US men’s national team interim manager Anthony Hudson will lead the American side against Mexico in the Allstate Continental Clasico on April 19th.
Hudson initially announced a 23-player roster, including Paul Arriola and Cristian Roldan before the two Major League Soccer figures were dropped for Wednesday night’s friendly match due to injuries. The U.S. Soccer Federation explained that Arriola suffered a tightness in his right hamstring, while Roldan entered concussion protocol after being diagnosed last week by the Seattle Sounders.
Midfielder Paxton Pomykal has been added to the USMNT roster in the absence of the two players.
Though the expectations are high as the USMNT and Mexico clash for the 75th time in the inaugural edition of the Allstate Continental Clásico, Hudson instends to use the match as an opportunity to develop the squad.
“We are delighted with the group we have put together,” said Hudson.
The interim coach will lean heavily on young Major League Soccer figures, with Cade Cowell and Brandon Vazquez headlining. Atlanta United’s Caleb Wiley was awarded a call up after a phenomenal recent run with the Eastern Conference team, contributing to their 4W-1L-3D record.
Aiden Morris also comes in as a young standout, holding his own with the Columbus Crew to inspire an appearance for the USMNT.
“Anytime you get to play against your closest rivals it’s a special opportunity, and we have players who understand what this rivalry is all about and are ready to compete,” Hudson continued. “It’s another chance to build on the progress we have made in the last four years and prepare for the defense of our two CONCACAF titles this summer.”
The match against Mexico serves as the last friendly before the United States head into the CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup tournament in the summer. The American side heads into the competitions as reigning champions, lifting both trophies in the most recent editions.
The USMNT will now face El Tri in the Nations League semi-final, before taking on Jamaica, Nicaragua and a to-be-determined opponent in Group A of the Gold Cup.
Here’s the full roster for the Allstate Continental Clasico:
