FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. (AP) — Christian Pyupilic has made a decision that led to a spat with manager Mauricio Pochettino after taking a vacation by skipping the June exhibition and the Conca Caff Gold Cup, then returned to the US national team next month against South Korea and Japan for their best friends.
Pulisic, a top American player, offered to play in friendly matches between Turkey and Switzerland ahead of the Gold Cup, but did not want to participate in the tournament. The 26-year-old played in about 100 club matches during his first two seasons with AC Milan, hoping for a massive break before the US hosted next year’s World Cup in the summer.
He was among the 22 players selected on Tuesday in Japan’s match against South Korea on September 6th in Harrison, New Jersey and Columbus, Ohio. Another player will be added, according to the US Football Federation.
Defender Serginho Desty was able to play his first national team game 18 months after recovering from torn the ACL April 20th, 2024. Winger Tim Wee is back after missing the Gold Cup as FIFA gave him a Club World Cup priority.
Forwards Josh Sargent and Alejand Rozendejas returned after leaving the Gold Cup roster. Sgt. was scored in Norwich’s first four games.
Goalkeepers Jonathan Klinsmann and Roman Celentano are one of four players who can make their debut along with defenders Noahkai Banks and Tristan Blackmon. Christman, the son of former coach Jurgen Christman, has been joined on the roster by midfielder Sebastian Burhalter, the son of former coach Greg Burhalter.
Blackmon, a 29-year-old Vancouver defender, was also courted by Canada.
Goalkeepers Matt Turner and Zach Steffen were amazing omissions, and were surprisingly apart along with defenders Cameron Carter Vickers and Joe Scully, midfielders Brenden Aaronson, Johnny Cardoso, Weston McKenney, Aidan Musa, Tanner Tessman and forward Haji Wright.
Several players were bypassed as they were injured or recovered from injuries that included left back Antony Robinson (knee surgery in May), midfielder Mariktillman (calf), Patrick Aggieman (hernia surgery), Foralimbalogun (ankle) and Ricardo Pepi (knee surgery after injury on January 29th).
Gio Reyna was not included later Saturday will be moved to Borussia Menchenradbach.
Using the roster that lost most projected World Cup starters, We lost 2-1 to Mexico in the Gold Cup final. Pockettino kept 12 players from his Gold Cup roster.
Turner began his goalkeeper in 20222 from last spring, but after playing modestly for his club Matt freeze replaced during the gold cup. Turner has started three games since returning to New England in Major League Soccer. Less than the total for Crystal Palace from 2025-25.
Steffen, the starter for most of the 2022 qualifying rounds, has since played six games in Colorado I’ll return July 12th after surgery on my right knee.
Other Gold Cup players dropped include goalkeeper Chris Brady. Defenders Miles Robinson, John Tolkien and Walker Zimmerman. Midfielders Quinn Sullivan; Transfer Paxten Aaronson and Brian White.
List:
Goalkeepers: Rome’s Celentano (Cincinnati), Matt Freeze (New York City), Jonathan Christman (Cecena).
Defenders: Max Alfsten (Columbus), Noaky Banks (Augsburg), Tristan Blackmon (Vancouver), Sergio Desty (PSV Eindhoven), Alex Freeman (Orlando), Nathan Hariel (Philadelphia), Tim Reem (Charlotte), Chris Richard (Crystal Palace).
Midfielder. Tyler Adams, Sebastian Barhalter (Vancouver), Luca de La Torre (San Diego), Diego Luna (Salt Lake), Jack McGlyn (Houston), and Sean Zawaziki (Columbus).
Forwards: Damion Downs (Southampton), Christian Purischick (AC Milan), Josh Sargent (Norwich), Tim Weir (Marseille), Alex Zendehas (Amika).
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