da luck： U.S. Soccer announced Monday that the USMNT will return to action on January 20 with a friendly against Solvenia.
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U.S. Soccer announced international friendlySet to take on Slovenia in JanuaryOpportunity for "next generation" – BerhalterWHAT HAPPENED?
The announcement came Monday, with USSF revealing their next opponent. Slovenia, who recently qualified for Euro 2024 after tying Group H winners Denmark, should be a brilliant test for what is expected to be a young U.S. squad. The match will be played in San Antonio, Texas, meaning neither side will have to worry about the winter weather in the USA.
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“This is an opportunity for us to identify and work with the next generation of players who have the potential to make an impact on our program,” USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter said. “With the World Cup coming to the United States in 2026, we have placed a huge priority on getting as many players as possible experience in important competitions. Between the Olympics, Concacaf Nations League and Copa America, the chances are there for players to make a statement, and for many of them the game in San Antonio can be an important first step.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The key to Berhalter's quote, is that he describes it as an "opportunity for the next generation" – meaning this will likely be a younger camp with a few veterans mixed in. The likes of Kevin Paredes, Paxten Aaronson and Gabriel Slonina are the immediate names that come to mind, but youngsters like Rokas Pukstas, Diego Luna and Luca Koleosho could also find themselves in the mix. It's an exciting thought, but at the same time, the realization that the Copa America is coming up also makes you wonder if bringing in the kids at this time is the right move.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT?
It's still a little under two months away, but Berhalter and his squad now have some thinking, planning and tinkering to do before the January camp. Questions of Sergino Dest's status remain up in the air with this squad after his inexplicable red card vs Trinidad and Tobago in November, while the USMNT boss also needs to think of both the Nations League and Copa America ahead of him. Who makes camp? Who is impressing? Do you bring in any Olympic roster hopefuls, too? All these questions and more remain over the next seven weeks.