USA stars to watch in its first games since shock ‘blackmail’ scandal

At a time of so much turmoil within US Soccer, this January camp could show American fans that there is reason to look to the future.

While the governing body conducts its investigation into the conduct of World Cup manager Gregg Berhalter, singled out by Austin FC GM and USMNT legend Claudio Reyna and his wife, the United States still has matches. for playing.

They will participate in the first of two friendlies on Wednesday against Serbia in Carson, CA, just outside of Los Angeles.

Interim coach Anthony Hudson called up 11 players who have not appeared for the US.

Interim manager Anthony Hudson has called up a squad that skews young, with 11 players who are set to make their debut for the US Men’s National Team.

Of those eleven, Dailymail.com has selected the names to watch out for both this match against Serbia and the next match against Colombia on January 28.

From up-and-coming goaltenders to two players playing for the US for the first time and latecomers, here are the names that could shock the team this week and ultimately push for a spot on the All-Around squad roster. World Cup 2026.

Paxten Aaronson, MF, Eintracht Frankfurt

Leeds United midfielder Brenden Aaronson’s younger brother receives his first USMNT call-up in these friendlies.

After a great season with the Philadelphia Union, which reached all the way to the 2022 MLS Cup final, he has just moved to German giants Eintracht Frankfurt.

While it remains to be seen if he can be as good as his brother (or possibly better than him), this will be a great start to his career with the United States.

Paxten Aaronson has big shoes to fill while his older brother plays for Leeds. How will he do?

Gaga Slonina, GK, Chelsea

American goalkeepers have had a wealth of experience in recent decades playing abroad in the Premier League and Gabriel ‘Gaga’ Slonina could be next in line.

He is looking to become next on a list of England-based USMNT goalies, alongside the likes of Brad Friedel, Kasey Keller, Brad Guzan and Tim Howard.

After finalizing a move to Chelsea from the Chicago Fire in the New Year, Slonina is now back training in the United States with the USA and could be ready for his first appearance for the Americans.

Gaga Slonina might have what it takes to be the next spectacular American goalkeeper in England

Brandon Vazquez, FW, FC Cincinnati

Brandon Vázquez has been seen by some segments of the USMNT fan base as a possible solution to the problems they have had in attack.

The 24-year-old forward had a great season last year with FC Cincinnati, which led to this call-up.

Vázquez played alongside the likes of Tyler Adams and Christian Pulisic at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2015, so he could be a perfect fit for this squad when the starters return.

Brandon Vázquez is ready to officially block the United States as his nation to represent

Alejandro Zendejas, FW, Club America

Zendejas’ selection to the USMNT is a bit more complicated, since he has appeared on the field in two games for Mexico.

took the field to the trio back in October 2021 and April 2022 in friendlies against Ecuador and El Salvador played in the United States.

However, the FMF was told to forfeit those matches, as well as three Under-23 games, for the misuse of Zendejas. They were also ordered to pay around $11,000 in fines.

That’s because Zendejas played alongside Vázquez at the 2015 U-17 World Cup for the United States, meaning he would have to secure a one-off trade to play for Mexico.

After legal fights surrounding appearances for Mexico, Alejandro Zendejas is on the list.

That never happened, so Zendejas does not have any official appearance with the Mexican team.

Despite the situation, Zendejas told DailyMail.com in a press conference that he did not want to focus on how he got to this camp, but wants to show that he is more than deserving of being in the camp in the first place.

“I don’t really like to pay too much attention to what happens outside of a football point of view,” he said.

‘That’s our job, you know, like I’m focused on what I can do on the pitch. How can I help our team in the best possible way.’

Julian Gressel, DF, Vancouver Whitecaps

Julian Gressel’s story is an interesting one when it comes to international football. The Vancouver defender is not only ready to make his USMNT debut, but he is also ready to play in his first international soccer game.

Born in the Bavarian town of Neustadt, Gressel spent time at Greuther Furth’s academy but never caught the eye of a German youth national team.

Gressel then attended Providence College in Rhode Island to continue his soccer career, eventually being drafted by Atlanta United with the eighth overall pick in the 2017 SuperDraft.

He won MLS Cup with the Five Stripes before being traded to DC United and then Vancouver.

Gressel only became a US citizen last November, allowing him to finally be called up by the USMNT.

At 29, he will be the oldest rookie of all called to this camp if he gets to play. Whether or not Hudson will call him, given the number of younger talents on the board, remains to be seen.

German Julian Gressel has never represented a country at youth level at international level.

John Tolkin, FD, New York Red Bulls

Tolkin, one of the youngest players, has the most experience in a top-flight league of any player under the age of 23 without limit.

Tolkin made his professional USL debut with the New York Red Bulls II at age 17 and made his MLS debut in May 2021 at age 19.

He has been a reliable left-back for the Metro, having recorded 66 first-team appearances in just two seasons. He is agile, strong on defense and quick in transition, often being the catalyst for many of the Red Bulls’ opportunities last season.

Hudson described him as a “great character, a fun kid like he’s great to be around.” The one thing I love about him is that he has a really stubborn determination, like he’s not afraid of anything.

While left back is a seemingly established position for the USMNT for now, with Antonee ‘Jedi’ Robinson starting and both Joe Scally and Sam Vines behind him, Tolkin could prove the capable backup option worth his while.

Or maybe this could be the first appearance for a player who could start for the team in 2026.

At 20 years old, John Tolkin has had a strong presence at left back for the New York Red Bulls.