Steve Cherundolo has selected his first roster as head coach of the U.S. U-23 men’s national team, launching the program’s path toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The squad will gather for matches against Scotland and Ukraine, and it features a blend of players with senior national team experience and promising young talent.
Senior Team Experience Bolsters U-23 Squad
Six members of the roster have received call-ups to the U.S. men’s national team, and four of those players earned caps during the September/October international window. Benjamin Cremaschi, who plays for Parma, was part of the 2024 Olympic squad and remains eligible for the 2028 tournament.
Eight players are based abroad, highlighting the depth available to Cherundolo as the U.S. begins its buildup to the Los Angeles Games. The mix of domestic and international players gives the squad a diverse range of experiences.
Cherundolo Emphasizes Identity and Foundation
In a statement, Cherundolo expressed enthusiasm about the group, noting that the first international matches will be a valuable opportunity for the team to challenge itself and grow together. He stressed the importance of establishing an identity and building a strong foundation for the journey ahead.
The camp will be held alongside the senior national team at the Arthur M. Blank National Training Center, similar to how the U.S. women’s national team recently set up its camp. This arrangement allows for synergy between the two programs and gives both Cherundolo and senior team head coach Mauricio Pochettino a chance to oversee players, especially with the senior team also featuring young talent.
Full Roster Breakdown
The 23-player roster is composed of three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders, and six forwards. The complete squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers (3)
- Julian Eyestone (Rotherham United/ENG; Dallas, Texas)
- Duran Ferree (San Diego FC; San Diego, Calif.)
- Andrew Rick (Philadelphia Union; Berwyn, Pa.)
Defenders (8)
- Luca Bombino (Stoke City/ENG; Saugus, Calif.)
- Robert Deziel Jr. (Legia Warszawa/POL; West Palm Beach, Fla.)
- Tate Johnson (Vancouver Whitecaps FC; Tampa, Fla.)
- Ethan Kohler (New England Revolution; Campbell, Calif.)
- Drew Murray (WSG Tirol/AUT; San Jose, Calif.)
- Nolan Norris (FC Dallas; Fort Worth, Texas)
- Frankie Westfield (Philadelphia Union; Philadelphia, Pa.)
- Joshua Wynder (New England Revolution; Louisville, Ky.)
Midfielders (6)
- Snyder Brunell (Seattle Sounders FC; Kirkland, Wash.)
- Matthew Corcoran (Nashville SC; Dallas, Texas)
- Benjamin Cremaschi (Parma Calcio 1913/ITA; Key Biscayne, Fla.)
- Taha Habroune (Columbus Crew; Columbus, Ohio)
- Brooklyn Raines (New England Revolution; Chicago, Ill.)
- Niko Tsakiris (San Jose Earthquakes; Saratoga, Calif.)
Forwards (6)
- Cole Campbell (SV 07 Elversberg/GER; Peachtree City, Ga.)
- Damion Downs (St. Louis City SC; Schwebenried, Germany)
- Sebastian Gomez (Seattle Sounders FC; Seattle, Wash.)
- Andre Gitau (1FSV Mainz 05/GER; Richmond, Texas)
- Marvin Dills (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER; Frankfurt, Germany)
- David Vazquez (San Diego FC; Los Angeles, Calif.)
With the Olympics allowing three overage players in the 23-man squad, competition for places will be intense. Every player will need to be at their best from the outset as they vie for a spot on the plane to Los Angeles.
