Gregg Berhalter revealed his 26-player U.S. men’s national team roster for the June international window on Monday, and as anticipated, several deserving candidates did not make the cut for the upcoming friendlies against Colombia and Brazil.
The deepening talent pool of the USMNT meant that there were always going to be strong contenders left out, leading to a few surprises among the excluded players.
Despite being a productive attacker during the 2023-24 season, Alex Zendejas did not make the roster, raising concerns about his future with the program.
Lennard Maloney played a key role in Heidenheim’s eighth-place finish in the Bundesliga, but he still sits behind other midfielders in the current player pool.
Auston Trusty had a consistent season with Sheffield United but may have missed out on a senior squad spot due to his eligibility for the Olympic Team.
Gabriel Slonina and Bryan Reynolds, both potential picks for the Olympic Team under coach Marko Mitrovic, could have earned call-ups to the senior team after their league seasons.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most surprising omissions from the USMNT June roster:
Alex Zendejas
Zendejas’ impressive performance of 14 goals and eight assists this season did not earn him an international call-up, despite his consistent form for Club America. He has seven career caps with the USMNT, but none since the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Lennard Maloney
24-year-old Lennard Maloney made his USMNT debut last fall and played a crucial role in Heidenheim’s Bundesliga campaign this season. Maloney has steadily progressed up the German ranks over the past four seasons.
Auston Trusty
Auston Trusty had a solid season with Sheffield United but his relegation from the Premier League may have impacted his chances with the USMNT. Trusty’s versatility as both a centerback and a left wing back could be valuable in the long-term plans.
Gabriel Slonina
Gabriel Slonina gained valuable experience during his loan spell with Eupen in Belgium this season, making him a contender for the Olympic Team this summer.
Bryan Reynolds
Bryan Reynolds’ absence from the USMNT squad was unexpected, given his strong performances for Westerlo this season. With previous international caps, Reynolds could have been a valuable addition to the senior squad.
