The U.S. men’s national team might not have its full squad available for its first match of 2024, but January’s friendly vs. Slovenia will still have major importance for many players.
Gregg Berhalter’s squad will welcome Slovenia to Phoenix, Arizona in what will be the opening match for both nations. While the international friendly will come during the European club season, there will be opportunities for both young and experienced players alike.
Diego Luna, Duncan McGuire, and Chris Brady are just three of several MLS players that enjoyed positive 2023 club seasons and will be seeking a strong start to the 2024 schedule. Brooks Lennon’s career-best year with Atlanta United certainly warrants him consideration for inclusion as well.
Here is a closer look at the MLS players deserving January USMNT call-ups:
Diego Luna, Real Salt Lake
Diego Luna was an offensive live-wire for Real Salt Lake in 2023 and should be among the considered candidates for January USMNT involvement.
Luna’s five MLS goals in 2023 were tied for the third-most for RSL while his three assists ranked him in the top-nine among RSL players. He started in 14 of his 23 league appearances for Pablo Mastroeni’s squad, showing strong attacking abilities out wide.
Luna enjoyed much success with the USMNT U-20’s and will now aim to carry that over into the senior squad.
Duncan McGuire, Orlando City
2023 was a memorable season for Duncan McGuire.
McGuire enjoyed a stellar rookie campaign with Orlando City, totaling 13 goals and three assists in 29 league appearances. The former MAC Hermann award winner was key in the Lions earning the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 seed ahead of the MLS Cup Playoffs, joining Facundo Torres as the only other double-digit goalscorer in the Orlando City squad.
McGuire’s physicality and aerial abilities could be an added benefit to the USMNT heading into a busy year of tournaments and competitions.
Chris Brady, Chicago Fire
Another member of the USMNT U-20 squad, Chris Brady was the youngest starting goalkeeper in MLS this season.
The 19-year-old made 30 starts for the Chicago Fire in 2023, totaling eight clean sheets and 94 saves along the way. Brady, who watching behind Gabriel Slonina in 2022, earned the starting job for the Fire and didn’t look back.
A good shot-stopper, Brady could surely enter his name in the mix for USMNT involvement, especially with the No. 2 and No. 3 roles not yet locked down.
Jack McGlynn, Philadelphia Union
The Philadelphia Union academy has produced some top-tier talent over the years and Jack McGlynn could very well become the latest to enter that list.
McGlynn, 20, just completed his third full season with the Union, setting new career-highs in several categories. He scored two goals and registered two assists in 27 league appearances last season (1,615 minutes played).
McGlynn’s intelligence and passing abilities have not only helped him become a rising MLS talent, but also is a reason why he excelled with the USMNT U-20’s over the past two years.
Brian Gutierrez, Chicago Fire
Another productive Chicago Fire player with 20-year-old Brian Gutierrez.
Gutierrez completed this third full season with the Fire, leading the team with nine assists, while also chipping in two goals. After only earning 600+ minutes of playing time from 2020-21, Gutierrez has registered over 1500+ or more minutes of playing time in each of the last two seasons.
Also an option for the Olympic roster in 2024, Gutierrez will be one to watch going forward.
Brooks Lennon, Atlanta United
Thiago Almada and Giorgios Giakoumakis garnered plenty of attention for Atlanta United in 2023 (and rightfully so..), but Brooks Lennon once again remained key in the squad.
The 26-year-old set new career-highs this past season, registering four goals and 10 assists in 33 league appearances. Lennon, a versatile full back, has been impactful during his time in Atlanta, showing off his abilities on both ends of the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Lennon has past experiences with the USMNT and certainly deserves another opportunity after a career-year.
John Tolkin, New York Red Bulls
The No. 2 left back spot with the USMNT has yet to be determined and John Tolkin could be one that fights for it in 2024.
Tolkin, 21, finished his third MLS campaign with the Red Bulls, setting new career-highs with three goals and six assists. A physical defender and skillful attacker, Tolkin is one of the key faces of the Red Bulls squad for years to come (bearing Europe doesn’t come sooner for him).
With Antonee Robinson, Kristoffer Lund, Joe Scally and others unavailable due to their European schedules, Tolkin could very well start against Slovenia, if called in.
Caleb Wiley, Atlanta United
Caleb Wiley enjoyed a fast start to the 2023 MLS season with Atlanta United and the 19-year-old will hope a USMNT call-up could be what kickstarts 2024 for him.
Wiley, a full back/winger, scored four goals and added four assists in 30 appearances for the Five Stripes. After arriving on the first team scene in 2022, Wiley remained important to Gonzalo Pineda’s squad, increasing his minutes played, goals, and assists for the club.
A dangerous attacker and creator, Wiley will also be one to watch ahead of the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Roman Celentano, FC Cincinnati
Another goalkeeper fighting to prove himself on the international level is FC Cincinnati’s Roman Celentano.
Celentano, a former No. 2 pick of FCC in 2022, made 33 MLS starts this past season. The 23-year-old posted a 1.12 goals-against-average (GAA) while also producing 87 saves for the Supporters’ Shield winners.
Only one year after earning his first senior USMNT call-up, Celentano could be back with the national team for the start of a busy year.
Quinn Sullivan, Philadelphia Union
Another top prospect in the Philadelphia Union’s growing list of homegrown players is Quinn Sullivan.
The 19-year-old Sullivan also completed his third MLS season, scoring two goals and adding one assist in 22 appearances. Sullivan mainly featured off the bench for Jim Curtin’s squad, providing fresh legs against tiring defenders and creating chances in the final third for himself and his teammates.
Sullivan could play as a second forward, a winger, or even as an attacking midfielder, providing multiple options for how Berhalter could use him.
What did you think of our list of deserving MLS call-ups for USMNT duty? Is there anyone on this list that you are hoping gets included? Is there anyone we left off the list that you are hoping to see?
Share your thoughts below.
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