90min

USMNT announces squad for September World Cup qualifiers

By Matt O'Connor-Simpson

They are the first games since they won the Gold Cup
They are the first games since they won the Gold Cup / John Dorton/ISI Photos/Getty Images
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The USMNT squad for September's World Cup qualifiers has been announced with FC Dallas prospect Ricardo Pepi handed his first call-up.

Pepi is enjoying a terrific season, becoming the youngest player to net a MLS hat trick when he scored three in his side's 4-0 win over LA Galaxy last month. He also struck the winning penalty to give his league victory in the MLS All-Star game.

There had been speculation surrounding his international future, as he is eligible for both the United States and Mexico. However, provided he makes an appearance in the upcoming international break, he will only be able to represent the USMNT in the future.

Pepi is joined by a host of players who ply their trade in Europe. Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic - who tested positive for coronavirus recently - has made the cut, as has Juventus' Weston McKennie, RB Leipzig's Tyler Adams and Barcelona's Sergino Dest.

The USMNT kick off their World Cup qualification campaign with a trip to El Salvador, with games against Canada and Honduras following in quick succession.

Head coach Gregg Berhalter told the MLS website: "We have spent the last two years building the foundation and culture of the team for this moment.

"World Cup qualifying is a gruelling challenge that demands a complete group effort in order to be successful. We are confident in our ability to respond to the challenges that are presented along the way."

Full squad

GOALKEEPERS

Ethan Horvath — Nottingham Forest
Zack Steffen — Manchester City
Matt Turner — New England Revolution

DEFENDERS (10)

Cristian Roldan — Seattle Sounders
John Brooks — Wolfsburg
Sergiño Dest — Barcelona
Mark McKenzie — Genk
Tim Ream — Fulham
Antonee Robinson — Fulham
Miles Robinson —Atlanta United
James Sands — New York City FC
DeAndre Yedlin — Galatasaray
Walker Zimmerman — Nashville SC

MIDFIELDERS

Kellyn Acosta — Colorado Rapids
Cristian Roldan — Seattle Sounders
Weston McKennie — Juventus
Sebastian Lletget — LA Galaxy
Tyler Adams — RB Leipzig

FORWARDS

Brenden Aaronson — RB Salzburg
Konrad de la Fuente — Olympique Marseille
Jordan Pefok — BSC Young Boys
Ricardo Pepi — FC Dallas
Christian Pulisic — Chelsea
Gio Reyna — Borussia Dortmund
Josh Sargent — Norwich City
Tim Weah — Lille

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