Pochettino Announces First USA Squad With Weah And McKennie For Upcoming Matches

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Mauricio Pochettino has announced his initial squad as the head coach of the United States national team. Timothy Weah and Weston McKennie have been recalled to face Panama and Mexico. Pochettino, previously with Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain, took over from Gregg Berhalter last month. Christian Pulisic continues as captain, aiming to build on his strong season start with AC Milan, where he has scored five goals and provided two assists.

The Juventus pair, Weah and McKennie, return after missing the September matches. Defenders Antonee Robinson and Miles Robinson are also back in the team. Zack Steffen and Gianluca Busio rejoin the squad too. Steffen, from Colorado Rapids, is set for his first international appearance since March 2022. The U.S. will play Panama at Austin's Q2 Stadium on October 12, then travel to Estadio Akron to face Mexico three days later.

Pochettino's selection includes a mix of experienced players and fresh talent. Ethan Horvath, Patrick Schulte, Zack Steffen, and Matt Turner are the goalkeepers chosen for these matches. The defensive lineup features Marlon Fossey, Kristoffer Lund, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson, Joe Scally, and Auston Trusty.

In midfield, Brenden Aaronson joins Gianluca Busio, Johnny Cardoso, Weston McKennie, Aidan Morris, Yunus Musah, and Malik Tillman. The forward line includes Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic, Josh Sargent, Timothy Weah, and Haji Wright.

The upcoming fixtures against Panama and Mexico are crucial for Pochettino's debut as head coach. These games will test the new squad's dynamics under his leadership. Fans eagerly anticipate how Pochettino will shape the team's playing style in these competitive matches.

This selection reflects a strategic blend of seasoned players and emerging talents aimed at strengthening the team's performance in upcoming challenges. As Pochettino embarks on this new journey with the United States national team, expectations are high for a successful tenure ahead.