The squad of the United States has been officially determined for the U-20 World Cup, which kicks off in Argentina on May 20. Head coach Mikey Varas will have to overcome some clubs holding back their players, but there is still an impressive roster as the Americans look for a deep run. The depth of the national team has improved year by year, so even without major contributors, this is a side that can win the entire tournament if they play at their best.
Here’s the roster, who’s missing and who to watch ahead of the May 20 opener against Ecuador:
US U-20 World Cup Squad
KEEPERS: Alexander Borto (Fulham/ENG), Antonio Carrera (FC Dallas), Gabriel Slonina (Chelsea)
DEFENSE: Justin Che (Hoffenheim/GER), Brandan Craig (Philadelphia Union), Michael Halliday (Orlando City SC), Marcus Ferkranus (LA Galaxy), Jonathan Gómez (Real Sociedad/ESP), Caleb Wiley (Atlanta United), Joshua Wynder (Louisville city)
CENTERFIELD: Daniel Edelman (New York Red Bulls), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Jack McGlynn (Philadelphia Union), Rokas Pukštas (Hajduk Split/CRO), Niko Tsakiris (San Jose Earthquakes), Obed Vargas (Seattle Sounders), Owen Wolff (Austin FC)
FORWARD: Cade Cowell (San Jose Earthquakes), Kevin Paredes (Wolfsburg/GER), Quinn Sullivan (Philadelphia Union), Darren Yapi (Colorado Rapids)
Main absentees
Paxton Aaronson: One of the most important players for the team in qualifying, it was quite a surprise for Eintracht Frankfurt not to let Aaronson go to the World Cup. While it is good that he is getting playing time for his club, these tournaments can be formative moments for talented youth players. His retirement is a major blow to the team.
Caden Clark: Although Clark has had injuries for his club, he is in a weird limbo where he has essentially not played for a year due to his loan to New York and then returned to Germany. The midfield is somewhere the club will fall short, which is why he was expected to be there, but form matters, especially when someone has not played for eight months.
Players to watch
Gabriel Slonina: Arguably the most talented youth goalkeeper in the world, Slonina has had a hard time adjusting to Chelsea’s youth, but growing pains are expected with the move to a new team and country. A great tournament could help him get in shape for what will be a critical summer.
Kevin Paredes: Paredes finally made his way into the Wolfsburg starting eleven, scoring a goal and providing three more assists in his second season for the team. One of the most talented left-backs on the team, Paredes is someone close to the senior national team for his ability and lack of depth behind Antonee Robinson, but at a key time of the season it’s amazing he’s been able to be included in this tournament as an offensive option.
Jonathan Gomez: Paredes may be the most talented left-back in the group, but that doesn’t mean Gomez is far behind. His ability with the ball at his feet is impressive and he isn’t afraid to shoot either. He’s struggling to break into the Real Sociedad first team, this is a tournament that could either earn him a loan spell or push the coaching staff to play against him more, both of which could be great results for him.
Jack McGlynn: McGlynn, who has already been linked with moves abroad from the Philadelphia Union, could move in the summer and a strong showing in Argentina will only improve the moves he can make. With an excellent left foot, he can take free-kicks for the team and help set up attacking players such as his club-mate Quinn Sullivan. McGlynn will be one of the key players for the youth national team during this tournament.