The injury bug has hit the United States Men’s National Team, forcing several changes to the roster. Today, U.S. Soccer announced that Tanner Tessmann, Brandon Vazquez, and Alex Zendejas have been added to the USMNT roster for next weekend’s friendlies against Panama and Mexico. They will replace Folarin Balogun, Johnny Cardoso, and Tim Weah.
Balogun, Cardoso, and Weah all have various injury issues that have forced their withdrawal, and head coach Mauricio Pochettino has elected to send them back to their clubs for medical treatment. Tessmann, Vazquez, and Zendejas are players who return to the national team after extended absences. Tanner Tessmann captained the U-23s at the Olympics this summer, while Brandon Vazquez has 3 goals in 12 appearances so far this season for Monterrey. Alex Zendejas recently returned from injury and has been playing well for Club América. The roster remains at 25 players after the changes.
Midfielder Tanner Tessmann and forwards Brandon Vazquez and Alex Zendejas have been added to the #USMNT roster for the October matches against Panama and Mexico.
Folarin Balogun, Johnny Cardoso and Tim Weah have all been withdrawn due to injury issues.
— U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team (@USMNT) October 6, 2024
The current 25-man USMNT roster:
GOALKEEPERS (4): Ethan Horvath (Cardiff City), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew), Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace)
DEFENDERS (8): Marlon Fossey (Standard Liege), Kristoffer Lund (Palermo), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Antonee Robinson (Fulham FC), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Auston Trusty (Celtic FC)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Gianluca Busio (Venezia), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough), Yunus Musah (AC Milan), Tanner Tessmann (Olympic Lyonnais), Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven)
FORWARDS (6): Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Josh Sargent (Norwich City), Brandon Vazquez (Monterrey), Haji Wright (Coventry City), Alex Zendejas (Club América)
