For the first time since 2008, the U.S. men will qualify for Olympic soccer competition through the CONCACAF U-20 Championship in 2022. If the U.S. wins that tournament, two players from that roster will represent the U.S. at the Olympics. Paris — With Pakste Aaronson Jack McGlynnThey were drawn in a tough group with the tournament's hosts. FranceYoung Americans will have a chance to prove themselves against the best players in the world.
With a small 18-man roster, manager Marko Mitrovic has had to prioritise versatile players, but he will also benefit from the leadership of three over-age players: Miles Robinson, Walker ZimmermanDjordje Mihajlovic, a representative with national team experience, will be in charge of leading the youth teams throughout the tournament.
USA U-23 Group Stage Schedule
All times are Eastern Standard Time
- July 24: USA vs. France, 3 p.m. (USA Network, Peacock, NBCOlympics.com)
- July 27: USA vs. New Zealand, 1 p.m. (USA Network, Peacock, NBCOlympics.com)
- July 30: USA vs. Guinea, 1 p.m. (USA Network, Peacock, NBCOlympics.com)
Where are the stars?
The Olympics do not take place during a FIFA international match period, so clubs are not required to release players for the tournament. Players such as Gio Reyna, Malik Tillman, and Ricardo Pepi are eligible to participate in the Olympics but were not called up or were chosen not to be released by their clubs. Reyna would have been unlikely to participate in the Olympics anyway, judging by the time he played in the Copa America. Playing two summer tournaments is hard on the legs, so Robinson is the only member of the Olympic team who also played in the Copa. Robinson was a reserve for the USMNT during the Copa America and did not play, but is expected to be a starter at center back as the USMNT aims for a gold medal.
These roster limitations make it difficult to actually field a top-tier roster, something all men's teams struggle with at this time of year. Thierry HenryThe France coach had expected Kylian Mbappé to miss the match, The rejection he experienced Criticism from teams around the world has resulted in his Olympic team looking quite different than expected.
America runs on Duncan
As a by-product of the registration restrictions, Orlando City Duncan Maguire He is the only true No. 9, as selected by Mitrovic. Players like Haji Wright and Brandon Vazquez could have been in the overage squad, but without them, the No. 9 role is up to Maguire to prove himself. He is best known for his transfer fiasco, when a paperwork error prevented him from moving to Championship side Blackburn Rovers, but this is his chance to make history. The U.S. men have never won an Olympic medal in soccer, so achieving that feat would certainly increase transfer interest.
Maguire has seven goals and one assist in 19 MLS appearances this season. Not bad, but far off the pace of his impressive rookie season, in which he scored 13 goals and three assists. With Orlando essentially acquiring his replacement, Luis MurielDespite his reduced playing time, Maguire is likely to play a key role at the Olympics.
a Venice Connection
One duo that will have a big impact on how far the US goes in the Olympics is Tanner Tessman and Gianluca Busio. The pair, who are in Italy and back home, may take to the pitch together for the last time for a while. Tessman is set to move to Inter Milan and could be loaned out elsewhere, but like Maguire, the pair have a chance to make history in Paris. They will be without Aidan Morris after he moved to Middlesbrough, but that doesn't mean the pair can't lead the US along with Mihajlovic. The cohesion is there and that could be key.
U.S. Men's Olympic Team
Goalkeeper (2) Patrick Schulte (Columbus CrewGaga Slonina (Chelsea)
Defender (6)Maximilian Dietz (Greuther Furth) Nathan Harriel (Philadelphia Union, Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), John Tolkin (New York Red Bulls), Caleb Wiley (Atlanta United FC), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC)
Midfielder (5)Gianluca Busio (Venice), Benjamin Cremaschi (Inter Miami CF), Jack McGlynn (Philadelphia Union), Djordje Mihailovic (Colorado Rapids), Tanner Tessman (Venice)
Forward (5):Paxten Aaronsson (FC Utrecht), Taylor Booth (FC Utrecht), Duncan Maguire (Orlando City SC), Kevin Paredes (Wolfsburg/Germany) Griffin Yeo (KVC Westerlo/BEL)
