USMNT debutants: Who earned their first caps in the January friendlies?

The United States Men's National Team have officially taken their first steps on the road to the 2024 World Cup.

It may seem a long way off, but four years can go by in the blink of an eye and with the USMNT already qualified as hosts, they're going to need to get creative when it comes to testing themselves against high quality opposition.

Those preparations began last week as the Stars and Stripes played friendlies against Serbia and Colombia, losing 2-1 to the former and drawing 0-0 with the latter.

Obviously, the USMNT's European big hitters were unavailable for selection, with a number of MLS players and promising young talents taking their place.

But that offered interim head coach Anthony Hudson a rare chance to evaluate some options that wouldn't normally be considered.

Here are the 11 players who made their debuts:

1. Gabriel Slonina (Chelsea)

Gabriel Slonina has been called into USMNT camps before, but was yet to be capped.

However, the new Chelsea arrival, who is tipped to become one of the greatest goalkeepers on the planet in years to come, finally got off the mark, starting in the 2-1 loss to Serbia.

At just 18 years and 255 days old, Slonina made history as the youngest goalkeeper to debut for the USMNT.

2. Julian Gressel (Vancouver Whitecaps)

Julian Gressel only earned US citizenship at the end of 2022 but quickly made his debut for his adopted nation, playing against both Serbia and Colombia. The German-born full-back provided an excellent assist in the former match.

Gressel's versatility and technical ability could see him pick up a few more caps in years to come.

3. DeJuan Jones (New England Revolution)

DeJuan Jones has been among the strongest full-bacs in MLS over the last few years and it feels like just a matter of time until he gets his shot in Europe.

His case will certainly be helped now he's off the mark at international level.

4. John Tolkin (New York Red Bulls)

Like Jones, John Tolkin has been rapidly rising up the full-back power rankings in MLS and is also courting European interest.

The RBNY defender started against Colombia and caught the eye on both sides of the ball.

5. Sam Rogers (Rosenborg)

Sam Rogers has been growing in stature with Norwegian giants Rosenborg and was rewarded for his form with a late cameo against Colombia, making three tackles and completing all 10 of his attempted passes.

6. Jalen Neal (LA Galaxy)

Jalen Neal has only played twice at senior level for the LA Galaxy, but he's now equaled that tally for the national team, going the full 90 against Serbia before coming off the bench against Colombia.

That might just be the boost he needs to gain extended MLS minutes.

7. Paxten Aaronson (Eintracht Frankfurt)

He's crossed off the move to a top-five European league after emerging at the Philadelphia Union, and now Paxten Aaronson has further emulated older brother Brenden with his USMNT debut.

The attacking midfielder played the full match against Colombia, attempting two shots and putting in a huge defensive shift.

8. Alan Soñora (Unattached)

Alan Soñora is looking for a new club after leaving Argentine giants Independiente and was put in the shop window with a start against Serbia and a substitute appearance against Colombia.

The 24-year-old remains eligible for Argentina but, just like older brother Joel, has expressed a desire to stick with the United States.

9. Aidan Morris (Columbus Crew)

It still feels like only yesterday that a fresh-faced Aidan Morris ran the Columbus Crew's MLS Cup win over the Seattle Sounders 2020.

The young midfielder enjoyed a fully fit 2022 campaign and can now boast his first USMNT cap, putting in an eye-catching and very balanced performance against Serbia, creating a match-high three chances.

10. Brandon Vazquez (FC Cincinnati)

Brandon Vazquez enjoyed an excellent 2022 campaign for FC Cincinnati, during which he hit 20 goals and eight assists in 37 appearances across all competitions to help the club reach the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time.

In a bid to convince him to choose the United States over Mexico, Vazquez was given his first two senior caps during this window. The striker started his international career in dream fashion, heading home a perfect cross from former Atlanta United teammate Gressel against Serbia.

Vazquez probably should have gone to the World Cup, but is certainly now on the path to becoming a USMNT regular.

11. Emmanuel Sabbi (Odense)

After a long USYNT career and reasonable success in Denmark, 25-year-old forward Emmanuel Sabbi finally got his senior international shot, playing 25 minutes against Colombia. However, it wasn't really long enough to show what he's capable of.

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