Cup. In Qatar, the defender appeared in all four games, three times in the starting eleven.
The team is preparing for the Olympic Games in Kansas City. Among other things, a test match against Japan will take place on June 11. Mitrovic will then have to cut seven players, as the squad is limited to 18 players.
This squad will be put to the test right at the start of the tournament. In their first match in Marseille, the US boys will face hosts France, who are still hoping that Kylian Mbappé will play. Group A is completed by New Zealand and Guinea
The US squad at a glance:
Goal: Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew), Gaga Slonina (Chelsea)
Defense: Nathan Harriel (Philadelphia Union), Jalen Neal (LA Galaxy), Bryan Reynolds (KVC Westerlo), John Tolkin (New York Red Bulls), Jonathan Tomkinson (Norwich City), Caleb Wiley (Atlanta United FC), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC)
Midfield: Cole Bassett (Colorado Rapids), Gianluca Busio (Venezia), Benjamin Cremaschi (Inter Miami CF), Jack McGlynn (Philadelphia Union), Aidan Morris (Columbus Crew), Rokas Pukstas (Hajduk Split), Tanner Tessmann (Venezia)
Attack: Paxten Aaronson (Eintracht Frankfurt), Esmir Bajraktarevic (New England Revolution), Taylor Booth (Utrecht), Cade Cowell (Guadalajara), Damion Downs (Cologne), Johan Gomez (Eintracht Braunschweig), Duncan McGuire (Orlando City SC), Kevin Paredes (Wolfsburg), Griffin Yow (KVC Westerlo)
